Criminal Defense Lawyers in Lenoir County Helping Clients Protect Their Rights

Being charged with a crime can be a frightening and stressful experience. Defending your rights on your own and representing yourself may not get you the results that you want, especially if you have little to no legal background. The best way to protect yourself after being charged with a crime is by hiring a criminal defense attorney to represent you.

If you are convicted of a crime, the consequences could be severe. Jail time, fines, and parole are just some of the repercussions you may face legally. Losing your job and taking a hit to your social status are other ways in which a conviction could impact your life. If you have been charged with a crime, don’t leave your fate up to chance. Contact Swindell Law Firm, PC, for experienced representation. Call our office today at 252-262-1325 to receive a free consultation.

What Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

A criminal defense lawyer is there to defend your case and represent you every step of the way. While criminal defense lawyers do many things, there are certain areas they have experience in.

Below are some of the steps a lawyer can take on your behalf:

Investigating the Case

After accepting your case, your criminal defense attorney will dive deeply into the evidence and circumstances surrounding the alleged crime. Your attorney will gather as much information about the case as possible, including your statement, police reports, expert witness statements, and any evidence collected.

Navigating the Legal System

The criminal justice system can be complex, especially for those facing criminal charges. Your criminal defense lawyer will stay by your side every step of the way, helping you negotiate plea bargains, file petitions, and defend you in court if necessary.

Negotiating with Prosecutors

In some cases, a case will not go to court. If the prosecution is open to it, your criminal defense lawyer may be able to negotiate a plea deal on your behalf. Typically, plea deals reduce or even remove some or all of the penalties you may face for a criminal conviction.

Defending Your Case in Court

If prosecutors are unwilling to negotiate or their plea deals are not acceptable to you, your case will go to trial. Your criminal defense lawyer will spend time preparing before the case to defend you and your rights. In court, your lawyer will represent you before a judge and argue on your behalf to work toward a not-guilty verdict from the judge or jury.

Appealing Your Sentence or Conviction

If you are found guilty of your charges, a criminal defense lawyer can still help. Your lawyer can submit an appeal on your behalf requesting that the court evaluate your conviction. If a mistake was made during the trial, you could get another chance at a new trial.

What Cases Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Me With?

A criminal defense lawyer can help you if you face charges for any crime, including misdemeanors and felonies. At our law firm, our team has years of experience in a diverse number of cases.

In particular, our team can assist you with the following:

• Speeding tickets
• DWI
• DWLR
• Self-defense
• Improper searches
• Self-incrimination
• Misdemeanors
• Felonies

And more. If you are facing any kind of criminal charges in Lenoir County, our team can help you. Call our office today for a free case evaluation and to learn more about our legal services.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

The best time to hire a criminal defense attorney is as soon as you learn of the charges against you. Unfortunately, police officers can and will use anything you say against you in court. If you attempt to negotiate with the police or defend yourself, you could incriminate yourself, making defense difficult.

If you have been arrested and charged with a crime, reach out to our team today. We can talk to prosecutors and police officers on your behalf or with you in the room. We can also develop a legal strategy to defend your case even if you’ve already talked to officers or prosecutors yourself.

How Could a Criminal Conviction Impact My Life?

When facing criminal charges, jail time and fines are probably at the forefront of your mind. However, getting convicted of a crime can affect your life for years to come in many other ways.

Below are just some of the ways a criminal conviction could impact your life:

• Trouble securing housing. Many lease applications require you to note a criminal conviction when applying. Landlords and property managers are often hesitant to rent to a convicted criminal, leading to unfair housing discrimination.
• Trouble finding a job. Many hiring managers are unwilling to hire convicted felons, and some jobs are legally not allowed to interview individuals with a criminal record.
• Difficulty securing government assistance. In North Carolina, convicted criminals are banned from certain government programs for a limited period of time, making it difficult to receive assistance.
• Inability to own a firearm. In North Carolina, convicted felons cannot operate or own a firearm under the law.

How Can a Criminal Defense Attorney Help Me?

If you are facing criminal charges, hiring an experienced criminal defense attorney is essential. Your lawyer will work with you every step of the way to ensure your rights are protected. With our team at Swindell Law Firm, PC, on your side, you can rest assured that we will do everything possible to negotiate with the prosecution and defend your case. Don’t leave your future up to chance. Call our office today at 252-262-1325 to learn more about how we can help you.