Highly Skilled Charlotte Criminal Defense Lawyers Dedicated to Aggressively Protecting the Rights of Clients Throughout Mecklenburg County
Facing a misdemeanor charge can be intimidating, especially if you’ve never been through the process and are uncertain about what you can do to protect yourself. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our Charlotte misdemeanor lawyers have decades of experience defending clients against a wide range of misdemeanor charges in North Carolina. Whether it’s your first offense or one of many, we understand how to defend against even the toughest cases, always pursuing the best outcome for you.
What Makes a Crime a Misdemeanor in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, misdemeanors are considered less severe than felonies but can still lead to serious consequences. Misdemeanors are categorized into four classes: A1, 1, 2, and 3. Class A1 is the most severe, carrying potential jail time of up to 150 days, while Class 3 is the least severe, often resulting in fines or probation instead of jail time. The specific punishment depends on various factors, such as prior convictions and the nature of the offense.
For example, a Class A1 misdemeanor could result in jail time, probation, or community service, and often involves crimes like assault that can harm others. Lower-level misdemeanors, like those in Class 3, might lead to fines or probation without jail time, especially for first-time offenders. Although misdemeanors generally carry lighter sentences than felonies, they can still affect your record and lead to limitations in employment, education, and housing.
Common Misdemeanor Offenses
Many actions can be classified as misdemeanors in North Carolina. Here are some of the most common offenses our Charlotte misdemeanor lawyers frequently handle:
Simple Assault
– Simple assault [link to Simple Assault page] involves physically harming or threatening to harm another person.
Larceny
–
is a crime that involves the unlawful taking of someone else’s property (valued at less than $1,000) without their permission.
Driving While Impaired (DWI)
– Operating a vehicle
of alcohol or drugs is typically considered a misdemeanor offense.
Drug Possession
– Possessing a small amount of a
, such as marijuana, for personal use is generally a misdemeanor.
Each misdemeanor has different consequences, but they all can impact your life and future. Even a minor offense on your record can complicate job opportunities or limit other life choices.
Do You Need a Lawyer if You've Been Charged with a Misdemeanor?
Yes, hiring an experienced lawyer is essential when facing any criminal charge, including misdemeanors. Even though misdemeanors might seem less serious than felonies, the consequences are real and can follow you for years. A Charlotte misdemeanor lawyer from the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, can help ensure you’re fully informed about your rights and guide you through each step of the legal process.
A skilled attorney can help reduce charges, negotiate plea deals, or even get charges dismissed when possible. Attempting to represent yourself in a misdemeanor case can be challenging because you might not fully understand North Carolina’s criminal laws and how they apply to your case. With the Olsinski Law Firm by your side, you’ll have dedicated representation to fight for your best possible outcome.
Speak with an Experienced Charlotte Misdemeanor Criminal Defense Attorney
If you’ve been charged with a misdemeanor in North Carolina, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, aggressively handles misdemeanor cases throughout Charlotte and can provide the guidance and support you need to understand the charges against and create a compelling defense. Our Charlotte misdemeanor lawyers are here to protect your rights and pursue the best possible result for your case. To learn more about how the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, can assist you with a misdemeanor charge, contact us today at 704-405-2580 or connect with one of our attorneys by filling out our online contact form. Our team is ready to put our decades of experience to work for you.
