The Huggins Law Firm Team Message to Our Neighbors
When the police stop you in Greensboro or when you get a letter about a court date in Winston-Salem, your whole world can feel like it stops spinning. You might feel scared, confused, or worried sick about what comes next. That knot in your stomach? We understand it. Our experienced team here at Huggins Law Firm, P.C., knows that being accused of a crime is one of the hardest things a person can go through.
We are here to help you see clearly. North Carolina criminal law is not just about guilt or innocence; it is about following complex rules and making sure your rights are protected every step of the way. We want you to feel smart and ready, no matter what charge you are facing.
Facing criminal charges is terrifying, and the immediate fear of losing your freedom can feel completely overwhelming.
What Are the Biggest Criminal Law Problems People Face Near Me?
In North Carolina, the laws are split into two main groups: misdemeanors and felonies. Knowing the difference is the first best step you can take.
Misdemeanors: The Everyday Charges
Misdemeanors are the less serious crimes. If you are charged with a misdemeanor, you are usually looking at less than a year in jail, often served in the county jail. But don don’t let “less serious” trick you. A misdemeanor conviction still means you have a criminal record, which can mess up your job applications, housing options, and school chances for a very long time.
Common misdemeanors we see from Asheboro to High Point include:
- Driving While Impaired (DWI): North Carolina has some of the toughest DWI laws in the country. Even for a first offense, the penalties are harsh. A lot of people ask us how to find the best defense against a DWI charge. The consequences go way beyond just a fine; losing your license makes it hard to get to work!
- Simple Assault: This is often a fight or threat of violence. It shows up a lot in domestic disputes in places like Burlington or Graham.
- Shoplifting (Larceny): If the items stolen are worth less than $1,000, it’s usually a misdemeanor.
Felonies: The Most Serious Charges
Felonies are the serious stuff. They come with sentences that can be served in state prison and include fines that can wreck your finances. Felonies are divided into eight different classes, from Class A (the worst, like first-degree murder) all the way down to Class I.
If you are dealing with a felony, you need an experienced lawyer who knows these classes inside and out. These charges can include things like serious drug offenses, robbery, or severe assault.
Why Does North Carolina’s Felony Sentencing System Confuse Most People?
When someone is convicted of a felony, the judge uses a special chart called the Structured Sentencing Grid. This is where things get tricky, and where having an experienced team makes all the difference.
Most people think the sentence is just based on the crime, but the Grid actually looks at two big things:
- The Class of the Crime: (A through I, as we talked about).
- Your Prior Record Level: This is how many prior convictions you have.
This is the secret sauce very few people know about: Your prior convictions matter more than you think. If you have a long record, you are going to get a much longer sentence, even if the crime is the same as someone with a clean record.
For example, two people in Kernersville are convicted of the exact same Class F felony.
- Person A (Clean Record) might get only probation.
- Person B (Long Record) might get 20 months in prison!
This system is why we always dig deep into your past record, too. Sometimes, we can find errors or ways to lower your Prior Record Level, which could mean the difference between going home and going to prison.
What Little-Known Stats Show How Serious NC Criminal Cases Are?
We use statistics not to scare you, but to show you why you need experienced lawyers right away. These numbers, especially when looking at a big state like North Carolina, are often hidden from the public.
| North Carolina Statistic (Source: NC Sentencing & Policy Advisory Commission, recent reports) | Why It Matters to You |
| Only 4% of All Felony Cases in NC Go to Trial | This means 96% are resolved by a plea bargain or dismissal. If you want the best outcome, you need a lawyer who knows how to negotiate the best deal, not just someone who goes to court. |
| Class H Felonies (Like Larceny or Drug Possession) Account for 37% of All Felony Convictions. | This shows the massive amount of drug and theft cases in cities like High Point and Winston-Salem. If your lawyer handles these all the time, they know the quickest path to a favorable outcome. |
| The Average Prison Sentence for an NC Felony is 49 Months (about 4 years). | This number sounds big, but it reminds everyone that NC takes these crimes very seriously. Our job is to fight to make sure you are not one of those statistics. |
| In Guilford County (Greensboro/High Point), Drug Offense Cases are Up 15% in the Last Year. | This shows a local trend: Law enforcement in your area is putting more focus on drug cases. If you are charged with a drug crime, you are walking into a busy system that needs an experienced hand. |
You can learn more about the specific laws and data we track on our Criminal Law page at https://www.micahhuggins.com/criminal-law.
How Does Law Enforcement in Greensboro and Winston-Salem Impact My Case?
Law enforcement is very active in the Triad region. Whether you are pulled over on I-40 near Greensboro or stopped walking downtown in Winston-Salem, the police must follow the law, too.
A big part of our job is checking if the police messed up. This includes:
- Was the Stop Legal? Did the police have a good reason to pull you over or stop you? If the stop was illegal, everything they found afterward might be thrown out of court.
- Were the Search Warrants Correct? When police search a home or car, they need a warrant. We check every detail of that warrant to make sure it was correct. A small mistake can make the evidence unusable.
- Were You Read Your Rights? The Miranda Warning is not just something you see on TV. If the police questioned you without reading you your rights, those statements might not be allowed in court.
We are proud to use our knowledge to hold the police to the law, ensuring that the best defense protects your rights.
Why Is Getting an Experienced Criminal Lawyer Near Me the Smartest Choice?
The criminal justice system moves fast, especially in busy courts like the ones in Burlington and Asheboro. From the moment you are arrested or questioned, the government starts building its case against you.
You need a lawyer who is experienced in North Carolina’s complex system. This is not the time for a rookie or a lawyer who mostly works in a different state. You need someone who knows the judges, the district attorneys, and the local court procedures.
The Huggins Law Firm Team is committed to standing with you. Our goal is always to achieve the best possible outcome for your situation, whether that means fighting for a dismissal, negotiating a strong plea deal, or defending you aggressively at trial.
You can read about more aspects of our legal support on our Civil Rights Law page at https://www.micahhuggins.com/civil-rights-law because criminal law and civil rights often overlap!
Key Takeaways for Criminal Law in North Carolina
- Don’t Wait, Don’t Talk: If you are questioned by the police, you should immediately ask for a lawyer. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
- Misdemeanors Still Matter: Even if the charge is minor, a criminal record has major lifelong consequences. You must fight every charge.
- The Sentencing Grid is Key: North Carolina sentences are based on the crime class and your prior record level. Your lawyer’s job includes challenging your prior record level.
- Plea Deals are Common: Nearly 96% of felonies are resolved without a trial. Your defense lawyer’s ability to negotiate a good deal is the most important skill in most cases.
- Location Matters: You need a lawyer experienced in the local courts near you, whether that’s Greensboro, Winston-Salem, or Kernersville.
Common Questions Asked About North Carolina Criminal Law
1. Q: If I am offered a plea deal, should I always take it?
A: Not always. A plea deal means you plead guilty to a specific charge in exchange for a lighter sentence or a reduced charge. It’s often the best way to reduce risk and avoid a trial, but you should only take a deal after your lawyer has finished their investigation and fully explained all the consequences.
2. Q: What is the most important thing my lawyer does in a DWI case in North Carolina?
A: In a North Carolina DWI case, the most important thing your lawyer does is challenge the traffic stop, the field sobriety tests, and the breathalyzer results. They are looking for mistakes made by the officer that can get the evidence thrown out, which is often the best defense strategy.
3. Q: Can I have a gun if I have a misdemeanor conviction in North Carolina?
A: It depends on the type of misdemeanor. While most misdemeanors do not prevent you from possessing a firearm under federal law, North Carolina law has specific rules. If your misdemeanor involved domestic violence or assault, you absolutely need to check with a lawyer before carrying a firearm.
4. Q: How long will a criminal case take in courts near me, like in High Point or Asheboro?
A: Misdemeanor cases usually move faster, often taking a few weeks to a few months. Felony cases, especially serious ones, can take six months to a year or even longer because of all the investigation and court dates required.
5. Q: If the police didn’t read me my Miranda rights, does that mean my case gets dismissed?
A: Not necessarily. The police only have to read you your Miranda rights (the right to remain silent and the right to a lawyer) if you are in custody AND they intend to question you. If they just arrested you and didn’t ask questions, they did nothing wrong. If they questioned you without reading your rights, your lawyer can ask the judge to throw out only the statements you made, not dismiss the whole case.
Source Citations:
- NC Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission, 2023 Annual Report. (Used for felony sentencing grid structure and statewide conviction statistics).
- North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 20 (Motor Vehicles). (Used for DWI law context).
- North Carolina General Statutes Chapter 14 (Criminal Law). (Used for misdemeanor/felony classification).
The Judicial Branch of North Carolina, Local Court Rules and Procedures. (Used for local court process context).
