Being charged with a crime can be a confusing, frustrating and frightening experience. When you do not understand the criminal process in North Carolina, it can add to the apprehension and frustration you may feel as you face potential fines and imprisonment if you are found guilty of the criminal charge. It is important when you are facing a potentially life-changing criminal sentence to have a Jacksonville criminal defense lawyer to guide you through the criminal process and help you make decisions about the best defense in your criminal case.
The Criminal Process in Jacksonville, NC
Even if you are innocent of the criminal charge, you need an experienced criminal defense attorney to handle your criminal case. You were arrested because a law enforcement officer or a prosecutor believes that there is sufficient evidence against you to arrive at a conviction. After your arrest, the prosecution will continue to develop the criminal case against you in order to ensure a guilty verdict. You need an attorney with experience in criminal defense and who understands the legal process to protect your rights during the criminal case.
The time it will take to finish your criminal case will depend on the type of criminal charge as well as whether you enter a plea agreement or take the criminal case to trial. For example, if you are facing a misdemeanor and this is your first criminal charge, you may be able to enroll in the first offender’s program, if your charge is not drug-related, and your criminal case can be resolved in about seven months. However, a first offender felony criminal case or a drug case will often take at least a year to resolve. If you decide to go to trial, it could take even longer.
Unfortunately, North Carolina does not have a statute that addressed a speedy trial; therefore, the district attorney typically controls the court calendar. Court cases move according to the district attorney’s office; therefore, this often effects how long it will take to resolve your criminal case.
Contact an Experienced Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorney
“Attorneys Who Aggressively Protect Your Rights”
The process to resolve your criminal case can be overwhelming, especially if you have never had any reason to be involved with the North Carolina criminal process. From dealing with a criminal investigation and arrest through the process of preliminary hearings, plea negotiations and a criminal trial, you need a criminal defense attorney who understands the Jacksonville criminal court system and how to protect your rights as you proceed through the steps to resolve your criminal case.
The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm, LLP is a full-service Jacksonville Criminal and Civil law firm that is committed to providing results-driven legal representation to businesses and individuals seeking an alternative to large-firm representation. We focus on getting you the results you want while offering you a cost-effective solution to your legal needs. We understand that we work for our clients; therefore; our attorneys communicate regularly with each client to ensure that the client knows what is going on with the case.
When you have legal problems, you need an experienced legal professional in your corner. No matter the case, you should have an attorney working for you who knows the law and who has the experience to get results. We represent clients throughout Duplin County, Onslow County and the surrounding communities. Call our office at (910) 405-8459 or contact us online today for a free case evaluation.