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It’s important to understand the differences between a felony and a misdemeanor, especially if you have recently been accused of criminal activity in Mooresville. The difference in penalties for both charges is significant. Understanding what differentiates these charges can help you find strategies to try and negotiate for a lesser punishment.
To help, a Mooresville felony and misdemeanor lawyer can investigate your case and make you aware of your legal options. At Lassiter & Lassiter, we understand how intimidating it can be to face criminal allegations. It can make it difficult to think clearly and know what your next move should be.
Whether you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor, our experienced legal team is here to provide the strategic support and guidance you need. From day one, we will work hard to build a strong case for you and ensure that no one tries to take advantage of your rights as a defendant.
One of the first steps to building the type of defense that can make a difference is to better understand the charges you face in Mooresville, NC. There is a big difference in the severity of penalties between felonies and misdemeanors.
You and your Mooresville criminal defense attorney will start the process of legally acquiring evidence and carefully reviewing it in greater detail. This can include police reports, surveillance footage, statements from different witnesses, and forensic evidence. Taking a thorough review of the charges and evidence against you with your lawyer is a helpful exercise to identify any weaknesses in their case and determine what defense position is the strongest.
For example, if your defense lawyer finds that a law enforcement officer did not obtain the proper search warrant before conducting a search and seizure on your property, they can file a motion to have any evidence collected during that interaction deemed as inadmissible. This could remove some of the most critical pieces of evidence being used against you from consideration.
The specific circumstances of why you have been charged with criminal activity, regardless of it being a felony or misdemeanor, will dictate which defense strategies have the strongest potential to yield the results you are looking for. Some of the more common strategies employed include:
If the evidence against a defendant is compelling, a lawyer may suggest their client enter a plea deal. This is where they agree to exchange a guilty verdict for a lighter punishment. For example, they could admit to committing the crime and be charged with a misdemeanor rather than a felony. In these instances, your lawyer will negotiate with the prosecution to secure as favorable terms as possible under the circumstances.
In felony cases, your presence is generally required for most court proceedings. This is because felonies are the most serious charges one can face, and the court will typically mandate you attend. In some cases, you might already be apprehended, especially if you did not meet bail. However, there are some scenarios where your lawyer might be able to appear on your behalf for lighter matters, such as scheduling a conference or filing a motion.
While no one can guarantee any specific type of outcome for a misdemeanor charge, these scenarios are the most likely to avoid jail time. If someone has never committed a crime before, the court is more open to exploring alternative sentencing options such as probation, fines, community service, or signing them up for a diversion program. Jail becomes more likely when there are aggravating circumstances present, such as a fatality or use of an illegal weapon.
Yes, there is the chance that having a misdemeanor on your record can affect your ability to secure employment. While it depends on the employer, many conduct background checks and may view certain misdemeanors as a red flag. For example, if you are trying to get a retail job and have been charged with theft, this can make it difficult for the employer to trust you. Check with your lawyer to see if your case could be up for expungement.
Yes, in some cases, multiple or repeated misdemeanor offenses can lead to a felony charge. This is especially true if they are related to similar crimes. For example, if someone has been charged with multiple DUI convictions or repeated theft offenses, the court may choose to combine these offenses into a larger felony offense. This is mostly done to try and deter repeated, habitual behavior from continuing again in the future.
Anytime you miss a court date for your open misdemeanor case, you risk many consequences, including the issuance of a bench warrant for your arrest. This means that law enforcement would be able to take you into custody once this happens. You also risk being charged with even heavier penalties, such as increased fines or a longer jail sentence. If you believe you are going to miss a court date, alert your attorney immediately.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor or felony, contact Lassiter & Lassiter today. We will get to work immediately to better understand your case and present legal options to help reduce the impact this has on your life as much as possible. We look forward to meeting you and sharing more about how we can help.
Call our office at 704-873-2295 or email us today.
Attorney Mike Lassiter grew up in Statesville, makes his living serving the people of Statesville and published a book capturing the changing landscape of small town life across North Carolina and Iredell County. His keen sense of history, dedication to the area and 30 years of legal experience make him an ideal attorney for your legal needs.
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