WHY YOU SHOULD HIRE A LAWYER FOR A MISDEMEANOR IN NC

If you’re facing a misdemeanor charge in North Carolina, you may be wondering if hiring a private attorney is worth the price. Since misdemeanors are not as serious as felonies, many people choose to go through the criminal justice system without a lawyer or with a public defender on their side.

However, an experienced criminal defense attorney can help you obtain the best possible outcome in your case. The truth is a lawyer could help you get your charges significantly reduced or your entire case dismissed.

The following are some reasons why you should hire a lawyer for a misdemeanor offense:

• You can still go to jail – A conviction for a Class 3 misdemeanor (the lowest misdemeanor level in North Carolina) is punishable by a maximum 20-day jail sentence, while a conviction for a Class A1 misdemeanor (the highest misdemeanor level) carries a maximum 150-day jail term. No matter what type of misdemeanor charge you face, you could end up serving a lengthy period of time behind bars.
• You will have a permanent criminal record – Not only does a misdemeanor conviction result in jail time, fines, and other penalties, but it also leads to a permanent mark on your criminal record. Having a conviction following you for the rest of your life can make it hard to get employed, find a place to live, and take advantage of other opportunities in life.
• A public defender may not get you the results you desire – Although a public defender does not cost anything, you may end up working with a lawyer who doesn’t have enough experience in criminal cases. Furthermore, since public defenders have massive caseloads, they may not have enough time to properly review your case, find available legal defenses, and even take your case to trial.

At Pinnacle Law, our legal team understands what it takes to be the most favorable results in misdemeanor cases. As a former Assistant District Attorney, Attorney Jeremy Smith has extensive legal knowledge of the criminal defense system and understands how state prosecutors will approach your case.
If you have been charged with a misdemeanor in Charlotte, contact us today at 704-625-0691 to discuss your case.