An arrest on criminal charges can be embarrassing and stressful. Being formally charged and facing the possibility of conviction can be a daunting experience. Do you know what to do if you are facing criminal charges? For starters, you may want to consider seeking legal representation.
When you work with a Columbus criminal defense lawyer from Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, you can rest with the peace of mind that you have representation advocating for your legal rights. We fight to ensure your arrest is valid, your rights are not violated, and any charges against you are clearly outlined. We work hard to minimize the criminal, personal, and professional damage of an arrest and conviction.
When you are ready to defend yourself against pending criminal charges, our team is here to help. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (828) 286-3866 to speak to a member of our team.
We Can Defend You No Matter What Charges You Face
If you are facing criminal charges, you want a team behind you who will fight for your freedom, preserve your good name, and protect your career goals.
Clients we defend might be faced with one or more of these criminal charges:
- Driving while impaired (DWI)
- Drug possession
- Drug trafficking
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Trespassing
- Breaking and entering
- Underage drinking
- Assault and battery
- Breaking and entering
At Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC, we help you fight back against criminal penalties that can have a negative impact on your personal and professional life. We encourage you to give our team a call today at (828) 286-3866.
Fight Back Against Criminal Penalties
A conviction of even a minor misdemeanor could result in lifelong consequences on various areas of your personal and professional lives. In some cases, these disruptions can wreak havoc on your freedom and finances.
If you are faced with criminal charges, a conviction could involve spending time in a county jail or in the state prison system.
North Carolina Sentencing and Policy Advisory Commission outlines the maximum punishments involving jail and imprisonment for the following criminal convictions:
- Class A felony – life in prison without parole, with the possibility of a death sentence
- Class B1 felony – life in prison without parole
- Class B2 felony – up to 484 months
- Class C felony – up to 231 months
- Class D felony – up to 204 months
- Class E felony – up to 88 months
- Class F felony – up to 59 months
- Class G felony – up to 47 months
- Class H felony – up to 39 months
- Class I felony – up to 24 months
- Class A1 misdemeanor – up to 150 days
- Class 1 misdemeanor – up to 120 days
- Class 2 misdemeanor – up to 60 days
- Class 3 misdemeanor – 20 days
Penalties that include the possibility of incarceration pose the biggest threat to your immediate and distant future. Incarceration will cost you time away from your friends and family while also jeopardizing your ambitions.
Our goal is to help you get the best possible outcome for your case. This could include negotiating for a specific sentence, a reduction of charges, or having your case dropped altogether.
How Our Team Fights To Defend You Against Criminal Charges
Your Columbus criminal defense lawyer will fight hard to limit the harmful impact of a criminal conviction.
Starting from the time you are arrested, our team will:
- Determine whether your arrest is valid and review the police report
- Challenge the accuracy of a breathalyzer or blood test, if necessary in a DWI matter
- Challenge the admissibility of any evidence against you
- Negotiate favorable plea deals to limit potential sentencing
- Locate and interview witnesses
- Conduct independent investigations
We will also make sure law enforcement officers had a valid reason for suspecting you committed a crime in the first place. You are not alone. Our team is here to support you in the fight for your future.
A Criminal Conviction Can Mar Your Future
In addition to separating you from your family and stalling your career, an arrest or conviction can show up any time a background check is performed for:
- Apartment rentals
- Education applications
- Employment opportunities
In addition, any conviction and sentence that includes jail time could cause you to lose your current job. Because the damage of an arrest or conviction can be devastating, we fight to ensure your rights are not violated, and the charges against you are based on evidence.
We Fight To Protect Your Rights
When you are arrested, you have rights that must be adhered to and protected. For your arrest to be valid, the police officer who detains you must have probable cause for the arrest, according to North Carolina Article 20.
The police officer who arrests you must also:
- Identify himself as a law enforcement officer
- Verbally inform you that you are under arrest
- Inform you of the reason for the arrest
While you are waiting for your chance to represent your interests at trial, you should refrain from taking any actions that could give validity to the charges against you.
For example, if you are being charged with a DWI, you should limit your alcohol intake and avoid drinking and driving. Additionally, you may want to enroll in an alcohol rehabilitation program, so that you can show the court that you are actively taking measures to prevent your offense from occurring again.
Your Columbus criminal defense lawyer can provide you with additional information on what measures you can take on your own behalf to promote a beneficial outcome.
Fight Criminal Charges With the Help of a Columbus Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you were arrested for a crime in Columbus, we are here to fight for your future. You do not have to face this ordeal alone. Our legal team is here to help limit the damage a criminal conviction can pose to your social life, family, and career.
We offer hope after an arrest. When the charges against you seem overwhelming, we are here to help you fight the charges you face. Call Farmer & Morris Law, PLLC at (828) 286-3866 to reach a member of our team today.