Are you facing criminal charges in Raleigh, North Carolina? The legal system can be overwhelming, and navigating it alone can be a daunting and stressful task.
At Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, LLP, our Raleigh criminal defense attorneys understand the uncertainty that comes with facing criminal charges in NC. That’s why our team of Raleigh criminal lawyers has been providing exceptional legal representation to clients in NC for over 60 years. We have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to help our clients navigate the criminal justice system and defend against criminal charges of all kinds.
Our Criminal Law Attorney Services
We have the knowledge, skills, and expertise to help our clients navigate the criminal justice system and defend against criminal charges of all kinds.
Facing Criminal Charges in Raleigh? You Deserve the Best Defense
At Kirk, Kirk Law we believe everyone deserves an experienced criminal defense lawyer when facing their criminal cases. Our team of experienced criminal defense attorneys has a proven track record of success in defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges. Our legal services are designed to aggressively defend and represent clients throughout Wake County.
We understand the complexities of the criminal justice system and will work tirelessly to defend your rights and achieve the best possible outcome in your case. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our North Carolina criminal defense attorneys have the knowledge, skill, and experience to develop a customized defense strategy that is tailored to your case’s specific circumstances.
Understanding the Consequences of a Criminal Conviction
A criminal conviction can have serious consequences that can impact your life for years to come. If you are facing criminal charges in North Carolina, it is important to understand the potential consequences of a conviction.
Some of the consequences of a criminal conviction may include:
- Fines and court costs: If you are convicted of a crime, you may be required to pay fines and court costs as part of your sentence.
- Jail or prison time: Depending on the severity of the offense, a criminal conviction may result in jail time or a prison sentence.
- Probation or community service: In some cases, a court may sentence a defendant to probation or community service instead of jail time.
- Loss of voting rights: In North Carolina, a felony conviction results in a loss of voting rights, which can have a significant impact on your ability to participate in the democratic process.
- Loss of professional licenses: A criminal conviction can result in the loss of professional licenses, which can impact your ability to work in certain fields.
- Damage to reputation: A criminal record can damage your reputation and have long-lasting consequences on your personal and professional life.
Misdemeanor and Felony Arrests in North Carolina
While both misdemeanors and felonies are serious and require representation from an experienced criminal lawyer, it’s important to understand the charges you’re facing.
Misdemeanors
In North Carolina, misdemeanors are divided into four categories: A1, 1, 2, and 3.
- Class 3 Misdemeanor: This is the least serious type of charge with a maximum penalty of 20 days in jail and a $200 fine. These crimes include simple marijuana possession, trespassing, and concealment of goods.
- Class 2 Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty is 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine, and examples include carrying a concealed weapon, simple assault, or resisting arrest.
- Class 1 Misdemeanor: Maximum penalty is 120 days in jail and a fine at the discretion of the judge. Examples include possession of drug paraphernalia, property damage, and larceny.
- Class A1 Misdemeanor: This is the most serious charge, carrying a maximum of 150 days in jail and a fine at the discretion of the judge. Examples include assault with a deadly weapon and sexual battery.
Felonies
Being charged with a felony in North Carolina is much more serious. Not only do they carry much stricter penalties, but having a felony conviction can affect your rights moving forward, including being unable to own a firearm, enlist in the military, and, if convicted of sexual offenses, having to register on the Sex Offender Registry.
Felonies range from a Class A felony, the most severe class which carries the death penalty or life without parole, to a Class I felony, which carries a prison sentence of 3 to 12 months.
Experience Matters: Why Choose Kirk Kirk As Your Criminal Defense Law Firm
When you are facing criminal charges, you need a criminal defense law firm with experience, knowledge, and a proven track record of success. At Kirk Kirk Law our team of criminal defense attorneys has over 60 years of combined legal experience defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges. We are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible legal representation.
Empathy and Authority: Criminal Defense Attorneys That Understand Your Situation and Can Help
When our defense attorneys in Raleigh take on a court case, we understand the stress and uncertainty that comes with it or our clients. Our criminal defense attorneys have empathy for our clients and their situations, and we will work with you to understand the unique circumstances of your case. We believe that effective legal representation requires not only legal knowledge and expertise but also compassion and understanding.
Building a Strong Defense Strategy for Your Unique Case
Our legal team has the knowledge, skill, and experience to develop a strong defense strategy for your case. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, our law office will defend you against a wide range of criminal charges. We will keep you informed throughout the legal process and work with you every step of the way to help you achieve the best possible outcome, developing strategic representation that can only be achieved by the most experienced defense attorneys.
Cases Our Criminal Defense Lawyers Defend
At our law practice, each criminal defense attorney has experience defending clients against a wide range of criminal charges in Raleigh, NC. When you have an experienced attorney from Kirk, Kirk Law on your side, we tirelessly work to defend your constitutional rights, avoid a guilty verdict, get your case dismissed, and fight for the best outcome for your criminal case.
Drug Offenses
Drug offenses include a wide range of charges related to controlled substances. These charges can range from simple possession to drug trafficking. In North Carolina, drug charges can carry severe penalties, including fines and jail time. Our criminal defense lawyers have experience defending clients against drug charges and can help you understand your legal options.
DUI/DWI
DUI/DWI charges are common in North Carolina and can have serious consequences if convicted. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against these charges and can help you navigate the legal process. We understand the science behind blood alcohol testing and can challenge the evidence against you.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence charges are taken very seriously in North Carolina and can carry severe penalties. These charges can include assault, battery, and other offenses committed against a family member or household member. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against domestic violence charges and can help you understand your legal options.
Assault and Battery
Assault and battery charges can result from a wide range of circumstances and can carry serious penalties. These charges can include simple assault, aggravated assault, and assault with a deadly weapon. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against assault and battery charges and can help you understand your legal options.
Sex Crimes
Sex crime charges can have severe consequences, including mandatory sex offender registration. These charges can include rape, sexual assault, and child pornography. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against sex crime charges and can help you navigate the complex legal process.
Manslaughter
Manslaughter is a serious criminal offense that can carry significant penalties, including fines and imprisonment. Manslaughter can be charged as either voluntary or involuntary, depending on the circumstances surrounding the death. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against manslaughter charges and can help you understand your legal options. We will work diligently to protect your rights and defend against the charges.
Murder
Murder is one of the most serious criminal offenses in North Carolina and carries severe penalties, including life imprisonment and the death penalty. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against murder charges and understand the complexities of these cases. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and fight for the best possible outcome in your case.
Theft and Property Crimes
Theft and property crime charges can include a wide range of offenses, including burglary, robbery, and embezzlement. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against theft and property crime charges and can help you understand your legal options.
White-Collar Crimes
White-collar crime charges can include fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. These charges can have severe consequences, including fines and jail time. Our attorneys have experience defending clients against white-collar crime charges and can help you understand your legal options.
Other charges our criminal defense attorneys are able to represent you for:
- Child Support
- Embezzlement
- Expungement
- Gun Rights Restoration
- Wildlife Violations
- Juvenile offenders
Featured Testimonial on a Criminal Law Case
“It is easy (and important) to announce a not guilty verdict and have us all chime in on the victory. What is not easy but just as important is to recognize great work that still results in a guilty verdict. Last month, Jeff Cutler, a Wake County contracting attorney, tried a case in which his client was accused of two murders. His client was 15 years old at the time of the crimes. The evidence was that the assailants were looking for some pay back against a rival gang. They shot up the house where the gang members once lived. Tragically, the new residents were a young couple and their children. The parents were killed. Jeff fought the good fight, cross-examined the informants mightily and gave great openings and closings.
After the jury found his client guilty, he then fought just as hard at the sentencing hearing that his client deserved a chance of parole one day. The judge sentenced his client to life.
I want to thank and recognize Jeff for working so hard for his client. And I thank all of you for the hard work you do every day.”
– D. Tucker Charns
Regional Defender Judicial Divisions I & III NC Office of Indigent Defense
Read more client reviews about our law firm here.
Contact Our Raleigh Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you are facing criminal charges in North Carolina, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced criminal defense attorney. At the law offices of Kirk, Kirk, Howell, Cutler & Thomas, we offer individualized case reviews with one of our experienced criminal defense attorneys.
During your consultation, we will review the details of your case and help you understand your legal options. We will provide you with honest and straightforward legal advice and help you develop a strategy for moving forward.
If you’re under investigation or are charged with a crime, reach out to our criminal defense attorneys in Raleigh. We want to provide you with the representation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation at (919) 365-6000.
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Phone: (919) 365-6000
Our Office:
200 North Pine Street
Wendell, NC 27591