Jacksonville Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Jacksonville, NC
A criminal charge in Onslow County can be a frightening and intimidating experience for anyone who faces it. Whether you face a misdemeanor, felony, or juvenile charge, when you are under arrest, and your future is at stake, you need a Jacksonville, NC, criminal defense lawyer who is familiar with Onslow County’s courts, prosecutors, and criminal laws of North Carolina.
When it comes to protecting your freedom, you need an experienced, aggressive criminal defense strategy from day one.
About Christina Rivenbark & Associates
At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we defend people throughout Jacksonville and the surrounding communities facing any criminal charge. Many people take charges lightly or don’t realize how serious a conviction is until it’s too late. While many people dismiss the seriousness of misdemeanors in North Carolina, one conviction can continue to affect your life for an extended period.
Our firm works hard to treat each and every one of your charges with the utmost importance. One mark on your record might create problems when you apply for jobs, as well as during background checks and military service.
Early help from a trusted Jacksonville criminal defense attorney can mean the difference between a dismissed charge and a life-changing conviction. We are located conveniently near the Onslow County Courthouse, where we daily fight for our clients’ rights with dedication and compassion.
Understanding Criminal Defense Laws in North Carolina
North Carolina law has its own rules and definitions for criminal defense. It has specific laws on arrests, charges, and penalties. In general, here is what you can expect:
- Misdemeanors are punished with fines, probation, community service, or short-term jail in a county facility.
- Felony convictions have serious prison sentences, heavy fines, and long-term or permanent loss of your civil rights. For example, your right to own a firearm is gone, and you lose your voting rights while in prison.
Some crimes require you to register as a sex offender. Others result in the loss of a professional license, military penalties, and even family law consequences, such as custody. A conviction impacts nearly every area of your life.
Criminal Defense Cases We Handle
In Jacksonville, Neighborhood Scout reported 1,697 crimes for the year. Violent crimes accounted for 219 occurrences, and property crimes accounted for 1,478. At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we handle a variety of these crimes, including the following:
- Simple assaults
- Domestic violence
- Disorderly conduct
- Child abuse
- Sexual assault
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Burglary
- DUI
- Juvenile offenses
North Carolina does not take criminal charges lightly, and the punishments are severe. Some charges are either misdemeanors or felonies, depending on the facts of the case. In addition, past convictions can be a sentencing aggravator.
Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
Our attorneys have been in courtrooms for decades. We are proud to offer individualized, client-centered representation, tailoring each case to the facts and circumstances presented. We look at every aspect of your arrest, including:
- Did the police have probable cause
- Did due process occur
- Were your civil or constitutional rights violated
- Is any evidence unreliable, or was it improperly obtained
Prosecutors in North Carolina must prove you are guilty beyond a reasonable doubt, and we do everything we can to prevent them from doing that. We work to reveal procedural errors, challenge illegal searches, identify false accusations, refute weak or misleading evidence, and offer the greatest defense possible on your behalf.
What to Do if Charged With a Crime in Jacksonville, North Carolina
If you’ve been accused of a crime in Jacksonville, NC, you may be inclined to try to prove your innocence or explain your side of the story. However, if you are in police custody or have been arrested, do not answer any questions, make any explanations, or give any statements to the police.
The information you provide to the police during questioning can and will be used against you at a later date. It is within your rights to remain silent when questioned by law enforcement officials, so take advantage of those rights and ask for a lawyer. Hire a criminal defense lawyer right away. You should not discuss the matter with anyone but your attorney. If you have documents or information that may be pertinent to your case, set them aside for your lawyer to review.
FAQs
What Is the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Criminal Defense Lawyer?
A criminal lawyer is a generic term used for both prosecutors and defense attorneys. A criminal defense lawyer represents an individual accused of a crime. The attorney’s job is to preserve the rights of the defendant and to advocate on the defendant’s behalf against the state. You may need a criminal defense lawyer for your case.
Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Get a Charge Dropped?
A criminal defense lawyer can sometimes get charges reduced or dismissed, depending on the evidence and whether your rights were violated. They may challenge improper searches, unreliable witness statements, or procedural errors. Lawyers cannot promise outcomes, but strong defenses often undermine prosecution cases, enabling the negotiation of beneficial resolutions or the dismissal of the case.
What Does Criminal Defense Cover?
Criminal defense refers to the legal representation of any person accused of breaching a federal or state law. This includes a range of legal proceedings, including misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, violent offenses, robbery, drug charges, domestic relations, and juvenile cases. A criminal defense attorney can act as the client’s agent.
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested in North Carolina?
The first and most important thing to do is to say nothing and ask for a lawyer if you are arrested in North Carolina. Anything you say can and will be used against you, even if you think you’re just helping yourself. Don’t sign any statements or explanations without a lawyer present. When you are permitted to, contact a criminal defense attorney who can explain the process to you and protect your rights.
Contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates
If you have been accused or formally charged with a crime, contact an attorney right away to help protect your future and fight for your rights. Christina Rivenbark & Associates can help you in this legal process. Contact us today to get started.
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Our Locations Leland And Wilmington
location
4009 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
location
403 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451
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