Brunswick County Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Brunswick County, NC
A criminal conviction can completely derail your life. From job opportunities to housing prospects to social circles and your reputation, every aspect of your life could be affected. The stakes are high, so it is imperative that you find an experienced, confident attorney to defend you. If you need a competent Brunswick County criminal defense lawyer, the team at Christina Rivenbark & Associates is ready to advocate for you.
About Christina Rivenbark & Associates
At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, we bring decades of combined criminal defense experience to every case we accept. We understand that our clients come to us during some of the most difficult moments in their lives. We listen with empathy, advocate with tenacity, and work tirelessly toward positive outcomes for the people we serve.
What Kinds of Offenses Can Result in Criminal Charges?
A wide variety of offenses can lead to criminal charges, ranging in seriousness from disorderly conduct to murder. Generally, crimes are divided into three major categories. They are as follows:
- Violent crimes: Violent crimes, also called crimes against the person, are offenses that result in someone being killed or injured, or the threat of physical harm. Violent crimes include offenses like murder, assault, kidnapping, or robbery (if the threat of violence is involved). In Brunswick County, the violent crime rate was 182.3 per 100,000 people in 2024.
- Property crimes: These are criminal offenses involving the theft or destruction of another person’s property. Some examples include larceny, shoplifting, and auto theft. In 2024, Brunswick County had a property crime rate of 1,140.6 per 100,000 people.
- Statutory crimes: Statutory crimes are offenses that do not result in physical harm to a person or damage to property, but are defined instead by violation of a law. Some such offenses include fraud, forgery, and driving while intoxicated.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Charges
In North Carolina, criminal offenses are punished according to a structured sentencing system. In this system, both misdemeanor crimes and felonies are sentenced according to set minimum and maximum sentence ranges. Judges have some discretion and can impose whatever sentence they see fit within these prescribed ranges. The following are a few sentencing examples:
- Class 2 misdemeanor: One example of a Class 2 misdemeanor in North Carolina is disorderly conduct. Such an offense can carry a sentence of community service, probation, or up to 60 days in jail.
- Class E felony: A Class E felony, such as assault with a deadly weapon, can result in 15 to 63 months in jail.
- Class A felony: Class A felonies are the most serious and violent crimes, such as first-degree murder. In North Carolina, first-degree murder carries a minimum prison sentence of life without parole. If the offender was a minor at the time of the murder, the minimum sentence is life with the possibility of parole.
Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges, or even if no charges are filed, but you suspect they will be soon, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you can. Bringing an attorney on board from the very beginning can prove to be very beneficial, and in some cases, charges may be dropped before they can even be filed.
In the American justice system, procedural accuracy is very important. People who are accused of crimes have rights, and criminal defense attorneys are adept at watching for violations of those rights. For example, if your property is searched or taken from you without a proper warrant or probable cause, any evidence found may not be admissible in court. If the prosecution’s entire case is built on illegally obtained evidence, the case may be dropped.
Another procedural rule that is sometimes violated is that the prosecution must give the defense access to any evidence they have. If prosecutors withhold evidence from your defense attorney, it could result in a mistrial or dismissal of the case.
These are just two of the many ways police and prosecutors could potentially mishandle your case. If you enlist legal counsel from the very beginning of the proceedings against you, your lawyer can keep a close watch on the progress of the case and potentially catch any mistakes. Bringing your lawyer up to speed early can also help them build your defense. The more time they have to put evidence together, the better.
FAQs
Where Are Criminal Trials Held for Brunswick County Residents?
In North Carolina, criminal trials are held in the county where the crime was committed. So, even if you live in Brunswick County, your trial is most likely to take place wherever the alleged offense occurred. For crimes committed in Brunswick County, trials are held at the Brunswick County Courthouse, which is located at 310 Government Center Drive Northeast in Bolivia.
How Much Does a Brunswick County Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?
The overall cost to hire a criminal defense lawyer in Brunswick County depends on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the number of hours the lawyer actually has to work on it, and the lawyer’s individual hourly rate. To begin working with a client, most attorneys require an upfront fee called a retainer. Their working hours are then charged against this initial deposit.
Do All Felonies Result in Jail Time?
No. Not all felonies result in jail time. Some lower-level felonies are punishable by community service or probation rather than prison time. If the crime is a less serious felony, or the offender does not have any kind of prior record, these more lenient sentences may seem like more reasonable options to the judge. All felonies can result in prison sentences. The penalty is ultimately up to the judge on the case.
What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony?
Misdemeanors and felonies are both categories of criminal charges. Some offenses can be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the offender’s prior criminal record. Misdemeanors are generally considered less serious than felonies. No misdemeanor can be punishable by more than one year in jail. Felonies can be punished by more than one year in prison.
Contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates
If you find yourself facing criminal charges in Brunswick County, you need a strong, determined lawyer in your corner to help you defend your rights. Contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates today to find out how we can assist you.
Free Case Review Get The Help You Need
” * ” Indicates Required Fields
Our Locations Leland And Wilmington
location
4009 Oleander Drive Wilmington, NC 28403
location
403 Village Road, Leland, NC 28451
© 2026 Christina Rivenbark & Associates. All rights reserved.
Digital Marketing By 
ES