Surf City Criminal Defense Lawyer

Surf City Criminal Defense Attorney

A criminal charge can quickly upend your life and leave you facing uncertainties about your future. North Carolina’s criminal courts are not known for showing leniency, especially toward defendants who lack strong legal counsel. With representation from a Surf City criminal defense lawyer, you can secure legal support from an attorney who understands how the local courts work and which strategies to use to protect your freedom.

Trusted Criminal Defense When It Matters Most

Christina Rivenbark & Associates understands the stress that can follow a criminal charge. For over three decades, we have represented clients in and around Surf City who were facing serious, potentially life-altering penalties. Our priority is to seek the most favorable outcome possible for your case by scrutinizing the evidence and exploring effective defense strategies.

When you work with our law firm, you gain the support of a legal team that prioritizes your interests. We won’t settle for unfavorable plea bargains, and we are willing to go to trial if that’s what it takes to clear your name and protect your freedom. At every step, we maintain clear communication with our clients so they are quickly updated on important developments in their case.

Understanding Criminal Charges in Surf City

Criminal charges in Surf City can arise from a wide range of conduct, from DUI, drunk driving accidents, and distracted driving accidents to theft and violent crimes. In July 2025, a tragic example served as a reminder of the dangers of impaired driving when William Shannon Coston died during a high-speed chase on NC Highway 50. Officers found open containers in the vehicle. Pender County had 77 alcohol-related crashes reported in 2022, including car accidents, truck accidents, and rental car accidents caused by impaired or reckless driving.

According to crime data, Surf City has an overall crime rate of 30.99 per 1,000 residents in a typical year. Neighborhoods such as Dolphin Shores, Oyster Landing, and Surf City Commons experience both local and seasonal traffic that can lead to criminal enforcement.

Penalties for charges range from fines and probation to lengthy prison sentences, depending on the severity of the offense. Defendants are often booked into the Pender County Jail, located at 104 N. Walker Street, Burgaw, NC 28425, which handles local arrests.

Effective Defense Strategies for Fighting Criminal Charges

Any strategy that chips away at the prosecution’s case and prevents them from proving your guilt beyond a reasonable doubt can benefit your defense. For cases that involve accusations of assault, your attorney can argue that you were acting in self-defense.

Many types of criminal charges can also be defended by arguing that you were misidentified as the suspect of a crime you did not commit, especially if the state does not have compelling evidence tying you to the scene of the crime.

Another effective defense strategy could focus on the element of criminal intent. Many white-collar crimes, for example, may benefit from this defense. If prosecutors cannot prove that you committed a business deal with the intent to deceive or commit fraud, that could greatly weaken the prosecution’s case.

Why You Should Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you are facing potentially life-altering criminal charges, your first step should be to hire a criminal defense lawyer with experience practicing criminal law in Surf City. Defense attorneys plan a significant role in influencing the outcome of criminal cases. With representation from a Surf City criminal defense attorney, you can fight your charges and potentially avoid the consequences of a criminal conviction.

North Carolina’s criminal defense laws carry harsh penalties. An attorney with years of experience handling criminal defense cases can review the evidence before working with an established or novel defense strategy that works to protect and safeguard your future. Whether your case resolves through negotiations, strategic filings of motions in court, or going to trial, your lawyer can play an active role in protecting your future and your freedom.

FAQs

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

The cost of a criminal defense attorney depends on the lawyer’s rate and the complexity of your case. If defending you in court will require considerable time and resources, an attorney may charge accordingly for their time. Lower-level misdemeanor cases may be handled with a flat fee, while complex cases may require a defendant to pay a retainer that is billed by the hour.

How Will My Case Get Resolved?

A criminal case can be resolved in several ways. Many cases are settled through plea bargains, in which the prosecution makes a favorable offer that the defendant accepts or rejects. If the offer is accepted and the defendant fulfills the condition of the plea bargain, the case can be resolved. Ultimately, a case can be dismissed or lead to a verdict. It is the job of an attorney to balance the scales of justice in their client’s favor.

Will My Case Go to Trial?

Every defendant has the right to go to trial. It is important to remember that trials come with uncertainties, both for prosecutors and the defendant. If your attorney advises pursuing a strategy focused on chipping away at the prosecution’s case or seeking a favorable settlement, it may lead to a positive outcome much sooner than going to trial. The decision ultimately rests with the defendant.

Why Should I Hire a Lawyer in Surf City, NC?

You should hire an attorney in Surf City, NC if you care about protecting your rights and freedom. Legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. Lawyers rely on years of experience and a deep understanding of criminal defense law to protect clients. While their services are not free, hiring an attorney can be a worthwhile investment in your future and freedom.

Facing Criminal Charges in Surf City? Protect Your Rights Today

A criminal charge can disrupt every part of your life, from your career to your reputation. At Christina Rivenbark & Associates, our founding attorney has spent more than 30 years defending clients across North Carolina. She knows how prosecutors build their cases and what it takes to successfully challenge their arguments in court.

When you turn to our firm for representation, you gain committed support from a defense team that understands how to cast doubt on the state’s case while fighting for reduced charges or dismissals when possible. Our focus is on protecting your rights. Contact our office today to schedule your free consultation and learn how our lead defense attorney can protect you from the consequences of a criminal conviction.