Topsail Island Criminal Defense Lawyer
Criminal Defense Attorney in Topsail Island, NC
Criminal charges are serious, no matter what the allegations are. A conviction can have long-lasting and far-reaching effects on a person’s life, including impacts on employment and housing opportunities, reputational damage, and more. If you are a Topsail Island resident and you are being charged with any crime, you need to consult a seasoned Topsail Island criminal defense lawyer to help you defend your rights and reputation.
Christina Rivenbark & Associates – Your Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you are facing criminal charges, you need a tough, knowledgeable lawyer on your side. The attorneys at Christina Rivenbark & Associates have decades of combined experience advocating for their clients, and we can help you face your challenges, too. We have two offices, both conveniently located for our Topsail Island clients. Our Wilmington office is located at 4009 Oleander Drive, and our Leland office is located at 403 Village Road.
Kinds of Criminal Charges in North Carolina
The term “criminal charges” is a broad one that encompasses a wide variety of allegations and legal consequences. The following are some basic categories of criminal charges:
- Crimes against the person: Crimes against the person represent the most serious and violent kind of criminal activity. Examples include murder, assault, kidnapping, and other such offenses that result in the death, injury, or endangerment of a person. In North Carolina, there were 779 cases of murder, 2,944 cases of rape, and 30,586 cases of aggravated assault recorded in 2024.
- Crimes against property: Property crimes include theft, burglary, shoplifting, and other actions involving the taking or destruction of property. North Carolina saw 150,357 reported thefts in 2024.
- Statutory crimes: Statutory crimes are defined by law rather than by injuries to a person or damage to property. Examples include driving while intoxicated, drug possession, and fraud.
Potential Penalties for Criminal Convictions in North Carolina
Criminal charges can be filed as misdemeanors or felonies. Misdemeanors are generally less serious than felonies, and the maximum prison sentence for a misdemeanor is less than one year. Felony crimes are punishable by at least one year in prison.
Penalties for criminal convictions can range from small fines to years in prison, depending on the seriousness of the offense and the offender’s prior criminal record. North Carolina uses a structured sentencing system that assigns minimum and maximum sentences for most crimes, with ranges accounting for aggravating and mitigating factors.
Aggravating factors are considerations that make a crime more serious or egregious and may lead to more severe penalties. Some examples include a particularly vulnerable victim or a particularly violent crime. Mitigating factors are considerations that may lead a judge to impose a more lenient sentence, such as youth, a lack of prior criminal record, or demonstrable provocation leading up to the crime.
The following are some examples of potential sentences for misdemeanor and felony charges:
- Class 3 misdemeanor: One example of a Class 3 misdemeanor in North Carolina is littering. If a person has fewer than three prior convictions, the maximum penalty is a fine.
- Class 1 misdemeanor: Forgery is a Class 1 misdemeanor in North Carolina and is punishable by 1 to 120 days in jail, depending on the prior record of the offender.
- Class E felony: Assault with a deadly weapon is a Class E felony. Such offenses are punishable by 15 to 88 months in prison.
- Class A felony: Murder is a Class A felony, and the minimum prison sentence is life without the possibility of parole, unless the offender was under the age of 18 at the time of the crime, in which case a judge may allow for the possibility of parole.
When to Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer
It may seem reasonable to wait until criminal charges have actually been filed to contact an attorney, but you do not need to delay that long. If you suspect you will be facing criminal charges, even if no charges have officially been filed, it is a good idea to go ahead and hire a criminal defense lawyer. Your attorney can help you from the very beginning by providing oversight and watching for any violations of your rights.
FAQs
How Much Does a Topsail Island Criminal Defense Attorney Cost?
The cost to hire a criminal defense attorney on Topsail Island can be widely variable, as the total cost of a lawyer’s services depends on the complexity of your case, the time required from the lawyer, and the lawyer’s individually set rate and fee structure. Most attorneys ask for a retainer to begin working for you. The lawyer’s actual hours worked are billed against this up-front deposit.
Is It Possible to Avoid Jail Time if You Are Convicted of a Felony?
Technically, yes. In North Carolina, some low-level felonies can be punished through community service or probation rather than time spent in prison. For example, most Class H and I felonies can be punished through community service. In these cases, wherein community service or probation are options, the penalty is ultimately up to the discretion of the judge.
Where Are Criminal Trials Held for Crimes Committed on Topsail Island?
Criminal cases are tried in the county where the crime was committed, with rare exceptions. Topsail Island is in two counties, Pender County and Onslow County, so criminal trials for crimes committed on Topsail Island occur at the Pender County Courthouse, which can be found at 100 South Wright Street in Burgaw, or at the Onslow County Courthouse, located at 602 Anne Street in Jacksonville.
What Might Get Criminal Charges Dropped?
Criminal charges might be dropped for many reasons. One possible reason is a lack of evidence. If a preliminary hearing demonstrates that the prosecution does not have enough evidence against the accused, that could result in dropped charges. Another potential reason is procedural mishandling. Americans have rights, even when accused of crimes, and violations of these rights through procedural missteps can result in dropped charges.
Contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates
A criminal conviction has the potential to turn your entire life upside down, possibly resulting in fines, jail time, and far-reaching effects on your professional and personal life. If you are facing this reality, you need strong legal representation to help you defend your rights. Contact Christina Rivenbark & Associates today to discuss your needs and find out how we can help you.
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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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