Statesville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Statesville, NC

Facing legal charges can seem daunting. From the uncertainty of what’s to come to navigating changes in social and professional relationships. However, having a Statesville criminal defense lawyer by your side is critical to protecting your future. Our legal team at Ralston Benton Byerley & Moore, PLLC, can help.

Our team uniquely represents each client by avoiding cookie-cutter approaches. There is no one size that fits all model for how to approach criminal defense. By taking time to listen to our clients, their needs, and to establish the specific details of their case, we can help build a defense that allows them to confidently challenge the charges against them.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer

We believe that every person deserves to have a strong legal strategy to help them navigate the challenges they are facing when it comes to criminal charges. Your situation is unique, and the law is complex. With the help of our criminal defense attorney, we will guide you in learning what your legal rights and obligations are. Some of the areas we can help you with include the following:

• Petty crimes and misdemeanors. Even what seems like a minor charge can be a big factor in protecting your future and your record. Some carry jail time and large fines that we can help you avoid or reduce. Misdemeanors comprised 39.83% of all the crimes committed in North Carolina in one recent year.

• Felonies. Being charged with a felony means long-term implications to your life, including your ability to work and whether you may go to jail. Let us offer insight and support to you. Roughly 17.86% of the criminal cases brought in North Carolina are felonies.

• DWIs. There were 24,694 DWI convictions in the Tar Heel State in 2024. North Carolina laws related to DWI are strict and often carry significant penalties and restrictions. You do not want to go to court without an attorney if you are facing any type of DWI charge.

• Reckless driving. A reckless driving charge could result in significant penalties and long-term implications for your privilege to drive in the state.

• Speeding. A speeding ticket can be disputed, and our criminal defense attorneys can help you create a legal defense strategy to prove you are innocent.

• Drug possession. If you have been accused of being in possession of a protected substance, allow our legal team to go with you to court.

• Sex offenses. With incredibly challenging penalties, fines, and labeling, all sex offense charges should be taken seriously with exceptional legal support by your side.

• Expungement. Our attorneys work with people who are facing the most intense legal complications and help them get those removed from their records.

If you’re not sure whether to hire a lawyer regarding your criminal matter, you can contact us to discuss what our team can do to help you defend against the charges against you.

How a Lawyer Can Help a Client Who Has Been Charged

Our legal team is deeply committed to providing every client with robust representation and personalized legal services. We can help you by:

• Protecting you from yourself. Defendants can be their own worst enemies, not just during interrogations in the investigation, but also when they are forced to testify at their trials. We can help you avoid making costly mistakes that could negatively impact your case.

• Assessing the charges. Criminal charges can be complex. You need a lawyer on your side who can help you determine whether they truly fit the alleged crime.

• Coming up with a defense strategy. We’ll evaluate every aspect of your case, from the police report and charges to evidence and witnesses, to come up with the most effective criminal defense strategy.

• Negotiating a plea deal. If you decide to take a plea deal, we can negotiate with the prosecution to get you a lighter sentence or reduced charges.

• Assistance with jury selection. You want a skilled criminal defense attorney on your side to help you select the jurors who will decide your fate should your case go to trial. We can help you make sure the jury is not biased against you.

• Setting expectations. Your attorney will keep you informed during every step of your criminal defense case. We can help you understand what to expect from the process, how to conduct yourself, and how to cope as your case proceeds.

We can also provide you with courtroom representation at the Iredell County Hall of Justice at 226 Stockton St.

What to Do Immediately After Being Charged

The steps you take immediately after being charged with a crime can have a dramatic impact on the outcome of your case. No matter what kind of charges you are facing, you should:

• Contact a criminal defense lawyer. The very first step you should take after being charged with a crime is to contact our team to acquire legal counsel. The sooner you do so, the better your chances are of mounting a successful defense. Your lawyer can advise you regarding your rights, explain the charges, and help you understand the consequences.

• Stay silent. You have the right to remain silent, and you should exercise that right. Don’t speak with the police without a lawyer present because anything you say can be used against you. Even if you believe you have nothing to hide, you should remain silent until your legal counsel arrives.

• Gather evidence. You’ll need to collect evidence to mount an effective defense. The evidence could include anything from video footage to witness statements. Ask your lawyer what will be admissible in court and how to gather evidence appropriately.

• Know your rights. Every individual arrested for a crime is protected against discriminatory behaviors and is provided with specific protections to navigate the legal process.

• Stay out of trouble. It’s important to avoid further legal trouble while you’re awaiting your first court date. Any misbehavior could lead to more charges or make your case look worse.

The conviction rate in North Carolina is 38.09% according to the Paper Prisons initiative. Knowing how to handle yourself following an arrest is a good way to improve your chances of being among the 59.28% of people who are not ultimately convicted.

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FAQs

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost in NC?

How much a criminal defense lawyer costs in NC varies depending on factors such as your lawyer’s experience level, whether your case goes to trial, and the severity and complexity of the charges you are facing. It typically costs more to defend a client against felony charges than misdemeanors, and lawyers who have been in practice for longer often charge more for their services. You can find out what to expect in terms of fees by contacting our office.

Is It a Good Idea to Hire a Criminal Defense Attorney?

While representing yourself may seem appealing to save money, it is recommended that you hire a criminal defense attorney, whether you’re facing misdemeanor DWI charges or a felony aggravated assault case. Having an attorney on your side means you’ll always have access to legal advice, guidance, and representation. When you hire a criminal defense lawyer, you’re investing in improving your odds of a positive outcome in your case.

What Is the Hardest Case to Beat in Court?

The hardest cases to beat in court are those with strong emotional biases. These include serious violent crimes like first- and second-degree murder and crimes against vulnerable victims such as children and the elderly. You need a skilled Statesville criminal defense attorney to help you defend against serious charges like these.

What Is the #1 Reason Prosecutors Decide Not to Pursue Charges?

The #1 reason prosecutors decide not to pursue charges is that there is insufficient evidence to prove the defendant’s guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. In some cases, this occurs when defendants’ lawyers file motions with the court to suppress evidence due to issues such as police errors or constitutional rights violations. Uncooperative witnesses can also lead to case dismissals.

Statesville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Let Ralston Benton Byerley & Moore, PLLC, help you build a defense that works for your case. Our Statesville criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina can provide you with exceptional legal service and support.

Contact us today to learn how we can help you navigate this difficult legal process with confidence. The knowledge and experience that our team brings allows us to meet the needs of our clients first, no matter what challenges they are facing. Find out how we can help.