Taylorsville, NC Criminal Defense Lawyer

Taylorsville, NC Criminal Defense Attorney

The accusation of a crime can be devastating and leave you feeling isolated, confused, and even anxious. If convicted, not only could you face time in jail or significant fines, but you could also find that you are socially isolated, have difficulty finding employment, and find restrictions on where you can live. If you or a loved one have been accused of a crime, you deserve the help of a knowledgeable and experienced Taylorsville, NC, criminal defense lawyer.

At The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, our team is committed to helping our clients successfully overcome the charges they face. As we seek an acquittal, we work diligently to have charges reduced or dismissed. Our team can investigate the unique circumstances of your case to ensure that we build a defense that represents you and your story adequately.

How a Taylorsville Defense Attorney Can Help You

Building a defense is more than just refuting the charges against you. To build a defense that makes a jury question your guilt, you and your lawyer must work together to gather evidence, collect witnesses, and review statements that can prove your innocence. Luckily, a skilled defense lawyer carries extensive knowledge surrounding North Carolina criminal laws and can guide you through your case. When building a defense, your lawyer can work to:

• Discredit the Prosecution. In criminal defense, the job of the defense attorney is not necessarily to prove that you are innocent of a crime but to disprove the facts that are presented by the prosecution and prove reasonable doubt. To do this, your attorney needs to know as much about your case as possible.
• Identify Alternate Theories. Regardless of the evidence against you, there could be valid reasoning for how the circumstances before you could have transpired. A defense strategy does not need to deny that a crime occurred but rather offers a differing narrative for the circumstances of what occurred based on the evidence collected.
• Present Knowledgeable Testimony. Criminal investigations are meant to provide detailed records of a supposed crime. However, these investigations may be done by law officers who are improperly trained or are not knowledgeable in interpreting the facts. Presenting witnesses who are considered professionals in their field related to the type of evidence presented can focus the defense on the facts of the evidence.
• Rely on the Burden of Proof. The burden of proof is the prosecutor’s responsibility. They are charged with presenting the facts that prove you or your loved one are guilty of the crime for which the accusation stands. Your defense team must focus on creating doubt in the prosecution’s version of events.

When hiring a lawyer, you should openly and honestly discuss the facts of what happened in order to allow your lawyer to represent you. Remember, you and your attorney are protected by lawyer-client privilege, which provides you the opportunity to share details in confidence.

How to Find a Criminal Defense Lawyer Who Is Right for Your Case

Choosing a criminal defense lawyer in Taylorsville, North Carolina, can be difficult, especially when you or a loved one are overwhelmed with the legal complexities surrounding your situation. A defense lawyer is part of a team that represents you, and it is important to choose one that you feel has your interests in mind. When picking a lawyer, consider asking the following question of yourself and your lawyer:

• What type of crime have I been charged with?
• Is the criminal accusation federal, state, or both?
• What types of cases does a potential lawyer work with?
• Has the lawyer handled cases similar to yours?
• What is the reputation of the potential lawyer?
• How often should you expect communication from the lawyer?
• Will the lawyer handle your case directly, or will it be passed on to another member of the firm?
• Do you feel comfortable with the lawyer?

FAQs

Q: How Much Does a Criminal Lawyer Cost in North Carolina?

A: The costs for a criminal defense lawyer in North Carolina can vary immensely. Generally, the costs for a lawyer will depend on the circumstances of your case as well as the amount of time the lawyer needs to invest in your case. To understand the costs that may accompany your case, speak with a potential attorney about the full circumstances of your case so they can share what their fees may be.

Q: What Is the Most Common Argument of a Defense Attorney?

A: While there are many defense strategies that a lawyer will use in criminal trials, there are several common starting points that your lawyer may use. These include points such as if incorrect facts were presented, if the act was done in self-defense, if the accused’s rights were violated, or if incorrect investigation techniques by law enforcement.

Q: Can an Out-of-State Lawyer Represent You in North Carolina?

A: By law, a lawyer from outside of North Carolina is able to practice law within North Carolina. However, there are specific requirements that lawyers must meet. First and foremost, the lawyer must be in good standing in the state, which also means they have passed the bar for the state of North Carolina. To utilize an out-of-state lawyer for your trial, your lawyer must submit a motion disclosing a history of their practice within the state and their qualifications.

Q: What Is the Difference Between a Lawyer and an Attorney in North Carolina?

A: Although the terms lawyer and attorney reflect an individual who has successfully completed law school, there are subtle differences in their usage. A lawyer is an individual who has studied law and taken steps toward completing the bar exam. An attorney is someone who has completed all the steps and reached full licensure. Lawyers seek to provide legal advice, while attorneys may argue a greater deal in court, including federal court.

Your Taylorsville, NC, Criminal Defense Lawyer

No matter what type of criminal accusation you may be facing, the help of a skilled and qualified lawyer can help you fight the charges against you. The team at The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC, is prepared to listen to your story and represent you and your interests. If you or a loved one have been accused of a crime in Taylorsville, contact our offices and let our team put our experience to work for you.