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Understanding Felonies and Misdemeanors in North Carolina
North Carolina utilizes a rigid and complex system for classifying crimes, primarily governed by the North Carolina General Statutes (N.C.G.S.). The classification of your charge dictates everything from which court will hear your case to the maximum amount of time you could spend behind bars.
The Misdemeanor Classifications
Misdemeanors are generally considered less serious than felonies, but they still carry the risk of active jail time and a permanent criminal record. Under N.C.G.S. § 15A-1340.23, misdemeanors are divided into four classes:
- Class A1: The most serious, including charges like assault on a female or assault with a deadly weapon.
- Class 1: Includes larceny (under $1,000) and possession of drug paraphernalia.
- Class 2: Includes simple assault and carrying a concealed weapon.
- Class 3: The least severe, covering offenses like simple possession of marijuana (under 0.5 oz) or shoplifting.
The Felony Classifications
Felonies are high-level crimes that carry the possibility of prison sentences and long-term loss of civil rights. As your felonies lawyer in Shelby, we handle the entire spectrum of North Carolina felonies, which are categorized from Class A (most serious) to Class I (least serious) under N.C.G.S. § 15A-1340.17:
- Class A: Capital offenses, including first-degree murder.
- Class B1 & B2: Serious violent crimes, such as first-degree rape or second-degree murder.
- Class C through E: Serious felonies including kidnapping, robbery with a dangerous weapon, and certain drug trafficking offenses.
- Class F through I: Lower-level felonies such as felony breaking and entering, larceny over $1,000, and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.
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“Daniel Talbert is a top-notch attorney... he has a never-give-up approach even when things look bleak.” - Roger T.
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“David Teddy was more than worth the money... he actually took the time to listen.” - Rosslyn S.
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“David Teddy and his team are outstanding!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!” - Nicholas D.
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“Ralph is the epitome of what a lawyer should be.” - Melinda R.
We Protect Your Legal Rights After an Arrest
If you have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor in North Carolina, it’s important to hire a criminal defense lawyer promptly. Key evidence that may help prove your innocence may get lost if there is a long delay.
That’s why our legal team will immediately begin investigating your case. In some cases, we begin working for you before charges are filed if you have been told you are the target of an investigation.
Whatever the charge, we hold firmly to the principle that our clients are presumed innocent until proven otherwise. Our goal is to protect your rights and freedom.
Attorney David Teddy, a founding partner of this law firm, was recently chosen by lawyers across the state as President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, a statewide association of attorneys dedicated to protecting the rights of North Carolinians in civil and criminal cases. Mr. Teddy is a Board Certified Specialist in criminal law.
Criminal Attorney in Shelby, NC
We have experience representing clients charged with criminal misdemeanors in Cleveland County, Gaston County, Rutherford County, and Lincoln County. If you have been charged with any felony or misdemeanor, contact us online or call a criminal defense attorney at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., today.
Our Comprehensive Approach to Criminal Defense
At Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, PLLC, we don't believe in "cookie-cutter" defense. Every case requires a unique strategy. Our methodology includes:
- Early Intervention: The best time to beat a charge is before it is even filed. We often communicate with investigators early to prevent an arrest from ever happening.
- Board Certified Expertise: Our founding partner, David Teddy, is a Board Certified Specialist in criminal law, a distinction held by only a small fraction of attorneys in North Carolina.
- Forensic Scrutiny: We work with private investigators and forensic experts to challenge blood tests, DNA evidence, and digital forensics.
- Deep Community Roots: Serving Western North Carolina since 1994, we have established a reputation for integrity. We know the local prosecutors and judges, and they know we are prepared to fight.