Huntersville Felony Lawyer

Huntersville Felony Attorney

Felonies can be overwhelming to face, with the potential for years in prison and thousands in fines. If you have been recently accused of a criminal offense, a Huntersville felony lawyer can help you through this challenging period. They can be at your side from the initial arrest to the final court verdict.

About Us

Founding attorney Kevin Barnett has over 35 years of legal experience, handling cases ranging from DWIs to first-degree murder charges. His legal accomplishments earned him an AV Preeminent rating in 2022 from Martindale-Hubbell.

Overview of Felony Cases in North Carolina

Felonies encompass a wide range of offenses. In 2024, there were 27,088 felony convictions in North Carolina. The most common felony charges were non-trafficking drug offenses at 8,009 instances, followed by 6,891 property convictions, 6,423 other, and 5,262 crimes against persons. Mecklenburg County had 1,043 felony convictions.

Felony cases are serious criminal charges. North Carolina uses a letter-grade system to classify the severity of felonies, starting at Class H felonies like larceny of property worth more than $1,000 and escalating to Class A offenses such as first-degree murder. Huntersville felony cases are handled through the Mecklenburg County Courthouse, located at 832 East 4th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202.

Types of Felonies We Represent

Felony cases cover a variety of unlawful actions, with details drastically changing between cases. The following are a few types of felony charges that The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett represents:

• Drug offenses. Almost all drug offenses in North Carolina, including possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking of controlled substances, are felony matters.
• White-collar crimes. White-collar crimes consist of non-violent, financially motivated, unlawful actions that typically occur in business or government settings. Examples include fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and identity theft.
• Violent charges. Violent felonies range in severity and include aggravated assault, robbery, first-degree murder, manslaughter, and homicide.
• Property crimes. Property crimes center around taking another person’s belongings. Examples include theft, larceny, and burglary.

Hire a Felony Lawyer

Hire a Huntersville felony attorney to guide you through this trying time. Your Huntersville felony attorney can help at every step of the proceedings. A few key services that The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett can provide include:

• Explaining charges. Some charged with felonies may understand the severity, but be confused about the penalties or the relevant legal structure. We can explain your case to you and help you understand what punishments you may face.
• Building defense. Every felony charge requires a different approach. Your defense attorney can use the details of your case to build a strong defense against allegations.
• Examining the prosecution’s case. Law enforcement and the prosecution must follow set rules and regulations when accusing you of criminal activity. Our team can examine the prosecution’s case and highlight any errors or holes in their argument. Unlawful search and seizure, profiling, or failure to read Miranda rights are a few possible grounds to dismiss a case.
• Representing in court. Any court appearance can be intimidating, especially when facing imprisonment and a permanent felonious criminal record. The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett can represent you in all court hearings and advocate for you during the proceedings.
• Negotiating a plea bargain. If you feel guilty of an accusation, or a conviction seems likely, your lawyer can negotiate with the courts and prosecution for a plea bargain. Plea deals can reduce offenses to lower charges on your record, shorten prison sentences, and lower fines.

FAQs

Q: Do You Need an Attorney for a Felony Case in North Carolina?

A: North Carolina does not legally require you to have legal counsel when facing a felony case, but doing so can be a worthwhile investment. Felony matters can result in years of prison, hefty fines, and lasting consequences for your life. A skilled attorney can explain your charges, build your defense, and represent you in court. If a conviction seems certain, they can negotiate with the prosecution to mitigate the penalties.

Q: How Long Does a Felony Case Take to Resolve in North Carolina?

A: How long your felony case takes to resolve in North Carolina depends on the complexity of your case, the severity of charges, and the court’s workload. A Class H felony with an early settlement may take a few months, whereas a Class A felony that proceeds to trial involving multiple parties may take years to finalize. In your initial consultation, your lawyer can provide a loose timeline for your situation.

Q: How Much Does a Felony Attorney Cost in North Carolina?

A: How Much your North Carolina felony attorney costs changes based on the severity of accusations against you and the work hours for the firm. A first-time offender charged with felony assault that resolves in the pre-trial period typically costs less than representation for first-degree murder charges. Another contributing factor to cost is the billing structure, with different lawyers using flat fees, hourly rates, or retainer expenses.

Q: What Is the Average Prison Sentence for a Felony in North Carolina?

A: The exact average prison sentence for felonies in North Carolina changes based on the criminal charge and severity of the actions. In 2024, the total average minimum active sentence for cases across the state was 35 months. However, this may not apply to your own case. A skilled felony defense attorney can provide a rough estimate for the prison sentence you may face.

Q: What Is the Strongest Defense Against a Felony Accusation in North Carolina?

A: The strongest defense against felony charges in North Carolina changes on a case-by-case basis and depends on the details of your situation. Examples of common strategies used include claiming self-defense or defense of another, suppressing unlawfully acquired evidence, entrapment, or a clear alibi during alleged events. Your lawyer can help you decide on which approach matches your scenario.

Speak With a Huntersville Felony Attorney Today

At The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett, we are dedicated to helping the people of Huntersville, Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and cities throughout Southwest North Carolina with their felony cases.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation. During this meeting, we can learn your story, discuss the charges you face, and provide potential legal strategies for your defense. You may also visit our Charlotte office, located on North McDowell Street, northwest of American Legion Memorial Stadium, northeast of Mecklenburg County Courthouse, and south of the post office.