Violent crimes are some of the most serious offenses, and the state of North Carolina prosecutes them vigorously. If you’ve been charged with committing a violent crime, you should speak to the team at McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan about your legal rights and options.
Our violent crime lawyers in Winston-Salem have received several awards for our legal practice, and many of our attorneys have been recognized by professional organizations for our skills. We can put up a robust defense against charges for violent crimes and work to preserve your freedoms and liberties.
Contact our offices today to schedule a consultation with a criminal defense lawyer in Winston-Salem. Time is of the essence in these cases, so don’t hesitate to reach out as soon as possible.
How the Team at McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan Can Help
Being charged with a crime can be a scary experience, and it can feel like the entire world is against you. However, you are entitled to secure legal representation from an attorney, no matter the nature of the alleged crime. McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan can defend your rights in court and argue to meet the prosecution’s case.
More specifically, our team can:
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Gather evidence
- Attend pre-trial hearings with you
- Cross-examine witnesses
- Negotiate a plea agreement with the state, if appropriate
- Explore alternatives to incarceration
- Represent you during trial, if necessary
Our team has experience navigating criminal cases in the Forsyth County Courthouse and has excellent professional relationships with judges and court staff. This allows us to pursue your defense effectively and efficiently.
Common Types of Violent Crimes We Can Handle
We have experience representing clients who’ve been charged with violent offenses. Below are some of the most common violent crime cases we handle in Winston-Salem.
Assault and Battery
In North Carolina, assault and battery are treated together under a single offense. Assault involves an attempt or threat to cause harm that creates a reasonable fear of injury, while battery is the actual, unlawful physical contact. Both are commonly charged as “assault” under North Carolina law.
Vehicular Assault
Vehicular assault is assault that is committed using a motor vehicle and can involve grossly negligent conduct or intentionally using your vehicle as a weapon.
Robbery
Robbery is theft that is committed through the use of force or the threat of violence. Robbery charges can be more severe if a deadly weapon was used in the commission of the crime.
Homicide and Murder
Homicide is defined as the killing of another person. It can be divided into murder, which is killing with malice aforethought, and manslaughter, which can be intentional or unintentional.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault includes various offenses under North Carolina laws, such as non-consensual sexual contact or forcible sexual intercourse by using violence or coercion.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence includes violent crimes committed against family or household members, such as assault, stalking, intimidation, and violating restraining orders.
For a free legal consultation with a violent crime lawyer serving Winston-Salem, call (336) 485-4907 today
What Are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in Winston-Salem?
Violent crimes can carry harsh criminal penalties, including prison time and civil fines. The exact degree of punishment depends on the specific crime.
Simple assault, for example, is typically charged as a misdemeanor crime that carries up to 60 days in jail and fines up to $1,000. On the other hand, common law robbery is typically a Class G felony, punishable by roughly 8 to 31 months in prison, while robbery with a dangerous weapon (armed robbery) is a Class D felony carrying substantially longer prison terms.
Penalties for violent crimes can be elevated if aggravating factors are present, such as using a deadly weapon or causing severe bodily injury. Aside from incarceration and fines, individuals convicted of violent crimes may have trouble finding employment or applying for housing.
Possible Defenses Against Violent Crime Accusations
Below are some of the possible legal defenses that a Winston-Salem violent crime lawyer can deploy:
- Self-defense. Self-defense can be a viable defense if you engaged in violence to protect yourself or others from imminent harm. North Carolina is a stand-your-ground state, so individuals do not have a duty to retreat before resorting to force.
- Lack of intent. Violent crimes typically require an element of intentionality. If the harm you caused was accidental, then it can mitigate the charges against you.
- Mistaken identity. Violent altercations can be chaotic, and accusers might have incorrect memories about the event. It’s possible that you’ve been falsely identified as the perpetrator of the crime.
- Duress or coercion. If you were forced to act while under duress or coercion, then the prosecution’s case can be rebuffed.
- Plea bargain. In some cases, your lawyer may be able to negotiate a lesser criminal charge in exchange for a guilty plea. For example, an assault inflicting serious injury charge may be negotiated down to a simple assault charge.
Winston-Salem Violent Crime Lawyer Near Me
(336) 485-4907
Contact a Winston-Salem Violent Crime Lawyer
The stakes can be incredibly high in these types of cases, so you can’t afford to leave things to chance. The team at McMinn, Fradin, Gray & Logan can be your legal advocates to ensure your rights are respected during the criminal process. Contact our offices online or call us today to discuss your case with a Winston-Salem violent crime lawyer.
Call or text (336) 485-4907 or fill out our Free Case Evaluation Form to get started
