Your criminal charge in the state triggers both a court case and a DMV action within 7 days. Martine Law can intervene before either process works against you.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Criminal Defense Attorneys in North Carolina
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Super Lawyers
2024 Top 100
AVVO 10.0
Superb Rating
NC State Bar
Licensed
2,000+
Cases Handled
4.9/5 Stars
300+ Reviews
Licensed Criminal Lawyers Across North Carolina
We focus on acting fast, knowing local courts, and protecting your record, rights & safety from day one.
Proven Court Experience
Our attorneys work within Minnesota courts and understand how DWI cases are handled at every level.
Focused Defense Approach
You get direct answers, clear next steps, and a legal approach built around the details of your case.
End-to-End Case Handling
Your case is handled with consistency from start to finish, with careful attention at each stage.
North Carolina Defense Practice Areas We Cover
Our defense attorneys stand up for clients against a statewide range of criminal charges.
[ASSLT]
Assault Lawyer
Assault charges cover physical altercations, threats, injury allegations, and weapon-related accusations.
[DV]
Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence cases often move through both criminal court and protective order proceedings.
[DRUG]
Drug Charges Lawyer
Drug charges can center on possession, intent to sell, trafficking, searches, testing, and evidence handling.
[DWI/DUI]
DWI / DUI Lawyer
DWI cases involve criminal charges, DMV revocation hearings, and strict overlapping deadlines.
[FEL]
Felony Defense Lawyer
Felony cases move through Superior Court, where prior record level can affect sentencing.
[SC]
Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sex crime cases carry serious penalties, registration risks, and require early defense review.
[MISD]
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Misdemeanor cases can create a record, making early dismissal or deferred options important.
[THEFT]
Theft Crimes Lawyer
Theft charges depend on value, circumstances, intent, identification, and the evidence presented.
[PO]
Protective Orders Lawyer
Protective orders can affect housing, work, travel, contact, and court-ordered restrictions.
NC COURT INTELLIGENCE
How North Carolina Courts Handle Your Criminal Case
North Carolina’s two-tier court system can shape your rights, timeline, and case strategy.
District Courts (Misdemeanors)
State’s District Court handles all misdemeanor charges, including DWI, simple assault, and Class 1 drug possession. A judge decides cases; there is no jury at this level.
Superior Courts (Felonies)
All felonies from Class I to Class A are heard here, following grand jury indictment. You can go for a jury trial. Sentences are determined by the North Carolina Structured Sentencing grid.
Prosecution Structure
Each county has its own elected District Attorney with discretion over charge levels. Hence, an attorney with statewide experience only knows how each office operates for negotiation.
100
NC Countes served statewide.
30 Days
Typical misdeminor resolution.
2
Court levels – district and superior.
A to I
NC Felony classes under state law
What Affects Your Charge Level
The state classifies offenses into misdemeanors and felonies under the Structured Sentencing Act. Your charge level denotes which court hears your case, the penalty range, and which defense strategies apply.
An experienced attorney can challenge how prior convictions are counted in your record level – directly affecting the sentence range a judge may impose.
North Carolina Misdemeanors
| Class | Max sentence | Common charges |
|---|---|---|
| A1 | Up to 150 days | Assault on female, child abuse, stalking |
| Class 1 | Up to 120 days | Simple assault, drug possession |
| Class 2 | Up to 60 days | Disorderly conduct, simple affray |
| Class 3 | Up to 20 days | Traffic violations elevated to criminal |
North Carolina Felonies
| Class | Sentence range | Common charges |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Life or death | First-degree murder |
| Class B1/B2 | 144 months – life | Second-degree murder, rape |
| Classes C–E | 38–182 months | Assault with weapon, trafficking |
| Classes F–I | 6–59 months | Drug PWISD, larceny, embezzlement |
NOTE: Prior record level under NC Structured Sentencing is also responsible for your actual sentences. But an attorney can challenge how your prior convictions are counted.
Why Choose Martine Law’s Criminal Defense Attorney
Courtroom Experience
Martine Law attorneys are regular practitioners. We know local court schedules, judicial temperament, and how individual courtrooms operate.
Former Prosecutors
Our attorneys have worked inside state district attorney offices, which helps with spotting weaknesses and how local DAs approach plea negotiation internally.
Complete Defense
No hand cases off. The attorney who reviews your case at first contact handles your advocacy through every stage.
Statewide Coverage
Charlotte, Raleigh, Durham, Fayetteville, Greensboro, and all North Carolina counties, we appear where you need us.
How Your Criminal Charge is Processed
Every criminal case moves through the same stages, and understanding each one helps you make better decisions faster.
Have you Chosen the Right Defense Yet?
The moment charges are filed, the prosecution builds its file. The sooner your attorney reviews the same evidence, the more options can be included.
Let our attorneys identify the best defense strategy faster.
Unlawful Search or Stop
If law enforcement lacked reasonable suspicion or probable cause, all evidence gathered after that moment may be suppressed.
Chain of Custody Violations
Documentation gaps in drug and DWI cases can undermine lab results and the reliability of physical evidence.
Miranda Rights Violations
Statements made after arrest without proper Miranda warnings may be inadmissible at a suppression hearing.
Challenging Witness Credibility
We scrutinize identification procedures, witness motives, and statement consistency in the court.
Lack of Intent as a Defense
In drug, theft, and fraud cases, lack of knowledge or criminal intent is a complete defense for the case.
Due Process Violations
In drug, theft, and fraud cases, lack of knowledge or criminal intent is a complete defense for the case.
Serving Criminal Defense Clients Across North Carolina
Martine Law attorneys practice in all statewide courts. They’re familiar with the local court schedules, prosecution practices, and judicial temperament in each jurisdiction. Where your case is filed, that is where we appear.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to answer questions from the police in NC without a lawyer present?
No. You have the right to remain silent during custodial questioning and the right to request an attorney. Clearly state that you want to remain silent and speak with a lawyer, then avoid answering investigative questions.
What is a plea bargain, and should I accept one?
A plea bargain is an agreement between the defendant and prosecutor that may involve a guilty plea, reduced charges, dismissed counts, or sentencing terms. Whether to accept depends on the evidence, prior record, possible penalties, and advice from your defense attorney.
What should I do immediately after being arrested in North Carolina?
Stay calm, avoid discussing the facts of the case, and ask for a criminal defense attorney. Statements made during police questioning may be used against you, so legal advice should come before any detailed response.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in NC?
Misdemeanors are lower-level offenses generally handled in District Court, while felonies are more serious charges presented in Superior Court. North Carolina classifies misdemeanors from Class 3 to Class A1 and felonies from Class I to Class A.
Get Your Case Reviewed for Free
Facing criminal charges in North Carolina? A bar-licensed Martin Law attorney will review your case free of cost. Full confidentiality will be maintained.
Secure, confidential, and easy to start. Share your details so our team can review the next step.