A North Carolina criminal case can create consequences beyond court. Certain impaired-driving charges may trigger separate DMV licensing procedures, while other charges can affect work, professional licenses, housing, immigration, or family matters.
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Criminal Defense Attorneys in North Carolina
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Martine Law defends people charged with crimes in 36 North Carolina counties, from DWI and drug charges to felonies and probation violations. If you were arrested, do not discuss the facts with police. Free consultation with our Director of Client Engagement. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
4
NC Offices
24/7
Phones & Chat Answered
Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
NC State Bar
Licensed
36
NC Counties Served
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 North Carolina courts and handle criminal defense matters at different stages.
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 wide range of criminal charges.
Assault Lawyer
Assault charges cover physical altercations, threats, injury allegations, and weapon-related accusations.
Domestic Violence Lawyer
Domestic violence cases often move through both criminal court and protective order proceedings.
Drug Charges Lawyer
Drug charges can center on possession, intent to sell, trafficking, searches, testing, and evidence handling.
DWI / DUI Lawyer
DWI cases involve criminal charges, DMV revocation hearings, and strict overlapping deadlines.
Felony Defense Lawyer
Felony cases move through Superior Court, where prior record level can affect sentencing.
Sex Crimes Lawyer
Sex crime cases carry serious penalties, registration risks, and require early defense review.
Misdemeanor Defense Lawyer
Misdemeanor cases can create a record, making early dismissal or deferred options important.
Theft Crimes Lawyer
Theft charges depend on value, circumstances, intent, identification, and the evidence presented.
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)
District Court hears misdemeanors and DWI charges, such as simple assault and possession of a small amount of marijuana, and holds first appearances in felony cases. A judge decides the case without a jury, and you can appeal a conviction to Superior Court for a jury trial (G.S. 15A-1431).
Superior Courts (Felonies)
Superior Court tries felonies, Class A through Class I, usually after a grand jury indictment. You have the right to a jury trial. Sentences follow the felony structured sentencing grid in G.S. 15A-1340.17.
Prosecution Structure
North Carolina elects district attorneys by prosecutorial district, which may include more than one county. The district attorney’s office prosecutes criminal cases in that district.
36
North Carolina counties served
Varies
Timing depends on the charge and court
2
District and Superior Court systems
Class A–I
Felony classes under NC 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 | Assault on a sports official under G.S. 14-33(b)(9) |
| Class 2 | Up to 60 days | Simple assault, 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 | Depends on B1 or B2 class, prior record, and applicable sentencing range | Second-degree murder, rape |
| Classes C–E | Depends on individual class, prior record, and applicable sentencing range | Assault with weapon, trafficking |
| Classes F–I | Depends on individual class, prior record, and applicable sentencing range | Drug PWISD, larceny, embezzlement |
See G.S. 15A-1340.17 for minimum and corresponding maximum terms. Offense-specific laws and age-related rules can change the applicable sentence.
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 Attorneys
Courtroom Experience
Martine Law attorneys are regular practitioners. We know local court schedules, judicial temperament, and how individual courtrooms operate.
Evidence First
We test every charge against the exact statute, the stop, the search, and the lab work before any talk of a plea.
Complete Defense
Our team explains the next steps and connects you with the attorney responsible for your representation.
36 NC Counties
We take criminal cases in 36 North Carolina counties, from offices in Charlotte, Raleigh, Cary, and Belmont.
How Your Criminal Charge is Processed
Criminal cases can follow different paths. These are common stages your attorney can explain based on your charge and court.
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 right defense strategy sooner.
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 required knowledge or criminal intent can be a complete defense.
Due Process Violations
Any procedural error in the arrest, charging, or evidence handling may support a motion to suppress or dismiss.
Serving Criminal Defense Clients Across North Carolina
Martine Law handles criminal cases in 36 North Carolina counties. 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.
Serving North Carolina from offices in Raleigh, Cary, Charlotte, and Belmont.
- Charlotte
- Raleigh
- Greensboro
- Durham
- Fayetteville
- High Point
- Concord
- Gastonia
- Burlington
- Kannapolis
- Mooresville
- Wilson
- Hickory
- Statesville
- Goldsboro
- Sanford
- Clayton
- Salisbury
- Albemarle
- + 36 NC counties
Charged in Cary or western Wake County
Our Cary office at 15000 Weston Parkway, Suite 114 serves people charged in Cary, Apex, Morrisville, Holly Springs, and the rest of western Wake County. Cary does not have its own criminal court. Charges filed by the Cary Police Department, headquartered at 120 Wilkinson Avenue, are heard with other Wake County criminal cases at the Wake County Justice Center, 300 S. Salisbury Street in Raleigh.
| If you were charged by | Your case is heard at | Prosecuted by |
|---|---|---|
| Cary Police Department | Wake County Justice Center, Raleigh | Wake County District Attorney, District 10 |
| Apex, Morrisville, or Holly Springs police | Wake County Justice Center, Raleigh | Wake County District Attorney, District 10 |
| Wake County Sheriff or State Highway Patrol in Wake County | Wake County Justice Center, Raleigh | Wake County District Attorney, District 10 |
| Police in the Chatham County part of Cary | Chatham County courthouse, Pittsboro | Chatham County District Attorney |
The county where the offense happened decides the court, not the town on your mailing address. See our Cary office page and the Wake County court guide for courthouse details.
North Carolina offense classes compared
| Class group | Examples | Court | Sentencing law |
|---|---|---|---|
| Class 3 and Class 2 misdemeanors | Driving while license revoked, simple assault | District Court | G.S. 15A-1340.23 |
| Class 1 and Class A1 misdemeanors | Misdemeanor larceny, assault on a female | District Court | G.S. 15A-1340.23 |
| Impaired driving | DWI | District Court | G.S. 20-179 |
| Class H and Class I felonies | Breaking or entering a vehicle, many low-level drug felonies | Superior Court | G.S. 15A-1340.17 |
| Class A through Class G felonies | Serious violent and trafficking offenses | Superior Court | G.S. 15A-1340.17 |
Read more: how a felony moves through court and North Carolina DWI levels.
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.
How much does a criminal defense consultation cost?
Criminal defense consultations with our Director of Client Engagement are free. Phones and chat are answered 24/7, with AI covering when no staff is free.
Which North Carolina counties do you handle criminal cases in?
36 counties. From Charlotte and Belmont: Cabarrus, Catawba, Cleveland, Gaston, Iredell, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanly, and Union. From Raleigh and Cary: Caswell, Chatham, Cumberland, Duplin, Durham, Edgecombe, Franklin, Granville, Greene, Halifax, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Moore, Nash, Orange, Person, Pitt, Sampson, Vance, Wake, Warren, Wayne, and Wilson. Both teams: Alamance, Guilford, and Randolph.
Can probation be revoked for a missed appointment in North Carolina?
A missed appointment can lead to a violation hearing. G.S. 15A-1344 generally limits revocation to a new criminal offense or absconding, but subsection (d2) also permits revocation after qualifying prior periods of confinement. The court can modify conditions or impose other authorized sanctions. See our probation violation page.
How soon after arrest do I see a judge in North Carolina?
If you are held in custody, your first appearance before a district court judge must be within 72 hours of arrest or at the first regular session of district court in the county, whichever comes first (N.C. Gen. Stat. 15A-601(c)). If the courthouse is closed for more than 72 hours, the limit is 96 hours. At that hearing, the judge informs you of the charges and your right to a lawyer.
Meet our North Carolina criminal defense attorneys: Ariana Wright, Karsen Wright, George Caspar, and Jesse Caldwell III, former Superior Court judge. See representative case results.
How long do I have to appeal a district court conviction?
You have 10 days from entry of judgment to give notice of appeal, either orally in open court or in writing to the clerk (N.C. Gen. Stat. 15A-1431(c)). The appeal goes to Superior Court for a new trial, called a trial de novo. Missing the 10-day deadline can end the right to appeal, so talk to a lawyer right away.
What happens if I miss a criminal court date in NC?
The court can issue an order for arrest when a defendant released on bail fails to appear, or fails to appear on a criminal summons or misdemeanor citation (N.C. Gen. Stat. 15A-305(b)). For motor vehicle offenses, missing court also leads to license revocation, effective on the sixtieth day after the order is mailed, unless the charge is resolved first (N.C. Gen. Stat. 20-24.1).
Can I get a court-appointed lawyer in North Carolina?
If you cannot afford a lawyer, you are entitled to appointed counsel in any case where imprisonment, or a fine of $500 or more, is likely (N.C. Gen. Stat. 7A-451(a)(1)). The court decides whether you qualify. You can also hire a private lawyer of your choice. Our criminal defense consultations with our Director of Client Engagement are free.
Where are Cary criminal cases heard?
Most Cary criminal cases are heard at the Wake County Justice Center, 300 S. Salisbury Street in Raleigh, because Cary is in Wake County. A small part of Cary lies in Chatham County, and offenses there are heard in Chatham County.
Can I call a criminal lawyer and ask a question for free?
Yes. Criminal defense consultations are free. Your consultation is with our Director of Client Engagement, not an attorney. If you hire us, an attorney handles your case.
Get Your Case Reviewed for Free
Facing criminal charges in North Carolina? Book a free, confidential consultation with our Director of Client Engagement.
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