Hearing that you are facing a felony charge brings you a moment where you must pause to understand what it truly means and what comes next. A single document or courtroom statement carries legal weight and can become a turning point in your life, where the laws, your rights, and future intersect.
At Martine Law, we help you answer those questions with a steady, informed approach so you feel prepared, supported, and ready for each step in the process.
Our North Carolina felony defense lawyer ensures you receive clear direction, reliable communication, and strong advocacy to protect your future with purpose and precision.
Connect with our legal team to explore and understand your options.
Facing a Felony Charge in North Carolina? Here’s What It Means for You
A felony is a serious crime under North Carolina law. If you compare it with misdemeanors, which typically involve shorter jail terms and lower fines, felonies carry long-term consequences, including the possibility of significant prison time.
Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-1 law, North Carolina divides felony charges into classes, ranging from the most serious (Class A) to the least severe (Class I).
The State of North Carolina can file felony charges against you, often based on a complainant’s report. These charges may stem from situations such as:
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- Drug trafficking or serious drug distribution
- Assault inflicting serious injury
- Burglary or robbery
- Certain firearm-related offenses
- Fraud or large-scale financial crimes
- Sexual offenses
- Homicide-related charges
The North Carolina Court will approach your case and hear your bail plea or sentencing, depending on the severity of the charge.
How a Felony Accusation Can Change the Next Course of Your Life
A felony charge can have a significant impact on your personal and professional life. You may lose
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- Employment
- Housing opportunities
- Professional licensing
- Immigration status
- Your ability to vote or own firearms
- Family relationships
- Your financial stability
These factors shape how your case unfolds and what the road ahead may look like.
You deserve professional legal guidance that recognizes your concerns, answers your questions, and supports you as you move through this process with dignity.
How Felonies Are Classified in North Carolina
The North Carolina Court uses a structured grid system that considers both the class of the felony and your prior criminal record.
This grid helps determine the minimum and maximum sentence a judge may consider.
| Felony Classes | Severity of the Crime |
| Class A | The most serious, such as first-degree murder |
| Class B1 and B2 | Serious violent crimes |
| Classes C through E | Offenses such as kidnapping, certain assaults, or major drug crimes |
| Classes F through I | Less severe felonies, including breaking, trespassing, larceny, or lower-level drug offenses |
The North Carolina Sentencing Commission will consider where your charge falls on this spectrum while issuing the final judgment.
Having a North Carolina felony defense lawyer by your side can help you understand what you are up against and how to respond.
What Happens After You Are Charged With a Felony?
When you are charged with a felony, the legal process moves through several stages. Each one can shape the outcome of your case.
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Arrest or Criminal Summons
The process may begin with your arrest, or you may receive a formal court summons.
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First Appearance in Court
You appear before a judge, who explains the charges, sets bond conditions, and informs you of your rights.
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Appointment or Retention of Counsel
This is when you secure legal representation. It is one of the most important decisions you will make.
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Discovery and Evidence Review
Both sides examine evidence, including police reports, witness statements, video footage, forensic analyses, or digital evidence.
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Negotiation or Pre-Trial Motions
Our criminal defense attorney representing your case may challenge evidence, file motions, or negotiate for reduced charges.
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Trial Preparation or Plea Discussions
Depending on the case, we help you prepare for trial or consider plea options.
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Final Resolution
The North Carolina Judicial Branch may end your case in dismissal, plea agreement, or trial verdict.
Potential Consequences of a Felony Conviction
If the court convicts you of a felony charge, you may have to face different punishments, which vary in severity based on the crime committed. These may include:
- Prison time
- Probation or supervised release
- Fines and restitution
- Loss of firearm rights
- Loss of professional licensure
- Impact on immigration cases
- Barriers to employment and housing
However, if you want to protect yourself legally from these severe consequences or become familiar with the charges, contacting our experienced criminal defense lawyers is crucial.
Don’t Commit These Common Mistakes to Complicate Your Felony Charge Case
We request that you not take unnecessary steps or make wrong decisions that may affect your case moving forward. Please don’t:
- Speaking to police without legal counsel
- Posting information on social media
- Contacting witnesses involved in the case
- Missing court dates
- Ignoring bail or bond conditions
- Assuming the case is hopeless
These unwanted actions can impact your credibility and limit your options. Acting carefully and strategically with our legal team is essential.
How Martine Law Supports You Through a Felony Charge
A felony charge mandatorily requires you to make decisions that deserve keen attention and our profound expertise in fighting such criminal cases to protect your rights.
At Martine Law, we combine advanced technology with a client-first approach, so you always know what is happening in your case and why it matters.
Our team can assist you with:
- Examining the evidence in detail
- Identifying weaknesses in the state’s case
- Protecting your constitutional rights
- Negotiating for reduced charges when appropriate
- Preparing aggressive trial strategies when necessary
- Keeping you informed at every stage
Moving Forward With Strength and Support
Felony charges carry high stakes, but they do not define your future. With the correct information, complete courtroom preparation, and extensive support, we evaluate how each offense interacts and identify strategies that may produce the best outcome.
For guidance grounded in honesty and experience, connect with us today.
You can call +1(704) 842-3411 and get your consultation over the phone.