Pre-Charge Criminal Defense Lawyer
Pre-Charge Representation: Explore NC Options Before Charges Are Filed
A criminal investigation can create serious concerns before charges are filed. Early legal guidance may help protect your rights and prepare you for what comes next.
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6+
Years Experience
4000+
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If you are under investigation in North Carolina, you may talk to a pre-file Investigation attorney before charges are filed. Early representation can help protect your interests.
Look Beyond the Investigation
What Can Happen When Charges Are Filed?
Once charges are filed, the matter can move into court proceedings. The consequences depend on the charge, circumstances, and criminal history.
Cost 01 — Your Freedom
Arrest & Pretrial Release
Depending on the circumstances, being charged can lead to an arrest and conditions of pretrial release while your case proceeds.
Cost 02 — Your Record
Criminal Case
A filed criminal charge creates a court case that may affect your record and require you to respond through the legal process.
Cost 03 — Your Future
Personal & Professional Impact
A charge may pose challenges to your employment, professional opportunities, relationships, or other areas of your life.
Possible Benefits
Why Hire a Lawyer Before Charges Are Filed?
Seeking legal representation in North Carolina before charges are filed may provide an opportunity to address an investigation early. The benefits depend on your circumstances and cannot guarantee a specific outcome.
01Early Guidance
Understand Your Rights
Know Before You Respond
An attorney can explain your rights and help you understand how to respond to requests for information, interviews, or other investigative steps.
02Investigation
Prepare Your Defense
Build Before Charges
Early representation allows an attorney to learn about the investigation, assess the circumstances, and begin developing a defense strategy before charges are filed.
03Advocacy
Communicate With Investigators
Legal Communication
An attorney may communicate with law enforcement or other parties on your behalf when appropriate, helping you navigate investigative communications while protecting your legal interests.
04Preparation
Prepare for Possible Charges
Know Your Options
If charges are later filed, having counsel involved early may help you understand the allegations, evaluate your options, and prepare for the next stage.
Pre-Charge Criminal Defense Areas
Criminal Allegations We Address Before Charges
Assault
Representation for individuals facing an assault investigation or allegations before the formal filing of criminal charges.
Domestic Violence
Legal guidance for individuals involved in a domestic violence investigation or allegations that could lead to criminal charges.
DWI & Traffic Defense
Representation for individuals under investigation for impaired driving or certain traffic offenses before charges are formally filed.
Drug Charges
Legal guidance for individuals facing an investigation involving suspected possession, distribution, trafficking, or other drug-related offenses.
Larceny & Theft
Representation for individuals facing allegations involving suspected theft, larceny, fraud, or other property-related offenses before charges are filed.
Sex Charges
Legal representation for individuals under investigation for alleged sex offenses before criminal charges are formally filed.
Protective & Restraining Orders
Legal guidance when allegations may involve a protective or restraining order and potential related criminal consequences.
Probation Violations
Representation involving allegations of probation violations that may lead to additional criminal proceedings or other consequences.
Misdemeanors
Legal guidance for investigations involving conduct that could result in misdemeanor charges under North Carolina law.
Felonies
Representation for individuals under investigation for conduct that could result in serious felony charges and significant criminal consequences.
Local Knowledge Matters
Understanding the NC Criminal Court Process
If an investigation leads to criminal charges, the case may proceed through the state’s General Court of Justice. Checking how cases move from an investigation to charges and court proceedings can help you make informed decisions early.
Knowing what may happen if charges are filed, where your case may be heard, and what options may be available can help you prepare before formal proceedings begin.
Before we quote you anything, we look at the citation, your driving record, and where the stop happened. Then we tell you plainly whether hiring a lawyer is worth it for your situation. Sometimes the honest answer is that it isn’t.
Where Your Case May Be Heard
Criminal cases may proceed through North Carolina’s District or Superior Court system, depending on the offense and stage of the case.
Who May Investigate Your Case
Local police departments, county sheriff’s offices, the N.C. State Highway Patrol, and other law-enforcement agencies may investigate conduct that could lead to criminal charges.
Communities we serve
AlamanceAlexanderAnsonBertieBurkeCabarrusCaldwellCaswellCatawbaChathamClevelandCumberlandDavidsonDavieDuplinDurhamEdgecombeForsythFranklinGastonGranvilleGreeneGuilfordHalifaxHarnettHokeIredellJohnstonLeeLenoirLincolnMartinMcDowellMecklenburgMontgomeryMooreNashNorthamptonOrangePersonPittPolkRandolphRichmondRockinghamRowanRutherfordSampsonScotlandStanlyStokesSurryUnionVanceWakeWarrenWayneWilkesWilsonYadkin
Check Your Court Date
Use the state’s official court-date resources to confirm when and where you need to appear.
Check Your Court Date
Three Steps to Get Legal Help Early
Step 1
Talk to Us 24/7
Tell us what you know about the investigation, including any contact with law enforcement or notice that you may be investigated.
Step 2
Know Your Options & Fee
We’ll discuss your circumstances, explain your legal options, recommend an approach, and tell you the fee before you move forward.
Step 3
We Handle Your Representation
When appropriate, an attorney can communicate on your behalf and address the investigation before charges are filed. If further action is needed, we’ll explain what comes next.
Your Next Move
Get a Clear Assessment of Your Investigation
Share the details of the investigation with Martine Law. We’ll assess your situation, explain your legal options, and help you understand what may come next.
- ✓Call Us Anytime/7
- ✓Communicate in English or Spanish
- ✓Know Your Fee Before Hiring
- ✓Get Legal Guidance Before Charges Are Filed