Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer

Criminal Defense Attorney in Raleigh, NC

One of the scariest things you can face in your lifetime is a criminal charge. Whether you are accused of drunk driving along Capitol Boulevard or are facing sex crime allegations in North Hills, you need to retain a Raleigh criminal defense lawyer who can review your case. In many criminal cases, the stakes are high, and the consequences that can result from a successful conviction can alter the course of your entire life. Hire a criminal defense lawyer today.

Granados Law Group: Committed to Advocating for You

Rebranded in 2023 as Granados Law Group, our attorneys have years of experience advocating for the rights of clients all across North Carolina and Wake County. Active members of multiple bar associations, our attorneys are ready to protect you from whatever criminal charges you might find yourself facing.

We are passionate about the lives of our fellow humans and base our practice on trust, discretion, respect, and professionalism. Let us help you avoid serious consequences and protect your freedom.

Crimes We Defend Against in Raleigh, NC

Backed by years of experience, the team at Granados Law Group cares first and foremost about your side of the story and is ready to listen. No matter how simple or complex your criminal case might appear, we can review it and determine the right defense strategy in order to seek the most favorable outcome possible. Over the years, we have saved many clients from suffering a variety of legal penalties, such as fines, probation, prison time, and the stigma of criminal convictions.

Our team is ready to defend individuals from all walks of life and those who are facing a wide range of charges, including those crimes listed below:

• Felony crimes. In North Carolina, felony crimes are the most serious crimes a person can commit and often come with the most severe penalties. Felony crimes include kidnapping, rape, arson, armed robbery, assault, burglary, embezzlement, breaking and entering, obtaining property by false pretense, possession of a firearm by a felon and murder.There are 10 different classes of felonies in North Carolina, each based on the severity of the crime that was committed. For example, a Class A felony (murder) could be punishable by death or life without parole, whereas a low-level felony larceny charge could result in community punishment like probation, or even an opportunity to complete a “conditional discharge” program and earn a dismissal of those charges
• Misdemeanor crimes. Misdemeanors are less severe crimes than felonies but can still result in severe penalties. Misdemeanors are categorized into four classes, each with its own punishments. Misdemeanor crimes can include larceny, assault on a female, misdemeanor crime of domestic violence, misdemeanor child abuse, possession of stolen goods, resisting a public officer, disorderly conduct, assault on a law enforcement officer, shoplifting, Driving While License Revoked, and unlawful carrying of a concealed weapon or gun.
• Driving while impaired (DWI/DUI). Every day, roughly 37 people are killed in drunk driving accidents across the United States. Whether this is your first, second, or subsequent driving while impaired charge, if an individual dies because of it, the charges and penalties can increase. It is illegal in Raleigh to operate a vehicle with a blood or breath alcohol concentration level, or BAC,of 0.08% or higher.More and more people are also now being charged with DWI as a result of prescription medications or other illicit drugs like marijuana. A conviction may result in jail time, probation, and driver’s license suspension.
• Sex crimes. There are several different offenses that fall under the classification of sex crimes in Raleigh. Allegations of sexual crimes are particularly devastating for individuals. Common offenses can include rape, statutory rape, as well as taking indecent liberties with a child, or misdemeanor sexual battery. Convictions may result in prison time, fines, lengthy periods of supervised probation, and the requirement to register as a sex offender.
• Drug crimes. Crimes involving illegal or controlled substances can result in severe penalties like fines, probation, prison time, and the burden of having a permanent criminal record. Drug crimes occur at a rate of about 6.755 per 1,000 residents yearly in Raleigh.These crimes might include the possession of illegal or controlled substances, possession with intent to sell/deliver, distribution, or maintaining a vehicle/dwelling place. Common substances include heroin, cocaine, fentanyl, marijuana, methamphetamine, and even prescription drugs.

  The amount of controlled substances possessed makes a big difference in how these offenses are charged, and many people have found themselves facing trafficking charges even with seemingly small amounts of the substance. First-time offenders, however, may have the option of earning a dismissal of drug charges through taking educational classes and performing community service.

• Murder. In Raleigh, an individual may be charged with first- or second-degree murder or felony murder, which is a homicide that occurred during the commission of another felony, like breaking and entering, or when a drug deal goes horribly wrong. Each of these crimes can result in consequences of lengthy prison time or even the death penalty, depending on the severity and classification of the crime itself.Determining factors typically include whether the murder was planned, premeditated, or intentional, and whether other felonies, like rape or kidnapping, took place as well. While murder charges dropped by 64% in Q1 2026 compared to Q1 2025, these cases are still prosecuted as some of the most serious in the legal system.
• Child pornography. In North Carolina, child pornography charges typically involve images or videos of a minor child in the nude or performing some kind of sexual act. The degree of your charge ultimately usually depends on your alleged involvement in the crime.For example, creating child pornography is a much more serious charge than downloading illegal images or videos off the internet. Many times, a person may be initially charged in North Carolina state courts, but then the case could be adopted federally and removed to Federal court, where punishments are greater and may come with harsh mandatory minimum sentences.
• Federal crimes. In North Carolina, there are several charges that can sometimes be upgraded to a federal crime depending on the factors present in the crime. These factors can include whether the crime took place over multiple states, if the crime occurred on federal property, if the crime violated federal law, or if weapons were involved.Crimes which may be prosecuted at the federal level include drug trafficking, bank fraud, Medicare/Medicaid fraud, downloading/receiving/sharing child pornography, and human trafficking.

What to Do After Being Arrested in Raleigh

Being arrested for a crime can be terrifying, and it is important to be aware of your rights. You should remain calm and respectful toward the arresting officers, but you do not owe them any kind of statement and should not speak with them until your lawyer is present. You have the right to legal representation and should request to speak to your lawyer immediately.

You must unequivocally ask for a lawyer by saying, “I want to speak with a lawyer.” If you ask something like “Do I need a lawyer?” that is not good enough, and does not require questioning to stop!

It can also prove beneficial to take mental notes during every step of your arrest, such as who might have witnessed the arrest take place, what the police officers said or did not say to you during the arrest, and the overall timeline of events that took place. This can help your attorney as they build your defense.

Why It’s Important to Know Your Rights After an Arrest

When a person is arrested, they may feel embarrassed, overwhelmed, or helpless. However, understanding that you have a right to remain silent and request a Raleigh criminal defense attorney is crucial.

Many criminal defense cases can be made worse when the arrested individual talks or reveals too much information to officers. This can happen for several reasons, such as those listed below:

• A person may try to talk their way out of an arrest because they believe they are innocent or assume a mistake was made. This is especially common when it’s a first offense, and the person has never been in legal trouble before.
• Officers may pressure a person for information, and in their conflicted mental state, the individual under arrest may assume they have no other choice but to comply with the request. Remembering that criminal defense laws specify you still have a right to request a lawyer is crucial in these high-pressure moments.
• Some individuals may think they can lessen their own punishment if they give up information about themselves, the situation they were in, or others who were involved. However, this may actually backfire and make the situation worse.

Even seemingly innocent statements can be used as evidence by the prosecution, in some cases being twisted to imply guilt or additional charges. The right move is to hire a criminal defense lawyer to speak on your behalf and advise you on how to proceed.

FAQs

Where Are Criminal Defense Cases Heard in Raleigh?

Criminal defense cases in Raleigh are typically heard at the Wake County Justice Center on South Salisbury Street in Raleigh. When you have a case coming up, our legal team can help you prepare by briefing you on schedules, locations, procedures, and expectations. We can also advise you on how to answer questions and speak on your behalf when necessary.

How Long Does a Criminal Defense Case Take?

A criminal defense case can vary in length depending on several circumstances. This can include the initial backlog of the court, as well as any additional evidence that is required or debated. This is possible when more witness testimonies are needed, additional medical reports are required, or there is a disagreement about core factors of the case.

What Happens If You Have Multiple Criminal Charges?

If you have multiple criminal charges, the court may decide to address them separately or all together, depending on the circumstances of the case. While this can result in more severe and compounding punishments, it’s not a guarantee of guilt. A skilled Raleigh criminal defense attorney can still advocate for your innocence and push for reduced punishment on each charge.

What Strategies Can a Lawyer Use to Defend You?

There are several strategies a lawyer can use to defend you. These include cross-examining the evidence against you and questioning whether the accusations are backed by facts. This may involve showing you had an alibi, arguing you were provoked, showing bias on the part of witnesses, or arguing that police procedures leading to your arrest were faulty or illegal.

Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer in Raleigh by Contacting Our Offices Today

When your future is on the line following a criminal arrest, you need an attorney with the knowledge and understanding necessary to walk you through every step of the legal process and aggressively protect your rights.

At Granados Law Group, we are here to guide you through what to expect from your case and can determine the right course of legal action when it comes to your defense. Contact our offices today to see how we might be of service to you.