Raleigh High-Level Felony Lawyer

Trusted High-Level Felony Attorney in Raleigh, NC

Serious felony allegations in North Carolina can have long-lasting consequences. A dropped charge that is poorly handled can damage your reputation, while convictions can result in years in state prison. If you have been accused of a serious criminal offense, a Raleigh high-level felony lawyer can help with your defense. They can be at your side from the initial investigation to the final court verdict.

About Granados Law Group

Our team at Granados Law Group has many years of experience representing people across the Raleigh metropolitan area in their high-level felony cases. Founding Attorney Lindsey D. Granados worked as a prosecutor before opening her own practice, giving her unique insight into how both sides of criminal proceedings work. She is a pillar of the local legal community, serving as a past President of the Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers and Wake Women Lawyers.

What Is a High-Level Felony Case?

Raleigh’s crime rate for high-level felonies varies between offenses. In 2024, the murder rate was 5.0 per 100,000 residents, lower than the statewide average of 7.7 per 100,000. However, both the rape and aggravated assault rates were higher than the overall state’s rate.

High-level felony cases encompass the most serious criminal offenses under state law. Examples of high-level felony charges include:

• Class D, such as second-degree kidnapping, certain drug trafficking offenses, and assault with a deadly weapon
• Class C, including embezzlement worth over $100,000 and armed robbery, second degree forcible rape and sex offense, statutory rape of 13/14/15 year old when the defendant is more than 4 but less than 6 years older than the victim, and first degree kidnapping
• Class B2, which includes second-degree murder and aggravated assault, or felony child abuse serious bodily injury
• Class B1, such as first-degree rape, statutory rape or statutory sex offense of a child by an adult.
• Class A, the highest severity level reserved for first-degree murder or felony murder

In Raleigh, high-level felony matters are handled at the Wake County Justice Center, located downtown at 300 South Salisbury Street, Raleigh, NC 27601.

High-Level Felony Penalties

North Carolina high-level felony laws use a point system based on the severity of previous convictions for determining the applicable sentencing guidelines range when someone is convicted of an offense. The total prior conviction points place the individual into one of six levels. For example, someone charged with a Class D felony with zero points (Level 1) has a presumptive prison sentence of 51 to 64 months. Someone facing the identical offense who holds 15 points (Level 5) faces 89-111 months imprisonment. If you have a lengthy criminal record, the State might also seek to enhance your sentence by utilizing Habitual Felon laws to increase the penalty you face for a given crime. For example, if you have 3 prior felonies on your record, and you face a pending charge for PWISD Cocaine, the State could indict you on the status of having become an Habitual Felon, and that would change the classification of the offense from a Class H to where you would be sentenced as a Class D, an increase of 4 classification levels. If you’re facing Habitual Felon status, you definitely need a lawyer by your side to help you navigate plea negotiations to attempt to minimize your overall exposure.

Hire an Honest High-Level Felony Lawyer

The potential for years in prison means it is highly recommended that you hire a high-level felony lawyer to help with your defense. Your Raleigh high-level felony attorney can assist with every aspect of your case. Services Granados Law Group can provide include:

• Reviewing charges against you. Your attorney can review the state’s case against you to challenge weak or faulty evidence, and highlight procedural errors such as illegal search and seizures that may get charges reduced.
• Building a defense strategy. Every high-level felony case requires a unique approach, with common arguments including self-defense, lack of criminal intent, and actions under duress. Your lawyer can use the specific details of your circumstances to choose the strongest defense strategy.
• Representing you in court. Court appearances can be difficult when facing the potential for years in state prison. Granados Law Group can represent you in arraignment, hearings, and all meetings at the Wake County Justice Center.
• Negotiating with the prosecution. In cases where a conviction seems certain, skilled legal counsel can negotiate with the prosecution for a plea bargain. Plea deals can reduce prison terms and lower the final offense for which you are sentenced. 

FAQs

When Should You Contact a High-Level Felony Lawyer in North Carolina?

You should contact a high-level felony lawyer as soon as you are charged with an offense or learn you are under investigation. Your legal representation can have a greater impact on the case outcome when given more time with it. If you are in the later stages of a high-level felony proceeding, you should still seek legal counsel, as an experienced criminal defense lawyer can aid at any point.

How Much Does a High-Level Felony Attorney Cost in North Carolina?

How much your North Carolina high-level felony attorney costs depends on the felony class, complexity of the case, whether a trial is required, and the total workload for the firm. A Class D felony with an early plea deal typically costs less than representation for an aggravated first-degree murder charge. In your initial consultation, your attorney can provide an estimate of your legal costs.

What Are Common Mistakes People Make in High-Level Felony Cases?

One of the most common mistakes people make in high-level felony cases in North Carolina is speaking with law enforcement or posting on social media about the case without an attorney’s approval. Anything you say can be used against you later on.

Another frequent misstep is attempting to make informal contact with an alleged victim or witness. Even good-faith discussions may be framed as coercion or threats. High-level felony cases can be overwhelming matters where many individuals make similar mistakes.

What Are the Chances of Going to Prison for a First High-Level Felony in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, the chances of going to prison for a first high-level felony are high. High-level felonies often involve serious harm to another party, making it more difficult to avoid imprisonment altogether. The exact prison sentence is determined by aggravating factors, previous offenses, and the offense’s felony class. Your lawyer can review your case and discuss your possible defenses you may have and help you prepare for possible penalties if you are convicted.

How Long Does a High-Level Felony Stay on Your Record in North Carolina?

In North Carolina, a high-level felony case remains on your public and legal history permanently. Violent high-level felony convictions typically cannot be removed from your permanent record. Lower-level felonies that are nonviolent may be eligible for expunction, such as Class H and Class I felonies, after a significant time has elapsed where you are no longer subject to court jurisdiction, between 10-20 years, depending on the type of offense, and the number of felonies you’re seeking to have removed from your record.

Speak With a Top Rated Raleigh High-Level Felony Attorney Today

Granados Law Group recognizes how overwhelming high-level felony allegations can be. Our team has spent many years assisting individuals with similar charges, and they can guide you through this trying time.

Contact us today to schedule your initial consultation, where we can learn the details of your circumstances and discuss strategies for your defense.