Raleigh Misdemeanor Lawyer

When an individual is charged with a misdemeanor in Raleigh, they might feel as though their entire world is crashing down around them. While misdemeanors might result in lesser penalties than those involved in felony cases, they can still be severe and lead to life-altering impacts. If you’ve been charged with disorderly conduct at a bar on Glenwood or simple assault in Ridge Park, it is crucial to retain the services of a Raleigh misdemeanor lawyer who can protect you.

Granados Law Group: Experienced in Fighting for Your Rights

At Granados Law Group, we have been helping clients fight criminal charges across Wake County and North Carolina for years and are ready to turn our time and attention to your case. Our knowledgeable trial attorneys are dedicated to reviewing your case and building the defense strategy that fits your needs and works toward the outcome you most desire and deserve. Our focus is to protect you and your rights against the North Carolina justice system.

Understanding the Classifications of Misdemeanor Crimes in Raleigh

In North Carolina, misdemeanor crimes are categorized by four different classes, each with their own level of severity and accompanying penalties. At Granados Law Group, we have experience spanning decades of fighting for clients facing all types of misdemeanors. When you have been arrested and charged with any of these crimes, you can trust us to devote our time and attention to protecting your rights, seeking a lesser sentencing, or achieving a complete case dismissal.

Class 3 Misdemeanors

Out of the four classifications, Class 3 misdemeanors are the least serious. If you find yourself charged with a Class 3 misdemeanor, you typically face no jail time and small fines and court costs. Some examples can include:

• Simple possession of marijuana or marijuana paraphernalia
• Shoplifting or Concealing goods within a store
• Driving while your license is revoked
• Certain city code violations
• Second-degree trespassing
• Speeding more than 15 miles over the speed limit

Keep in mind that while these offenses are the least severe and can result in minor penalties, having a permanent criminal record can still put you at risk. The unemployment rate for individuals with a criminal record, even when the offenses are minor, is still 30% across the United States. A Class 3 misdemeanor can result in other consequences, like having to explain your actions before a college admissions or disciplinary board, and even loss of driving privileges.

Class 2 Misdemeanors

Being arrested and charged with a Class 2 misdemeanor can see you facing up to 60 days jail time, probation, and fines. You may also be required to take part in community service or some kind of counseling classes, depending on the nature of the crime itself. The most common examples of misdemeanor offenses in Raleigh include:

• Simple assault
• Resisting a police officer
• Failing to stop for a siren or blue light
• Carrying a concealed weapon
• Disorderly conduct or simple affray

If you are arrested for a Class 2 misdemeanor, you need to get an attorney as soon as possible. While the penalties for these charges don’t seem severe when compared to higher misdemeanor or felony charges, they still have the potential to completely alter your future, and you may find it more difficult to secure employment, housing, and certain forms of education. 

Class 1 Misdemeanors

When convicted of a Class 1 misdemeanor, you can face up to 120 days of jail time, unsupervised or supervised probation and heavier fines that could cause you to suffer issues with your employment and financial stress. Common Class 1 misdemeanor crimes include:

• Larceny
• Possession of stolen goods
• Damaging the personal property of another
• Driving with a revoked license if the license was revoked because of a driving while intoxicated conviction
• Making and communicating verbal or written threats against another person
• Possessing drug paraphernalia, which is often associated with a high rate of drug overdoses

The penalties for Class 1 misdemeanors can add to the stress you already feel from being arrested. For this reason, and countless others, making the decision to hire a misdemeanor lawyer is one of the wisest you can make.

Class A1 Misdemeanors

The most serious misdemeanor crimes in Raleigh are those categorized as a Class A1 misdemeanor offense. These can land you in jail for up to 150 days and result in large fines. These crimes can include:

• Assault with a deadly weapon
• Assault of a government employee
• Misdemeanor crime of domestic violence
• The violation of a 50B domestic violence restraining order
• Assault that inflicts a serious injury
• Assault on a female
• Misdemeanor child abuse
• Stalking
• Sexual battery

Seeking a lawyer’s help when dealing with a Class A1 misdemeanor isn’t just a good idea; it’s what can keep you out of jail and can help avoid facing the consequences that come with a permanent criminal record.

If you have been charged with a misdemeanor crime in Raleigh, North Carolina, you need to call the offices of Granados Law Group now. There is too much at stake to waste another second. Whether you have been arrested or a loved one’s been charged with one of these serious misdemeanors, we’re here to review the case, uncover evidence to use in your defense, negotiate with the prosecution, and argue your case before a judge and jury on appeal if the need arises. 

Defending You Against Misdemeanor Charges in NC

For cases of assault, nearly 2% to 10% of allegations turn out to be false. You need a lawyer who can look at the facts of your case and fight hard to protect your rights, no matter what crime you may be charged with. When you work with Granados Law Group on a misdemeanor offense case, we can determine what defense strategy matches the needs of your case. These strategies may include:

• Acting in self-defense or the defense of others
• Having an alibi
• False accusations out of malicious intent, such as in the case of assault
• Insufficient or a lack of evidence
• Suffering from mistaken identity

Hire a Misdemeanor Lawyer from Granados Law Group Today

If you find yourself charged with a misdemeanor in Raleigh or anywhere in Wake County, the team at Granados Law Group is here for you. We understand the negative impacts a misdemeanor charge can have on your life and want to do everything in our power to protect you from that future. Instead, let us fight for the bright future you deserve. Contact our offices today to learn more about how Granados Law Group can be of service to you and your loved ones.