Conover Criminal Defense Lawyer

Conover Criminal Defense Attorney

Being arrested for a crime in Conover, NC can be a life-changing experience in several ways. If you did not commit the offense and have been wrongfully charged, it is natural to feel desperate and victimized. If you did break the law, you may be understandably concerned with the penalties you could face if you are convicted. If you find yourself in this situation or if a loved one has been arrested in Catawba County, an experienced Conover criminal defense attorney is the ideal asset to have on your side.

Criminal Defense Representation You Can Trust in Conover, NC

Helton, Cody & Associates offers compassionate and responsive defense counsel to clients in Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell counties. We have years of experience interpreting the criminal code on behalf of our clients and have successfully helped many past clients avoid conviction or reduce their penalties when conviction was unavoidable. Whatever your case entails, it’s vital to take full advantage of your constitutional right to legal representation and find a Conover criminal defense attorney you can trust with your case.

Understanding Your Rights During an Arrest in Conover

Every American citizen has rights under the US Constitution that come into play upon arrest for any criminal offense. When a police officer arrests you, they are required to read you your Miranda rights, a brief explanation of the constitutional rights that apply in this situation. First, you have the right to remain silent. The Fifth Amendment protects you from acting as a witness against yourself, so you are under no obligation to answer any questions asked by the police. Comply with arresting officers’ instructions so you are not charged with resisting arrest or other offenses, and remain silent until you can speak with an attorney.

The Sixth Amendment ensures that you can have legal representation in your criminal case, even if you are unable or unwilling to pay for a private defense attorney. The court can appoint a public defender at no cost, and this may be the only viable option for defense for some defendants. However, if you have the means to hire a private Conover criminal defense attorney, they can offer a higher level of personalized attention than even the most skilled public defenders can offer.

The average public defender must handle multiple cases at a time. While they may do their utmost for their clients, they have little flexibility to provide much in the way of individual attention. By comparison, private defense attorneys maintain manageable caseloads to ensure every client has the individual attention they need to compile the strongest defense possible.

Types of Criminal Cases We Represent in Catawba County

It’s vital to choose a Conover criminal defense attorney who has experience handling cases like yours. At Helton, Cody & Associates, our firm has years of professional experience representing defendants in Burke, Catawba, and Caldwell counties. A few of the types of criminal cases we handle in Conover include:

• Drug crimes. Drug-related offenses such as illegal possession and possession with intent to sell are some of the most commonly prosecuted crimes in the United States. Penalties for drug-related offenses typically depend on the Schedule and quantity of the drugs involved. For example, simple possession of a small amount of a Schedule II drug intended for personal use will likely incur a lighter penalty than possession of a large quantity of a Schedule I drug with intent to sell. If you were arrested because you are struggling with a substance abuse disorder, your attorney may leverage this to help you enter a recovery program instead of jail.
• Violent crimes. Assault, battery, and aggravated assault are just a few examples of violent crimes that can potentially carry serious penalties if you are convicted. These offenses are often charged at the felony level, especially when a defendant has inflicted severe bodily harm or killed another person.
• Sex crimes. Sexual assault, rape, and sexual battery are serious offenses that often qualify for felony prosecution. Penalties can escalate dramatically based on the age of the victim and the severity of bodily harm inflicted by the defendant. The defendant could face several years in prison along with compulsory sex offender registration that will limit their options for living arrangements and future employment.
• Domestic violence charges. The term “domestic violence” broadly applies to any type of violence that occurs within a family or household. Depending on the relationship between the defendant and the alleged victim, penalties may not only extend through criminal court but also lead to family court proceedings as well, such as loss of child custody rights.
• Driving under the influence (DUI), also known as driving while intoxicated (DWI). DUI/DWI can qualify as a misdemeanor or felony depending on the severity of the offense and whether the defendant has been previously convicted of DUI/DWI. You could face a wide range of penalties, some of which may not be immediately apparent, including fines, jail time, driver’s license suspension, and increased automobile insurance premiums.

Your Conover criminal defense attorney is your most valuable asset when it comes to minimizing your penalties upon conviction or avoiding conviction if possible. A good defense attorney can carefully review the details of their client’s arrest, the evidence piled against them, and the prosecution’s conduct to look for any procedural grounds to challenge the charges.

When you choose Helton, Cody & Associates to represent you as your defense team, we will immediately get to work looking for all evidence we can find to support your position, and we will prepare you for each new step of your proceedings so you can face this difficult situation with confidence. We know how Catawba County prosecutors approach specific types of cases and the various procedural challenges you might encounter throughout your case. No defense attorney can ever promise any client a specific outcome to their case, but we can ensure that you will have the full extent of our firm’s resources, skills, and experience at your disposal through every step of your proceedings.

Criminal Law Attorney FAQs

Q: Why Should I Hire a Private Conover Criminal Defense Attorney?

A: You have the constitutional right to legal representation when you are accused of any crime in the United States, and it is crucial to take full advantage of this right to avoid the worst potential penalties you could face if convicted. Your defense attorney can help gather exculpatory evidence if you have been wrongfully accused or assist you in negotiating a plea agreement to lower your penalty if you did break the law. You can expect more personal attention from a private defense attorney than a public defender can provide.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Conover Criminal Defense Attorney?

A: Most private criminal defense attorneys charge their clients by the hour. This means the more time your attorney spends working on your case, the more you will pay in legal fees. Defense attorneys typically bill their time in 10- or 15-minute increments, so the total cost of your defense representation can add up very quickly, depending on the complexity of your case. Always take time to review a potential attorney’s billing policy before you sign a contract for their representation.

Q: How Can I Avoid Jail for a Criminal Offense in Conover, North Carolina?

A: It’s possible for a defendant to face jail time and other harsh penalties if they are convicted. However, it is sometimes possible for a defendant to receive a plea deal from the prosecution. In exchange for an immediate guilty plea, the prosecution may offer to reduce or drop charges, lighten the defendant’s sentence, and provide other incentives. Your Conover criminal defense attorney can help determine whether a plea deal would suit your interests and help you avoid jail time.

Q: What Penalties Will I Face if I’m Convicted of a Crime in Catawba County?

A: The state criminal code separates criminal offenses into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Infractions are minor and typically punishable with a fine, community service, and restitution for damages caused to others. Misdemeanors are more serious and may incur similar penalties along with incarceration in a county jail. Felonies are the most serious criminal charges and often result in incarceration in a state prison. Penalties can increase when a defendant has harmed a victim with their actions and/or they have a record of prior convictions.

Q: How Long Does a Criminal Case Take to Complete in Catawba County?

A: Some criminal cases may only require a few courtroom sessions before a jury reaches a verdict, while others can potentially drag on for months or even years. The prosecution has the burden of proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt, and they will meet this burden through leveraging evidence and witness testimony. Your defense attorney’s mission is to prevent the prosecution from meeting this burden of proof or proving your innocence. A Conover criminal defense attorney can provide an estimate of your case’s most likely timetable.

If you have been arrested for any criminal offense in Conover, you need a defense attorney you can trust to represent you in court and help you minimize or avoid the penalties you face. The right defense attorney is an invaluable asset no matter what charges have been filed against you, and the team at Helton, Cody & Associates has the experience and professional resources necessary to resolve the toughest criminal cases. Contact our team today to schedule your consultation with a Conover criminal defense attorney.