Carolina Criminal Defense & DUI Lawyer UpdatesHow much does a criminal lawyer cost in NC? That is one of the first and most important questions people ask when they are facing charges. The answer depends on several factors, including the type of charge, whether it is a misdemeanor or felony, how complex the case is, and how long it is expected to last.
This post explains how many criminal defense lawyers in North Carolina ordinarily set fees, what types of billing structures are common, and what is typically included and not included in those legal fees. Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of what to expect and how the process works.
While there is no statewide fee chart, a lot of private attorneys charge flat fees tailored to the specifics of your case.
can seek an appeal from district criminal court to Superior Court for a fresh trial. But does this trial de novo appeal truly safeguard the right to a fair trial?
been accused of a crime. But in real life, this idea is often misunderstood. You may hear it said in court, and you might even believe it should protect you. Still, once you’ve been charged, it can feel like the system assumes the opposite.
misdemeanor or a felony, the effects are not limited to fines, probation, or incarceration. A conviction can create long-term barriers that may affect your ability to find housing, secure employment, continue your education, or avoid harsher penalties if you’re ever charged again.
your case isn’t serious or that the charges are minor. It means the criminal justice system is built in a way that often encourages negotiated resolutions instead of courtroom battles.
and medical conditions that could affect impairment assessments. This article examines the different types of experts used in North Carolina DWI cases, how courts determine whether their testimony is admissible under Rule 702, and what legal considerations apply when presenting expert evidence in court.
technical procedures—such as chemical breath tests, blood alcohol analyses, and field sobriety testing—that lay jurors or even judges may not fully understand. An expert witness, properly qualified and admitted, can provide insight into such complex matters both for the prosecution and the defense.
(SFSTs) to gauge whether enough evidence exists for an arrest or further chemical testing. Roadside dexterity tests—commonly the Horizontal Gaze Nystagmus (HGN) test, the Walk-and-Turn test, and the One-Leg Stand test—remain a subject of debate. Questions arise about whether these tests are truly “standardized,” whether they reliably they measure impairment or are overly subjective, and how courts treat SFSTs as evidence.