Strategic Defense Against Felony Criminal Charges in North Carolina

At Todd Neal Law, PA, we understand that facing criminal charges in Raleigh can be a defining moment in your life. With such high stakes, having a criminal defense attorney who will fight for your rights and future is crucial. We stand by our clients throughout North Carolina, providing a strong defense that can significantly affect the outcome of serious felony accusations.

Why Hiring A Board-Certified Defense Lawyer Is So Important

You know that hiring a strong attorney to defend your rights is critical when you’ve been accused of a crime. Knowing the specific lawyer to hire can be much tougher, especially in the tense hours and days after an arrest. Every legal advocate claims to provide effective counsel, but only a select few criminal defense attorneys are certified by the North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization. Attorney Todd Neal has earned this distinction, which requires extensive trial experience, additional legal education and favorable assessments from professional colleagues.

As a former prosecutor, Todd Neal is a highly skilled courtroom litigator, having completed more than 20 jury trials. This differs from many criminal defense lawyers who focus nearly exclusively on making plea agreements and might go years without bringing a case to verdict. Your proceeding might not wind up in court, but you deserve a lawyer who has been recognized for his work and won’t be afraid to defend you in front of a jury.

Types Of Criminal Cases We Handle

Our firm handles a wide range of high-level criminal cases, including, but not limited to:

• Violent crimes, including murder, manslaughter and aggravated assault
• DWI/DUI
• Sex crimes, such as rape and possession of child pornography
• Felony drug offenses, including trafficking and manufacturing
• Federal charges, including drug charges and white collar crimes such as wire fraud and identity theft
• Firearm and weapons charges
• Traffic offenses such as reckless driving, speeding, hit-and-run, failure to yield, etc.

Attorney Neal’s trial skills are a critical asset. We combine our understanding of prosecutorial tactics with our extensive trial experience to offer our clients unparalleled representation, even against the most challenging charges.

Serving Clients In The Research Triangle And Throughout North Carolina

Regardless of the particular charge, your attorney should possess a thorough understanding of the laws, procedures, judges and jurors that will affect your case. In Wake, Durham and Johnston counties, as well as other parts of North Carolina, our firm offers knowledgeable insight on the applicable legal standards and the practical considerations that affect you.

The North Carolina Criminal Justice Process From Arrest To Resolution – What To Expect

Once the police arrest a person in North Carolina, the legal process can involve the following steps:

• Booking: During the booking process, police collect information about a recent incident and establish a case within the state’s criminal justice system. Typical elements of this process include a mug shot, collection of the suspect’s personal property and the taking of fingerprints.
• First appearance: Within 72 hours, authorities must bring a charged individual before a magistrate or judge for a first appearance. During this proceeding, the judge details the specific allegations and informs the defendant of their rights.
• Probable cause hearing: In felony matters, a prosecutor must bring evidence before the judge demonstrating that probable cause exists to continue the case against the defendant.
• Plea entry and negotiations: Unless the case is dismissed, the defendant must go to court and enter a plea of guilty, not guilty or no contest. Frequently, the prosecutor and counsel for the defendant will negotiate an arrangement where the defendant agrees to plead guilty in exchange for a reduced charge and/or leniency in a sentencing recommendation.
• Trial: When a fair plea agreement cannot be negotiated, the prosecution and defendant present evidence in a jury trial.
• Sentencing and possible appeal: If the defendant is convicted, the judge will impose a sentence consistent with the North Carolina Structured Sentencing Act. In the event that the verdict resulted from a legal error, the defendant might be able to file a successful appeal.

From start to finish, you rely on us to safeguard your fundamental rights and push back against overreach from police and prosecutors.

How much does a criminal defense attorney cost?

No two criminal defense cases are identical, and the specific circumstances determine the best way to counter a prosecutor’s allegations. While going to trial might increase litigation costs, obtaining an acquittal instead of accepting a guilty plea enables an accused individual to continue earning a living. Attorney Neal offers fair rates and ensures that clients fully understand their legal options and the potential costs associated with each choice.

Will a conviction affect my job, licenses or gun rights?

Along with possible incarceration, a criminal conviction can disrupt your life in numerous other ways. The North Carolina Felony Firearms Act prevents someone guilty of a felony from buying, owning or carrying a gun, though this right might be reinstated if the offense was not violent. A professional license might also be in jeopardy. State law prohibits automatic rejection of anyone seeking a position or occupational license due to a criminal conviction, but an individualized review could find that the offense is disqualifying based on the specific misconduct and job responsibilities.

Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation Today

Do not hesitate if you or a loved one has been accused of a serious felony. Contact Todd Neal Law, PA today at 919-375-2886 or use our email form to schedule a free consultation. We are ready to listen to your story, explain your options and work tirelessly to defend your rights and freedom. You can meet with Attorney Neal in person or via a virtual video call.