Charged in Gaston County District Court? Take it seriously, and take a breath.
A misdemeanor conviction can mean probation, jail time, and a record that follows you to every application. Free case review: bring a copy of your ticket or warrant.
What should I do about a misdemeanor charge in Gaston County? This firm represents defendants charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses in Gaston County District Court, and a good many traffic offenses are categorized as criminal offenses too. If you want a vigorous defense to safeguard your rights, give my office a call to set up an appointment to go over your case at no cost to you. Please secure a copy of the ticket or warrant to bring to your consultation.
From Class 3 to Class A1: what a conviction can cost.
Misdemeanor criminal offenses in North Carolina range from a minor Class 3 (least severe) to a serious Class A1 (most severe). If convicted, the defendant is punished pursuant to the structured sentencing guidelines of N.C. Gen. Stat. 15A-1340.23. Punishments range from a fine only, to probation, to a split sentence, to an active jail sentence of up to 150 days in the Gaston County Jail. Unless a defendant is found not guilty, the court requires payment of court costs.
- Your freedom Active jail time of up to 150 days is on the table for the most serious misdemeanors.
- Your record Criminal histories are evaluated by employers, colleges, and volunteer organizations. A conviction can close doors for years. (An expunction may later reopen them.)
- Your family Convictions cause loss of freedom and heartache for the people who count on you.
- Your rights From the first moment an officer approaches you through the end of trial, your rights need safeguarding. Know what to do →
Every option on the table, including the exits.
Anytime you are charged with a criminal offense it is important to take the matter seriously. My job is to make sure your rights are safeguarded throughout the process and that you understand every available option before deciding anything. Under some circumstances it is possible to qualify a first offender for Deferred Prosecution: upon successful completion of the program, the charges are dropped. Not all offenses are eligible; whether you qualify is one of the first things we’ll evaluate.
Whenever approached by a law enforcement officer, remember: unless they have reasonable articulable suspicion that you are engaged in criminal activity, you may choose not to engage. Always ask if you are being detained or free to leave. If you are detained and questioned, never answer questions without your attorney present. Assert your 6th Amendment right to an attorney and your 5th Amendment right to remain silent.
“Mr. Taylor discussed my case and we decided on a plan of action to which he stuck to. What he said was honest and he was truthful and we fulfilled our contract exactly as he said we would.”Robert R., Google review
Criminal defense FAQs.
What counts as a misdemeanor in North Carolina?
North Carolina misdemeanors run from Class 3 (least severe) up to Class A1 (most severe), and include many traffic offenses: speeding over 80 mph, reckless driving, driving without insurance, and DWLR among them. Sentencing follows the structured sentencing guidelines of G.S. 15A-1340.23.
Will I go to jail for a first offense?
Punishment depends on the offense class and your prior record, ranging from a fine only, to probation, to active time. For qualifying first offenders, Deferred Prosecution can end with charges dropped entirely. The honest answer for your specific charge takes a short conversation: bring your paperwork to a free consultation.
What is Deferred Prosecution?
A program available to qualifying first offenders in some circumstances: complete the program successfully and the charges against you are dropped. Not all criminal offenses are eligible. We’ll evaluate whether yours is.
Should I talk to the police about my case?
Not without your attorney present. Exercise your 5th Amendment right to remain silent and your 6th Amendment right to counsel, politely, clearly, and every time. Here’s exactly what to do when you encounter the police →
What should I bring to the consultation?
A copy of your ticket or warrant, and anything you’ve received from the court. The consultation is free; you’ll leave knowing what you’re facing, your options, and a flat-rate quote if you decide you want representation.
Bring your ticket or warrant. Leave with a plan.
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