Criminal Law

Morganton Criminal Defense Attorneys

Dedicated Advocacy to Protect the Rights and Freedoms of Our Clients

Being charged with a criminal offense is a serious matter. Even misdemeanors can result in jail time, so there really is no such thing as a minor crime. Unfortunately, potential incarceration isn’t where the challenges end. For both misdemeanor and felony charges, defendants can face extreme fines, job loss, difficulty being accepted into schools, child custody issues, and a permanent stain on their record that anyone can discover online. If you or someone you love is being charged with an offense, working with a Morganton, NC criminal defense lawyer is likely in your best interest.

At Webster & Back Law, our dedicated team of attorneys is here to assist you through this difficult time. We have over 30 years of combined experience at trial, so you can rest comfortably knowing that we won’t accept a plea deal to your detriment. If the prosecutor doesn’t have the evidence to back up their charges or refuses to negotiate a plea in good faith, then our experienced Morganton legal team is ready to take on the system on your behalf. Whether you’re in Burke County or Caldwell Couty, we can help. Contact us today to schedule your confidential consultation. We’ll work hard to obtain the best possible outcome in your case.

Should You Just Accept a Plea Deal?

Did you know that around 95% of all criminal charges are resolved with plea deals? This resolution is where the defendant and prosecutors reach an agreement in order to avoid a trial. From domestic violence cases to murder — and even crimes as seemingly minor as petty theft — plea deals reduce the burden on the court system. Prosecutors are highly experienced at securing these deals. Unfortunately, their methods leave much to be desired. They’ll often threaten increased charges and heavier penalties if the defendant opts to go to trial.

In such a scenario, simply accepting a plea deal and moving on with your life may seem like a good idea. In fact, some people are so sure of this that they forgo hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Morganton, NC. After all, they don’t need an attorney to accept a plea deal. However, accepting such a deal without seeking legal counsel can result in unnecessary consequences. Oftentimes, prosecutors will try to avoid trial because they’re unsure if they can obtain a conviction. In other instances, they may simply refuse to offer a deal that’s worth a defendant giving up their right to a trial.

Put simply, a plea deal might be the right decision in your case — but you should speak with an attorney before making this decision. In many cases, it’s possible to have charges dropped entirely or secure a favorable verdict at trial.

Why Are Criminal Defense Lawyers So Important in Burke and Caldwell Counties?

Whether you’re charged with traffic tickets or a capital crime, it’s never a bad idea to seek legal help. It should be clear by now that your Morganton, NC criminal defense attorney can prove invaluable during plea negotiations. However, this is far from where the benefits of hiring a lawyer end. For instance, legal professionals understand the statutes you’re being charged under, case precedents, and procedural rules. An attorney is also essential in protecting your rights, building an effective defense strategy, and mitigating potential penalties.

While plenty of great criminal defense attorneys are out there, the legal team at Webster & Back Law truly believes we’re the right law firm for you. Our team is composed of former prosecutors, so we know more than just the criminal defense side of the system. We’ve seen how the government prosecutes crimes, and we know the strategies and resources they use to secure convictions. Whether you’re in Burke, Caldwell, or Catawba Counties, we’re ready to ensure the law works for you. We aim to protect and defend our clients, and we never stop working toward that goal.

What Potential Legal Defenses Are Available?

Whether you’re being investigated for a crime or have already been arrested, it’s important to remember that there’s no such thing as an “open and shut” case. Even after sentencing, appeals could potentially secure a defendant’s freedom. However, an appeal is not the outcome you should shoot for — as it’s far preferable to have charges dropped or secure a not-guilty verdict. The appropriate legal strategy for this outcome will vary depending on the circumstances of your case, and your Morganton, NC criminal defense lawyer can help you identify the proper defense.

However, there are certain legal strategies that are relatively common, regardless of the underlying criminal case:

  • Lack of intent
  • Alibi
  • Mistaken identity
  • Self-defense and defense of others
  • Lack of evidence
  • Consent of the alleged victim
  • Constitutional violations
  • Procedural errors
  • Entrapment

Having Morganton criminal defense attorneys on your side is likely the best way to avoid the worst potential penalties. The simple fact is that the police and the prosecutor in your case want to secure a guilty verdict at all costs. Even if the penalties aren’t severe, they want to ensure you have a criminal record — as this makes it easier to seek stricter penalties if you’re ever charged again or make a mistake while on probation/parole. Don’t stumble into this pitfall. At Webster & Back Law, our law firm is ready to help you in this fight. Contact us today to learn more.

Contact a Morganton, NC Criminal Defense Lawyer Today

Criminal law in North Carolina is strict and unwavering. Prosecutors in Caldwell and Burke Counties are ferocious in their prosecutions. Of course, this wouldn’t be an issue if the justice system always got things right — but countless innocent people are out there with a criminal record based on wrongful convictions and coerced plea deals. When you’re facing criminal charges, it’s understandable if you’re scared and unsure of what to do. It’s even understandable if you made statements out of fear that could damage your case. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this alone. A Morganton criminal defense lawyer may be able to help.

At Webster & Back Law, we know what you’re up against. Our law firm has spent decades defending clients against unfair charges, and regardless of the criminal case, we always focus on the best interests of our clients. In some instances, negotiating a fair plea deal might be what’s best for you — but there are also instances where going to trial might be the right move. Whatever the underlying circumstances of your situation, our dedicated legal team will review your case and help you better understand all your options.

Contact us at (828) 677-2175 to schedule your consultation today.