Winston-Salem Violent Crime Attorney

Experienced Defense Against Violent Crime Charges in North Carolina

Violent crimes are some of the most serious charges a person can face. These crimes are often accompanied by mandatory minimum prison sentences, depending on the severity of the alleged offense and the criminal history of the defendant. If you have been arrested for a violent crime, you need to retain the services of an experienced criminal defense attorney as soon as possible. Our firm has been defending clients for more than 15 years. Our attorney is a former prosecutor with a track record of success in defending against all types of violent crime charges.

Investigated, arrested, or charged? Contact Eustache Law for a free consultation with our Winston-Salem defense lawyer at (336) 827-9208. 

What is a Violent Crime?

Violent crimes are those that threaten the safety of individuals. They include aggressive behavior that either inflicts bodily injury or threatens to do so, putting alleged victims in fear of imminent harm. These crimes can also include serious property damage, such as arson. 

Examples of violent crimes include:

• Domestic violence offenses
• Simple and aggravated assault 
• Assault with a deadly weapon 
• Assault on a government officer charges
• Assault on a transport facility employee 
• Assault on a school employee 
• Assault on a sheriff or other peace officer 
• Assault with a deadly weapon on a law enforcement officer 
• Assault with a deadly weapon on a government officer 
• Attempted murder 
• Murder
• Voluntary and involuntary manslaughter 
• Vehicular manslaughter
• Kidnapping 
• Sex crimes 
• Terrorist threats or attacks

Dangerous Weapons Enhancements in North Carolina

The use or threatened use of a deadly weapon while committing any offense in North Carolina can result in enhanced charges and punishments. Dangerous weapons can include objects that may not ordinarily be thought of as a weapon, such as clubs, bats, hammers, pipes, or even a skillet. When these objects are used to threaten, injure, or kill someone, they fall under the category of a “deadly weapon.” 

The most common deadly weapons are firearms. Even the possession of such a weapon without using it can elevate a crime to a higher level giving rise to harsher penalties. Law enforcement and the courts view the display of a weapon in these circumstances as much more serious than if no weapon appeared at all. This includes displays of weapons in violent crimes such as robbery, battery, assault, domestic violence, burglary, carjacking, kidnapping, and more. 

Penalty enhancements can also occur if you possessed or used a firearm without a license, if you were a felon in possession of a weapon, or if you violated any other North Carolina weapons laws during the commission of another crime. 

Penalty enhancements in such cases can add to the severity of the sentencing. These enhancements will add extra jail or prison time in addition to the original terms. 

What are the Penalties for Violent Crimes in North Carolina?

The penalties you face in any violent crime will depend on the charge, its surrounding circumstances, and prior criminal history. 

Examples of penalties include:

• First-degree murder. This is a Class A felony carrying life in prison without parole or the death penalty.
• Second-degree murder. This is a Class B1 felony punishable by 192 months in prison up to life. A Class B2 felony carries a minimum sentence of 125 months.
• Felony murder. This is generally a Class A felony carrying the same penalties as those mentioned in first-degree murder.
• Voluntary manslaughter. This is generally charged as a Class D felony punishable by a minimum of 51 months in prison.
• Involuntary manslaughter. This is a Class F felony carrying a minimum of 13 months in prison.
• Vehicular manslaughter. This is also a Class F felony.
• Arson. This is a Class D felony carrying 38 to 160 months in prison.
• Domestic violence. Penalties will depend on the type of offense committed, such as a misdemeanor or a felony. 

Defense Strategies in Violent Crimes

Various strategies may be effective in fighting violent crime charges, depending on the circumstances of your case. Our criminal defense attorney will conduct an independent investigation into your charges in search of all relevant facts. Our job is to uncover any inconsistencies, flaws, or weaknesses in the case against you.

Common defense strategies can include:

• You were not at the scene of the crime. This can be proven by demonstrating you were somewhere else at the time the crime was committed.
• Insufficient or defective evidence. If a lack of proof exists that you committed the crime, you cannot be charged or prosecuted.
• Self-defense. This is based on North Carolina’s “Stand Your Ground” law. If you acted to protect yourself or others from violence, you are generally justified in the use of force and not liable for criminal consequences. 

Contact Our Violent Crimes Attorney in Winston-Salem Today

If you have been charged with a violent crime, you should not hesitate to contact our firm immediately. Eustache Law can help you explore all your legal options and give you the best chance of avoiding the serious consequences of jail or prison time, heavy fines, probation, and a permanent criminal record that can limit future life opportunities in employment, housing, professional licenses, and more. 

Our attorney brings a wealth of valuable experience and an aggressive approach to your defense. 

Contact us today at (336) 827-9208 for a free case review.