Criminal Defense and Drug Crimes
You Deserve an Attorney in Your Corner Who Will Fight to Protect Your Rights
While being arrested and charged with a criminal or drug offense can seem like the end to a positive future, these charges do not have to damage your life. Obtain effective defense from the Law Office of Justin B. Hunter. Justin is one of only two members of the Duplin County Bar that’s a specialist in State criminal law. You can benefit from knowing you have an aggressive team on your side who can protect your rights and present an effective defense on your behalf. Depending on the offense, you could face a range of consequences, such as:
- Jail or prison time
- Expensive fines
- Loss of reputation
- Loss of certain rights
- Loss of current or future employment
Securing the legal representation of a defense attorney can help you achieve a successful result. We may be able to have your charges reduced or present an argument to have your case dismissed.
- We thoroughly analyze each aspect of a client’s case to ensure that nothing is missed or left out of the defense strategy. Even small details, such as false evidence and witness testimony, can have a major impact on a case. With the knowledge that we possess, we can thoroughly examine your case to build a defense strategy on your behalf.
- We will zealously advocate to minimize the negative consequences related to a criminal charge.
- A criminal case can be handled in a variety of ways, and we can help you assess any alternatives to resolve your case before trial. Our legal team can help you explore all of your options to help you get the best possible disposition.
Moreover, we know that every case needs to be addressed in a different manner than a case that begins at the point of arrest. We are dedicated to helping our clients seek the best solutions for their cases, which begins with a detailed discussion of the circumstances of the alleged criminal offense.
If you’ve already been convicted, then we can help you appeal your case or get your record expunged!
Criminal records often bar those who have them from life opportunities such as:
- Housing
- Home loans and other credit
- Educational admittance
- Job placements or career advancements
- State professional licenses
With an expungement of your criminal record, a future employer, landlord, or other agency will not have access to this information on a routine background check. With the help of Duplin County lawyer Justin B. Hunter, you may be able to obtain this critical advantage for your future. Our firm is dedicated to helping those who have been convicted of a crime. If you have a criminal record, you may be eligible for an expungement. Our firm can review your situation and, if you are eligible, we can handle the court procedure to help you achieve your goal.
North Carolina has many state laws regarding various types of expungements which are permitted. These include expungements such as:
- Expunctions on the basis of age
- Misdemeanor conviction for offenses committed before age 18 or 21
- Nonviolent felony conviction committed before age 18
- Other nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions
- Expungement of dismissals and similar dispositions
All of these expungements have specific rules and eligibility requirements. For instance, sex-related offenses, major drug crimes and other major felonies are generally not qualified for expungement. To find out if your criminal record can be expunged and to ensure that process is done properly, contact the Law Office of Justin B. Hunter. Your initial consultation is free and without obligation.
After a felony conviction, it is possible to restore your firearm rights. You can also file a petition to restore your gun rights upon completing your sentence. There are many requirements and conditions to follow in order to reinstate your firearm rights.
Various types of assault exist under North Carolina law which can result in a misdemeanor or a felony charge, depending on the circumstances. If you’ve been arrested for assault in Duplin County, your first priority should be to seek competent legal counsel.
What are the penalties for my assault charges?
- Simple assault or assaults which result in minor injury are generally charged as Class 2 misdemeanors. These are punishable by probation and jail time of up to 30 days for those who have no prior convictions. Anyone with a prior conviction may face up to 60 days in jail and a fine of up to $1,000.
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Other more serious types of assault can range from an A1 misdemeanor to a Class C felony depending on the facts. These include instances where serious injury has occurred, where a deadly weapon has been used, and assault against government officials.
If you’ve been arrested for any type of theft in Duplin County, getting capable legal representation should be your first action. We provide dedicated criminal defense assistance, and will give you full focus and commitment for best possible results based on your individual circumstances.
- Shoplifting or concealment of merchandise before exiting a store may be charged as a Class 3 or Class 2 misdemeanor based on whether you have a prior conviction. Shoplifting may be suspended providing community service is performed in a Class 3 misdemeanor situation and certain jail time as well as community service is completed in a Class 2 misdemeanor. Aside from the criminal charges, if you are convicted of shoplifting you will also be subject to civil charges from store owners for their damages, which can be as high as $1,000. These include reimbursement for the stolen items, punitive damages, and attorney fees.
- Theft of goods valued at or less than $1,000 is a Class 1 misdemeanor and you will face up to 45 days in jail.
In North Carolina, drug charges are treated very seriously because of the potential danger to the community. If you have been charged with drug possession or a similar drug offense in Duplin County, you will likely be very nervous. You are at risk of facing some of the state’s most serious penalties, including loss of your freedom and good name. If you have been charged with drug possession of any kind, we advise you to schedule a free case evaluation with our office.
It may be possible to have your case dismissed prior to trial through a “Conditional Discharge” under the provisions of N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-96. If you qualify for this disposition, a Conditional Discharge requires you to fulfill certain terms and conditions during a limited term of probation, and if those conditions are satisfied, the court will dismiss the charge(s). It may then be possible to have these charge(s) expunged from your record in a separate proceeding.
In North Carolina, the crime of drug possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver is a more serious crime than drug possession. The specific sentence will be based on the type and amount of drug involved. Possession with intent to manufacture, sell, or deliver is not eligible for a conditional discharge.
If you have been charged with manufacturing drugs, it is extremely important to obtain legal counsel as soon as possible. Drug manufacturing involves a person playing a role in any part of the process of creating or making drugs. There are many consequences you could face if you are charged with manufacturing, including jail time, fines and fees, and probation.
The selling of controlled substances or drugs is illegal in the State of North Carolina. Typically these substances include marijuana, cocaine, heroin, or prescription drugs.
Punishments for this charge are dependent on the drug schedule, and range from jail time, fines, or probation. If you have been charged with drug sales, contact a lawyer who is dedicated and well-informed of criminal defense. Justin B. Hunter is a local attorney with over 16 years of experience. Contact our office and speak with an attorney to fight for your freedom.
Drug trafficking involves the transportation or sale of illegal or controlled substances. Severe consequences follow this charge. Consequences include mandatory jail time and heavy fines. Don’t let a drug trafficking charge affect the rest of your life – contact the Law Office of Justin B. Hunter and schedule your free consultation. Let our experienced attorney meet your needs and represent you in court.