The average sentence for a felony conviction is three years in prison. But, that’s only if the judge (or jury) doesn’t see things your way.
If you’ve found yourself on the wrong end of the law, you don’t have to give up. You still have options to fight for your freedom.
Not sure where to start? Don’t worry, we got you covered.
Let’s take a look at everything you need to know about what to do if you get a felony charge in Raleigh, North Carolina.
Remain Silent
We’ve all heard the Miranda Warning. It’s what police officers recite to those who have been arrested, letting them know they have a right to speak with an attorney and the right to remain silent.
The key part of the Miranda Warning, however, is that anything the defendant says can and will be used against them in court.
So, you’re going to want to avoid saying anything at all until you speak to a lawyer, even if you’re only trying to explain yourself.
It’s important, though, that you aren’t rude or aggressive to law enforcement when telling them you decline to speak. Doing so could make your legal troubles drastically more difficult.
Understand The Charges You’re Facing
Even if you have a clean record, a felony charge is no joke. As previously mentioned, the average felony conviction carries prison time. It also affects your ability to vote and own a firearm.
So, you need to take your case seriously. It also helps to post bail as soon as you can so that you can communicate more frequently with your lawyer.
Write or Record Everything You Remember
This step is vital. Not only will it help your attorney defend you in court, but it will also serve as a reference if you can’t remember something during questioning.
Here are some suggestions to get you started:
- The location where you were arrested
- Who you were with
- Any potential witnesses
- The time, date, etc.
The more information that you write down, the better defense you’ll be able to build.
Contact a Reputable Attorney
Without an experienced attorney on your side, you’re rolling the dice on your freedom. Instead, look for someone who specializes in defending those who have been charged with an identical (or similar) crime.
Experience, personality, and attentiveness are important factors to consider, too. In general, you’ll want a lawyer who makes you feel comfortable and one you can approach with any concern that you have.
Beating a Felony Charge in Raleigh Can Seem Difficult
But it doesn’t have to be.
With the above information about handling your felony charge in Raleigh, North Carolina in mind, you’ll be well on your way to getting your life back on track as quickly as possible.
Want to learn more legal info that can help you out in the future? Make sure to check out the rest of our blog!
