North Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyers

For criminal defense matters, our case-acceptance footprint is Johnston County (Smithfield, Clayton, Selma, Benson, Princeton, Four Oaks, Kenly) and Harnett County (Lillington, Dunn, Erwin, Angier, Coats, Buies Creek). If your charge was issued in another NC county, we are happy to refer you to a trusted local criminal defense attorney. For traffic, immigration, personal injury, or workers compensation matters, our service area is broader — call 1-844-967-3536 and we will tell you upfront whether your case is in our footprint.

If you are arrested: (1) Remain calm and do not resist, (2) Exercise your right to remain silent — do not answer questions without an attorney present, (3) Do not consent to searches, (4) Ask for an attorney immediately, (5) Do not make any statements, sign any documents, or agree to any deals without legal counsel, (6) Call Vasquez Law Firm at 1-844-967-3536 as soon as possible. Everything you say can and will be used against you in District or Superior Court at the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield or the Harnett County Courthouse in Lillington.

In North Carolina, misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to 150 days in county jail (Class 1 misdemeanor) or fines. Felonies are more serious crimes that can result in state prison time ranging from months to life imprisonment. NC classifies felonies from Class A (most serious, e.g., first-degree murder) to Class I (least serious). The classification affects sentencing, with prior record levels also playing a role in determining punishment.

North Carolina DWI penalties depend on the level of offense (Level 5 least serious to Aggravated Level 1 most serious). A first-offense DWI can result in 24 hours to 60 days in jail, fines up to $200, and license revocation for 1 year. Aggravating factors like high BAC (0.15+), prior offenses, or causing an accident increase penalties significantly. A DWI conviction also creates a permanent criminal record in NC — it cannot be expunged.

Yes, absolutely. Criminal convictions can have severe immigration consequences including deportation, denial of green card applications, bars to citizenship, and inability to re-enter the United States. Even some misdemeanor convictions can trigger removal proceedings. At Vasquez Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys work closely with our immigration team to protect both your freedom and your immigration status — this dual expertise is critical for non-citizen defendants.

North Carolina allows expungement (called "expunction") for certain offenses. Dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and some first-time nonviolent misdemeanor and felony convictions may be eligible for expungement after waiting periods (typically 5 to 15 years depending on the offense). The Second Chance Act of 2020 expanded eligibility. For convictions originating in Johnston or Harnett County, our attorneys can review your record and file the expunction petition with the appropriate clerk of court. For convictions from other NC counties, we can advise you on eligibility and refer you to local counsel for filing.

Criminal defense attorney fees in NC depend on the complexity and severity of the charges. Misdemeanor cases typically cost less than felony cases, and cases that go to trial cost more than those resolved through plea negotiation. At Vasquez Law Firm, we offer a free initial consultation to evaluate your case and provide transparent pricing. We also offer payment plans so you can get the defense you need regardless of your financial situation.

A plea bargain is an agreement where you plead guilty to a lesser charge in exchange for reduced penalties. Whether to accept a plea deal is one of the most important decisions in a criminal case. Our attorneys thoroughly evaluate every plea offer by analyzing the evidence, potential trial outcomes, sentencing guidelines, and collateral consequences (like immigration impact) before advising you. We never pressure clients to accept a deal — the decision is always yours.

Yes. Even misdemeanor convictions in NC create a permanent criminal record that can affect employment, housing, professional licenses, and immigration status. A skilled criminal defense attorney may be able to get charges reduced or dismissed, negotiate alternative sentencing, or identify constitutional violations in how evidence was obtained. The cost of a conviction far exceeds the cost of a good defense lawyer.