Charlotte Criminal Defense Attorneys NC & FL
Protecting Your Freedom and Your Future
30+ years of aggressive criminal defense from former prosecutors. Available 24/7 for arrests, DUI/DWI, drug crimes, assault, and all felony and misdemeanor cases. Bilingual team serving NC & FL from 4 office locations. Se habla espanol.
Experienced Criminal Defense Representation
When you are facing criminal charges, your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake. The criminal justice system is complex and unforgiving, and prosecutors have vast resources at their disposal. You need an experienced criminal defense attorney who will fight aggressively to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome. At Vasquez Law Firm, our Charlotte criminal defense lawyers bring former prosecution experience to your defense, giving us unique insight into how the state builds cases and how to dismantle them.
Our attorneys handle every stage of the criminal process including arraignments, bond hearings, preliminary hearings, plea bargain negotiations, grand jury proceedings, jury trials, sentencing hearings, and appeals. We have deep knowledge of Miranda rights, search and seizure laws, probable cause requirements, reasonable doubt standards, constitutional protections under the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, and Eighth Amendments, and North Carolina expungement procedures. Whether you are facing a simple misdemeanor or a serious felony, we approach every case with the same level of dedication and preparation.
Criminal law in North Carolina carries significant penalties that can follow you for a lifetime. A conviction can result in jail or prison time, heavy fines, probation, loss of driving privileges, loss of firearm rights, and a permanent criminal record that affects employment, housing, education, and immigration status. The consequences extend far beyond the courtroom. That is why early intervention by a skilled defense attorney is critical to protecting your future.
Every criminal case is unique. A first-time DUI arrest requires a different strategy than a federal drug trafficking charge or a domestic violence allegation. We take the time to understand every detail of your situation, review all evidence including police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific case. From your first phone call through final resolution, you will have a dedicated criminal defense attorney fighting for you.
Types of Criminal Cases We Handle
DUI/DWI Defense
- Drunk driving charges
- Field sobriety test challenges
- Breathalyzer defense
- License restoration
- Repeat DWI offenses
Drug Crimes
- Possession charges
- Drug trafficking defense
- Manufacturing charges
- Prescription drug offenses
- Federal drug cases
Assault & Battery
- Simple assault defense
- Aggravated assault
- Domestic violence charges
- Self-defense claims
- Protective order violations
Theft & Property Crimes
- Burglary and robbery
- Shoplifting defense
- Fraud and embezzlement
- Identity theft charges
- Larceny charges
Arrested? Call Us Now
No obligation • Confidential • Se Habla Español
How Our Criminal Defense Process Works
From arrest to resolution, we fight for you at every stage
Emergency Response
Call us 24/7 after an arrest. We respond immediately to protect your rights, attend bond hearings, and begin building your defense
Case Investigation
We review all evidence including police reports, body camera footage, witness statements, and forensic evidence to find weaknesses in the prosecution's case
Strategic Defense
We negotiate with prosecutors for charge reductions, dismissals, or diversion programs while preparing for trial if needed
Resolution & Victory
We fight for dismissals, acquittals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing. After resolution, we pursue expungement when eligible
Protecting Your Constitutional Rights
We aggressively enforce your constitutional protections at every stage
Fourth Amendment
Protection Against Illegal Searches
The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable searches and seizures by law enforcement. If police violated your rights, evidence may be suppressed.
- Challenge warrantless searches
- Suppress illegally seized evidence
- Fight unlawful traffic stops
Fifth Amendment
Right to Remain Silent
You cannot be compelled to testify against yourself. Miranda warnings must be given before custodial interrogation. Violations can lead to dismissed statements.
- Miranda rights enforcement
- Self-incrimination protection
- Due process rights
Sixth Amendment
Right to Fair Trial & Counsel
You have the right to an attorney, to confront witnesses against you, and to a speedy and public trial by an impartial jury.
- Right to legal representation
- Confront and cross-examine witnesses
- Speedy trial protections
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to common criminal defense questions
No. Always exercise your right to remain silent and request an attorney immediately. Anything you say can be used against you, even if you are innocent. Police are trained to elicit incriminating statements. Do not answer questions, sign anything, or agree to any tests until you have spoken with a criminal defense attorney.
At first appearance, the judge will inform you of the charges against you, determine if probable cause exists, and set bond conditions. Having an experienced attorney present can significantly impact your bond amount and release conditions. Our attorneys fight for the lowest possible bond so you can return home while your case is pending.
Costs vary based on charge severity and case complexity. Misdemeanors typically range from $1,500 to $5,000, while felonies can be $5,000 to $25,000 or more. At Vasquez Law Firm, we offer a free initial consultation and flexible payment plans. The cost of not having proper defense is often much higher than attorney fees.
Yes, charges can be dismissed, reduced, or diverted through programs. Success depends on the strength of evidence, legal issues with the arrest or search, negotiation skills, and having an experienced attorney who knows the prosecutors and judges in your jurisdiction.
In North Carolina, misdemeanors are less serious offenses punishable by up to 150 days in jail, while felonies carry potential prison sentences of more than one year. Felony convictions also result in loss of voting rights, firearm ownership, and can severely impact employment opportunities. An experienced criminal defense attorney can sometimes negotiate felony charges down to misdemeanors.
Yes, certain criminal convictions can have severe immigration consequences including deportation, denial of naturalization, or bars to reentry. Even misdemeanors involving drugs or moral turpitude can trigger removal proceedings. Our firm handles both criminal defense and immigration law, so we understand how to protect your immigration status while defending your criminal case.
Stay calm and be polite, but do not answer any questions beyond providing your name. Clearly state that you want to speak with a lawyer and that you are invoking your right to remain silent. Do not consent to any searches. Do not discuss your case with anyone except your attorney. Call Vasquez Law Firm immediately at 1 (844) 967-3536 for emergency defense assistance.
North Carolina allows expungement of certain criminal records, including dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, and some first-time offenses after a waiting period. Recent changes to NC expungement law have expanded eligibility. Our attorneys can review your record and determine if you qualify for expungement to clear your criminal history.
Additional Criminal Defense Services
Why Choose Our Criminal Defense Team?
Need Criminal Defense Help?
Do not face criminal charges alone. Get aggressive defense today.
Whether you are facing a DUI/DWI, drug charges, assault allegations, theft accusations, or any felony or misdemeanor in North Carolina, our criminal defense attorneys are ready to fight for your freedom. Call us now or schedule a free consultation online. Every moment counts when your liberty is at stake.
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