1. Browning & Long, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense and traffic violations with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, reckless driving
Background: Partners Todd Browning and Howard Long are former assistant district attorneys who handled a wide variety of cases from simple misdemeanors and traffic infractions to DWIs and felony charges. As former prosecutors, they understand what tactics the other side may employ and can prepare more thoroughly. The firm has earned a reputation as reliable and effective lawyers within the Mecklenburg County community and is well-respected by the District Attorney’s Office and Charlotte’s judges. The firm prides itself on being available to clients throughout the entire legal process.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (serves Mecklenburg County)
Contact: (980) 207-3355 | https://www.browninglonglaw.com/
Consultation: Available to discuss case and best course of action
2. Rawls, Scheer, Clary & Mingo (RSCM)
Focus Area: State and federal criminal defense with Board Certified specialists
Practice Areas: Federal fraud conspiracies, violent crimes, drug crimes, sex offenses, DWI, white collar crimes, speeding tickets
Background: The criminal defense team at RSCM has been representing people charged with crimes for more than 30 years. Attorney Eben Rawls founded the firm in 1985 and has handled virtually every kind of criminal case in state and federal court. Tony Scheer is a former prosecutor and Board Certified Specialist in both State and Federal Criminal Law. Katie Clary dedicates her practice entirely to criminal defense. Most attorneys are Board Certified Specialists in both State and Federal Criminal Law and have received “Preeminent” recognition from Martindale Hubbell. The firm handles cases in Charlotte and throughout North Carolina, the United States, and occasionally overseas.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Contact: (704) 376-3200 | https://rdslaw.com/
Consultation: Available for case review
3. Arnold & Smith, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with frequent trial experience
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, drug offenses, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, gun offenses, federal crimes, white collar crimes
Background: Arnold & Smith, PLLC was named Charlotte’s Best in Criminal Defense 2025 for another consecutive year. Attorneys try up to three cases a week in either District or Superior Court and have had Federal Court cases as well. The attorneys are experienced in District Court (traffic and misdemeanor matters), Superior Court (felony cases and appeals), and Federal Court (federal crimes including interstate drug and gun offenses). The firm puts experience and expertise to work to create the best possible outcome for each case.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (serves Mecklenburg County and surrounding counties)
Contact: (704) 370-2828 | https://www.arnoldsmithlaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Powers Law Firm PA
Focus Area: Criminal defense and DWI for North Carolina and South Carolina
Practice Areas: DWI/DUI, drug crimes, felonies, misdemeanors, traffic violations, family law
Background: Powers Law Firm has substantial trial experience fighting for the rights of ordinary people in North Carolina and South Carolina. The firm handles cases in the Charlotte Metro Region and Rock Hill, SC. Attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and tenacity to investigate cases in detail and explore all options. The firm emphasizes that hiring a criminal defense attorney early in the process can sometimes affect whether a prosecutor pursues charges. Attorneys are familiar with both North Carolina and South Carolina DUI laws, which have important differences.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (serves Charlotte Metro and Rock Hill, SC)
Contact: (704) 342-4357 | https://www.carolinaattorneys.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
5. Olsinski Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense for state and federal charges
Practice Areas: Drug crimes (possession, distribution, trafficking), assault, violent crimes, DWI, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: The Olsinski Law Firm has years of experience serving the Charlotte-Concord area and is deeply familiar with the local legal landscape. Attorney Olsinski went to law school with one focus: to become a criminal defense attorney. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses to misdemeanor marijuana charges. He has been named a Top 40 under 40 Attorney in North Carolina by the National Trial Lawyers. The firm has experience in both state and federal criminal law and uses knowledge of criminal law to advocate for clients’ rights.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina (serves Charlotte, Concord, Cornelius, Gastonia, Huntersville, Harrisburg, Midland, Mint Hill, Pineville, Kannapolis, Matthews, Salisbury, Belmont, Monroe, Mount Holly)
Contact: (704) 405-2580 | https://www.jcolaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in North Carolina
Felony Classifications
North Carolina classifies felonies by letter class, from A (most serious) to I (least serious):
Class A Felony: First-degree murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
Class B1 Felony: Includes first-degree sexual offense, first-degree rape, and certain drug trafficking offenses. Penalties range from 144 months to life imprisonment.
Class B2 Felony: Includes second-degree murder. Penalties range from 94 to 393 months imprisonment.
Class C Felony: Includes second-degree rape, second-degree sexual offense, and assault with a deadly weapon with intent to kill inflicting serious injury. Penalties range from 44 to 182 months imprisonment.
Class D Felony: Includes voluntary manslaughter and first-degree burglary. Penalties range from 38 to 160 months imprisonment.
Class E Felony: Includes assault with a deadly weapon inflicting serious injury and second-degree kidnapping. Penalties range from 15 to 63 months imprisonment.
Class F Felony: Includes assault inflicting serious bodily injury and habitual misdemeanor assault. Penalties range from 10 to 41 months imprisonment.
Class G Felony: Includes robbery with a dangerous weapon where no injury occurs and larceny from person. Penalties range from 8 to 31 months imprisonment.
Class H Felony: Includes breaking or entering, possession of stolen goods, and certain drug offenses. Penalties range from 4 to 25 months imprisonment.
Class I Felony: The least serious felony, including habitual DWI and certain drug possession offenses. Penalties range from 3 to 12 months imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A1 Misdemeanor: The most serious misdemeanor, including assault on a female, assault inflicting serious injury, and sexual battery. Maximum penalty of 150 days in jail.
Class 1 Misdemeanor: Includes larceny, assault, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Maximum penalty of 120 days in jail.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes simple assault and disorderly conduct. Maximum penalty of 60 days in jail.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: Includes possession of marijuana (up to half ounce) and second-degree trespass. Maximum penalty of 20 days in jail.
Record Clearing Options (Expungement)
North Carolina’s Second Chance Act (2020) significantly expanded expungement eligibility:
Dismissed Charges and Acquittals: Unlimited expungements available with no waiting period for charges that were dismissed or resulted in not guilty verdicts.
Nonviolent Misdemeanor Convictions: A single nonviolent misdemeanor can be expunged 5 years after completion of sentence. Multiple nonviolent misdemeanor convictions can be expunged 7 years after completion of the last sentence.
Nonviolent Felony Convictions: A single nonviolent felony (Class H or I only) can be expunged 10 years after completion of sentence. Two or three nonviolent felonies may be expunged 20 years after the most recent conviction.
Ineligible Offenses: Class A through G felonies cannot be expunged. Violent offenses (where assault is an element), sex offenses, and DWI convictions are not eligible for expungement. Some crimes with lower classifications, like breaking or entering, are also ineligible.
First Offender Provisions: Special provisions with shorter waiting periods exist for first offenders who were under 18 at the time of offense.
DWI Laws
North Carolina has strict DWI laws. DWI convictions cannot be expunged regardless of the level. However, if your DWI case was dismissed or resulted in acquittal, you may expunge that record immediately. North Carolina uses a DWI sentencing system based on grossly aggravating factors, aggravating factors, and mitigating factors that determine the level of punishment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between District Court and Superior Court in Mecklenburg County?
In North Carolina’s court system, District Court handles traffic matters, misdemeanor cases, and initial felony proceedings. Mecklenburg County District Court is divided into administrative courts (where traffic offenses are typically resolved, misdemeanor pleas occur, and felony cases begin) and trial courts (where most misdemeanor trials occur). Superior Court is the higher trial court where all felony pleas and trials must occur, and where misdemeanor appeals are heard. Federal Court, located in Charlotte as part of the Western District of North Carolina, handles only federal crimes. Your defense attorney should have experience in all relevant courts.
Can I get a DWI expunged from my record in North Carolina?
No. DWI convictions in North Carolina are specifically excluded from expungement eligibility and will remain on your record permanently. However, if your DWI charges were dismissed or you were found not guilty at trial, those records can be expunged immediately with no waiting period. This makes it critically important to mount a vigorous defense against DWI charges, as a conviction cannot be removed. The only potential relief for a DWI conviction is a pardon from the Governor through the clemency process.
How does North Carolina’s structured sentencing affect my case?
North Carolina uses structured sentencing, which determines punishment based on the class of offense and the defendant’s prior record level. Prior record level is calculated by assigning points to prior convictions (1 point for Class 1 misdemeanors and Class I felonies, up to 10 points for Class A felonies). The sentencing grid then determines the presumptive range, aggravated range, and mitigated range for each combination of offense class and prior record level. For felonies, judges can impose active imprisonment, intermediate punishment, or community punishment depending on the grid. An experienced attorney can help you understand where you fall on the grid and advocate for mitigating factors.
What happens at first appearance in Mecklenburg County after arrest?
After arrest in Mecklenburg County, you will typically be taken to the Mecklenburg County Jail for booking and processing. Within 48 hours, you will have a first appearance before a magistrate or judge, who will inform you of the charges, advise you of your right to counsel, and determine conditions of release. Depending on the charges and your criminal history, you may be released on a written promise to appear, released on an unsecured bond, required to post a secured bond, or held without bond for the most serious offenses. Having a criminal defense attorney involved at this stage can significantly impact bond determination.
What is the Second Chance Act and how does it affect my ability to clear my record?
North Carolina’s Second Chance Act (SB 562), effective December 1, 2020, significantly expanded expungement eligibility. Before this law, expungement was very limited. Now: you can obtain unlimited expungements for dismissed charges and acquittals with no waiting period; you can expunge a single nonviolent misdemeanor after 5 years; you can expunge multiple nonviolent misdemeanors after 7 years; and you can expunge a single nonviolent Class H or I felony after 10 years. The law also authorized expungement of two or three nonviolent felonies after 20 years. However, violent offenses (including Class A1 misdemeanors involving assault), Class A-G felonies, sex offenses, and DWI convictions remain ineligible.