1. Clifford and Harris Trial Lawyers
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 50+ years combined experience and two Board Certified Specialists
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, corporate criminal defense, federal crimes, traffic violations
Background: Established under the guidance of local and state defense legend Locke T. Clifford, when you hire Clifford and Harris Trial Lawyers to defend you in a DWI, traffic violation or any criminal matter, you can be confident that talented, dedicated lawyers will pursue every possible avenue to protect your rights. Andrew C. Clifford, Daniel A. Harris, and Aaron B. Wellman have over 50 years of combined experience handling corporate and individual criminal cases with a high level of success. Locke and Andrew Clifford were both former assistant district attorneys in Guilford County before pursuing justice for defendants. The firm is the only Guilford County firm to boast 2 Board Certified Specialists in both State and Federal Criminal Defense. They also have 2 past presidents of the Guilford Criminal Defense Lawyer’s Association.
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina (serves Guilford County)
Contact: (336) 574-2788 | https://ccolawyers.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
2. Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former Assistant District Attorneys and multiple past presidents of Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
Practice Areas: DWI, felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, assault, theft, expungements
Background: At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law, the criminal lawyers in Greensboro are spearheaded by former Guilford County Assistant District Attorneys, who bring extensive trial experience to cases at both the District and Superior Court levels. Well respected in the legal community, with two former Presidents of the Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, the firm represents people charged with both misdemeanor and felony offenses in North Carolina. The Greensboro criminal lawyers bring decades of invaluable experience dealing with misdemeanor and felony crimes throughout North Carolina. The law firm has been successful trying hundreds of felony cases, and has had clients found not guilty in felony charges all the way through first degree murder.
Location: 317 S. Greene St, Greensboro, NC 27401 (directly across the street from the Carolina Theater in downtown Greensboro)
Contact: (336) 379-0539 | https://www.garrettandwalker.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
3. Coalter Law, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with prosecutorial background and award-winning representation
Practice Areas: Murder, traffic violations, drug crimes, DWI, assault, theft, federal crimes
Background: Experienced criminal defense lawyer Scott Coalter counsels and represents clients facing all manner of criminal charges, from traffic tickets to murder. He is a trial attorney, prepared to fight for the rights of clients and aggressively challenge the prosecution’s evidence. The team has the skills and experience that will help clients obtain the best outcome possible for their case. With a prosecutorial background, the award-winning representation allows the firm to build a strategy that has the best chance of overcoming the tactics and objectives of state and federal prosecutors. The firm handles all types of cases for people facing state or federal criminal charges in North Carolina. The firm has earned the trust and respect of clients, colleagues, prosecutors and judges who are familiar with their work. Se habla español.
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina
Contact: (336) 646-7977 | https://www.greensborolawyers.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
4. The Law Offices of H.A. (Alec) Carpenter IV
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 25+ years experience and personalized client relationships
Practice Areas: DWI, drug crimes, assault, theft, violent crimes, appeals, search and seizure issues
Background: Since 1997, Alec Carpenter IV has represented clients in the Triad area of North Carolina. At The Law Offices of H.A. (Alec) Carpenter IV, the commitment goes beyond legal representation; the firm prioritizes developing genuine and empathetic relationships with clients. Recognizing that each individual has unique circumstances and needs, the firm takes the time to truly understand clients’ perspectives, concerns, and objectives. The Law Offices of H.A. (Alec) Carpenter IV in Greensboro, NC, provides skilled criminal defense services to residents across Greensboro, High Point, and surrounding Guilford County communities. In addition to handling all aspects of initial criminal cases, Attorney Alec Carpenter is also prepared to handle any appeals clients may want to make.
Location: 100 S. Elm Street, Ste. 430, Greensboro, NC 27401
Contact: (336) 333-5255 | https://www.carpentercriminallaw.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available; after-hours and at-home consultations available
5. Ivey McClellan
Focus Area: Criminal defense with state and federal court experience and specialized criminal law focus
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, traffic violations, capital felonies
Background: At Ivey McClellan, the local criminal defense attorneys have both state and federal experience. The firm has a deep understanding of the local North Carolina courts and laws to protect clients during their case. If arrested in the Greensboro area, clients should take action immediately by working with an Ivey McClellan criminal defense attorney. The team of attorneys have extensive experience in defending clients with state and federal cases. They ensure due process in cases ranging from traffic tickets and misdemeanors all the way up to capital felonies. The defense firm provides aggressive legal representation to defend against a wide variety of allegations. The attorneys are specialized in criminal law, regularly involved in criminal court, and experienced in local and federal courts.
Location: Greensboro, North Carolina (serves the Triad community)
Contact: (336) 274-4658 | https://www.iveymcclellan.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in North Carolina
Felony Classifications
North Carolina classifies felonies into ten classes:
Class A Felony: Includes first-degree murder. Penalty is death or life imprisonment without parole.
Class B1 Felony: Includes second-degree murder and first-degree rape. Penalty is 144 months to life imprisonment.
Class B2 Felony: Includes second-degree rape. Penalty is 94-393 months imprisonment.
Class C Felony: Includes second-degree sexual offense and voluntary manslaughter. Penalty is 44-182 months imprisonment.
Class D Felony: Includes armed robbery and first-degree burglary. Penalty is 38-160 months imprisonment.
Class E Felony: Includes involuntary manslaughter and certain assault offenses. Penalty is 15-63 months imprisonment.
Class F Felony: Includes assault inflicting serious bodily injury. Penalty is 10-41 months imprisonment.
Class G Felony: Includes robbery with a dangerous weapon. Penalty is 8-31 months imprisonment.
Class H Felony: Includes breaking and entering and certain drug offenses. Penalty is 4-25 months imprisonment.
Class I Felony: Includes certain fraud and larceny offenses. Penalty is 3-12 months imprisonment.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Class A1 Misdemeanor: Includes assault on a female and sexual battery. Maximum 150 days jail.
Class 1 Misdemeanor: Includes larceny and simple assault. Maximum 120 days jail.
Class 2 Misdemeanor: Includes simple affray and disorderly conduct. Maximum 60 days jail.
Class 3 Misdemeanor: Includes second-degree trespass. Maximum 20 days jail.
Expungement
North Carolina allows expungement of certain criminal records:
Eligible Offenses: Dismissals, acquittals, certain first-time misdemeanors, certain nonviolent felonies, and offenses committed before age 18 or 22 (depending on offense).
Waiting Periods: Vary by offense. Generally 5 years for nonviolent misdemeanors, 10 years for nonviolent felonies (after completion of sentence).
Automatic Expungement: North Carolina has enacted laws providing for automatic expungement of certain dismissed charges.
Effect of Expungement: Expunged records are removed from public access, and the person can legally deny the arrest or conviction for most purposes.
DWI Laws
North Carolina DWI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .00% under 21). DWI penalties depend on the level of offense (Level 5 being least serious, Aggravated Level 1 being most serious). Factors affecting level include BAC, prior convictions, and aggravating factors. Level 5 carries 24 hours to 60 days jail and up to $200 fine. Aggravated Level 1 carries 12-36 months jail and up to $10,000 fine. North Carolina has implied consent; refusal results in 1-year license revocation. Fourth DWI within 10 years is a Class F felony (“Habitual DWI”).
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Greensboro?
Criminal cases in Greensboro are heard in the Guilford County courts. District Court handles misdemeanor cases, traffic violations, and preliminary hearings for felonies. Superior Court handles felony cases after indictment by the grand jury. The Guilford County Courthouse is located in downtown Greensboro. There are two divisions: Greensboro and High Point, depending on where the offense occurred. The U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina handles federal criminal cases. Having a Greensboro criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems, judges, and prosecutors provides an advantage in navigating your case.
What is Structured Sentencing in North Carolina?
North Carolina uses Structured Sentencing, a system that determines sentences based on the class of the offense and the defendant’s prior record level. The prior record level is calculated by assigning points to prior convictions (more points for more serious offenses). The sentencing grid then determines the presumptive range for the sentence. Judges can impose an aggravated sentence (above the presumptive range) if aggravating factors outweigh mitigating factors, or a mitigated sentence (below the presumptive range) if mitigating factors outweigh aggravating factors. A Greensboro criminal defense attorney can analyze your case under the Structured Sentencing guidelines and argue for the most favorable sentence.
What is a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) in North Carolina?
A Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC) is a unique disposition in North Carolina where the court finds the defendant guilty but continues (delays) the entry of judgment and imposition of sentence indefinitely. A PJC is not technically a conviction for many purposes and may allow the defendant to avoid some of the consequences of a conviction. PJCs are commonly used in traffic cases to avoid insurance points. However, there are limitations on the use of PJCs, and they may still appear on background checks. A Greensboro criminal defense attorney can advise whether a PJC is appropriate for your case.
What are the consequences of a felony conviction in North Carolina?
A felony conviction in North Carolina carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You lose the right to possess firearms under federal and North Carolina law. You lose the right to vote while incarcerated and on probation, parole, or post-release supervision (restored upon completion). You may be ineligible for certain professional licenses and may face difficulty finding employment and housing. For non-citizens, felony convictions can result in deportation and inadmissibility. North Carolina does allow expungement of certain nonviolent felonies after the waiting period, but many serious felonies cannot be expunged. A Greensboro criminal defense attorney can evaluate strategies to avoid felony conviction or pursue expungement where eligible.
Can I get my North Carolina criminal record expunged?
North Carolina allows expungement of certain criminal records after waiting periods. Dismissals and acquittals can be expunged after the case is concluded. Certain first-time nonviolent misdemeanors can be expunged after 5 years. Certain nonviolent felonies can be expunged after 10 years (from completion of sentence). North Carolina has also enacted laws providing for automatic expungement of certain dismissed charges. However, serious violent felonies and sex offenses cannot be expunged. The petition must be filed in the court where the case was heard. A Greensboro criminal defense attorney can evaluate your eligibility and file a petition to expunge your record.