- Winston-Salem, North Carolina
For anyone accused of a crime, the most daunting challenge is trying to understand the laws — the specifics of the criminal code that they potentially violated, the penal consequences for the offense, and their rights.
More than 57,000 federal cases were reported nationwide in 2021, and North Carolina has more than 400 criminal laws. If the accused manages to find their way to the precise law, the legal language that preserves each section reads like a foreign language.
If you’re facing criminal charges, too much is on the line. You can’t afford to get lost in the laws or confused by the complex language of the law. You need a criminal defense attorney.
The attorneys at Greenwood Law focus on criminal law and defense. Not only can we explain in plain language which laws apply to your situation and how they may affect your case, but we’ll also use the law, as well as the evidence, to build your defense strategy.
We provide legal services to clients in Kernersville, Winston-Salem, and throughout Forsyth County and North Carolina. Our team of attorneys is prepared to review your case during a free, no-obligation consultation.
If you’re under investigation or have been charged with a crime, the experienced defense attorneys at Greenwood Law can counsel and represent you in several areas.
In North Carolina, it is illegal to operate a vehicle while impaired. The legal limit for blood alcohol content (BAC) of a driver is 0.08%. The limit for a commercial vehicle driver is 0.04%.
Depending on which of the state’s five levels of misdemeanor DWI applies to your situation, you’re facing a penalty of 24 hours to two years in jail, along with a fine of $200 to $4,000. A DWI also means the revocation of your license.
If you’re charged with a DWI, it’s not a trivial offense. In addition to jail time and the penalty, your license will be revoked for one to four years. A third offense could result in a permanent revocation.
The attorney team at Greenwood Law has decades of experience defending clients facing DWI charges. We’ll carefully examine the evidence — the police report, the BAC results, and any other test conducted — and build a strong defense aimed at reducing the impact of the charges.
If you have been accused of a drug crime, it’s imperative that you seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Regardless of whether the charge is related to possession or trafficking, you’re potentially looking at substantial jail time and fines.
Schedule I drugs carry the harshest penalties. They include controlled substances such as heroin, LSD, peyote, mescaline, and quaaludes. Schedule II covers Morphine, Codeine, fentanyl, Cocaine, amphetamines, and others.
A possession conviction could result in a prison term with a maximum sentence ranging from six months for Schedule VI drugs to five years for Schedule I and Schedule II drugs. A trafficking conviction carries a maximum sentence starting at five years for Schedule VI drugs but up to 10 years for Schedule I and II.
In addition to state charges, an individual suspected of drug trafficking may be up against federal charges, which can be the most difficult to fight. At Greenwood Law, we have successfully defended clients facing charges involving drug possession, trafficking, and manufacturing.
Child pornography is prohibited by state and federal law. It is a “sexual exploitation of a minor” crime. Charges range from possessing and downloading to producing and selling child pornography.
The charges carry long periods of incarceration, but it depends upon the degree and felony class.
For instance, the prison term for third-degree sexual exploitation of a minor, which is a class H felony, ranges from five to 20 months. A first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor conviction, a class C felony, is punishable by 58 to 201 months in prison. By law, anyone convicted of sexual exploitation of a minor must be registered as a sex offender.
If you’re charged with a crime in Kernersville, you will have to appear in court in Winston-Salem, the seat of Forsyth County. Misdemeanors are heard at the district court, while felony cases go to the superior court. Both courts are located at the Forsyth County Courthouse complex in Winston-Salem.
If you are not familiar with the court process, here is an overview of what you can expect.
If, after the arrest, you’re unable to post bond, you will be brought to the court by law enforcement officers. If you’re released on bond, it’s critical that you appear in court on the day and time indicated in the summons.
Your trial could take half a day or a full day, but it should follow the procedures and protocols as highlighted below.
The trial may begin with opening statements delivered by the prosecution and defense. But this step is optional.
After the opening statements, the prosecution presents its evidence, including documents, photos, videos, and witness testimony. After the witnesses testify, a cross-examination takes place.
The defense will then argue their side, also presenting evidence and calling upon witnesses, including the defendant. Once concluded, the prosecution cross-examines the witness.
The prosecution responds to the defense’s evidence and witness testimony with a rebuttal. The prosecutor may introduce new evidence or witnesses. The rebuttal closes after a cross-examination by the defense.
The trial concludes with closing arguments. During these arguments, both parties appeal to the jury or judge on why they should decide in favor of each party’s argument.
If the trial results in an unfavorable decision, you have the option — and the right — to appeal. A defendant in a criminal case has only 14 days from the day of sentencing to give a notice of appeal. With such a short deadline, it’s imperative that the defendant has a criminal defense attorney.
Greenwood Law’s legal services are not limited to criminal defense. Our firm’s practice areas also include civil litigation, family law, and immigration. However, we are exceptionally effective in handling cases involving crimes such as DWI and other traffic crimes, drug crimes, financial crimes, assault, and domestic violence.
Founder and attorney Dylan W. Greenwood has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star in North Carolina and the United States. He also has earned a spot in the Top Ten Ranking with the National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys and Top 40 Under 40 by the National Trial Lawyers.
At Greenwood Law, we understand that it’s imperative for those accused of crimes to partner with an attorney they can trust. Their future is often in our hands. We’ll be by your side every step in the process, providing compassionate and personalized legal advice and representation.
Although we cannot guarantee how your case will turn out, our client testimonials demonstrate that our attorneys are dedicated to the success of our clients.
If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges, contact Greenwood Law for a free consultation with a skilled criminal defense attorney. We serve clients in Kernersville, Winston-Salem, and throughout Forsyth County and North Carolina.
