Derek M. Gray
Attorney
Graystar Legal and McMinn & Logan are now McMinn, Logan & Gray
Although the United States Constitution says you have legal rights, it often feels like the criminal defense system is stacked against you at every turn.
The prosecution seems like they have limitless budgets and resources that are all aimed at winning a conviction in your case, allowing them to move on to the next defendant. Many prosecutors want you to quickly plead guilty because they have large dockets and want to win the subsequent conviction.
You need a Winston-Salem criminal defense attorney on your side. Contact Graystar Legal in Winston-Salem today to schedule a consultation.
We treat our clients with the dignity and respect they deserve.
The criminal justice system can seem bleak for any defendant in this context. It can be if you try to tackle everything on your own. Up against a powerful technique, you may not have much chance to fight the criminal charges against you or obtain the best possible legal outcome.
Although your legal rights are always in effect, you can protect them better when you hire an experienced criminal defense attorney who knows when they are being violated and what you can do to stop it. Don’t put it off, contact our law offices for an initial consultation now.
You have a lot to consider when charged with any crime. If you are convicted of the crime, there are many potential ramifications. License restoration, for example, is an issue that plagues some clients.
Of course, your most immediate concern is your freedom, which can be on the line for an extended period. Beyond that, a criminal conviction will have many other effects on your lifestyle and your family.
Being convicted of certain crimes can affect your:
Whether you are dealing with a federal or state prosecutor, the deck may seem stacked against you from the start. However, your hope comes from hiring an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Then, there is a far better chance that justice can prevail.
From the beginning of your criminal defense case, numerous critical points demand the advice of an experienced Winston-Salem attorney, including:
As your case progresses, things will only get more complicated. The prosecution has legal obligations that it needs to follow, including sharing all the evidence it intends to use against you. As you prepare for trial, you must review this evidence and determine whether you can attack the prosecution’s case.
Criminal cases come down to the evidence. The prosecution must prove every element of its case beyond a reasonable doubt, and they do this through physical evidence and witness testimony.
A big problem in the U.S. today is how evidence is obtained. In seizing and using evidence, prosecutors often violate the defendant’s constitutional rights. During an unauthorized search, a person can end up with damaged property and even personal injury.
The Fourth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution prohibits an illegal search or seizure. If you believe that evidence was illegally seized and is being used in your case, you can file a motion to suppress the evidence.
Not only can the prosecutor not use that evidence, but a court would also throw out any evidence that is the “fruit of the poisonous tree.”
First, you must know your legal rights and be ready to stand up when they are being violated, and that is precisely what a tough and experienced criminal defense attorney would do for you.
As a former Assistant District Attorney, I can tell you that legal issues arise long before trial. If you are in the Triad area of North Carolina, call our NC lawyers at Graystar Legal.
Some defendants may find an opportunity to fight the charges they are facing. Remember, the prosecutor must work to prove their case, and your attorney can weaken their case by casting doubt.
However, other defendants may decide they are better off negotiating a plea deal because they do not want to risk going to trial.
In any criminal defense case, you have two choices as to how to proceed:
There is a wide range of potential outcomes in a criminal case. You need to know the full range of your legal options, so working with a skilled criminal defense lawyer is essential.
Don’t even consider showing up to court without your Winston-Salem, NC lawyer as your criminal defense.
A good criminal defense attorney will do the following for you:
For most criminal defendants in the Winston-Salem area, it helps to know that you have someone in your corner when it seems like the legal system is lined up against you.
Although the criminal defense process is a high-stakes one, peace of mind comes from knowing that you have experienced criminal defense lawyers working for you to help protect your legal rights in criminal law cases. Get someone with experience as the Assistant District Attorney of Forsyth County.
Being a former prosecutor gives a worldview of a case that some N.C. lawyers simply cannot provide. You cannot lose any time because that may lead to a worse outcome, so call Graystar Legal today for a free case review. We will give you the personal attention you need.
At Graystar Legal, our attorneys have been practicing law for decades.
We provide criminal defense services in the following areas:
Are you facing criminal charges? Let’s secure the best outcome in the circumstances.
If you are in Winston-Salem and have been arrested or learned that you are being investigated for a potential criminal offense, you cannot delay retaining legal representation for your criminal defense.
Every step you take now can determine your future; one mistake could have extreme consequences. Our criminal defense law firm will work with you in a compassionate and non-judgmental manner.
We are legal professionals with experience in a wide range of Winston-Salem, NC, criminal offenses. We traverse both state and federal courts. We will help enter your plea and defend you fiercely in trials and appeals.
From Winston-Salem traffic violations to domestic violence charges to misdemeanor or felony cases, our criminal defense team has likely represented clients in similar situations and practice areas as yours.
In the Winston-Salem area? Let’s discuss the best course of action. Call our firm today or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. If you are in the Forsyth County area, we also have a conveniently-located Winston-Salem Office.
you may be eligible for the First Offender program. This program may help you avoid a conviction and have your charges dismissed and possibly expunged from your record.
The prosecutor’s job is to convict you. Our job is to protect your rights
Defense lawyers are legal professionals who represent individuals or organizations accused of committing a crime or other wrongdoing. Their primary role is to protect the rights of their clients and ensure they receive a fair trial.
Defense lawyers work to investigate the facts of the case, gather evidence, and build a strong defense strategy to present in court. They also negotiate plea deals, argue in court on behalf of their clients, and provide guidance and advice throughout the legal process.
To prepare for a case, defense lawyers typically begin by reviewing the charges against their client and the evidence presented by the prosecution.
They may conduct their own investigation, which can involve interviewing witnesses, gathering documents, and hiring experts to analyze evidence.
Defense lawyers also work to identify any legal issues that could be used to challenge the case against their client, such as violations of constitutional rights or procedural errors. They then use this information to develop a defense strategy and prepare to argue their case in court.
Yes, you can and should tell your lawyer everything related to your case. Lawyers are bound by strict rules of confidentiality, which means they cannot disclose anything you tell them without your permission, with a few exceptions, such as if you plan to harm someone.
This allows you to be open and honest with your lawyer without fear of incriminating yourself or damaging your case. By providing your lawyer with all relevant information, they can better represent you and build a strong defense.
The five rights of the accused in the United States include:
Lawyers win cases by presenting strong arguments and evidence that support their client’s position. This involves conducting a thorough investigation, developing a clear legal strategy, and presenting persuasive arguments in court.
Successful lawyers also have strong communication skills, allowing them to effectively communicate complex legal concepts to judges and juries. Additionally, they are skilled negotiators who can reach favorable settlements outside of court when appropriate.
In the United States, the decision to bring a case to court is typically made by a prosecutor, who represents the government in criminal cases. The prosecutor reviews evidence gathered by law enforcement and determines whether there is enough evidence to bring charges against the accused.
Sometimes, a grand jury may also be convened to review the evidence and decide whether to bring charges. Once charges have been filed, a judge will determine whether sufficient evidence exists to proceed to trial.
Plea negotiations and guilty pleas can happen any time before a verdict.
Your parental rights can be removed and you can be removed from your family if you are found guilty of certain crimes. Whether going to prison keeps you away from your children or a specific crime, you do not want to lose your ability to be a parent when you lose a court case. Let’s find better results together.
In North Carolina, your right to bear arms can be stripped for specific crimes. This makes you even more vulnerable to attack and suffering by not being able to protect yourself. If you fear you may lose your second amendment rights because you were in the wrong place at the wrong time, call now.
When you attempt to adopt a child, the state reviews your history with a criminal background check. You do not want charges to stick because you do not have good criminal defense representation, and later prohibit you from adopting a child.
If you are trying to apply for a job that requires a security clearance, you might find that a serious conviction could keep you from getting through the pre-vetting process, much less the checks necessary to get the right position.
If you are a student or considering going to school, your financial aid may become impacted by a criminal charge. Even if you are convicted of a crime after submitting some form of financial aid requests, you may lose your eligibility and even the opportunity surrounding your education.
Your career may be in danger if you are convicted of a criminal charge. Without a criminal defense attorney to help you navigate the legal system, it is quite possible that you lose your credentials and licensure based solely on your conviction. Do you drive for a living? Your DUI / DWI may paralyze your earnings. Work in the medical field? Many positions regulated by a State Board will not allow licensure due to certain convictions.
Here are the areas we serve and the criminal courts where your charges will be heard. The best thing you can do now is speak with a lawyer and get a free consultation.
Did you get arrested? Facing criminal charges? Wondering if you’ll go to jail? Afraid of what happens next? Don’t go alone.
