Felony Crimes

If you’re facing felony charges, it’s beyond question that this is a serious moment in your life. At the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, our Charlotte felony criminal defense lawyers understand what’s at stake and are here to provide the dedicated, aggressive representation you need. With decades of experience handling all types of felony cases in Mecklenburg County, we skillfully handle felony cases, strategically fighting for your rights, freedom and future.

In North Carolina, felonies are the most serious criminal charges and carry harsh penalties. Felonies are classified into ten classes, ranging from Class A to Class I, with Class A being the most serious. The punishment for a felony depends primarily on two things: the class of the felony, and your prior criminal record, which is categorized into Prior Record Levels I through VI. Below is an overview of each type of felony:

• Class A: Reserved for the most serious crimes, Class A felonies, such as first-degree murder, can result in life imprisonment without parole or even the death penalty.
• Class B1 and B2: These include crimes like second-degree murder or some types of violent assault and may lead to lengthy prison sentences.
• Class C: Typically charged for serious crimes like certain sexual offenses and assaults, Class C felonies can carry prison sentences of up to 231 months.
• Class D to F: These classes cover a range of offenses, such as voluntary manslaughter, robbery, or drug trafficking. Sentences vary but can range from a few years to several decades.
• Class G to I: These are generally for lower-level felonies, such as certain thefts or drug possession offenses, with penalties that may include probation or shorter prison terms depending on prior convictions.

Each felony conviction can bring severe consequences if you’re convicted. However, being charged with a crime is not the same thing as being convicted, and an experienced Charlotte felony lawyer can help you pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

Felony charges encompass a wide variety of crimes, each carrying different penalties and impacts. Here are some of the most common felony offenses we encounter at the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC:

• Murder
• Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon
• Drug Trafficking
• Sexual Offense with a Minor
• Assault with a Deadly Weapon
• Fraud or Embezzlement
• Burglary

Each of these offenses carries unique penalties, but all felonies can severely disrupt your life and future opportunities.

The impact of a felony conviction goes beyond serving time or paying fines; it can also bring about collateral consequences. These can affect your life long after you’ve completed any sentence, impacting your ability to find work, secure housing, and even vote. Here are some ways a felony conviction could affect your life:

• Employment: Many employers perform background checks, and a felony conviction can limit job prospects in specific fields, including finance, healthcare, and education.
• Housing: Some landlords may deny housing to individuals with felony records, making it harder to find stable living arrangements.
• Voting Rights: In North Carolina, felony convictions result in a temporary loss of voting rights, which can only be restored after completing your sentence and any related probation or parole.
• Firearm Ownership: Federal and state laws restrict those with felony convictions from owning or purchasing firearms, impacting personal rights and security.
• Professional Licensing: Many professional licenses, such as those required for teaching or healthcare roles, may be denied or revoked after a felony conviction.

If you or a loved one has been charged with a felony, there’s no time to delay. The Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, is here to help you face these charges with a clear plan and effective legal strategy. Our Charlotte felony lawyers are dedicated to providing skilled representation and aggressively defending your rights in and out of court. With decades of experience, know what it will take to secure the best possible outcome in even the toughest cases. To learn more about how the Olsinski Law Firm, PLLC, can assist you with a misdemeanor charge, contact us today at 704-405-2580 or connect with one of our attorneys by filling out our online contact form. Our team is ready to put our decades of experience to work for you.