Statesville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Statesville

Few situations are more stressful than facing criminal charges. Fortunately, you don’t have to go through this trying time alone. You can work with a Statesville criminal defense lawyer who can develop an effective defense strategy and present your case to the court.

Trust The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C.

Here at The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., we firmly believe that everyone deserves a chance at a quality defense. We provide comprehensive legal services and robust representation to people facing all kinds of charges. No matter how complex your case might be, we can use our knowledge of the state’s criminal laws to pursue an ideal outcome for you.

Why Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

In 2025, the Statesville Police Department recorded 146 violent crimes, representing a 1.35% decrease from 2024. Those crimes included 109 assaults, three murders, eight rapes, and 26 robberies. There were also 1,007 property crimes committed that year.

If you’re one of the many hundreds of people facing charges in Statesville, you should hire a criminal defense lawyer right away. Your lawyer can navigate the complexities of North Carolina’s criminal defense laws and provide you with representation during your trial. Knowing you have a dedicated attorney on your team to advocate for your rights and interests can make dealing with this stressful situation a little easier.

Felony vs. Misdemeanor Charges

Crimes in North Carolina can largely be broken down into two categories:

• Felonies. Felonies are serious, often violent, crimes. Charges like murder, rape, and robbery are all included in this category. Felony charges can result in prison time, hefty fines, and the loss of certain constitutional rights, including the right to bear arms.
• Misdemeanors. Misdemeanor charges are less serious than felonies, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hire a skilled attorney to defend you against them. You could still face jail time, fines, and additional penalties if you lose your misdemeanor criminal case.

Both felonies and misdemeanors are broken down into different categories, depending on their severity. Felonies range from Class I, which is the least serious, to Class A. Misdemeanors can be charged as Class 3, the least serious, Class 2, Class 1, or Class 1A, the most severe.

All crimes in North Carolina can potentially carry jail or prison sentences if you are convicted, including misdemeanors. That is why you need a skilled attorney who knows how to assert your rights and defend you against any allegations.

Common Types of Crimes We Defend Against

We defend against many types of criminal charges in Statesville. Cases we commonly take include:

Drug Charges

Drug charges include not just simple possession but also crimes related to the manufacturing, cultivation, trafficking, or distribution of drugs. In the Tar Heel State, drug crime laws are covered under NCGS Chapter 90 Article 5, the North Carolina Controlled Substances Act. This Act classifies drugs under different schedules, with Schedule I substances being the most harmful and Schedule VI the least dangerous.

The penalties for drug crimes vary, depending on the schedule of the substance involved and what type of crime you are accused of having committed.

Weapons Charges

North Carolina strictly regulates the sale, possession, and distribution of firearms. Weapons charges in North Carolina can include:

• The illegal possession of firearms
• Carrying a concealed weapon with no permit
• Possession of weapons on school property
• Carrying weapons where alcohol is sold

If you used a gun in the commission of another crime, discharged it within an enclosure with the intention of causing fear, or altered a serial number for a firearm, you might also face weapons charges.

Driving While Intoxicated

Driving while intoxicated (DWI) is a crime that occurs when a person gets behind the wheel of a car after consuming alcohol or another intoxicating substance. Legally referred to as impaired driving, you can be charged with this crime if you:

• Had a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.08% or greater.
• Were under the influence of an impairing substance.
• Tested positive for a Schedule I controlled substance.

Even if your BAC was under the legal limit, you could still be charged if the officer determines that you were impaired.

Traffic Violations

The state’s traffic laws are codified in NCGS Chapter 20. They include basic driving laws, speed limits, special rules for construction areas, restrictions on cell phone use, and definitions for other offenses. Most traffic violations are infractions, but some are considered misdemeanors or even felonies. In addition to criminal punishments, you could also face administrative penalties, such as the revocation of your driver’s license. A criminal defense lawyer can work to preserve your freedom and license to drive.

Probation Violations

Probation is typically ordered as part of a plea agreement. Sentences can be fully probated by a judge, meaning that defendants don’t have to spend any time in jail, or you could receive probation as part of a split sentence.

During your probation period, you must abide by the conditions set by the court and avoid additional criminal conduct. Conditions can include maintaining employment, passing drug tests, and regularly meeting with probation officers. If you fail to meet the conditions of your probation, it could be revoked. An attorney can represent you in your probation case.

If you have questions about a particular criminal matter or want to know if we can take on your case, please contact our office to discuss the specifics of your unique situation.

What to Expect in Iredell County Court

Criminal cases in Statesville are handled at the Iredell County Hall of Justice, located at 226 Stockton Street. Going to court can be stressful, but knowing what to expect can alleviate your anxiety.

When you go to court in Iredell County, you may wait for several hours for your case to be heard. Many cases are scheduled at the same time, and the judge or prosecutor typically starts the day by calling the names of the people with cases scheduled that day. The judge or prosecutor then handles the cases one at a time. Trials typically consist of:

• Opening statements
• The prosecution’s case
• The defendant’s case
• Rebuttals
• Closing arguments

At that point, the jury is left to deliberate and return a verdict. If you receive a guilty verdict, you could file an appeal. There are short deadlines for doing so, and the technical requirements for appealing decisions vary. You should consult your attorney if there may have been an issue with your trial that justifies filing an appeal. Otherwise, the judge issues a sentence, which could include jail or prison time, fines, community service, or other penalties.

FAQs

What’s the Difference Between a Criminal Lawyer and a Defense Lawyer?

The difference between a criminal lawyer and a defense lawyer is that, while a criminal lawyer can work for either the prosecution or the defense, a defense lawyer always takes on personal clients facing criminal charges. No matter what type of charges you are facing, having a skilled Statesville criminal defense attorney can improve your odds of beating them.

When Should I Hire a Criminal Defense Lawyer?

You should hire a criminal defense lawyer as soon as you know that you are in trouble with the law. In most cases, that means immediately after you have been arrested. If you’ve become aware that you’re being investigated, you don’t have to wait until your arrest to seek legal counsel. You can contact our office to schedule a consultation when you realize that you could be facing legal trouble.

Does It Cost Money to Just Talk to a Lawyer?

Whether it costs money to just talk to a lawyer depends on the firm’s policies. Many law firms provide initial no-obligation consultations. These brief consultations give you a chance to ask questions and decide whether you think the attorney might be a good fit for your case, in addition to letting the lawyer evaluate whether to take it on.

What Is the Most Common Reason Why Cases Get Dismissed?

One of the most common reasons why cases get dismissed is a lack of evidence. Sometimes, alleged victims or witnesses recant their statements. In other circumstances, defense attorneys can get evidence thrown out, leaving the prosecution without the proof they need to establish that you committed a crime. When this happens, it’s possible your case could be dismissed.

Your Statesville Criminal Defense Lawyer

If you’re facing criminal charges, it doesn’t matter whether it’s for a misdemeanor or a felony. You need a skilled Statesville criminal defense lawyer on your side.

The team here at The Law Office of William T. Corbett, Jr., P.L.L.C., can defend you. Our lead attorney, William T. Corbett, Jr., has over three decades of experience in defending clients against criminal charges, often in challenging cases. He has represented clients in over 200 jury trials and has a reputation for getting real results. If you need someone to defend your freedom and reputation, contact our office today to schedule an initial consultation.