North Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyers
With over 30 years of experience in the preparation and trial of every type of criminal case, our criminal defense lawyers in North Carolina are committed to providing robust legal representation and safeguarding the rights of their clients facing criminal charges.
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers
Serving Pinehurst, Southern Pines, Raleigh, Carthage, Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and beyond.
Moore County prosecutors are very aggressive, with each state’s attorney having a small army of investigators and other professionals whose only job it is to build a case against individual defendants. The best way to level the playing field is to work with experienced criminal defense lawyers who are committed to preserving individual rights. That’s the kind of commitment you’ll find at Van Camp, Meacham & Newman.
At Van Camp, Meacham & Newman, Eddie Meacham offers each client a commitment to excellence. Eddie Meacham has over 30 years of experience in the preparation and trial of every type of criminal case. Because of his work, we have been selected as one of the “10 Best Law Firms” in the State of North Carolina for Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service in the practice area of criminal defense by the American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys.
Our firm is well-positioned to offer this level of service. We are big enough to have ample resources, and small enough so you know your case will not be handed off to a junior associate or paralegal.
Personalized Strategies for Your Criminal Defense Case
Mr. Meacham is one of the most renowned defense lawyers in North Carolina and represents clients in both federal and state courts in cases ranging from minor traffic and DWI violations to murder and complex white-collar crimes. Eddie has a philosophy of providing individualized attention to details of each case. His objective is to obtain for the client the best possible result. In every case, Eddie’s criminal defense team commits themselves to preparing the best defense possible for trial and, when necessary, to negotiate satisfactory pleas.
Although crimes like murder, bank robbery and kidnapping tend to seize the headlines and capture the imaginations of screenwriters — most criminal cases involve “minor” crimes that carry much smaller fines and potential penalties.
Types of Criminal Cases
All criminal cases, from the least-serious misdemeanor to the most serious felony, have both direct and collateral consequences.
- DUI & DWI
- Robbery
- Assault
- Fraud
- Arson
- Violent Crimes
Our Criminal Law Defense Services
As a firm, we handle local, state and federal criminal matters, including appeals, for people in Pinehurst, Sanford, and across North Carolina. We also practice in other states as well. Our practice involves all types of misdemeanor crimes, and state and federal felonies, including:
Our Approach to Successful Resolution
In our experience, successful resolutions often depend on prompt jail release. Defendants who are behind bars cannot participate in their own defenses in any meaningful way. Furthermore, jurors often assume that if the defendant is in jail, the defendant must have done something wrong. Finally, many incarcerated defendants accept unfavorable plea bargain deals just to “get it over with”.
More County defendants usually have two immediate jail release options. Nonviolent offenders might be eligible for pretrial release, especially if they have no criminal record. The defendant promises to appear at trial, and the sheriff releases the defendant. In other cases, cash bail or a surety bond are available. The defendant puts up some money as a security deposit, and the sheriff releases the defendant.
Next, the case moves to the evidence collection phase. Because of the presumption of innocence, defendants need not “prove” anything. They must only create reasonable doubt. Nevertheless, the more evidence the defendant has, the easier it is to refute the prosecutor’s case.
Almost all criminal cases also involve legal issues, and drug possession is a good example. These crimes account for more than 80 percent of all drug arrests in North Carolina. Seized drugs are inadmissible in court unless officers had a search warrant or a narrow search warrant exception applied. And, “possession” is not easy to establish in a legal sense, especially since the burden of proof is so high.
Resolving a Criminal Case
Out-of-court settlements resolve over 90 percent of Moore County criminal cases. So, a Pinehurst criminal defense attorney must be more than an aggressive litigator and thorough investigator. Your attorney must also be a good negotiator.
Frequently, these out-of-court settlements feature pretrial diversion or deferred disposition. Pretrial diversion is a litigation alternative. If the defendant completes a few program requirements, prosecutors dismiss the case. Deferred disposition is a bit different. The defendant pleads guilty and receives probation, but the judge does not technically find the defendant guilty.
In both these situations, the defendant emerges with no criminal conviction record. Additional relief, such as record expungement or sealing, might also be available in these cases.
Contact Our Pinehurst Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
Our Pinehurst criminal defense lawyers serve clients in Sanford, Fort Bragg, and the surrounding areas. Schedule a free 30-minute consultation* with us by filling out the online form below, calling us locally at (910) 295-2525, or by reaching us toll free at (877) 288-6557.