The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison, P.A. All rights reserved. Web development by A Better Web, Inc.
Representation for Criminal Cases
If you’ve been arrested and accused of a crime, you need to hire a good lawyer right away. You’re going to need help maneuvering through the legal system and Attorney Ryan B. Addison is here to assist you. You need an expreienced attorney that knows what they're doing.Attorney Ryan Addison has over 20 years of legal expreience and will provide responsive and effective representation in your criminal cases. He understands how to navigate the criminal justice system while remaining understanding and compassionate throughout the entire process.Do you have questions about your options? Call Attorney Ryan B. Addison at 704-603-4275 or use the button below to schedule an appointment for your consultation today!
Misdemeanors Attorney
Misdemeanors are divided into one of four classes (3, 2, 1, and A1) ranging from the least serious, Class 3, to the most serious, Class A1. Class 3 misdemeanors carry a maximum active sentence of 20 days of incarceration, and Class A1 misdemeanors carry a maximum active sentence of 150 days. For misdemeanors, the defendant’s prior record level is divided into three categories: Level 1—no prior convictions; Level 2—one to four prior convictions; and Level 3—five or more prior convictions. Some of the most common misdemeanors are included below. Use the button to jump to your specific misdemeanor case type.
Shoplifting, or concealment of merchandise, is a Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to 20 days in jail
and is often charged when items are concealed while still on store property. Misdemeanor larceny, a Class
1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 120 days in jail, is charged where the item taken is valued at less than
$1000, no breaking and entering occurred, and the individual has exhibited the intent to deprive the
owner permanently of its use. Contact us now for a fast case evaluation.
Resist, Delay or Obstruct a Law Enforcement Officer
A Class 2 misdemeanor, punishable by up to 60 days in jail, where the offender interferes with the carrying out of a law enforcement official’s duty. This can
include running or resisting the police during an arrest, lying to an officer about your name or the location of an individual when an arrest warrant is being
served, or interfering with an officer who is carrying out various other official duties. Contact us now for a fast case evaluation.
Damage or Injury to Personal Property and Real Property
Includes damage or destruction to buildings, land, or personal property such as vehicles, and
punishable as a Class 1 or Class 2 misdemeanor. Trespassing – Trespassing occurs when one
remains on property after being notified not to enter or remain on the premises, and it is
punishable as either a Class 2 or Class 3 misdemeanor. Contact us now for a fast case evaluation.
Disorderly Conduct and Public Disturbance
Charged as a Class 2 misdemeanor, these offenses involve public fighting, the public use of abusive
language or gestures, blocking entry to a public building, disrupting the education of students in a public
or private school, or disruption of a religious service. Contact us now for a fast case evaluation.
Simple Assault and Simple Affray
Both Class 2 misdemeanors, simple assault is any offensive contact or
the apprehension of harmful physical contact by another person and
simple affray is defined as engaging in fighting in a public place.
The false representation of a past, existing, or future fact, or promise of future performance, that is intended to deceive and does in fact deceive another
from whom money, services, or something of value is obtained. For any amount under $100k, this is punishable as a Class H felony with up to 30 months in
prison; an amount over $100k is a Class C felony and punishable by up to 261 months in prison. Contact us now for a fast case evaluation.
Forgery and Uttering
Forgery is the making, falsifying, or counterfeiting of any check, note, or warrant with the intent to injure
or defraud. It is a Class I felony, punishable by up to 15 months in prison. Uttering is the attempt to pass
or the passing of a forged instrument to gain or to injure another and is also a Class I felony, punishable
by up to 15 months in prison. Contact us now for a fast case evaluation.
Alcohol Offense Attorney
There are a number of activities that can be captured under this heading, from underage drinking,
to selling to minors, to offenses involving alcohol and the operation of motor vehicles. If faced with
any of these offenses, or other charges involving alcohol, contact Ryan Addison for a consultation.
Assault Attorney
This category of offense addresses a wide range of violent actions or threats of violence. Depending on
the nature of the assault, the victim, and the injury, assaults can range from simple misdemeanors to
serious felonies. Need help with your defense? Contact the Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison.
Bond Modifications Attorney
If you or a loved one is in jail while your case is pending, there are some instances in which the services of
an attorney may result in a bond reduction or modification. That reduction or modification means the
difference between freedom and continued jail time. Contact the Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Burglary / Breaking and Entering Attorney
Burglary is entering a building with the intent to commit a crime. This includes entering even an open
garage or a door to a house or business that has been left unlocked. If there are people inside at the
time, or if you have had prior convictions, it is a serious felony with probable prison time. Contact us
now for a fast case evaluation.
DWI or DUI Attorney
When charged with this type of offense, two legal questions are important in determining how to handle your case. First, did the officer have a reasonable
suspicion to stop your vehicle? Second, was there probable cause for your arrest? The answers to these questions can be the deciding factors between a
guilty plea and a not guilty plea. Attorney Ryan B. Addison looks closely at these questions in every case to determine the best course of action.
Even if a guilty plea is appropriate, there are many factors that the court will consider in a DWI or DUI case to determine the appropriate punishment. Such
factors include: the level of alcohol involved, prior convictions, and whether you had a valid license at the time of arrest. Attorney Ryan B. Addison will look at
all of these factors and others to determine where you stand. Additionally, Ryan’s familiarity with the law and the local justice system can make a real
difference. A DWI/DUI conviction can have fines as high as $4,000, and jail time in excess of two years. Because there is so much at stake and there are so
many complexities, it is highly advisable to seek counsel. Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Domestic Violence Protection Attorney
In North Carolina, a person who is the victim of domestic violence, the victim of threatened domestic violence, or who is stalked or harassed to the degree he
or she suffers emotional distress, may file a complaint and motion for a domestic violence protective order. There must exist or have existed a relationship
between the parties, such as being family members, current or former dating partners, parties with a child in common, or current or former spouses.
When the complaint and motion are filed, the alleged victim has an opportunity to seek an ex parte (one-sided) temporary protective order until a hearing is
set so that the other side may have an opportunity to be heard. This is a civil action, although the violation of the protective order is a crime. In some instances,
the court may temporarily award child custody, child support, and/or spousal support. The court may also grant possession of the residence and/or vehicle(s).
Many complex issues are involved in these matters, and many potential pitfalls exist for the party under such an order, including jail time. In such a situation, it
is wise to proceed with the assistance of counsel. Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Drug Offenses Attorney
For drugs such as heroin, cocaine, ecstasy, or methamphetamines, the state of North Carolina considers even simple possession to be a felony. On the other
hand, possession of small amounts of marijuana or paraphernalia is only considered a misdemeanor, which can carry lighter penalties but still adversely affect
your future. For these lesser charges, and even some low-level felonies, our law firm may be able to help you enroll in a diversionary program. Programs of this
nature require you to perform community service or agree to take certain classes and in exchange, your charges may be dropped.
The most common program is called the 90-96 Program. The 90-96 Program allows the judge, in his or her discretion to voluntarily dismiss the charge of first-
time offenders. After the dismissal is entered, the client is eligible to file an expungement that removes any record that the defendant was ever charged with the
dismissed crime. In exchange for this opportunity to earn a dismissal, the program typically only requires that you take a drug or alcohol education class and
refrain from picking up any new charges.
If you have been charged with drug trafficking in North Carolina, it is important that you contact an experienced criminal defense lawyer immediately. Drug
trafficking convictions carry mandatory prison sentences and very large fines that are non-negotiable. A key factor in this analysis is the quantity of the drugs.
The charge of “possession with intent to sell and deliver” is less serious than a trafficking charge, and the difference between the charges is based solely on the
amount of drugs. By addressing this and other key questions, the Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison can help in your defense. Contact us for a fast case evaluation.
Expungements / Expunctions Attorney
The State of North Carolina allows for one expungement per lifetime per individual. You may be eligible for expungement in these circumstances, if:
•
The charge was dismissed, you were found not guilty, or there was no finding of probable cause and you simply want the charge erased from your record.
As long as you have never used an expungement and have not been convicted of a felony, you may be eligible to have multiple charges removed provided
that the dates of the offense happened within one year.
•
You have a conviction for a misdemeanor where the date of offense occurred before your 18th birthday, you have no other criminal record before or since
that misdemeanor, and you have waited two years since the date of conviction or period of probation is over.
•
You have a conviction for a “non-violent” felony where the date of offense occurred before your 18th birthday, you have had no other criminal convictions
before or since, and you have waited four years since the conviction or completion of probation, whichever occurs later. There are additional
requirements under this statute.
•
You have a conviction for misdemeanor drug possession or paraphernalia, felony possession of certain drugs, or underage possession of alcohol; the
charge occurred before your 21st birthday; and you have had no other criminal convictions on your record before or since. There are additional
requirements under this statute.
•
You were ANY AGE on the date of offense, you were convicted of a “non-violent” felony or misdemeanor, you have had no other criminal convictions on
your record before or since, and you have waited 15 years after the conviction or completion of probation, whichever occurs later. There are additional
requirements under this statute.
•
The expungement process usually takes more than six months from the date of the filing of the petition with the clerk. If the applicant is seeking removal
of any matter that was dismissed pursuant to a deferral program, or if it is a conviction you are seeking to remove, there is a $175 filing fee that must
accompany the petition. Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Felonies Attorney
Sentencing for felonies is more extensive than for misdemeanors. Felonies are categorized in classes ranging from Class I—the least serious, carrying a
maximum punishment of 15 months in prison—to Class A—the most serious, carrying a maximum sentence of death, or life without parole. The prior record
level for felonies will range from a record Level 1 for a defendant with 0 points, to the most serious prior record level, Level 6, which is the level for defendants
with 19 or more points. Under felony sentencing, the points for ascertaining the record level are determined by a set of rules where prior misdemeanor
convictions carry one point each and prior felony convictions carry two points each for the least serious felonies and up to ten points each for the most serious.
How you will ultimately be sentenced, should you be found guilty or plead guilty, will depend on the class of the offense you are charged with and your prior
record level. If you plan to asserting innocence, the likely outcome will be a jury trial in which your guilt or innocence is determined by a group of twelve of your
peers. Due to the complexities involved in a felony case, the risk of incarceration, and the potential for other collateral consequences, you should not undertake
these matters without the assistance of capable counsel. Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Juvenile Offense Attorney
Juveniles can commit the same crimes as adults and will be assigned a court-appointed counsel. Still, you have the option of hiring your own attorney, so call the
Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison now. In dealing with juvenile crime, the state of North Carolina is more concerned with rehabilitation than punishment. Penalties
are often less severe, and judges and prosecutors are usually more willing to find compromises that will not necessarily destroy the child’s chance at having a
successful future. In many cases, Ryan can help you appeal to the court for alternative forms of sentencing. For example, instead of being sentenced to a juvenile
detention center, a juvenile may be sent to a wilderness therapy program or other type of counseling facility. In some cases, charges may be deferred or dropped
in exchange for community service. Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Felony Larceny and Shoplifting Attorney
For felonies, typically the offense will involve items in excess of $1,000 in value or obtained
pursuant to a breaking and entering. Contact the Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison to schedule
a consultation.
Orders for Arrest Attorney
The most common scenario involving such orders for arrest is when a person misses court. At the Law
Offices of Ryan B. Addison, we have represented a number of clients seeking to get orders for arrest
stricken. If an order for your arrest has been issued, contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Probation Violations Attorney
If you are currently on probation, you should consider yourself fortunate that you are not in jail. Probation is a contract, between you and the court, to avoid jail
time. If you have been brought into court for a probation violation, it is alleged you broke that contract. Some probation violations are technical in nature; some
are substantive. You need an attorney who knows and understands these differences and who can advocate on your behalf as to why you need more time on
probation as opposed to an activation of your jail sentence. It is advisable that you not try to do this on your own. Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison
to schedule a consult.
Sex Crimes Attorney
A conviction for a sexual offense could negatively affect your life for years. In addition to a jail or
prison sentence and possibly mandatory registration as a sex offender, collateral consequences may
include difficulties finding a job, maintaining family relationships, and finding suitable housing. If you
have been arrested or charged with a sex crime, Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
Weapons Offenses Attorney
We represent those charged with weapons violations involving guns, knives, brass knuckles, and other dangerous items used to intimidate or harm another
person. In North Carolina, if you have a felony conviction, you are stripped of your right to possess a firearm. Even if you are not carrying the gun—if it is in
your car or your house—as a felon you could still be charged with a weapons violation. Carrying a concealed gun is a misdemeanor offense in North Carolina
unless you have a concealed-carry permit. Contact The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison for help.
The Law Offices of Ryan B. Addison, P.A. All rights reserved. Web development by A Better Web, Inc.
Representation for
Criminal Cases
If you’ve been arrested and accused of a crime, you need to hire a good lawyer right away. You’re going to need help maneuvering through the legal system and Attorney Ryan B. Addison is here to assist you. You need an expreienced attorney that knows what they're doing.Attorney Ryan Addison has over 20 years of legal expreience and will provide responsive and effective representation in your criminal cases. He understands how to navigate the criminal justice system while remaining understanding and compassionate throughout the entire process.Do you have questions about your options? Call Attorney Ryan B. Addison at 704-603-4275 or use the button below to schedule an appointment for your consultation today!
Misdemeanors Attorney
Misdemeanors are divided into one of four classes (3, 2, 1, and A1) ranging from the least serious, Class 3, to the most serious, Class A1. Class 3 misdemeanors carry a maximum active sentence of 20 days of incarceration, and Class A1 misdemeanors carry a maximum active sentence of 150 days. For misdemeanors, the defendant’s prior record level is divided into three categories: Level 1—no prior convictions; Level 2—one to four prior convictions; and Level 3—five or more prior convictions. Some of the most common misdemeanors are included below. Use the button to jump to your specific misdemeanor case type.
Fraud and Other Financial
Crimes Attorney
Attorney for All Other
Criminal Matters
Shoplifting and Misdemeanor Larceny
Shoplifting, or concealment of merchandise, is a
Class 3 misdemeanor punishable by up to 20 days in
jail and is often charged when items are concealed
while still on store property. Misdemeanor larceny, a
Class 1 misdemeanor punishable by up to 120 days
in jail, is charged where the item taken is valued at
less than $1000, no breaking and entering occurred,