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\n\t\n\tEach year, an estimated 19,000 individuals end up being booked into detention centers in our county alone, according to data published by the Guilford County Sheriff’s Department. Of those Guilford County inmates<\/a> housed at the Greensboro, High Point, and prison camp facilities, they face a wide range of criminal charges, including traffic infractions like driving while intoxicated (DWI), financial crimes such as forgery or fraud, and violent crimes; even ones as serious as rape or murder. Countless others, including many of the clients a criminal lawyer from our law firm, Ivey McClellan, work with, are released on bail, awaiting the adjudication of their cases in North Carolina courtrooms.<\/p>\n\t When you were arrested in Guilford County, you should have been read your Miranda rights. In those, you might have been informed that you have a right to an attorney and that anything you do or say could be used against you in a court of law. If you or a loved one are facing criminal charges in High Point or elsewhere in our county, there’s no time better than now to speak with a criminal defense attorney<\/a> regarding your case.<\/p>\n Although you’ve likely heard countless times already that you’re considered innocent until proven guilty, Guilford County, state, or federal law enforcement agencies seldom move forward in arresting and filing charges against a defendant unless they feel they have an airtight case. That’s why you need the support of a Guilford County criminal lawyer who understands this and can guide you accordingly. Call or email us now.<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSpeak With a Qualified Criminal Defense Lawyer to Defend Yourself Against Criminal Charges\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t As you stand accused of having committed a criminal offense in Guilford County, it’s important that you know a few details about crimes and how the criminal court system works.<\/p>\n In North Carolina, just like the rest of the United States, there are two primary types of criminal charges someone can face — misdemeanors or felonies. A misdemeanor is a crime that’s punished with under a year in jail, whereas a felony charge is considered to be a more serious crime and, thus, is punishable by a year or more (even the remainder of a defendant’s natural lifetime) imprisonment.<\/p>\n An investigation may occur, and arrest can be made at a local level, such as by the High Point Police Department or by county, state, or federal law enforcement officers, including ones from the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, the North Carolina State Highway Patrol, or the U.S. Marshal’s Office (and many other agencies in between).<\/p>\n Prosecutors, such as district attorneys or U.S. attorneys, decide whether to pursue charges against a defendant. If they move forward, they’re responsible for preparing a case for trial in state and federal courts.<\/p>\n Our Greensboro criminal defense attorneys<\/a> often get asked what dictates which court system handles criminal offenses. The answer to this question depends on various factors, including whether misdemeanor offenses or felony offenses are involved and where crime is alleged to have occurred. For example, defendants tend to be tried in the Guilford County Courthouse when it comes to misdemeanor drug charges like drug offenses, such as simple drug possession (enough for just personal consumption).<\/p>\n\tBasics You Should Know About Criminal Charges in Guilford County, NC<\/h2>\n
Understanding the Distinction Between a Misdemeanor and Felony Charges<\/h3>\n
Who Makes Arrests and Who Files Charges in Criminal Cases?<\/h3>\n
A Criminal Lawyer in Guilford County Explains How State and Federal Charges Differ<\/h3>\n
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