Felony charges carry serious consequences that can alter the course of your life. If you’re facing felony accusations in Raleigh or anywhere in North Carolina, you need experienced legal representation that knows how to navigate the complexities of the criminal justice system.
At the Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley, we defend clients against all types of felony charges with the skill and dedication that comes from years of courtroom experience.
A felony conviction creates obstacles that extend far beyond your prison sentence. You’ll face challenges finding employment, as most employers conduct background checks. Many professional licenses become unavailable to convicted felons. Housing applications often ask about criminal history, and landlords frequently reject applicants with felony records.
Your voting rights disappear while incarcerated and during probation or parole. Gun ownership rights vanish permanently for most felony convictions. Educational opportunities shrink as some colleges deny admission to applicants with serious criminal records. Even your family relationships suffer when you’re separated from loved ones during incarceration.
The Constitution protects you even when facing serious criminal charges. You have the right to remain silent. Anything you say can and will be used against you in court. Exercise this right. Don’t try to talk your way out of an arrest. Police officers are trained interrogators who know how to extract incriminating statements.
You have the right to an attorney. Request one immediately upon arrest. Don’t answer questions without legal counsel present. We’ve seen too many cases where defendants damaged their defense by speaking to police without representation.
You also have the right to a speedy trial, the right to confront witnesses against you, and the right to present your own evidence and witnesses. We protect all these rights throughout your case.
The criminal justice process begins with your arrest and initial appearance before a magistrate. The magistrate informs you of the charges and sets bail conditions. For serious felonies, you might be held without bond until a detention hearing.
Within a few days, you’ll have a first appearance in district court. The judge reviews bail and appoints counsel if you qualify for a public defender. We recommend hiring private counsel as early as possible to begin building your defense immediately.
The case then moves through several stages: probable cause hearings, grand jury indictment (for felonies), discovery, pretrial motions, and potentially trial. Each stage presents opportunities to challenge the charges or negotiate favorable outcomes.
Evidence doesn’t speak for itself. Prosecutors present their interpretation of the facts, but we offer alternative explanations that create reasonable doubt. We hire expert witnesses when needed to challenge forensic evidence, medical testimony, or technical aspects of the case.
We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence. If police violated your Fourth Amendment rights during a search, that evidence cannot be used against you. We also challenge the chain of custody for physical evidence and question the reliability of eyewitness identifications.
Cross-examination is a powerful tool. We expose inconsistencies in witness testimony, reveal biases, and highlight gaps in the prosecution’s case. Our trial experience gives us the skills to effectively question witnesses and present your defense.
This decision depends on the specific circumstances of your case. Plea bargains offer certainty. You know the outcome before agreeing to the deal. Trials involve risk but also the possibility of complete acquittal.
We evaluate the strength of the prosecution’s case, the potential sentences you face, and your personal circumstances. Sometimes prosecutors offer reasonable deals that minimize your exposure to harsh penalties. Other times, the evidence against you is weak enough that the trial makes sense.
We never pressure you into accepting a plea. This is your decision. We provide honest assessments of your options and likely outcomes, then support whatever choice you make.
Defense preparation begins the moment you hire us. We immediately request discovery from the prosecution and begin our own investigation. We interview witnesses, visit crime scenes, and gather evidence that supports your defense.
We research relevant case law and identify legal issues that might benefit your case. We file pretrial motions to suppress evidence, dismiss charges, or limit what the prosecution can present at trial.
As trial approaches, we prepare witnesses, develop cross-examination strategies, and craft opening and closing arguments. We anticipate the prosecution’s case and prepare responses to their evidence and arguments.
Felony cases typically take several months to resolve, sometimes longer for complex cases. After arrest and initial appearance, you’ll have a probable cause hearing within a few weeks. The grand jury meets monthly to consider indictments.
Once indicted, the case moves to superior court. Discovery takes several weeks or months as both sides exchange evidence. Pretrial motions might add additional time. Trial dates are set months in advance, though continuances sometimes push cases further out.
From arrest to resolution, expect the process to take anywhere from six months to over a year for most felony cases. Complex cases involving multiple defendants or extensive evidence can take even longer.
Felony convictions result in prison sentences ranging from months to life. You’ll also face fines, restitution to victims, and court costs. Probation often follows prison time, with strict conditions you must follow or risk additional incarceration.
Beyond the direct criminal penalties, you’ll lose civil rights and face collateral consequences. Employment opportunities disappear. Professional licenses become unavailable. Housing options shrink. Your reputation suffers permanent damage.
Strong legal representation makes the difference between these harsh outcomes and more favorable results like reduced charges, alternative sentencing, or complete dismissal.
North Carolina’s expungement laws have expanded in recent years, but options remain limited for felony convictions. Some non-violent felonies become eligible for expungement after waiting periods of 10 years or more, provided you meet strict requirements.
Dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts can be expunged more easily. We help clients navigate the expungement process to clear their records when possible. Even when expungement isn’t available, we work to minimize the long-term impact of criminal records on your life.
Felony defense requires specific knowledge and skills that come only from years of practice. Attorney Dewey P. Brinkley spent years defending clients against criminal charges. This experience provides insight into how prosecutors build cases and make decisions.
We’ve tried over 250 criminal cases in local courts. This trial experience proves invaluable when your case goes before a jury. We know how to select favorable jurors, present compelling evidence, and deliver persuasive arguments.
Mr. Brinkley is certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar. This certification requires extensive experience, continuing education, and demonstrated competence in criminal defense.
When choosing legal representation, ask about specific experience with cases like yours. How many similar cases has the attorney handled? What were the outcomes? Does the attorney have trial experience, or do they primarily negotiate pleas?
Ask about the attorney’s approach to your case. What defense strategies might apply? What are realistic expectations for outcomes? How will the attorney communicate with you throughout the process?
Discuss fees and payment arrangements upfront. Criminal defense can be expensive, but your freedom and future are worth the investment in quality representation.
The Constitution provides powerful protections for criminal defendants. We ensure law enforcement and prosecutors respect these rights at every stage of your case. We challenge illegal searches and seizures. We object to improper interrogation techniques. We demand that the prosecution prove their case beyond a reasonable doubt.
We protect your right to confront witnesses through vigorous cross-examination. We present your side of the story through witness testimony and physical evidence. We hold the government to its burden of proof and never let constitutional violations slide.
Your initial consultation is confidential and obligation-free. We’ll discuss the charges against you, the circumstances of your arrest, and any evidence you’re aware of. We’ll explain the legal process and potential outcomes.
Bring any documents related to your case, including arrest paperwork, bond conditions, and court dates. Be honest about the facts. We can’t effectively defend you without knowing the truth.
We’ll answer your questions and explain how we can help. If you decide to hire us, we’ll begin working on your case immediately. Time matters in criminal cases, so don’t delay seeking legal counsel.
Facing felony charges is frightening, but you don’t have to face them alone. We provide experienced, aggressive defense for clients throughout Raleigh and Wake County. Contact the Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley at (919) 832-0307 or use the online form to schedule a free consultation to discuss your case.
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With the rise of Internet communications across all demographics throughout Raleigh and Wake County, and due to the anonymity of the Internet, cyberbullying and cyberstalking are two forms of harassment that have greatly increased in frequency over the past couple of years. Moreover, due to the very nature of the Internet, the lines between harassment, “trolling,” being insensitive, and other nuances have certainly blurred.
In short, cyberstalking and cyberbullying are often charged as a Class 2 misdemeanors punishable by a maximum jail sentence of 60 days.
The main characteristics of cyberbullying and cyberstalking, as well as other forms of harassment, generally include the presence of threatening words and/or actions. This can include direct threats, excessive bullying, and even extortion.
In abuse and harassment charges, the prosecution only needs prove an intent to cause physical or psychological harm, regardless of unintended consequences. As such, actions that unintentionally cause distress aren’t often considered harassment. For instance, if you play music too loud, thinking that the sound won’t carry to the neighbor’s house, you probably are not harassing the neighbor. On the other hand, if you repeatedly blast music to intentionally cause distress in the neighbor, then you may be charged with harassment.
There are some common defenses to harassment charges, such as:
If you’ve been charged with abuse or harassment, you could be facing jail, substantial fines, and other potential penalties. As a misdemeanor, this conviction could also wreak havoc on your ability to get a job, apply for university, apply for housing, and others. For a free consultation with Raleigh’s leading abuse and harassment attorney, contact Dewey P. Brinkley today at 919-832-0307.
Certified Criminal Law Specialist by North Carolina State Bar.
Tried over 250 criminal cases in local courts.
Knows prosecution strategies from time as Assistant District Attorney.
Direct, responsive service from start to finish by Brinkley himself.
4.9-star client reviews praise professionalism and case outcomes.
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Before founding our Criminal Defense Law Firm in Raleigh, Attorney Dewey P. Brinkley worked for almost three years in the Wake County District Attorney’s office, gaining in-depth experience handling domestic violence, misdemeanors and juvenile court offenses.
As a Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer, he handles serious felony charges, including armed robbery and attempted murder, as well as DWI, traffic tickets and violations and misdemeanors. Whatever charge you face, we can help.