Criminal Law
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Criminal Defense Lawyer in Shelby

We Have Earned Respect From Our Legal Peers and Clients 

The defense lawyers at our firm help people with a wide range of different criminal charges and allegations of wrongdoing.

Whether it’s for a DUI in Shelby, a serious felony in Rutherfordton, a misdemeanor assault, or some other criminal accusation, we’d like to help.

“Our system of justice has become pretty complicated.  We think it’s a really good idea to have an experienced courtroom lawyer by your side – David Teddy, Criminal Defense Lawyer Cleveland County NC

What Should I Do if I Was Arrested?

The first steps after getting arrested should include gathering information and beginning your defense. You are presumed innocent until proven guilty and the State of North Carolina carries the burden of proof. Those are part of your Constitutional Rights, which also include things like the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, and protections against unreasonable searches and seizures.

Drug Charges Legal Representation

In the presentation of evidence, the ADA (Assistant District Attorney) may call witnesses against you and introduce proof of alleged wrongdoing to the trier of fact.

It’s important to consider things like:

  • Prior criminal history 
  • Nature and extent of the evidence
  • Witness statements
  • Video recordings
  • Confessions / admissions of wrongdoing

Can I Get My Charges Dismissed?

Whether charges can get dismissed depends a lot on the evidence the State may have against you. That’s one reason we carefully review the evidence with you, including police reports and the supporting Charging Documentation.

DWI Defense Lawyers

It’s also important to consider alternatives to a trial, including any options for deferred prosecution or earning a dismissal through the completion of Community Service.

Defense lawyers focus on providing an honest assessment of options.

“While dismissal is preferable, sometimes limiting the consequences of a conviction and negotiating a plea is the smart way to go – David Teddy, Shelby Criminal Defense Lawyer

Do I Need a Lawyer?

To be clear, you can represent yourself in court against criminal charges. While that may be your legal right, it may not be the best thing for you and your future. There are very few criminal matters, whether they be felony or misdemeanor charges, that don’t benefit from guidance from a seasoned legal professional.

There is more than going to court and hoping for the best.

The State has experienced professionals prosecuting matters.

“You and your case deserve the attention of an experienced criminal lawyer – Daniel Talbert, Criminal Defense Rutherford County NC

Handling a matter like a speeding ticket or traffic citation by yourself can have consequences for your Driver’s License and insurance points. 

Things like  Assault on a Female or larceny charges are substantially more serious. 

A conviction, even for a misdemeanor assault, can make it difficult to find a job. 

As such, while a defense lawyer isn’t required, it likely is a very good idea to seek experienced legal counsel. 

  • “Ralph is the epitome of what a lawyer should be.” - Melinda R.
  • “Daniel Talbert is a top-notch attorney... he has a never-give-up approach even when things look bleak.” - Roger T.
  • “David Teddy was more than worth the money... he actually took the time to listen.” - Rosslyn S.
  • “David Teddy and his team are outstanding!!! WORTH EVERY PENNY!” - Nicholas D.
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Shelby Criminal Defense Lawyers You Can Count On

We have always been passionate about criminal defense at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C. Two of our lawyers, David Teddy and  Daniel Talbert are certified by the North Carolina State Bar as Criminal Law Specialists. 

Achieving this status means that they have:

  • Passed an examination
  • Worked substantially in criminal law practice
  • Attended ongoing training and legal education seminars in criminal defense law
  • Received a favorable evaluation from their peers

The attorneys have, in fact, dedicated their entire legal careers to protecting the rights of the accused and have earned wide recognition in the North Carolina legal community. Mr. Teddy, a former President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Mr. Talbert, and Ms. Garren often are asked to lead criminal defense seminars and share their knowledge and insights with other lawyers.

We believe that our experience can make a difference for you. We can bring our strong grasp of North Carolina criminal law and criminal procedure to your case as well as our skills as investigators, negotiators, and trial lawyers.

Above all, our experience has taught us the importance of open and honest communication with our clients. You can trust us to fully explain your situation, answer your questions, address your concerns, and make sure that you always know what is happening at every stage in your case.

Wide Range of Services

Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., can provide a broad range of legal services to you, including:

  • Requesting a reasonable bond that will allow you to live at home while your criminal case is pending.
  • Seeking discovery of all evidence the prosecution plans to use against you.
  • Conducting an independent investigation of your case, including exploring any defenses that can be raised on your behalf.
  • Filing pretrial motions that seek to have the charges against you dismissed or to exclude from your case any illegally obtained or unduly prejudicial evidence.
  • Advising you on the risks and benefits you face if your case goes to trial and, in turn, pursuing the course of action that you wish to take.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors for a plea arrangement that will minimize your punishment in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea.
  • Going to trial with a carefully prepared defense strategy that is geared towards making the strongest challenge possible to the prosecution’s case.
  • If you are convicted, presenting evidence at your sentencing hearing that is aimed at minimizing the fines, jail time or other consequences you face.
  • Pursuing post-conviction relief for you, including appeals, motions for appropriate relief and expungement of past convictions.

Our lawyers are often sought out on the hardest of criminal cases in the hardest of times for the individuals and families involved in the case. We take pride in doing our very best to zealously represent our clients in every case.

Cleveland County Criminal Defense Lawyers

Teddy, Meekins, & Talbert Law Firm

If you have been charged with a crime in Shelby in Cleveland County or in Rutherford County, know that we understand the emotions and confusion you may be experiencing.

If you’ve been arrested, we recommend you remain silent and request to speak with a lawyer.

 

You can count on our criminal defense attorneys to aggressively protect your rights, explore all options available to you and seek the best possible resolution of your case.

Start getting a handle on the criminal charges you or a loved one faces by contacting us today by phone or online.

We can provide a prompt, completely confidential consultation and get to work on your case right away.

Shelby Criminal Defense Lawyers You Can Count On

We have always been passionate about criminal defense at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C. Two of our lawyers, David Teddy and  Daniel Talbert are certified by the North Carolina State Bar as Criminal Law Specialists. Achieving this status means that they have:

  • Passed an examination
  • Worked substantially in criminal law practice
  • Attended ongoing training and legal education seminars in criminal defense law
  • Received a favorable evaluation from their peers.

The attorneys have, in fact, dedicated their entire legal careers to protecting the rights of the accused and have earned wide recognition in the North Carolina legal community. Mr. Teddy, a former President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Mr. Talbert, and Ms. Garren often are asked to lead criminal defense seminars and share their knowledge and insights with other lawyers.

We believe that our experience can make a difference for you. We can bring our strong grasp of North Carolina criminal law and criminal procedure to your case as well as our skills as investigators, negotiators, and trial lawyers.

Above all, our experience has taught us the importance of open and honest communication with our clients. You can trust us to fully explain your situation, answer your questions, address your concerns, and make sure that you always know what is happening at every stage in your case.

Please see our Client Testimonials to learn more about our approach to serving clients.

How Our Shelby Criminal Lawyer Can Help You

Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., can provide a broad range of legal services to you, including:

  • Requesting a reasonable bond that will allow you to live at home while your criminal case is pending.
  • Seeking discovery of all evidence the prosecution plans to use against you.
  • Conducting an independent investigation of your case, including exploring any defenses that can be raised on your behalf.
  • Filing pretrial motions that seek to have the charges against you dismissed or to exclude from your case any illegally obtained or unduly prejudicial evidence.
  • Advising you on the risks and benefits you face if your case goes to trial and, in turn, pursuing the course of action that you wish to take.
  • Negotiating with prosecutors for a plea arrangement that will minimize your punishment in exchange for a guilty or no-contest plea.
  • Going to trial with a carefully prepared defense strategy that is geared towards making the strongest challenge possible to the prosecution’s case.
  • If you are convicted, presenting evidence at your sentencing hearing that is aimed at minimizing the fines, jail time or other consequences you face.
  • Pursuing post-conviction relief for you, including appeals, motions for appropriate relief and expungement of past convictions.

Our lawyers are often sought out on the hardest of criminal cases in the hardest of times for the individuals and families involved in the case. We take pride in doing our very best to zealously represent our clients in every case.

Legal Issues Our Criminal Defense Attorney Can Help With

Because of our deep background in North Carolina criminal law, the lawyers of Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C., can handle a broad range of cases, including:

Speeding / Reckless Driving / Traffic Offenses

You need to take any traffic ticket seriously. If you miss your court date, you could be charged with failure to appear. However, you should also think twice before simply admitting guilt and paying for your ticket by mail or online. A traffic offense can add points to your driver’s license record and cause your auto insurance premiums to soar. We can review your case and explore all options for you such as:

  • Seeking to have your charge reduced to a lesser traffic offense
  • Moving for a Prayer for Judgment Continued (PJC)
  • Challenging your ticket based on weaknesses in the State’s evidence.

In most cases, we can represent you in a speeding or other traffic offense case without the need for you to even appear in court.

DWI / Loss Of Driving Privileges

If you are convicted of driving while impaired (DWI) in North Carolina, you can face fines, jail time, seizure of your vehicle, and loss of your driver’s license in addition to other consequences. You can also lose your driver’s license if you refuse to consent to a breath or blood test upon your arrest for a suspected DWI.

We are highly experienced DWI defense lawyers at Teddy, Meekins & Talbert, P.L.L.C. We can thoroughly examine your case and pursue the best strategy for you, whether that means entering a plea or challenging the State’s evidence in court.

Also, we can represent you in hearings before the Division of Motor Vehicles (DMV) with the goal of protecting your driving privileges or obtaining limited driving privileges that will allow you to continue to get to work, school, or your children’s daycare.

Drug Offenses / State And Federal Court

Most drug offenses are charged as felonies in state or federal court. The penalty you face depends on the type of drug the amount involved, and whether you have past convictions for drug offenses. We recognize that people can be wrongfully accused of drug crimes such as possession, sale, delivery, manufacturing, and trafficking drug offenses. We will work hard to protect your rights.

What Sets Teddy, Meekins & Talbert Apart

  • Respected in the Tri-County Area
  • Full-Service Firm
  • Supporting Local Causes
  • Serving Shelby Since 1994

Contact Us Today

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