Charlotte Criminal Defense Attorneys

Dedicated Legal Support for Clients in Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston & other surrounding counties

Facing criminal charges in Charlotte, North Carolina? Jetton & Meredith, PLLC is an award-winning criminal defense law firm representing individuals charged with DWI, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault, serious felonies, and other criminal matters throughout Mecklenburg County and surrounding communities.

Founded by attorney Mark S. Jetton, Jr.in 2009, Jetton & Meredith's criminal defense team has case results that include a first-degree murder acquittal and numerous successful DWI defenses. Our team also includes attorneys with former prosecution experience, giving clients valuable insight into how criminal cases are investigated, evaluated, and prosecuted.

Recognized in The Charlotte Observer's Charlotte's Best awards for Criminal Defense, our firm combines extensive courtroom experience, personalized defense strategies, and a commitment to protecting our clients' rights and futures.

Whether you are under investigation, have recently been arrested, or are preparing for trial, our Charlotte criminal defense attorneys can evaluate the evidence, explain your legal options, and build a defense tailored to your circumstances.

Why Clients Choose Jetton & Meredith for Criminal Defense

Choosing a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important decisions you can make after an arrest. While many law firms handle criminal charges, attorneys differ in their courtroom experience, familiarity with local courts, professional backgrounds, and approaches to building a defense.

At Jetton & Meredith, our criminal defense team offers several important qualifications:

• Proven courtroom experience: Our attorneys have represented clients in matters ranging from traffic violations and DWI charges to serious felony and homicide cases.
• Experience from both sides of the courtroom: Our team includes former prosecutors who understand how the State investigates criminal allegations, evaluates evidence, and prepares cases for trial.
• Recognized legal professionals: Jetton & Meredith has received recognition in The Charlotte Observer's Charlotte's Best awards, and attorneys at our firm have earned professional distinctions, including Super Lawyers selections.
• Local courtroom knowledge: Our attorneys regularly represent clients in Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Gaston, and Iredell and other surrounding counties.
• Individualized defense strategies: We examine the circumstances of each case, including police procedures, witness statements, available evidence, and potential constitutional violations.
• Charlotte Roots: Jetton & Meredith was founded in Charlotte in 2009 and represents clients throughout Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston, and other surrounding North Carolina communities.
• Accessible When You Need Us: Criminal investigations and arrests don’t always happen during the business day. Our firm offers evening and weekend consultations.

Our goal is not simply to resolve a criminal charge. We work to identify the strongest available defense and help clients understand the potential consequences of every decision.

What to Expect in the Charlotte, NC Criminal Justice Process

Once formal charges are filed, your case moves through various court hearings—such as preliminary hearings, discovery, motions, and potentially trial. At every stage, we apply decades of experience handling criminal cases in Charlotte's legal environment, offering local insight and established relationships to benefit your defense. Our legal team works directly with Mecklenburg County clerks, prosecutors, and local judges to anticipate procedures, file defenses, and ensure that you remain updated and informed. As your criminal defense attorney Charlotte clients trust, we demystify every step, explain key timelines, and prepare you for what’s ahead—so you feel empowered and ready at each turn.

Facing Criminal Charges in Charlotte? Here’s What To Do Next

Criminal charges can move quickly. Before speaking with investigators or making decisions about your case, understand the charges against you, your rights, and the potential consequences. Our attorneys can evaluate where your case stands, review the circumstances surrounding an arrest or investigation, and help you determine your next steps.

• Don’t discuss the allegations
• Preserve texts, videos, documents, and other potential evidence
• Speak with a criminal defense attorney as early as possible

Meet the Criminal Defense Team 

Our attorneys regularly represent clients in Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, Iredell, Gaston & other surrounding court systems. With extensive experience working with local judges, prosecutors, and court personnel. We understand how cases typically move through the system and what to expect at each stage.

• Mark Jetton
• Shaefer Shepard
• Michael Fanous
• CJ Gillmer
• Chloe Saine

Types of Criminal Charges We Handle in Charlotte

• Alcohol crimes
• Assault
• Domestic violence
• Drug crimes
• DUI/DWI
• Expungements
• Failure to appear
• Fugitive extradition
• Homicide
• Juvenile crimes
• Licensing disciplinary hearings
• Murder
• No contact order
• Probation violations
• Restraining orders
• School hearings/Title IX
• Sex offenses
• Theft crimes
• Traffic violations
• Trespassing
• TSA violations
• Vehicular homicide
• Violent crimes
• White collar crimes

Common Penalties & Consequences in Charlotte Criminal Cases

Understanding the penalties and consequences associated with criminal charges in Charlotte is vital for making informed decisions about your defense. Depending on the type and severity of the offense, you may face jail or prison time, steep fines, probation, community service, license suspension, or mandatory counseling. For example, North Carolina criminal statutes set strict mandatory minimums for some offenses, such as DWI and drug possession, and courts in Mecklenburg County routinely enforce these state laws. Judges may also impose additional conditions, like electronic monitoring or participation in diversion programs—especially for first-time or nonviolent offenders. We are committed to fully communicating every possible consequence at the outset so you are never surprised during any step of the process.

At Jetton & Meredith, PLLC, our team understands that penalties have a wide-reaching impact beyond just courtroom sentences. A conviction can jeopardize your eligibility for employment, housing, and educational opportunities in Charlotte and throughout Mecklenburg County. As criminal defense lawyers, we focus on pursuing strategies to reduce or avoid convictions, such as alternative sentencing, expungement, or reductions in charges. 

We put our focus on trying to shield you from the consequences of criminal charges:

• Avoid jail time by identifying options that may limit or eliminate incarceration when the law and facts allow
• Reduce financial penalties by challenging fines, court costs, and restitution requests whenever appropriate
• Seek lower bail through arguments and evidence aimed at reducing bond amounts so you can return home sooner
• Protect your record by exploring expungements, dismissals, or deferred outcomes that may keep convictions off background checks
• Work to reduce charges by negotiating with prosecutors or presenting defenses that support amended or lesser counts
• Address missed court dates by confronting and overcoming charges for failing to appear in court

Our legal team at Jetton & Meredith, PLLC is dedicated to helping you minimize these risks by thoroughly examining every aspect of your case, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution, and pursuing alternatives to incarceration when appropriate. We work closely with local prosecutors, judges, and law enforcement officials to achieve the solutions that serve your best interests. Through our in-depth understanding of both North Carolina criminal law and the practices unique to Charlotte courts, our criminal defense lawyers strive to protect your future and maintain your quality of life.

 Charlotte Criminal Defense FAQs 

Do I Have to Attend Court for Every Appearance in Criminal Cases in Charlotte?

Not necessarily. In North Carolina, whether you must personally appear in court depends on the type of criminal charge, the scheduled proceeding, and whether the court permits your attorney to appear on your behalf.

Certain misdemeanor and traffic appearances may be handled by an attorney without the defendant being physically present. However, other proceedings, particularly in felony cases, may require your attendance. Failing to appear when required can result in an order for arrest and additional legal consequences. Before missing any scheduled court date in Mecklenburg County, consult your criminal defense attorney to determine whether your appearance is mandatory.

What Are My Rights After Being Arrested by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department?

If you are arrested by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department, you have several essential rights under both North Carolina and federal law. These include the right to remain silent, the right to legal counsel, and protection against self-incrimination—meaning you do not have to answer questions beyond basic identification. Law enforcement must inform you of your Miranda rights prior to any interrogation. You are also entitled to a prompt bond hearing and to have your criminal defense attorney represent you at all stages of the proceedings. 

How Does Expungement Work for Criminal Records in Charlotte, NC?

Yes. Certain criminal charges and convictions can be expunged in North Carolina, allowing eligible individuals to have qualifying records removed from public access through a legal process called expunction.

Eligibility depends on several factors, including the type of offense, how the case was resolved, prior criminal history, and applicable waiting periods. Dismissed charges, not-guilty verdicts, and certain nonviolent misdemeanor or felony convictions may qualify. Some dismissed or not-guilty cases also qualify for automatic expunction under North Carolina law.

A criminal defense attorney can review your record, determine whether you meet the eligibility requirements, and help you navigate the expunction process.

Should I Talk To The Police Before Speaking With An Attorney? 

Generally, you should speak with a criminal defense attorney before answering questions from police about a suspected crime. In North Carolina, you have constitutional protections, including the right to remain silent and the right to legal counsel in applicable circumstances. Even if you believe you have done nothing wrong, statements made during an investigation could potentially be used against you.

If Charlotte-Mecklenburg police or another law enforcement agency wants to question you about a criminal matter, you can clearly state that you wish to remain silent and would like to speak with an attorney before answering questions. You should not lie to officers or physically interfere with an investigation.

When Should I Hire A Criminal Defense Lawyer? 

The best time to hire a criminal defense lawyer is as soon as you learn that you are under investigation, have been arrested, or are facing criminal charges. You do not have to wait until your first court appearance to seek legal representation.

Hiring an attorney early can provide more time to preserve evidence, review the allegations, identify potential defenses, and prepare for upcoming court proceedings. At Jetton & Meredith, our Charlotte criminal defense attorneys represent individuals facing DWI, domestic violence, assault, drug offenses, felony charges, and other criminal matters throughout Mecklenburg County and surrounding North Carolina communities.

Can I Hire A Lawyer Before I’ve Been Charged? 

Yes. You can hire a criminal defense attorney in North Carolina before formal criminal charges are filed. This is commonly referred to as pre-charge representation.

If you believe you are being investigated, have been contacted by detectives, or have been asked to participate in an interview with law enforcement, an attorney can advise you about your rights and communicate with investigators on your behalf. Early legal representation may also help preserve important evidence, address potential legal issues, and prepare for the possibility of criminal charges.

What Happens After An Arrest In Mecklenburg County? 

After an arrest in Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, an individual is generally taken through booking and brought before a judicial official who reviews the charges and determines initial conditions of release, when applicable.

Depending on the charges, the case may involve a first appearance, additional court hearings, discovery, negotiations with prosecutors, and potentially a trial. Most criminal cases in Charlotte proceed through the Mecklenburg County court system, although procedures differ between misdemeanor and felony cases.

A Charlotte criminal defense attorney can help you understand your court dates, bond conditions, and available defense options.

Can Criminal Charges Be Dismissed In North Carolina? 

Yes. Criminal charges can be dismissed in North Carolina, depending on the facts, evidence, legal issues, and circumstances surrounding the case. A prosecutor may dismiss charges when the evidence is insufficient or when other legal considerations warrant dismissal. Courts may also dismiss charges under certain circumstances.

A criminal defense attorney can review the investigation, evaluate whether constitutional rights were violated, challenge improperly obtained evidence, and identify potential grounds for dismissal. Some eligible cases may also qualify for diversion or deferred prosecution programs that can result in dismissal after successful completion. However, no attorney can guarantee that criminal charges will be dismissed.

What’s The Difference Between A Misdemeanor And A Felony In North Carolina? 

The primary difference between a misdemeanor and a felony in North Carolina is the seriousness of the offense and the potential penalties following a conviction.

• Misdemeanors are generally less serious criminal offenses, classified as Class A1, 1, 2, or 3. Examples include certain assault offenses, communicating threats, and some theft-related charges.
• Felonies are more serious offenses, classified from Class A through Class I, and may carry significantly longer prison sentences and additional long-term consequences. Examples include robbery, certain drug offenses, serious assaults, and murder.

The potential sentence depends on the specific charge, prior criminal record, and applicable North Carolina sentencing laws.