How Do I Get My Criminal Charge Reduced In Wake County?

Many charges in North Carolina can be reduced. A reduction could mean less fines, less probation, less community service, and less jail time. It could also mean a lower to no car insurance increase and less points on your license.

You might be able to get a reduction on your own, but you honestly have a much better chance if you hire a criminal defense attorney. A defense lawyer will be familiar with what the District Attorney’s office is willing to reduce to, and what they require for a reduction.

What charges can be reduced? Most speeding tickets can be reduced to a lower speed. Accident tickets can often be dismissed with a proper letter from your insurance company showing all liability has been accepted and damages have been paid. Tickets that cannot be dismissed, such as running a stop sign without an accident, will not be reduced in Raleigh, but the defendant can asked for a prayer for judgment continued (PJC) to avoid an insurance increase.

Some misdemeanors can be reduced depending on the situation. A misdemeanor larceny might be reduced to a misdemeanor shoplifting or second degree trespassing. Likewise, ADAs are often willing to make plea deals to reduce felonies to a lower class or dismiss some charges if the defendant is willing to plea to others.

Do note the Wake County District Attorney’s office will not reduce charges if you choose to fight the charge. This doesn’t mean you shouldn’t fight; it simply means you should obtain the advice of a lawyer before you make any decisions.

If you have received a speeding ticket, and underage drinking ticket, or were charged with a misdemeanor or felony in Wake County, contact Attorney William Pruden at 919-880-2124 for a free consultation on your charges.

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