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(980) 237-4579

Criminal Lawyers in Charlotte, NC

Your pathway to justice starts here.

North Carolina’s premier defense firm offers free consultations and a track record of courtroom success. When your freedom hangs in the balance, every second matters. Book your consultation today.

(980) 237-4579

How Can Our Charlotte Criminal Attorneys Help?

I was charged with a crime

The consequences of a criminal conviction in Charlotte, NC include fines, a permanent criminal record, and even time in custody. You should review your rights and pursue every available protection.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CRIMINAL DEFENSE PROCESS

I WAS CHARGED WITH A DWI

Being charged with a DWI in Charlotte is a serious matter. You could face fines, the loss of your driver’s license, and even jail time. You should review your DWI case with an experienced criminal defense attorney in Charlotte, NC.

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE DWI PROCESS

I NEED TO HIRE A CRIMINAL ATTORNEY

Our law firm includes a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist in both State and Federal Court. Let our experience work for you. Contact us for a free consultation with a criminal lawyer near you.

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Our Criminal Attorneys in Charlotte, NC Protect You and Your Loved Ones

It’s hard to appreciate how intimidating the North Carolina criminal justice system can be until you or a loved one is charged with a crime.

Suddenly facing time behind bars, losing your driving privileges after a DWI, or the lasting stigma of being a convicted criminal would overwhelm anyone. A lot will be racing through your mind, and you’ll have questions that need immediate answers. Whatever your circumstances or the allegations made against you, this is probably one of the hardest things you’ve ever had to face. However, you don’t have to do this alone. Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys can help.

Our Charlotte criminal defense attorneys defend people in your situation every day, and we are passionate about upholding your rights. With over 35 years of combined criminal defense experience and an extensive trial background in state and federal courts, we know what you are up against. Whether you need a Charlotte DWI / DUI lawyer, were charged with simple assault, or are facing serious felony charges, our singular focus is on you and crafting a plan that puts you in the best possible position.

Our criminal defense attorneys are never intimidated and don’t make promises we can’t keep. We take an aggressive approach to every criminal case and are committed to listening to each client in our care. When we are handling your case, you will have our complete attention. Our criminal defense attorneys will strive to tell your story, so a single incident doesn’t define you.

No matter the allegations made against you or the legal issues involved, don’t take unnecessary risks with your future. Before speaking with the police, discuss your situation personally with our criminal lawyers in Charlotte, NC. We will explain what you’re dealing with, your rights according to North Carolina criminal law, your available options, and how to defend yourself against the charges you are facing. Let our criminal defense attorneys bring our skill and experience to bear for you. Don’t just take our word for it, read some of the 150+ 5-star reviews clients have given us on Google.

To schedule a free and confidential consultation with a criminal lawyer near you call (980) 237-4579 today or submit the details through our online form.

TO SCHEDULE A FREE AND CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION WITH A CRIMINAL LAWYER NEAR YOU, GIVE US A CALL TODAY.

(980) 237-4579

"These Men Don't Play Games"

"Ryan was my rock in the storm of my defense. His knowledge of procdure and law is beyond worth. If you need professional representation at a fair fee, look no further than right here. These men don't play games."

Posted by C.G., A criminal defense client

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Typical Criminal Cases We Handle

With more than 35 years of combined experience successfully representing people in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and throughout North Carolina, and a reputation for securing justice, the Charlotte criminal defense attorneys of Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys understand the serious issues and long-term consequences you are dealing with.

Experience Handling a Wide Range of Criminal Cases in NC

Our Charlotte criminal lawyers also know how to gain an edge against prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, with their seemingly endless resources. Whether your goal is to avoid time behind bars, prove that you accidentally possessed a firearm at the airport, spare yourself from all the trappings of a criminal record, or defend against possession of drug paraphernalia charges, we know the law, the courts, and what it takes to succeed.

If you are a professional and have a legal issue that needs to be addressed, our Charlotte professional license defense attorneys can guide you. You need a defense attorney with experience in both administrative and criminal processes so you have the best chance of a positive outcome.

Defend Against Your Charges With Our Criminal Attorneys

Criminal charges in Charlotte are serious. Law enforcement officers and prosecutors are highly trained in getting convictions and often want to see offenders punished to the fullest extent of the law.

The consequences of a criminal conviction in Charlotte will vary depending on the specific accusations and charges against you, but it could end with a haunting mark on your permanent criminal record, losing your driver’s license, paying costly fines, losing your job, or incarceration. Even misdemeanors and citations can have a negative influence on your life, from social stigma to reduced job prospects.

Our criminal attorneys in Charlotte, NC know the high stakes involved and are fierce advocates for those accused of a crime. The Charlotte criminal defense attorneys with Randall & Stump have prevailed in countless criminal cases ranging from misdemeanor drug crimes to high-stakes Federal criminal offenses. We are among the select few criminal defense law firms that has a board-certified specialist in state and federal criminal law. As a result, we are authorities in this field with the experience, skill, and resources to tackle the most complex criminal cases, all while keeping your best interests at the forefront of everything we do.

Whether you have been charged with what may seem like a minor offense or arrested for a grievous felony or federal crime, the criminal justice process can be unforgiving. If you or a loved one is facing any of the following criminal charges in Charlotte, NC or its surrounding areas, Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys can preserve your rights and defend your future:

CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Case
Results

Dismissal for Man Charged with Assault on a Female

Read Result

Assault, Domestic Violence, and Gun Charges Dismissed

Read Result

Assault with a Deadly Weapon Charge Results in Probation

Read Result

Our Defense Attorneys Wrote the Book on Criminal Procedure in North Carolina

When people are arrested or accused of crimes in North Carolina, they will be plunged into a criminal justice system that few are equipped to handle. It takes a meticulous approach to the process and procedures involved to gain the upper hand. As the co-authors of the fourth edition of Criminal Procedure in North Carolina, Charlotte criminal defense lawyers Samuel Randall and Ryan Stump can offer you valuable insight in your case.

This book is used to teach criminal procedure in law schools, and other defense attorneys reference it when practicing criminal law in North Carolina. It covers how a criminal case should be handled from arrest to appeal. Through careful analysis of the case law and North Carolina statutes, attorneys Samuel Randall and Ryan Stump point out flaws in the criminal justice system, particularly when North Carolina Appellate Court decisions conflict with holdings of the U.S. Supreme Court.

With such in-depth knowledge of how the North Carolina criminal justice process works and when it violates the rights of defendants, Sam Randall and Ryan Stump can ensure that you are treated fairly if you’ve been accused of a crime or if prosecutors have already charged you. Whether you’ve been arrested for your first DWI offense, need help fighting a restraining order, or you believe the police conducted an illegal search and seizure, our defense attorneys aren’t afraid to challenge the actions of police officers or holdings of the court that violate your rights. We will make sure you have the best chance to move forward with life after criminal allegations are made against you.

criminal procedure book

About Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys

When attorneys Samuel Randall and Ryan Stump formed Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys, they did so with the belief that everyone deserves responsive and compassionate representation from some of the best criminal defense attorneys in Charlotte, NC.

Samuel J. Randall IV

Managing Partner

Since 1998, Samuel J. Randall, IV has built a solid reputation among his peers, adversaries and the judiciary in North Carolina as an aggressive and skilled criminal defense lawyer and advocate for his clients.

Meet Samuel
headshot photo of Samuel J. Randall IV

Ryan D. Stump

Managing Partner

A North Carolina native, Attorney Stump received his B.A., graduating cum laude, from Campbell University and his J.D. from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law.

Meet Ryan
headshot photo of Ryan D. Stump

Our Charlotte Criminal Attorneys Set Themselves Apart by Experience & Skill

Through our more than 35 years of combined legal experience, our Charlotte criminal lawyers have established that you and your family deserve better than quick settlements, negotiated pleas, and cookie-cutter legal tactics. We want to get to know you and understand what led to your criminal charges. We will focus on your goals now and in the future, to ensure the best outcome given the facts of your case. If protecting your license after a DWI is your top priority, that will be our mission and if you need help defending against false allegations, we’ll fight hard to defend your reputation.

Once we know the facts, our experienced criminal attorneys will execute a strategy aimed at achieving your objectives, while keeping you informed at every stage of the process. This process may include negotiating for a dismissal of your charges if it is reasonable, having the charges against you amended or reduced based on the facts, lobbying for a mitigated sentence, or fighting to recover the compensation that you and your family need.

At Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our clients can rely on:

Our Trial Skills and Track Record of Excellence

Our veteran Charlotte trial attorneys have proved themselves in court time and again. We know how cases work in practice, how prosecutors and opposing counsel think. We understand what it takes to succeed in front of judges and juries.

Honest and Straightforward Legal Advice at Every Turn

We are not here to give false hope or unrealistic expectations for results. The issues affecting you merit a candid assessment. From your initial consultation through the very end, our criminal defense lawyers are committed to offering practical legal guidance and attainable solutions.

Personalized Attention from Start to Finish

No client is the same as another; therefore, how we approach cases should be as unique as you are. Our Charlotte criminal attorneys will analyze your situation and create a strategy that’s in your best interest, while remaining accessible whenever you need us.

Fierce Protection and Aggressive Advocacy

When you work with our criminal attorneys, you can be sure that we see what’s on the line for you and your family. We will use every available resource to uncover what was overlooked and will fight for the best possible outcome.

In the News

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Here's what happened when cops ID'd a man who said he wanted to shoot up an NC School

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Man charged with 'corrupting' Wells Fargo employees in fraud scheme

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Face The Charlotte, NC Criminal Process With Confidence

Moving through the North Carolina criminal court process is a scary concept. The legal procedures can be complicated, and its pitfalls have tremendous repercussions. By working with Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our criminal lawyers will provide you with step-by-step guidance and alleviate as much of the burden as possible.

STEP 1
Pre-Charge Investigation

Before charges are formally filed, law enforcement will attempt to gather evidence and build their case. Among their various tactics, officers will likely make “voluntary contact” and try to question you without being required to advise you about your rights. Remember, you are not under any obligation to answer these questions. Instead, consult a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible during the pre-charge investigation.

Step 2

STEP 2
Arrest and Interrogation

This occurs when law enforcement believes they have enough evidence that you committed a crime, which is called “probable cause.” You’ll be taken into custody and likely questioned by law enforcement officers. By contacting one of the best criminal defense attorneys you can find right away, you can ensure that the early stages of the case are executed appropriately, and you are not illegally questioned.

Step 3

STEP 3
First Appearance and Bail

When you are arrested for a serious crime, you’ll have to attend a first court appearance. During which, the criminal charges against you will be read. A judge will also determine if you understand the charges and if you’re to be released on bail. You may have a defense attorney present during your first appearance who will argue for your release and offer guidance. If you don’t already have a criminal lawyer, the judge will ask if you want to hire one, or if you need court-appointed representation.

Step 4

STEP 4
Pre-Trial

After the first appearance, the prosecution and defense counsel will start building their cases. This will involve sharing evidence and raising questions of law. An experienced criminal lawyer will be vital at this stage because cases can be won or lost depending on what evidence or legal arguments are admitted. During this phase, attorneys can also meet and begin negotiations for alternate outcomes, including dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing options.

Step 5

STEP 5
Trial

If a resolution isn’t reached, the case will be set for a trial. The prosecutor will present evidence aimed at proving guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This may include police reports and witness statements among other supporting materials. Your Charlotte defense attorney can also refute the government’s claims. For example, if you’re charged with DWI, a capable criminal lawyer may challenge any witnesses, cast doubt on the authenticity of the evidence like field sobriety or chemical test results, or offer alternate theories about what occurred.

Step 6

STEP 6
Sentencing

If you’re found ‘not guilty,’ you will be excused from further legal worry. However, if you are found ‘guilty,’ your punishment will be based on numerous elements, including the details involved, aggravating factors, mitigating factors, reports provided, and statements from relevant parties. A skilled criminal defense attorney will continue to champion for a favorable outcome at the sentencing phase. This can lead to less severe penalties, such as reduced time in custody, lower fines, or other alternatives like probation and electronic monitoring.

Back To Step 1

Our Charlotte Criminal Attorneys Have Extensive Trial Experience

Whether you are facing charges in state or federal court, our Charlotte criminal lawyers have the unique skillset and wide-ranging experience to see your case through the entire process, up to and including a trial.

Criminal cases should always be pursued with the possibility of going to trial. Your criminal defense attorney’s ability to present a strong argument in court will influence virtually every aspect of your case and increase the likelihood of a favorable outcome. It’s also essential to present your side of a situation to prosecutors during negotiations. Our criminal lawyers in Charlotte, North Carolina have extensive experience negotiating, and they understand how to achieve a beneficial outcome for you.

At Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys, our Charlotte criminal attorneys prepare every case for trial. From the very beginning, we will examine the evidence and develop arguments that present your case or claim in the best possible light. We will not rest until we have done everything possible to protect your rights and interests. This comprehensive preparation has led to an impressive history of success and keen insight into what it takes to succeed.

Areas Our Criminal Defense Attorneys Serve

With more than 35 years of combined legal experience and a history of success in state and federal courts across North Carolina, the Charlotte criminal attorneys with Randall & Stump, Criminal Defense Attorneys are committed to serving its clients and providing exceptional legal services in the following areas:

  • Mecklenburg County
  • Charlotte
  • Pinecrest
  • Tryon Hills
  • Arbor Glen
  • Smallwood
  • Westerly Hills
  • Oaklawn
  • Lakewood
  • Pineville
  • Mint Hill
  • Matthews
  • Wildwoods
  • Woodford Green
  • Weddington
  • Cornelius
  • Davidson
  • Dilworth
  • Huntersville
  • Stallings