1. Law Office of William G. Causey Jr.
Practice Focus: State and federal criminal defense, DWI, drug crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, murder trials
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, murder, sex crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft crimes, federal crimes, traffic offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense in state and federal courts, plea negotiations, motion practice, appeals, case investigation
Background: William G. Causey Jr. has practiced criminal defense law for over three decades. He is Board Certified in State and Federal Criminal Law by the North Carolina State Bar, a distinction held by few North Carolina lawyers. Causey is a former prosecutor who has tried criminal cases from both sides of the courtroom. He personally handles all aspects of each case. He is a member of the North Carolina State Bar, North Carolina Academy of Justice, North Carolina Bar Association, Greensboro Bar Association, Guilford Criminal Defense Lawyers Association, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Location: Serving Greensboro and the Triad area, North Carolina
Contact: (336) 822-9201 | https://www.williamcausey.com
Consultation: Free attorney consultation available
2. Clifford & Harris, PLLC
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI, drug crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, white collar crimes, firearms cases
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, sex crimes, assault, theft, fraud, firearms offenses, federal crimes, appeals
Legal Services: Trial defense, motion practice, plea negotiations, appeals, expungement
Background: Daniel A. Harris is recognized as a skilled criminal defense attorney in the Greensboro area. He has a 10.0 rating on Avvo and has been selected to Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite, Rising Star by Super Lawyers, and Top 40 Under 40 lawyer by National Trial Lawyers. Harris is a member of the 18th Judicial District Bar, American Bar Association, North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Greensboro Bar Association, and Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association. He has authored articles on North Carolina firearms and self-defense law and presented on obtaining experts in criminal cases for the Guilford Criminal Defense Lawyers Association.
Location: Greensboro, NC
Contact: https://cliffordharrislaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Law Offices of H.A. (Alec) Carpenter IV
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, DWI, drug charges, assault, theft crimes, domestic violence, probation violations
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug offenses, assault, theft, domestic violence, weapons charges, probation violations, traffic offenses
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, appeals, motion practice, search and seizure challenges
Background: H.A. (Alec) Carpenter IV has represented clients in the Triad area of North Carolina since 1997. His practice focuses on criminal defense, including DWI, drug charges, assault, and related offenses. Carpenter handles appeals in addition to trial-level representation. He has experience challenging unlawful police searches under the U.S. Constitution and North Carolina search and seizure laws.
Location: 100 S. Elm Street, Suite 430, Greensboro, NC 27401
Contact: (336) 333-5255 | https://www.carpentercriminallaw.com
Consultation: Free consultation available, after-hours and at-home consultations available
4. Harkey Litigation
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, embezzlement, assault, kidnapping, drug offenses, fraud, sex crimes
Case Types Handled: Embezzlement, assault, kidnapping, drug possession, drug trafficking, fraud, sex crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, initial court appearance representation, motion practice
Background: W. Scott Harkey is a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar and serves as Chair of the North Carolina Bar Association Criminal Justice Section. The firm provides representation throughout the criminal process from initial court appearance through plea negotiation and trial.
Location: Greensboro, NC
Contact: Contact through firm
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, Attorneys at Law
Practice Focus: Criminal defense, assault, probation violations, drug possession, theft, domestic violence, expungement
Case Types Handled: Assault, probation violations, drug possession, theft, domestic violence, felonies, misdemeanors, expungement proceedings
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, expungement, guardianship, estate planning
Background: Jason Aycoth handles criminal cases in State and Federal Court across North Carolina. He is the former President of the Greensboro Criminal Defense Lawyers Association and currently serves as an elected member of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section. Aycoth has served as Editor of the True Bill, Commencement Speaker at Elon Law School’s Graduation, and presenter of the Wade M. Smith Award for Criminal Defense Lawyer in North Carolina. He has been featured in US News, named a Super Lawyer Rising Star for six consecutive years, and has won Client Choice Awards. Founder Chad Garrett serves as a board member of the North Carolina Bar Association’s Criminal Justice Section.
Location: Greensboro, NC
Contact: https://www.gwaolaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in North Carolina
North Carolina bar admission requires passing the North Carolina Bar Examination and meeting character and fitness requirements. Applicants must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited law school. The North Carolina State Bar oversees attorney licensing and discipline.
The North Carolina State Bar offers Board Certification as a Criminal Law Specialist for attorneys who demonstrate enhanced competence in state and federal criminal law. To obtain certification, attorneys must show substantial experience in criminal defense, obtain peer references from judges and other lawyers, complete specified continuing legal education in criminal law, and pass a written examination. This certification indicates a heightened level of competence recognized by the State Bar.
North Carolina attorneys must complete continuing legal education requirements as mandated by the North Carolina State Bar.
North Carolina provides public defender services through a statewide system. Guilford County, which includes Greensboro, has a public defender office that represents indigent defendants in criminal cases. Eligibility is determined based on financial need and the nature of the charges.
North Carolina classifies felonies in ten categories from Class A (most serious, including first-degree murder) through Class I (least serious felony). Punishment depends on the offense class and the defendant’s prior record level. Misdemeanors are classified from Class A1 (most serious misdemeanor, up to 150 days) through Class 3 (fine only). Prior record points are calculated based on previous convictions to determine the sentencing range.
North Carolina does not have a traditional bail system but instead uses pretrial release conditions. Judges determine whether to release defendants on written promise to appear, unsecured bond, or secured bond. Conditions may include electronic monitoring, drug testing, no-contact orders, and supervision. The North Carolina Constitution provides that bail shall not be excessive.
North Carolina maintains the death penalty for first-degree murder with aggravating factors. Capital cases require specialized training for defense counsel. The state has not carried out an execution since 2006, and the status of capital punishment remains subject to legal challenges.
North Carolina’s expunction (expungement) laws have been expanded in recent years. Eligible offenses include dismissed charges, not guilty verdicts, first-time nonviolent misdemeanors and felonies (after waiting periods), and certain drug offenses. Waiting periods range from immediate (for dismissals) to 5-10 years depending on the offense. Multiple expunctions are possible in some circumstances. Certain offenses, including violent crimes and sex offenses, are not eligible for expunction. The process requires filing a petition with the court that handled the case.
North Carolina has habitual felon statutes that enhance penalties for defendants with prior felony convictions. A defendant convicted of a felony who has been convicted of three prior felonies may be sentenced as a habitual felon, elevating the punishment class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How does the criminal court system work in Guilford County?
A: Criminal cases in Guilford County are handled through the North Carolina General Court of Justice. District Court handles misdemeanors and preliminary hearings for felonies. Superior Court handles felony trials and appeals from District Court. The Guilford County Courthouse is located in downtown Greensboro, with a second courthouse in High Point. Cases begin with an initial appearance where charges are explained and bond conditions are set. Misdemeanor cases may proceed directly to trial in District Court. Felony cases go through a grand jury indictment process before proceeding to Superior Court. Defendants have the right to a jury trial, though many cases resolve through plea negotiations. The Guilford County District Attorney’s Office prosecutes criminal cases.
Q: What are the penalties for DWI in North Carolina?
A: North Carolina DWI penalties depend on the level of offense. Level 5 DWI (least serious, first offense with mitigating factors) carries 24 hours to 60 days, with possibility of community service in lieu of jail, and $200 fine. Level 4 DWI carries 48 hours to 120 days and $500 fine. Level 3 DWI carries 72 hours to 6 months and $1,000 fine. Level 2 DWI carries 7 days to 12 months and $2,000 fine. Level 1 DWI carries 30 days to 24 months and $4,000 fine. Aggravated Level 1 (most serious, grossly aggravating factors) carries 12-36 months and $10,000 fine. All levels include driver’s license revocation of one year (first offense). Ignition interlock may be required. Second and subsequent offenses within certain time periods carry enhanced penalties.
Q: What is the process for expunging a criminal record in North Carolina?
A: To expunge a record in North Carolina, an individual must file a petition with the clerk of superior court in the county where the case was handled and pay a filing fee. Different forms and requirements apply depending on the type of offense (dismissal, not guilty, first offense, etc.). For dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts, expunction may be available immediately. For first-time nonviolent misdemeanors, the waiting period is typically 5 years after completion of sentence. For certain first-time nonviolent felonies, the waiting period is 10 years. Some offenses are not eligible for expunction, including violent crimes and sex offenses. The court reviews the petition and may grant or deny the expunction based on statutory requirements. Upon expunction, the record is sealed from public view, and the petitioner may legally deny the existence of the arrest or conviction in most circumstances.
Q: What pretrial release options exist for defendants in Guilford County?
A: Defendants in Guilford County may be released through several mechanisms. Written promise to appear is available for minor offenses where the defendant promises to appear at future court dates. Unsecured bond means the defendant is released but would owe money if they fail to appear. Secured bond requires payment of money or property to secure release. Bail bondsmen may post secured bonds for a fee (typically 15% of the bond amount in North Carolina). Conditions of release may include electronic monitoring, drug testing, no-contact orders, surrender of passport, or supervision by pretrial services. A magistrate sets initial bond conditions upon arrest. Defendants may request a bond hearing before a district court judge to seek reduced bond. Factors considered include the nature of the offense, criminal history, ties to the community, and risk of flight or danger.
Q: What diversion programs are available in Guilford County for first-time offenders?
A: Guilford County offers several diversion and deferred prosecution programs. The Guilford County District Attorney’s Office may offer deferred prosecution for certain first-time offenders, allowing charges to be dismissed upon completion of conditions such as community service, counseling, or restitution. Drug Treatment Court provides treatment-focused supervision for defendants with substance abuse issues as an alternative to traditional prosecution. Mental Health Court addresses defendants with mental health conditions. Veterans Treatment Court serves eligible veterans. Conditional discharge for first-time drug possession allows eligible defendants to have charges dismissed after completing probation. Eligibility depends on the offense type, criminal history, and prosecutor discretion. Participation typically requires plea to the charge (to be dismissed upon completion), payment of fees, and compliance with program conditions.