Law Firm of Schlosser & Pritchett

Products And Services

• DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

  Greensboro Domestic Violence Lawyer If you have been accused of domestic violence or a 50-B protective restraining order has been filed against you, you need an experienced domestic violence defense lawyer in Greensboro, North Carolina. Domestic violence charges range from misdemeanors to felonies. Regardless of the charge, being accused of domestic violence can be life-changing. Some prosecutors and judges feel that domestic violence can be a prelude to other violent crimes, including assault and battery, rape, manslaughter and even murder. For this reason, the courts come down hard on domestic violence. You need a Greensboro domestic violence lawyer from Schlosser & Pritchett to help you avoid conviction and any long-term consequences. If police receive any hint that spousal abuse or violence may be involved in a domestic dispute, they will make an arrest. Once law enforcement actions have begun, they are hard to stop. Remember, the prosecution can proceed with a Domestic Violence charge even if the victim does not want to press charges. Definition of Domestic Violence In 1979, the North Carolina General Assembly enacted the Domestic Violence Act, Chapter 50B, to deal with the growing problem of domestic violence. This statute protects a wide spectrum of possible victims of domestic violence: present or former spouses; present or former household members; persons of the opposite sex who are dating each other or had dated each other; a person who is living with a person of the opposite sex as if married; children and their parents or grandparents; and persons acting in the role of a child’s parent. Under this statute any act which attempts to cause or intentionally causes bodily injury is domestic violence. Any act which places a person in fear of “imminent serious bodily injury” by threatening the use of force is also domestic violence. Acts constituting first or second degree rape of first or second degree sexual offense under our criminal code are clearly acts of domestic violence. Types of North Carolina Domestic Violence Actions Threats Intimidation Annoying Phone calls Stalking (such as following the victim to and from work, and threatening the victim) Physical Assault or Abuse Hitting Kicking Biting Pinching Punching Hair pulling Beating Slapping Pushing Shoving Sexual Abuse Unwanted sexual touching Forced sexual acts Criticizing sexual ability Verbal Abuse Emotional cruelty Constant criticism Name calling Ignoring the victim Degrading remarks Mocking Taunting Swearing Financial Abuse Refusing to pay bills Withholding money from victim Not allowing victim to work Not purchasing family necessities Social Abuse Opening and reading victim’s mail Monitoring and listening in on telephone calls Outward jealousy and possessiveness Isolating the victim from family / friends Violating privacy rights of victim Child Abuse Child endangerment charges

  Link: DOMESTIC VIOLENCE

• DRUG CRIMES

  Greensboro Drug Crimes Lawyer If you have been charged with a drug crime in North Carolina, your opponent – the prosecution – has nearly endless resources available to develop its case against you. In order to balance the score, you need an experienced Greensboro drug crimes lawyer. You can trust the attorneys at Schlosser & Pritchett to mount a knowledgeable defense whether you are charged with a misdemeanor or felony drug charge or from simple possession of marijuana to drug trafficking. Types of North Carolina Drug Crimes Violating drug trafficking laws Possession, selling, distribution, transporting, cultivation, manufacturing of Marijuana Crack Cocaine Crystal Meth (including running meth labs) Hallucinogens Narcotics Ecstasy GHB Opiates Prescription drugs such as Vicodin, Valium, Percocet, or OxyContin Obtaining a controlled substance by fraud or forgery Maintaining a dwelling or motor vehicle to store drugs Possession of drug paraphernalia Other drug offenses North Carolina Drug Classifications How you are charged depends largely on what type of substance was found in your possession. The federal government adopted a classification system based on “schedules”. North Carolina statutes revolve around these schedules. Schedule I drugs include those that are the most dangerous and have a high risk of addiction or dependency and no legitimate medical use. Drugs included under this heading include LSD, ecstasy, heroin and mescaline. Schedule II substances still have a high risk of abuse but may have legitimate medical uses. These include things like opium, cocaine, methadone, methamphetamines, and amphetamines. Schedule III drugs are slightly less dangerous than Schedule II substances, but still have a moderate risk of abuse. Schedule III substances include anabolic steroids, testosterone, ketamine, and some depressants. Schedule IV drugs have a slight risk of dependency and have very acceptable medical uses. Some Schedule IV drugs are valium, xanax, tranquilizers, and sedatives. Schedule V substances have a very low risk of dependency and include things like Tylenol with Codeine. Schedule VI substances, like schedule V, have no medical use and a very low risk of dependency. Marijuana is included in this schedule.

  Link: DRUG CRIMES

• DUI / DWI

  Greensboro DUI & DWI Attorney Allegations of drunk driving and criminal DUI/DWI charges have become serious business in the state of North Carolina. A conviction could result in serious penalties. Experience will definitely count in a successful defense of your rights. The Greensboro Law Firm of Schlosser & Pritchett in North Carolina are the best DUI/DWI defense attorneys and will work their hardest to give you that positive outcome. As experienced North Carolina DUI/DWI Lawyers, our background in these cases is extensive. We have worked closely with clients, many of them college students, in Greensboro, Winston-Salem, Durham, Burlington, Raleigh, High Point, and the counties of Guilford, Alamance, Randolph, and Rockingham. In each instance, we prepared the best possible strategies in their DUI/ DWI cases. North Carolina’s DUI/DWI Law North Carolina DWI law states that it is unlawful for any person to operate or attempt to drive a motorized vehicle in the state of North Carolina while under the influence of alcohol, drugs, intoxicants, or any combination thereof with a blood alcohol concentration level of .08% or greater. If you are stopped under the suspicion of a DUI/DWI, the police officer is immediately building a case against you, starting with your initial behavior. You will be asked to perform some field sobriety tests. You are NOT required by law to submit to the field sobriety tests — you have every right to kindly refuse to submit to them. You are however, required by North Carolina’s implied consent law to submit to a chemical test. If you refuse to submit to a chemical test, the arresting officer must inform you of the penalties for a test refusal and then ask you a second time if you will submit to a chemical test. North Carolina’s DUI Penalties A drunk driving conviction can carry with it serious and long-lasting consequences that include jail or prison time, a heavy fine, and suspension or revocation of a driver’s license. A person who is facing a drunk driving charge should not hesitate to seek immediate legal counsel from an experienced drunk driving defense attorney, such as those who staff our successful criminal practice at the Greensboro Law Firm of Schlosser & Pritchett.

  Link: DUI / DWI

• EXPUNGEMENT

  Erase Your Criminal Record with Help from a Greensboro Criminal Lawyer – Schlosser & Pritchett The Law Offices of Schlosser & Pritchett have a criminal attorney in Greensboro available to you when you need someone who has the knowledge and wherewithal to expunge a criminal conviction from your permanent record. When a criminal attorney at Schlosser & Pritchett expunges your record, legally it becomes as though you never had a conviction in the first place. It is permanently and completely erased from your record. The Benefits of Expungement with a Greensboro Defense Lawyer at Schlosser & Pritchett If you were previously convicted of a crime, there have undoubtedly been those times since the conviction when you have wished that you were not bound to disclose that information. Maybe it was when applying for a training program or some other educational endeavor. Perhaps it was when you were trying to lease an apartment or to get a loan. Often, it is the worst when applying for a job because you know that it will be the conviction and not your experience or knowledge that will define you in the potential employer’s eyes. When you are making an attempt to turn your life around for the better, it can be incredibly discouraging to be defined by a criminal conviction. That is why seeking expungement with the help of a defense attorney in Greensboro can be so helpful. Once the expungement is obtained, you get to choose what will continue to define who and what you are and can become. Starting Fresh with the Help of Your Schlosser & Pritchett Criminal Lawyer in Greensboro The law allows for both felony and misdemeanor charges to be stricken from your record in many cases. The best way to know if your criminal conviction can be expunged is to consult with a Greensboro criminal defense attorney at Schlosser & Pritchett. There are some conditions under which expungement is not permitted, and it is only possible to vacate one conviction at a time. Your criminal defense lawyer will meet with you to evaluate your case and determine how best to proceed with your expungement. If your attorney at Schlosser & Pritchett determines that expungement is an option for you and the judge expunges your record, you will have the assurance of knowing that whenever you are asked in the future whether or not your have any prior criminal convictions, you can honestly, and legally, answer in the negative.

  Link: EXPUNGEMENT

• FELONIES

  Greensboro Felony Lawyers Our well-known, twenty-five-year-old Law Firm of Schlosser & Pritchett excels in handling all types of criminal defense matters in North Carolina’s state and federal courts, including a wide range of both felony and misdemeanor offense cases. There are two main categories of offenses under North Carolina criminal law: misdemeanors and felonies. These are very general categories and the severity of offenses contained within in them can vary considerably. Generally, North Carolina misdemeanors are punishable by up to one year in jail (not prison) and fines. Though not as serious as a felony, any misdemeanor conviction can result in possible jail time, significant fines, and will appear on a criminal background check. North Carolina feloniesare punishable by more than one year in prison and the classification of being a convicted felon. If you are accused of a felony, you will need a North Carolina felony lawyer with experience to help minimize your sentence and potentially expunge your record. Because our Greensboro criminal defense attorneys are excellent former District Attorneys, they have a deep understanding of the courthouse, the judges, clerks and the prosecutors. They know the elements that the state needs to prove in order to convict an individual, the proper defenses and the pitfalls that seem to be present every step of the way for both the State and the client. Types of North Carolina Felonies Drug Crimes (like possession of cocaine, possession of methamphetamine, maintaining a car or house for the possession or distribution of drugs, possession with intent to sell drugs, drug trafficking) Violent crimes (first degree murder, attempted murder, armed robbery, manslaughter) Domestic violence Multiple DUIs Weapons crimes (weapons trafficking, possession of an illegal firearm) Sex crimes (first degree rape, prostitution, marital rape, statutory rape) White collar crimes

  Link: FELONIES

• MISDEMEANORS

  Greensboro Misdemeanors Attorneys If you are accused of a misdemeanor in North Carolina, chances are you are frightened. Putting your case in the competent hands of the criminal defense attorneys at Schlosser & Pritchett can help relieve some of the pressure. We are well-acquainted with the local legal system, and are committed to vigorously representing the injured and the accused. Our North Carolina misdemeanor clients are from all walks of life, including juveniles, adults and college students. Many of our clients are from local colleges and universities, including North Carolina State, Duke, and UNC Chapel Hill. Differences Between North Carolina Felonies & Misdemeanors The difference between North Carolina misdemeanor laws versus felony laws can make a large difference in the ultimate result of your defense against these charges. The consequences between these two can be vast in terms of penalties or sanctions if you are convicted. Most felonies carry more severe penalties than misdemeanors, with the penalties including more substantial fines, longer sentences and more severe repercussions after your release. Types of North Carolina Misdemeanors Drug crimes (Possessionof marijuana, under twenty (20) grams, possession of drug paraphernalia) Violent crimes (Simple assault) Domestic Violence or Spousal Abuse Theft crimes (Shoplifting, possession of stolen goods or Petit (petty) theft DUI / DWI / Drunk Driving Probation violations Weapons charges (carrying a concealed weapon) Sex crimes (sexual battery) White collar crimes

  Link: MISDEMEANORS

• PROBATION VIOLATIONS

  Greensboro Probation Violations Lawyers Probation is defined as the suspension of a jail sentence, given to someone who the judge feels is capable of serving out a jail or prison sentence without being in the facility. When granted probation, the judge will provide the convicted individual with a set of rules and guidelines that must be followed at all times. In the event that one of these rules is broken, your probation has been violated and you may find yourself facing actual jail time. Judges and probation officers take a dim view of probation violations. That’s why it’s important to appear in court with a Greensboro probation violation attorney who can present your side of the story and advocate on your behalf. In cases where a probation violation may not have been intentional, it’s important for the court to understand the circumstances surrounding what happened and what you’re prepared to do so this situation does not reoccur. In order to avoid going to prison or back to prison, it may be necessary to consent to some form of electronic monitoring, additional check-ins with your probation officer, or frequent drug and alcohol testing. Types of North Carolina Probation Violations There are many different ways probation could be violated, including: Failure to pay a fine or court fee Failing a drug test or failing to submit a mandatory drug test Failure to appear in court or check in with the probation officer Failure to comply with a court order Failing to complete mandatory community service Associating with known felons Unlawful ownership of a weapon Committing another criminal offense Potential Consequences of North Carolina Probation Violation Once you have violated probation, the judge could decide to: Modify your probation, adding additional or more restrictive terms Continue you on probation with no added provisions Terminate your probation successfully Terminate your probation unsuccessfully Add additional terms to your probation

  Link: PROBATION VIOLATIONS

• RETAIL THEFT / SHOPLIFTING

  Greensboro Shoplifting & Retail Theft Attorneys North Carolina theft laws cover a range of offenses, including retail theft/shoplifting, embezzlement, and larceny. Theft refers to the illegal taking of money or other property from another person or business. If you are charged with Shoplifting or Theft charges, your personal and financial freedom are at immediate risk. If you represent yourself and choose to speak to the prosecutor (DA) on your own, you will waive your constitutional right to remain silent. In many cases, a defendant’s own words come back to haunt them in the most severe way when their voluntary statements are used against them to help the prosecutor gain a conviction. Don’t make a mistake that you will regret for years to come. If you are being accused of shoplifting or any type of theft, contact the Greensboro theft lawyers at The Law Firm Schlosser & Pritchett who will aggressively represent your interests under the full extent of the law in the North Carolina Court. Types of North Carolina Theft Shoplifting Obtaining property by false pretenses Breaking and entering Check fraud Embezzlement Credit card fraud Possession of stolen property Potential Consequences of North Carolina Theft Laws North Carolina larceny laws do not specify a “petty larceny” or “grand larceny” charge. Instead, “larceny” may be charged at various degrees of severity depending on what was taken and the manner in which it was taken. Generally speaking, larceny of goods valued at more than $1,000 is a Class H felony punishable by up to 4-8 months in prison for a first time offender. If you have any criminal conviction on your record, however, this sentence could reach all the way to 25 months for someone with an extensive criminal history. If the amount of goods in question is valued at less than $1,000, you are facing Class I misdemeanor charges which are punishable by up to 1 year in jail, although that length of sentence is highly unlikely. However, if the goods stolen are taken directly from someone, or are a firearm or explosive, the charge is a felony regardless of the value. Organized retail theft, another theft offense in North Carolina, is when you conspire to commit retail theft with another person. If the value of the goods in question is over $1,500 within a 90-day period, you could be facing Class H felony charges and potential prison time.

  Link: RETAIL THEFT / SHOPLIFTING

• SEX CRIMES

  Sex Crimes Charges? You Need a Greensboro Sex Crime Attorney from Schlosser & Pritchett The very term “sex crimes” carries with it connotations that may or may not be related to the actual crime in question. On top of that, many persons are falsely accused of sex crimes every year, and they must face the embarrassment associated with the mere suggestion that they may have been involved in some nefarious activity. But, regardless of the reasons for the accusation, if you have been charged with a sex crime, you will face serious consequences if you are convicted. Even before a verdict is ever reached, the very fact that you have been arrested could result in a restraining order or other injunction being filed against you. This is why you need to retain a Greensboro criminal defense lawyer who has the expertise to serve as a convincing advocate as you face sex crimes charges. Such an experienced and knowledgeable sex crimes lawyer can be found at Schlosser & Pritchett. Schlosser & Pritchett – Your Criminal Attorney in Greensboro – When Experience Matters With extensive human and other resources, Schlosser & Pritchett has experience and the proven track record that you need when facing any kind of sex crimes charges. The sensitive nature of your case requires a criminal sexual assault attorney who can both aggressively pursue your defense while at the same time treating your case with all of the discretion and sensitivity that it demands. Your defense attorney at the offices of Schlosser & Pritchett understands that you have certain rights, regardless of what sex crimes you may have been accused of, and your defense lawyer will protect and uphold those rights at every point of your case. Your Greensboro Criminal Lawyer – Schlosser & Pritchett At Schlosser & Pritchett, we understand that there are any number of reasons why you might have been accused of a sex crime, but we also know that if you are convicted, you will face exceedingly strict penalties. That is why your criminal lawyer will work vigorously to defend you to the fullest extent possible. Whether you are facing a public indecency charge, a sexual assault or abuse charge, or have been arrested on charges related to child pornography, your domestic violence lawyer will do everything necessary to obtain the best possible outcome to your case. Included among the types of cases that your defense attorney can assist you with, are: Sexual assault Rape Incest Sexual abuse Child pornography Public indecency Predatory criminal sexual assault Molestation … and other sexually related crimes

  Link: SEX CRIMES

• WEAPONS

  Greensboro Weapons Charges Lawyers Many of the clients of Schlosser & Pritchett represent on weapons charges are ordinary citizens who are carrying a gun improperly in their car. Most don’t even know it is illegal or how serious the charges are. If you have been charged with a weapons violation in North Carolina, you could be facing a major fine, probation or jail time. If your weapons violation is connected with another charge, such as a drug crime or robbery, you could face a serious jail sentence. Weapons charges run the gamut from a misdemeanor to a felony, from a state to a federal crime, based on an individual’s criminal history, the time and place where the offense occurred, the amount of weapons involved, and the degree of injury. Involving a criminal defense attorney is one of the most important actions you can take in the face of allegations or charges of a North Carolina firearms offense. Types of North Carolina Weapons Charges The Law Firm of Schlosser & Pritchett represents individuals charged with state and federal gun crimes, such as: Possession of an illegal firearm Unlawful possession of a weapon Assault with a deadly weapon Possession of a firearm by convicted felon Possession of a stolen firearm Concealed-carry violations Minor in possession of a weapon Weapons trafficking We also represent those charged with weapons violations involving guns, knives, brass knuckles and other dangerous items used to intimidate or harm another person.

  Link: WEAPONS

• WHITE COLLAR CRIME

  Former Prosecutors When experience counts, you can count on the Law Firm of Schlosser & Pritchett to offer every effort and resource to your defense in a criminal law case. We provide quality legal representation to people from all walks of life who are accused of all types of crimes, in state, federal, and municipal courts of North Carolina. If you have been accused of a crime, you are facing a legal battle that will forever change the course of your life. Whether you are charged with a North Carolina misdemeanor or felony, let our Greensboro criminal lawyers fight for you. Our prestigious Greensboro firm’s thriving criminal defense practice includes participation in administrative and disciplinary proceedings as well. Our highly experienced, aggressive lawyers speak on behalf of clients who contact us with cases ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies, including: Our Greensboro North Carolina Criminal Defense Practice Areas: Drug Crimes: Alleged trafficking, distribution, possession, transportation, possession for sale, marijuana cultivation, and manufacturing Shoplifting / Retail Theft Domestic Violence Alleged domestic violence including lifting of a 50-B protective restraining order DWI/DUI – Alleged driving while under the influence, license revocation and restorations Expungements—Having even a misdemeanor charge on your record can keep you from getting a job, apartment or other benefits. If you have a misdemeanor charge or conviction and have a clean record since then, we can help get those charges expunged. Probation Violations – Alleged failure to comply with a court order, failing a drug test or failing to submit to a mandatory drug test, failure to appear in court or check in with the probation officer, failing to complete mandatory community service, associating with known felons, unlawful ownership of a weapon, committing another criminal offense. White Collar Crimes – Alleged bankruptcy fraud, bribery, business fraud and theft, computer crimes, computer tampering, counterfeiting, credit card fraud, embezzlement, enterprise corruption, environmental crimes, extortion, forgery, fraud, government fraud, identity theft, import/export crimes, insider trading, insurance fraud, Internet fraud, investment fraud, mail fraud, Medicaid fraud, medical fraud, medicare fraud, money laundering, mortgage fraud, occupational crimes, pension fund crimes, possession of stolen property, public corruption, racketeering, real estate fraud, securities fraud, tax fraud, wire fraud, wireless tampering. Weapons Crimes- Alleged possession of an illegal firearm, unlawful possession of a weapon, assault with a deadly weapon, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, possession of a stolen firearm, concealed-carry violations, minor in possession of a weapon, weapons trafficking. Sex crimes – Alleged child abuse, child enticement, child pornography, indecent exposure, internet pornography, juvenile sex crimes, lewd/lascivious conduct, marital rape, molestation, obscenity, pandering, pimping, pornography, prostitution, rape, sexual abuse, sexual assault, sexual harassment, statutory rape

  Link: WHITE COLLAR CRIME