Asheville Criminal Defense Lawyer / Hendersonville & Henderson County Felony Lawyer

Hendersonville and Henderson County Serious Felony Offenses Defense Lawyer

Felony charges are always serious, but some carry especially severe penalties that can change the course of your life forever. In Hendersonville and throughout Henderson County, the most serious felonies charged by prosecutors often involve drugs, violent crimes, sexual offenses, firearms, and high-level financial crimes. These cases can involve state or even federal prosecution, where penalties are measured not in months but in decades.

At The Pritchard Firm, we understand what is at stake in serious felony cases. Hendersonville and Henderson County serious felony offenses defense lawyer John Pritchard provides aggressive, strategic defense, tailored to the unique circumstances of each client. Below, we outline some of the most severe felony offenses under North Carolina law and the penalties you could face if convicted.

Drug Trafficking and High-Level Drug Offenses

While possession and low-level distribution charges are serious, trafficking charges in Henderson County are prosecuted aggressively and come with mandatory prison terms. Under N.C. Gen. Stat. § 90-95(h), drug trafficking penalties depend on the type and weight of the controlled substance.

Trafficking in Cocaine: Possessing 28 grams (one ounce) or more can result in a mandatory minimum sentence of 35 months in prison and fines starting at $50,000. Larger quantities raise both the prison term and the fines.
Trafficking in Heroin or Fentanyl: Possession of just 4 grams triggers trafficking charges, carrying a minimum of 70 months imprisonment and fines of $50,000, with penalties increasing sharply at higher quantities.
Marijuana Trafficking: Possessing 10 pounds or more can mean 25 months in prison and fines starting at $5,000, with penalties escalating at 50 pounds and above.

Federal drug trafficking charges may apply in cases involving interstate activity or larger quantities, where sentences can exceed 20 years to life.

Theft and Property Crimes

North Carolina law treats certain property crimes as serious felonies, particularly when large amounts of money or property are involved.

First-Degree Burglary (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-51): Breaking and entering into a dwelling at night while it is occupied is a Class D felony, punishable by up to 204 months (17 years) in prison.
Embezzlement by a Fiduciary (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-90): Stealing money or property valued over $100,000 is a Class C felony, carrying up to 231 months (over 19 years) in prison.
Obtaining Property by False Pretenses (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-100): Fraudulently obtaining property valued over $100,000 is also a Class C felony with similar penalties.

Assault and Violent Crimes in Hendersonville and Henderson County

Violent crimes bring some of the harshest punishments in Henderson County and can result in decades of imprisonment.

Second-Degree Murder (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-17): A Class B1 felony, punishable by 144 to 480 months (12 to 40 years) in prison.
Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury (AWDWIKISI, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-32(a)): A Class C felony, carrying up to 231 months (over 19 years) in prison.
Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon (Armed Robbery, N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-87): A Class D felony, punishable by up to 204 months (17 years).

Sex Offenses

Sex offenses are prosecuted with particular intensity in Henderson County, often bringing lifelong consequences beyond prison time, including mandatory sex offender registration.

First-Degree Rape (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-27.21): A Class B1 felony, punishable by 12 to 40 years in prison.
First-Degree Forcible Sexual Offense (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-27.26): Also a Class B1 felony, with penalties up to 40 years.
Statutory Rape of a Child by an Adult (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-27.23): A Class B1 felony, carrying a lengthy prison sentence and lifelong sex offender registration.

Firearms Offenses

North Carolina law and federal statutes both impose severe penalties for firearms-related crimes.

Possession of a Firearm by a Felon (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 14-415.1): A Class G felony, punishable by up to 47 months in prison.
Use of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony (Federal Law, 18 U.S.C. § 924(c)): Brings an automatic consecutive prison sentence of at least 5 years, which cannot run concurrently with the underlying felony sentence. Repeat convictions can result in a sentence of 25 years to life.

White Collar Crimes

Though not violent, white collar crimes can be prosecuted as high-level felonies under both state and federal law.

Securities Fraud (N.C. Gen. Stat. § 78A-8): Depending on the value involved, securities fraud can be charged as a Class C felony, punishable by up to 231 months in prison.
Federal Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343): Each count carries up to 20 years in federal prison and fines up to $250,000, or more if a financial institution is involved.
Health Care Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1347): Up to 10 years in prison, or 20 years if serious injury results.

The Importance of Strong Legal Defense

Facing serious felony charges in Hendersonville or Henderson County means your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line. The penalties outlined above are not theoretical; they represent the very real consequences of a conviction. But an arrest is not the same as a conviction.

At The Pritchard Firm, we examine every detail of your case, from the initial investigation to potential constitutional violations, to determine the strongest defense strategy. Sometimes that means challenging the prosecution’s evidence in court, and other times it may mean negotiating for a reduced charge or sentence. Whatever path gives you the best chance at success, we will pursue it relentlessly.

Contact The Pritchard Firm to Fight Serious Felony Offenses in Hendersonville or Henderson County

If you have been charged with a serious felony in Hendersonville or Henderson County, do not wait to secure experienced legal counsel. The Pritchard Firm is ready to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future. Call today to begin building your defense.