Criminal Defense Attorney in Charlotte, NC
A criminal charge in North Carolina can move quickly. Law enforcement builds its case before an arrest is made — and what a defendant says during that process, before they have an attorney, is often the most damaging evidence the prosecution has. The first practical step after any arrest or investigative contact is to stop talking and get counsel involved.
Montgomery & Hart handles criminal defense in Mecklenburg County and throughout North Carolina, including cases that cross into federal jurisdiction. Justin Montgomery began his career as a public defender, handling hundreds of cases in family and criminal court before entering private practice — which means his understanding of how the state builds and presents cases comes from having worked inside that system.
Criminal Cases Handled in Charlotte
The firm defends clients at every court level in North Carolina:
- Magistrate's and District Court — misdemeanor charges, first appearances, and bond hearings
- Mecklenburg County Superior Court — felony charges, including cases bound over from District Court after probable cause hearings
- Federal Court — cases prosecuted in the Western District of North Carolina, including federal drug charges, white collar crimes, and federal crimes
Charge-specific defense areas include domestic violence, theft crimes, violent crimes, drug charges, sex crimes, and traffic violations.
What Defense Strategy Actually Looks Like
North Carolina operates under structured sentencing — prior record level and offense class drive the presumptive range, and the practical defense analysis often centers on whether the charged offense accurately reflects what the evidence supports. Overcharging is common, and the difference between a Class H and Class I felony, or between a felony and a misdemeanor, has direct consequences for sentencing exposure and record implications.
For cases involving law enforcement contact before charges are filed — target letters, investigative subpoenas, or requests for interviews — early involvement of counsel affects what evidence reaches the prosecutor and how the charging decision gets made.
Beyond criminal defense, the firm handles family law, estate planning, and personal injury matters for Charlotte-area clients. Spanish language services are available. Contact us to schedule a consultation.
Federal And State Tax Fraud Defense
Taxes, the IRS, and federal criminal defense
There is no doubt that tax fraud is a severe offense. You could face serious consequences if you’re convicted of state tax fraud or federal tax fraud (IRS).
The majority of tax fraud cases stem from a failure to understand our complicated tax system rather than intentional fraud. The IRS cannot always tell the difference between an honest mistake and tax fraud.
Tax fraud covers a wide range of activities. These include:
- The concealment of assets
- Underreporting income
- Claiming personal expenses as business expenses
- Failing to keep records of transactions or keeping multiple sets of books
- Failing to file taxes
- Falsely claiming a child as a dependant
It is a felony offense to commit tax fraud. Upon conviction, you could be fined hundreds of thousands of dollars and sentenced to up to five years in prison.
Nobody chooses to be arrested and prosecuted. However, if this has happened to you, you shouldn’t face your situation alone. It can be frightening to face criminal charges, which may jeopardize your freedom, employment, family, and standing in the community. Helping our clients prepare a defense is one of our services.
We Are Here For You
Whether you are charged with a crime or need legal assistance, our firm is here to help. We do everything in our power to protect the rights and freedoms of those we represent. Criminal charges can be distressing for not only the accused but also their family and friends. Montgomery and Hart provide their clients with competent legal advice and guidance through one of the most stressful experiences in their lives. We care about protecting your rights and have the resources and tenacity to help secure the preferable outcomes. Prosecutions don’t intimidate us. As part of our investigation, we will identify the faulty assumptions of the state. On your behalf, we will locate witnesses and arrange expert testimony. We will do everything we can to achieve the best possible outcome. With years of experience practicing criminal law, you can rest assured that your case will be handled by someone skilled, qualified, and experienced.
Our Areas of Criminal Practice Include:
- Murder
- Armed Robbery
- Kidnapping
- Drug Offenses including Trafficking, Distribution, Possession with Intent to Distribute, and
- Possession
- Assault and Battery
- Driving Under the Influence (DUI)
- Driving Under Suspension (DUS)
- Criminal Domestic Violence (CDV)
- Criminal Sexual Conduct (CSC)
- Probation/Parole violations, Parole and Pardon Hearing
- Fraud
- Breach of Trust
- Conspiracy Cases
An Arrest Can Ruin Your Life
It goes without saying that facing an arrest can be one of the most challenging experiences you and your family will ever have. Frequently, our clients tell us that the personal and familial crisis is unlike anything they’ve ever experienced. Your social life can also be affected by an arrest, as news of your arrest circulates among friends and acquaintances. Criminal charges can have a long-term impact on your business and finances. If you are in jail, awaiting trial, or facing court dates and appearances, the time away from work can be devastating.
In handling criminal cases, we consider the impact an arrest has on the lives of our clients, and we use this understanding as to the starting point and basis. To minimize the damage to your life and livelihood, you should start your defense as soon as possible.
Aggressively Defending Your Legal Rights
In any legal case, we believe that the first step is to ensure that the client is fully informed on the nature of the charge, court procedures, and all available defenses. Secondly, we do not believe that anyone charged with a serious offense should be forced to rely on the police investigation. We regularly rely on our own investigators and experts to find facts and evidence to help our clients.
At the Law Office of Montgomery and Hart, we can help you handle your case in any of the following scenarios:
- DUI
- Domestic Violence
- Police Investigations
- Felony Defense
- Child Molestation
- White Collar Offenses
- Federal Court Defense
Our criminal cases begin with a thorough and detailed client interview. What happened from our client’s perspective and any particular concerns they may have are all things we want to know. The majority of our clients are good people who have found themselves in need of a second chance. Some have been falsely accused and need to clear their names. No matter what scenario applies, we want to protect their rights and interests.
Even though every case and client is different, our attorneys are familiar with the major issues and challenges that may arise. Throughout their career, they have developed specific strategies to apply to each case. We want representation to begin with a plan for success, not just wishful thinking. As part of this case, we set up follow-up appointments with our client, conduct an investigation for the defense, file motions and challenges with the court, take advantage of court procedures and rules, and use experts to challenge technical or forensic evidence.
Get In Touch
Our knowledgeable attorneys at Montgomery and Hart, PLLC can discuss your case with you if you are in need of criminal defense. If you hire an experienced criminal defense lawyer, you may be surprised at the difference they can make.
Contact one of our attorneys and they will explain your rights to you and advise you on the following steps to take.
For a case consultation about your car accident, contact us now by phone or email.
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Direct Access to Attorney
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Flat Fees and Upfront Costs
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Strong Ties & Involvement In the Community
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Spanish Speaking Services Available
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The Go-To Law Firm for Family & Real Estate Law