Winston-Salem Criminal Defense Attorney

Last updated on May 22, 2025

It doesn’t take much to be charged with a crime in North Carolina. For instance, one too many drinks before getting behind the wheel can easily lead to a charge of vehicular homicide. A dispute between spouses can quickly escalate into domestic violence accusations.

At The Law Offices of Karen D. Gerber, PLLC, I understand that even the most responsible and honest people occasionally make mistakes. Sometimes, the innocent are also wrongly accused. No matter your situation, you can count on me to vigorously fight for your rights and best interests. I won’t back down.

“Ms. Gerber is experienced, intelligent and highly effective in her representation of clients. She is fearless in the courtroom and a truly excellent advocate.” – Avvo.com review

Learn more about how our lead attorney can help you. You can do so by calling 336-537-8903.

Ready To Handle Any State Or Federal Charge

I have the knowledge and skill to diligently defend you against all types of misdemeanor and felony charges in state and federal courts, including:

• Drug possession, sales, manufacturing or trafficking
• Domestic violence or child abuse
• Weapons and firearm offenses, such as international gun running
• Driving under the influence (DUI)
• Rape, sexual assault and other sex crimes
• Manslaughter, vehicular homicide or murder
• Kidnapping
• Armed robbery, burglary and other theft offenses
• Fraud, counterfeiting and other white collar crimes
• SafeSport Defense
• Traffic violations

Unearthing All The Facts To Build A Strong Defense

I have significant experience analyzing medical and forensic evidence to help develop the most potent criminal defense strategies possible. I am very familiar with interviewing and cross-examining:

• Physicians
• SANE nurses
• DNA experts
• Psychiatrists/psychologists
• Chemists
• Ballistics experts
• Other expert witnesses

What Is The Criminal Defense Procedure In North Carolina?

Understanding the criminal defense process in North Carolina is crucial to handling your case. Here are the key steps involved:

• Arrest: After entering police custody, authorities will inform you about the charges you face.
• Initial appearance: You will appear before a judge who will inform you of your rights and the charges you face.
• Bail hearing: The judge decides whether to set bail and determines the bail amount.
• Preliminary hearing: The prosecution presents evidence to establish probable cause. This step determines if your case should proceed.
• Arraignment: You will enter a plea (guilty, not guilty or no contest) to the charges.
• Discovery: Both parties exchange evidence and information pertinent to the case.
• Trial: If you don’t reach a plea agreement, your case goes to trial, where prosecutors present evidence and a jury renders a verdict.
• Sentencing: If convicted, the judge imposes a sentence based on the severity of the offense and other factors.

We can guide you through each of these steps and offer knowledgeable advice and support along the way. Learn more about how we can assist you by calling 336-537-8903.

How Does Federal Criminal Procedure Differ From State Criminal Procedure?

The federal criminal procedure differs from state procedure in several ways, primarily in the jurisdiction and the entities involved. Federal attorneys represent the U.S. government in federal cases which involve federal laws. Local prosecutors handle state cases, which deal with state-specific criminal laws. Federal procedures often involve grand jury indictments and can lead to more severe penalties due to the nature of federal offenses.

What Immediate Steps Should You Take After Being Charged With A Crime In North Carolina?

The moments following criminal charges are critical to your defense strategy. First and foremost, exercise your right to remain silent. Anything you say to law enforcement can be used against you, even casual comments that seem harmless. Politely but firmly decline to answer questions until your attorney is present. This is not an admission of guilt but a protection of your constitutional rights.

Contact an experienced criminal defense attorney immediately. Early legal intervention allows for preservation of evidence, identification of potential witnesses and strategic planning before the prosecution builds momentum. In Winston-Salem, time-sensitive evidence such as surveillance footage or electronic data may be lost if not promptly secured.

Do not discuss your case with anyone other than your attorney. Conversations with friends, family members or cellmates are not protected by attorney-client privilege and could be compelled as testimony.

Additionally, avoid posting anything about your situation on social media, as prosecutors regularly monitor these platforms for incriminating statements.

What Is The Best Way To Have Charges Dismissed In Winston-Salem?

Several effective strategies can lead to a charge dismissal in Winston-Salem courts. Constitutional violations present powerful opportunities for dismissal. If evidence was obtained through an illegal search or seizure, I can file motions to suppress this evidence, potentially undermining the prosecution’s entire case.

Procedural errors also provide grounds for dismissal, including chain of custody issues with evidence, missed filing deadlines or improper charging documents. For first-time offenders, Winston-Salem offers several diversion programs that can lead to dismissal upon successful completion, including drug treatment courts and community service options.

What Are The Long-Term Consequences Of A Criminal Conviction In North Carolina?

A criminal conviction in North Carolina extends far beyond any immediate sentence. Employment opportunities become limited as employers conduct background checks and often reject applicants with criminal records. Certain professions have licensing restrictions that prevent those with convictions from entering these fields.

Housing options become severely restricted, as landlords commonly deny housing to those with criminal records. Federal housing assistance programs may be unavailable to those with certain convictions. For non-citizens, even misdemeanor convictions can trigger deportation proceedings.

A conviction permanently impacts your constitutional rights, potentially restricting firearm ownership, voting rights and jury service. These far-reaching consequences underscore the importance of aggressive defense from the moment charges are filed. With experienced legal representation, many Winston-Salem residents successfully avoid convictions.

Why Hire The Law Offices of Karen D. Gerber, PLLC, To Handle Your State Or Federal Criminal Case?

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your criminal defense case. Here’s why Karen Gerber should be your first choice:

• Board-certified specialist: Karen Gerber is known for her dedication and knowledge of criminal law.
• Personalized defense strategy: We tailor our approach to meet the unique needs of your case.
• Extensive trial experience: Karen has successfully defended clients in both state and federal courts.
• Client-centered approach: We prioritize open communication and transparency with every client.
• Strong negotiation skills: Our team is adept at negotiating favorable plea deals when appropriate.

At The Law Offices of Karen D. Gerber, PLLC, we are dedicated to providing the highest level of legal representation. Contact us today to discuss how we can assist you with your criminal defense needs.

Learn About Your Rights And Options Today

Call my Winston-Salem office at 336-725-6611 to get a free, confidential consultation about your rights and options. You can also email me for a prompt response.

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