Misdemeanor, Felony, DWI & Probation Violation Defense

If you’ve been charged with a crime in Western North Carolina, your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line. The Law Office of Andrew R. Sheffer provides experienced, strategic criminal defense representation for clients in McDowell County, Burke County, and surrounding areas. With 19 years of experience handling criminal cases, Attorney Andrew R. Sheffer defends individuals facing misdemeanor charges, felony charges, DWI, and probation violations. Whether your case requires aggressive trial preparation or strategic negotiation with the prosecution, our office is ready to protect your rights at every stage.

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Criminal Charges We Defend

Our office handles a wide range of criminal defense matters, including:

• Felony Charges (District Court & Superior Court)

• Misdemeanor Charges

• DWI / Driving While Impaired

• Probation Violations

• Bond Reduction Motions

• Probable Cause Hearings

• Guilty Pleas & Sentencing

• Superior Court Jury Trials

• Pre-Charge / Investigation Representation

In some cases, we may also be able to help you seek deferred prosecution or explore eligibility for an expungement.

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Felony Criminal Defense

Felony charges in North Carolina are serious and can carry long-term consequences including prison time, a permanent criminal record, loss of rights, and employment challenges. Our office provides defense for felony cases in both District Court and Superior Court, including:

 

Common Felony Charges We Handle

• Assault Felonies, including:

  • Assault by Strangulation

  • Assault Involving Officer or Detention Employee

  • Assault Inflicting Serious Bodily Injury

  • AWDWIK / AWDWISI / AWDWIKISI

• Breaking & Entering / Larceny / Possession of Stolen Goods

• Obtaining Property by False Pretenses

• Burglary & Robbery

• Drug Felonies, including:

  • Possession

  • Manufacture

  • Possession with Intent to Sell and Deliver

  • Maintaining a Dwelling/Vehicle

  • Trafficking

  • Possession of Precursor Chemicals

• Possession of Firearm by Felon

• Child Abuse Charges

• Flee to Elude Arrest

• Sex Crimes, including:

  • Indecent Liberties with a Child

  • Rape

  • Statutory Rape

• Habitual & Enhanced Felony Status Charges, including:

  • Habitual Felon

  • Habitual DWI

  • Habitual Breaking and Entering

  • Habitual Misdemeanor Assault

  • Habitual Drug Offender

If you are being investigated but have not been charged yet, you can hire our office before charges are filed so you have counsel during law enforcement contact and interviews.

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Misdemeanor Criminal Defense

Misdemeanor charges may seem minor compared to felonies, but they can still result in jail time, probation, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Our office handles all types of misdemeanor cases, including traffic-related misdemeanors.

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Common Misdemeanor Charges We Handle

• Assault Charges, including:

  • Assault on Female

  • Assault with a Deadly Weapon

  • Assault Inflicting Serious Injury

  • Assault on a Law Enforcement Officer

  • Assault on a Child Under 12

  • Assault on a Handicapped Person

  • Simple Assault

• Drug Possession & Drug Paraphernalia

• Breaking & Entering / Larceny / Shoplifting

• Trespassing & Property Damage

• Resisting / Delaying an Officer

• Providing Fictitious Information to an Officer

• Communicating Threats

• Harassing Phone Calls

• Worthless Checks

• Failure to Return Rental Property

• Contributing to the Delinquency of a Juvenile

• DWI / DWLR and other traffic-related misdemeanors

 

Probation Violation Defense (District Court & Superior Court)

Probation violations should always be taken seriously. Even if the alleged violation seems minor, the court may have discretion to impose active jail time, depending on the circumstances.

We represent clients for all probation violations in District Court and Superior Court, including violations tied to misdemeanor or felony convictions.

When you hire the Law Office of Andrew R. Sheffer, we will:

• Explain the violation and what penalties you may face

• Guide you through the process step-by-step

• Present mitigation to the court

• Fight to help you avoid jail time when possible

• Work to get probation back on track (supervised or unsupervised)

 

Deferred Prosecution (If Eligible)

In certain criminal cases, you may qualify for a deferred prosecution—a legal option that may allow you to earn a dismissal of charges after meeting specific requirements over a period of time.

Eligibility depends on factors such as:

• The type of charge(s)

• Your prior criminal record

• Your overall case circumstances

Our office will carefully review your matter and determine whether deferred prosecution is an option. If it is, we’ll walk you through the process and requirements step by step.

 

Expungement of Criminal Records

If you have a past criminal charge or conviction, you may be hopeful that your record can be cleared. Our office can evaluate whether your case meets North Carolina’s legal requirements for an expungement, and guide you through the filing process if eligible.

 

Why Choose the Law Office of Andrew R. Sheffer?

Choosing the right lawyer can make a major difference in the outcome of your case. Our criminal defense approach is focused on:

• Thorough case evaluation

• Strategic negotiation with prosecutors

• Preparing strong trial defenses when needed

• Protecting your constitutional rights

• Helping you understand risks and options at every stage