Often, persons are charged with simple possession of narcotics and possession of drug paraphernalia.  In these matters, we have had great success avoiding convictions through various methods including deferred prosecutions or §90-96 Conditional Dismissals.

More serious narcotics offenses can carry severe punishment including, substantial jail sentences.  Our firm has the experience to afford you the best opportunity for a favorable outcome in these matters

Most criminal defense attorneys fail to understand the consequences of convictions on immigration status.  At Mason & Rutherford, we believe that this understanding is critical to criminal defense.  If you are concerned about how a pending criminal charge relates to immigration, we will discuss that with you and develop the best strategy to preserve your status.

Our office also affiliates with immigration counsel Amanda Mason on various other matters, such as permanent residence (“green cards”), visas (family, employment, fiancé, student, tourist), naturalization/citizenship, I-9s, deportation, detention and bond.

Contact us to arrange for a consult in our office to discuss your immigration needs.

If you are charged with a felony offense, your case will be handled in Superior Court, the highest trial court in North Carolina.  Your case will be tried by a jury, unless it is resolved prior to trial.  Due to the great complexity in felony charges, you should trust your case only to lawyers with substantial experience.

As a firm that specializes in criminal trial practice, Mason & Rutherford has a proven track record in Superior Court.  We use our expertise to provide excellent representation for these very serious offenses.

Although punished less severely than felonies, a conviction for a misdemeanor offense can still cause serious problems with immigration status, your ability to find a job, attend the school of your choice or enter the military.

A competent attorney can often help you avoid a conviction for a misdemeanor offense.  Our firm has an exemplary track record in these matters.

Our office has significant experience handling sex offenses.  Our firm’s State Bar specialization in Criminal Law helps assure our competence to handle your case.

School suspensions are governed by administrative code.  Before a long-term suspension can be levied against a student, the law provides the right to a hearing before the school board. Our firm aims to protect your child’s right to an education through effective representation before the county school board.

These actions, often referred to as “restraining orders”, are serious matters with far-reaching effects.  The outcome can affect your safety, your family’s safety, your job, your ability to attend the school of your choice and your right to possess a firearm.

In contrast to criminal cases, these are civil matters handled in civil court.  You will not be given any legal advice from the judge or the district attorney’s office in how to handle these cases.  Having a knowledgeable attorney representing you can make all the difference.

If you find yourself charged with a traffic offense, hiring an attorney who concentrates in this area can be a great benefit to you.  At Mason & Rutherford, we can help prevent DMV license points and costly insurance liability points.  In most traffic cases, our representation can also help you avoid appearing in court altogether.

If you find yourself charged with this offense, you will want to hire an attorney who handles a substantial number of these cases and is willing to fight for your rights at trial.  At Mason & Rutherford, we pride ourselves on being a trial litigation firm.  The majority of the driving while impaired cases we handle do go to trial.  We have the experience, knowledge and trial skills to provide you the best opportunity for a favorable outcome in your case.