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Greensboro Attorney receives update that Operating a Non-Essential Business is a Misdemeanor

In Business by Greensboro Attorney

Is it a crime to operate a non-essential business in North Carolina?

Yes, it is. The coronavirus is nothing to play around with in North Carolina. The Governor of North Carolina issued an executive order closing all barber shops, hair salons, beauty salons, nail salons, massage and tattoo parlors. This inevitably has had a severe impact on their businesses. But the governor also included gyms, live performance venues, spas, movie theaters, bingo parlors, public indoor and outdoor pools, gaming establishments, bowling alleys, and skating rinks.

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all small business owners who are currently considered non-essential by state and local government. Operating one of these businesses is punishable in Guilford County, North Carolina as a class 2 Misdemeanor.

Operating a Non-Essential Business in Guilford County, North Carolina is considered a Class 2 Misdemeanor.

We never thought we’d see the day where it would become a class 2 misdemeanor to operate a private business, however, we thought, and for that matter, hoped that we would never see anything like the coronavirus. Out thoughts and prayers go out to all of the families in North Carolina who have their lives, the businesses, and their livelihoods impacted by the coronavirus.

What is a Class 2 Misdemeanor in North Carolina?

Class 2 misdemeanors are the second lowest misdemeanor one can be charged with in North Carolina. It’s equivalent to a simple assault, resisting a public officer, carrying a concealed weapon and a simple assault. In this instance, operating a non-essential business in Greensboro, North Carolina is also a Class 2 Misdemeanor which is equivalent to a simple assault…interesting, right?

Can I go to jail for a Class 2 Misdemeanor?

Yes, you can. In Greensboro, North Carolina, you can be put in jail for a class 2 misdemeanor. The possible length of time is totally dependent on your record.  The range of sentence for a class 2 misdemeanor is anywhere from 1 – 6o days imprisonment in the Guilford County jail. Our Greensboro attorneys handle class 2 misdemeanors every single day of the week and we would appreciate the opportunity to help you with your case.

What types of punishments can happen with a Class 2 Misdemeanor in Greensboro, North Carolina?

A class 2 misdemeanor is punishable between 1 – 60 days in jail, which is termed active sentencing in North Carolina. A person convicted of a class 2 misdemeanor is also eligible for probation or intermediate punishment. And a judge may also sentence someone to unsupervised probation, or community service. If you don’t have a prior record, it’s possible that our Greensboro Attorneys could convince a district attorney to place your case in a deferred dismissal program which will protect your record if you complete your obligations.

What can a lawyer do to help me with a Class 2 Misdemeanor?

Navigating the unknown waters of the court system for someone who’s never been in court can be an incredibly scary thing. Running the risk of a conviction and the collateral consequences of losing your job or livelihood is even scarier. At Garrett, Walker, Aycoth & Olson, our Greensboro Attorney knows how to work through class 2 misdemeanors along with every other type of charge to get your case the best possible resolution. We know the people we’re dealing with, we understand the perspective of the District Attorneys Office and we are skilled at finding a way for our clients to get the resolution they’re looking for. Contact our Greensboro lawyer today if you or someone you know has been charged with a Class 2 Misdemeanor in North Carolina. Our lawyers are here to help! Contact us at 336-379-0539 or come see us at 436 Spring Garden St, Greensboro, NC 27401. We now also offer video as well as phone conferencing. We’re here to help!