The first half of 2022 saw an increase in violent crimes, according to the latest statistics released by the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department.
From Jan. 1 through June 30, 2022, violent crime in Charlotte increased overall by 3% when compared to the same time in 2021. Some specific categories saw a decrease.
The mid-year snapshot of violent crimes is as follows:
- Robberies: Up 5%
- Homicide Victims: Up 8.5%
- Rape Victims: Down 25%
- Aggravated Assault Victims: Down 2.9%
CMPD said reported assaults involving a gun are up by 25% when compared to the city’s five-year average. Almost 120 of the firearm-related suspects have been juveniles. More than 480 of the victims were also juveniles.
Crimes overall went up 4% so far this year. Individual statistics include the following:
- Burglary: 23% increase
- Vehicle Theft: 10 % increase
- Arson: Up 13%
- Property Crime: 6%
Violent crimes in North Carolina include murder, forcible rape, robbery, and aggravated assault. Property crimes include burglary, larceny, motor vehicle theft, and arson.
Crime Increase Follows Year Where Overall Crime Dropped
At the beginning of 2022, CMPD released its 2021 year-end statistics. After a turbulent pandemic year in 2020, the department was pleased to show that crime went down in many categories.
CMPD saw declines across numerous categories in 2021:
- Homicides: Down 18%
- Commercial Burglaries: Down 20%
- Residential Burglaries: Down 13%
- Robberies: Down 22%
- Arsons: Down 18%
- Aggravated Assaults: Down 3%
- Property Crime: 4% decrease
- Violent Crime: Down 7%
- Overall Crime: 5% decrease
In 2021, 33% more guns (compared to 2020) were taken off the streets. But not all statistics were good news. Rapes were up 19%. Vehicle break-ins saw a 4% increase. In 2020, violent crime went up 11% in the state. Property crime went down 7%.
Certain Violent Crimes Are Up in Other Big NC Cities
Charlotte is not the only big city in North Carolina seeing an increase in crime. In the six months of 2022, there were 24 homicide victims in Raleigh. There were 17 homicides in the first half of 2021 and 14 in 2020. Greensboro’s 22 homicides represent a 10% increase over the same period in 2021. Armed robbery is up 9%.
Every Defendant Deserves Competent Legal Counsel
If you are charged with any crime against a person, property, or society, you have the right to legal counsel.
A 1963 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Gideon v. Wainwright established that the 14th Amendment provided all criminal defendants the right to an attorney, even if they cannot afford one.
Clarence Gideon was charged with breaking and entering the intent to commit petty larceny at a Panama City, FL pool room in 1961. He couldn’t afford an attorney. At the time, Florida only appointed counsel for indigent defendants in death penalty cases. Gideon defended himself in the case. He was convicted and sentenced to five years. He appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The high court ruled in his favor, and he was granted a new trial. With the help of skilled criminal defense counsel, Gideon was acquitted of the charges. The lawyer successfully discredited the prosecution’s only witness.
If you are charged with a crime, your future deserves accomplished legal counsel.
At Jetton & Meredith, we passionately believe in the American principle of innocent until proven guilty. Every criminal defense client is a person and not simply a case number. We go beyond the surface to craft defense strategies.
If you are facing any misdemeanor or felony charge, contact our firm right away. Schedule a consultation by calling (704) 931-5535 or contacting us online.