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Christopher A. Beechler

Christopher A. Beechler

Hire a Board-Certified Criminal Law Specialist
  • Criminal Law, White Collar Crime, DUI & DWI ...
  • North Carolina
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Biography

Chris Beechler is a board-certified specialist in state and federal criminal law in North Carolina. A lawyer can only earn this certification after demonstrating exceptional knowledge within the field coupled with sufficient experience in a range of legal actions, including trials and appellate experience. This distinction is held by only a handful of attorneys in the Winston-Salem area.

Chris Beechler has been practicing criminal law in North Carolina for over 20 years. He represents clients throughout North Carolina's state courts, all three federal district courts, and the Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Chris represents clients charged with any criminal offense. He has tried dozens of jury trials to verdict in multiple jurisdictions. Recent trials include: Sex Offenses, RICO violations, and Homicide. Chris is a frequent speaker / presenter on various criminal law topics.

Chris Beechler has earned the AV Preeminent recognition of his peers in Martindale-Hubbell’s Peer Review Ratings, an honor given to a mere 5 percent of lawyers in America. He is a dedicated lawyer you can trust with your liberties and livelihood.

Practice Areas
    Criminal Law
    Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Violent Crimes
    White Collar Crime
    DUI & DWI
    Stockbroker & Investment Fraud
Additional Practice Area
  • Federal Criminal Defense
Fees
  • Free Consultation
  • Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
    Contact for details.
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
North Carolina
North Carolina State Bar
ID Number: 27708
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4th Circuit
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U.S. District Court, Eastern, Middle & Western Districts of North Carolina
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Languages
  • English: Spoken, Written
Professional Experience
Partner
Beechler Tomberlin, PLLC
- Current
Owner
Law Offices of Christopher A. Beechler, P.C.
-
Education
Wake Forest University School of Law
J.D. (2001) | Law
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The Citadel
B.A. (1995) | English
Honors: cum laude
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Awards
10 Superb Rating
Avvo
Super Lawyer
Super Lawyers
Since 2014
Legal Elite
Business North Carolina
Annual statewide ballot voted on by NC attorneys; 2011, 2016, 2022
Client's Choice Award 5.0/5.0
Avvo
Since 2016
AV Preeminent
Martindale-Hubbell Lawyer Services
2013-2018; Peer Rated for Highest Level of Professional Excellence
Rising Star
Super Lawyers
2011
Professional Associations
State Bar of North Carolina  # 27708
Member
Current
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North Carolina Bar Association
Member
- Current
Activities: Criminal Law Division: Chair 2011-2012; Vice Chair 2010-2011; Treasurer 2009-2010; Secretary 2008-2009
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North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Member
- Current
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Publications
Articles & Publications
Protecting the Liberty Interest
North Carolina Bar Association Foundation - CLE
Men Have Issues, Too!
North Carolina Bar Association Foundation - CLE
Speaking Engagements
Protecting the Liberty Interest, Criminal Issues with Audio and Video Recordings
Criminal Law in NC, Annual Meeting
Criminal Law for Family Lawyers, Annual Meeting
Certifications
Board-Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law
North Carolina State Bar
Websites & Blogs
Website
Blog
Legal Answers
3 Questions Answered
Q. can a 20 year old go to jail if he gets a 17 year old pregnant ?
A: No (usually). The age of consent in NC is 16. However, there are 2 general exceptions.

14-27.32. Sexual activity with a student.

(a) If a defendant, who is a teacher, school administrator, student teacher, school safety officer, or coach, at any age, or who is other school personnel, and who is at least four years older than the victim engages in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with a victim who is a student, at any time during or after the time the defendant and victim were present together in the same school, but before the victim ceases to be a student, the defendant is guilty of a Class G felony, except when the defendant is lawfully married to the student. The term "same school" means a school at which the student is enrolled and the defendant is employed, assigned, or volunteers.

(b) A defendant who is school personnel, other than a teacher, school administrator, student teacher, school safety officer, or coach, and is less than four years older than the victim and engages in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with a victim who is a student, is guilty of a Class I felony.

(c) This section shall apply unless the conduct is covered under some other provision of law providing for greater punishment.

(d) Consent is not a defense to a charge under this section.

(e) For purposes of this section, the terms "school", "school personnel", and "student" shall have the same meaning as in G.S. 14-202.4(d). For purposes of this section, the term "school safety officer" shall include a school resource officer or any other person who is regularly present in a school for the purpose of promoting and maintaining safe and orderly schools.

§ 14-27.31. Sexual activity by a substitute parent or custodian.

(a) If a defendant who has assumed the position of a parent in the home of a minor

victim engages in vaginal intercourse or a sexual act with a victim who is a minor residing in

the home, the defendant is guilty of a Class E felony.

(b) If a person having custody of a victim of any age or a person who is an agent or

employee of any person, or institution, whether such institution is private, charitable, or

governmental, having custody of a victim of any age engages in vaginal intercourse or a sexual

act with such victim, the defendant is guilty of a Class E felony.

(c) Consent is not a defense to a charge under this section.
... Read More
Q. can i ask a clerk of court why someone is on probation and terms of their probation
A: Yes. Most criminal files are public records maintained by the clerk of court in any North Carolina County. The clerk's office can provide case specifics about convictions, punishments and probation. You can also pay for a copy of a criminal file.
Q. I have a pending case ..I'm currently in drug treatment and my center sent in documentation. Now I dont see my case
A: If you didn't speak directly with the district attorney's office, you might have been marked absent in which case an order for arrest may have been issued. You can call the clerk of court of the county in which you're charged, and a deputy clerk can verify that for you. If there is an order for your arrest for failing to appear in court, you can hire an attorney to attempt to have the order recalled and to set a new court date.

Good luck!
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Contact & Map
Beechler Tomberlin, PLLC
380 Knollwood Street, Ste 305
Winston-Salem, NC 27103
Telephone: (336) 723-1110
Fax: (336) 842-3971
Monday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
Tuesday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM (Today)
Wednesday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
Thursday: 8 AM - 5:30 PM
Friday: 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed
Notice: Evening and weekend appointments available.