Council Criminal Lawyers

I genuinely enjoy practicing law, meeting my clients, and doing my best to solve their problems. Each day brings a new face and a different challenge, and I am honored that I get to spend my days in my beloved hometown advocating for my neighbors. My focus is on traffic law and criminal defense in Bladen, Brunswick, and Columbus Counties, though I also handle 50-B and 50-C hearings for Domestic Violence Protective Orders. Additionally, my firm specializes in the mistreatment, serious personal injury, or wrongful death of inmates in North Carolina prisons and county jails. I am committed to...

Bill Gore brings professional experience unparalleled by any other attorney currently practicing in North Carolina to the representation of his clients. Mr. Gore has served as an Assistant District Attorney, Chief District Court Judge, Senior Resident Superior Court Judge and Commissioner of the N.C. Division of Motor Vehicles in addition to his professional experience as a practicing attorney. He has been licensed as an attorney in North Carolina since 1977. As a prosecutor, judge, and defense lawyer, he has participated in hundreds of cases, including Capital Murders and catastrophic injuries. Bill Gore is in court essentially every day bringing this...

I am a graduate of the Charlotte School of Law who graduated in May 2015 with a Juris Doctor - Magna Cum Laude. During my time in law school, I was a member of the Presidential Honors Society, Order of the Crown Honor Society, and an Associate Editor of the Charlotte School of Law Property Law Journal. Additionally, I graduated in May 2012 from Appalachian State University with a degree in Business Management with a Concentration in Entrepreneurship - Magna Cum Laude. While attending Appalachian State University, I maintained a 3.65 cumulative GPA and was a frequent member of...

Managing Partner and the founder of The Law Group, Melissa Gott is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and Campbell University School of Law. Melissa is a licensed North Carolina attorney, D.R.C. Certified Mediator, Financial (family law) Mediator, and Collaborative Attorney with Coastal Collaborative Colleagues. At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Melissa graduated with distinction with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration concentrating in finance and the legal environment of business. Melissa then matriculated to Campbell University’s School of Law. While in law school, Melissa was an editor...

James W. McGee Jr. of the McGee Law Firm, located in historic downtown Wilmington, NC handles DWI/DUI law as well as personal injury, traffic, and drug litigation.

The McGee Law Firm handles DWI cases in New Hanover, Brunswick and Pender counties in North Carolina.

The DWI laws are different in every state, and North Carolina's are some of the toughest in the nation. If you're arrested for DWI in North Carolina, you're going to need a tough attorney. I am known for working hard for my clients, not merely providing a cookie cutter defense based on a ten minute analysis,...

Thom Goolsby has spent a lifetime working for the public from his time in the United States Marine Corps, the North Carolina General Assembly, and his Goolsby Law Firm, PLLC. He is trusted, experienced, and tenacious as he protects your rights in his law practices. As a former North Carolina Senator drafting legislation, he understands how the law is structured and interpreted giving him detailed knowledge how to fight for his clients.

When you need a strong advocate standing up for your rights, contact Thom Goolsby at the Goolsby Law Firm, PLLC. Look for an experienced criminal justice...

2018 Lawyer of the Year DWI (Best Lawyers), A Rated with Martidale-Hubbell Law Directory, 10.0 AVVO Rating, NC Super Lawyers 2018-2020 For Criminal Defense and DWI. (Award criteria at BeaverCourie.com) Senior Partner at Beaver Courie, Attorneys at Law

Since 1987, attorney Christina Rivenbark has been building a reputation for passion, skill and integrity in areas of the law that matter to everyday, hardworking individuals and families. Under her leadership, our dedicated legal team handles criminal defense and personal injury cases in Wilmington and the surrounding areas. Most importantly, every client and every case truly matters to us. We demonstrate this by consistently delivering personal attention and hard work to achieve our clients’ goals. When you choose Christina Rivenbark & Associates for your criminal law or personal injury matter, we will greet you warmly and treat you with respect and...

Attorney Bruce Mason is an experienced attorney dedicated to the pursuit of justice for his clients. He is committed to protecting his clients' freedom inside and outside of the courtroom. Bruce focuses on Criminal Defense matters including Traffic Violations, Expunction of Criminal Records, Domestic Violence/Protective Orders, DUI/DWI Defense, Drug Possession, Felonies and more. Visit his website for more information and call for a free consultation!

Attorney Ashley McDuffie is an experienced attorney committed to advocating for the rights of those in cases such as traffic tickets, driving with license revoked, DWI/DUI, misdemeanor, felonies, incompetency hearing, guardianship, social security, and personal injury. Attorney Ashley McDuffie is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association. She is also a North Carolina certified mediator. Attorney McDuffie is a member of the NC Young Lawyers Division. She serves on the Wake County Adult and Home Advisory Committee. Attorney McDuffie also serves as a board member on the board of the Great Durham Black Chamber of Commerce. She is also...

Cristina Quantock joined Beaver Courie Law Firm in 2012. Prior to working in private practice she served as a prosecutor in Hoke County. Since joining the firm, Cristina has worked on hundreds of cases in both District and Superior Courts. During her 10 years of practicing law, Cristina has exemplified an attention to detail and a dedication to achieving the best possible results for her clients. She has experience in handling difficult cases and knows how to help clients through challenging times.

Cristina’s practice covers all areas of family law including absolute divorce, child custody, alimony and equitable distribution. Cristina also...

Taylor McCallman joined Beaver Courie in 2019 after having served the firm as a student clerk during the summers of his law school career. Since joining the firm as an associate, Taylor has worked on a multitude of cases in both District and Superior Courts. In his practice of law, Taylor has demonstrated a desire to satisfy and surpass all of his client’s expectations as well as a dedication to achieving the best possible result in every case. He has experience handling difficult and time consuming cases and is well equipped to guide his clients through the most trying of...

Mark Hearp became associated with the Beaver Courie Law Firm on November 10, 2003. In 2008, Mark became a partner with the firm. His practice covers all stages and levels of criminal representation including traffic, speeding tickets, misdemeanor, felony, driving while impaired offenses and federal charges. Prior to joining the firm, Mark served as an Assistant District Attorney for over two years in Cumberland County, North Carolina. While at that position, Mr. Hearp tried hundreds of driving while impaired offenses and other traffic offenses. He was also responsible for the prosecution of hundreds of major felony cases. These felonies included drug...

Founding parter of Beaver Courie, Jerry Beaver is one of North Carolina's best known and well-respected trial attorneys. He has been listed in "Best Lawyers in America" for more than two decades and as one of North Carolina’s Legal Elite by North Carolina Business Magazine since the inception of the directory. Since 2003, he has been selected for recognition in the publication North Carolina Super Lawyers, a listing of lawyers made up of 5% of North Carolina lawyers selected by peer review. He has been listed as an AV lawyer by Martindale Hubble Legal Directory for twenty-five years....

William O. “Billy” Richardson has been practicing law in North Carolina since his admission to the Bar in 1980. Throughout his career, he has built a reputation as a zealous, effective litigator, in and out of the courtroom. He has appeared in front of the United States Supreme Court, the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the North Carolina Supreme Court. He continues to build The Richardson Firm, in hopes of providing zealous, competent representation for each client that he has the pleasure of representing. AREAS OF PRACTICE Personal Injury Medical Malpractice Eminent Domain/Condemnation Civil Rights Criminal Law BAR ADMISSIONS North Carolina, 1980 U.S. Court of...

I represent clients with tickets in Cumberland County and Hoke County. I began my legal career in the Cumberland County Public Defender's Office in 2006. In 2010, I went into private practice and founded Kimrey Law, PLLC in 2015 and joined the Hatley Law Office in 2019.

My legal career has focused exclusively on traffic, misdemeanor and felony defense, to include being a member of the Capital Defender's Roster to try First Degree Murder cases. I also have a vast trial experience, both in District and Superior Courts. I proudly serve as an advisory board member to Second Harvest Food Bank...

Keith Metz heads up our Charlotte office, serving clients in Mecklenburg, Union, Cabarrus, and Iredell Counties. After finishing law school, Mr. Metz opened his own law firm in Charlotte, focusing on criminal, family law, and small claims matters, which he continues to run in addition to his practice with iTicket.law. Mr. Metz also serves as a Pro Bono attorney for Safe Alliance, a Charlotte non-profit, aiding victims of domestic violence. Through his pro bono representation in court, Keith helps victims of domestic violence get the protection they need to live a safe life. Mr. Metz enjoys hiking with his German...

For the last ten years I have dedicated myself and my practice to fighting for my clients who have been accused of criminal misdeeds and for others who have been injured by someone else's negligence. I am in the courtroom most every day fighting for my clients, whether they have been charged with DWI or drug offenses or major felonies. I also stand up to the insurance companies who may not want to pay what you deserve after being injured. I have helped my clients navigate through some of the toughest and most trying times of their lives. I am...

James F. Rutherford is a North Carolina native and graduate of the Michigan State University School of Law. He is genuinely passionate about advocating for the rights of the accused and guiding them through the criminal justice system. He is a highly rated attorney who earned an AV Preeminent® Rating by Martindale-Hubbell® for his legal ethics and talent and named a Super Lawyers® Rising Star™ from 2013-2015. James received certification as a criminal law specialist by the North Carolina State Bar in 2011 and is certified to administer standardized field sobriety tests.

I am a retired State Trooper with 29 years experience building DWI cases. If you have recently been charged with DWI or any other traffic or criminal offense, let me put my training, knowledge, and decades of experience to work for you. I know the process used to administer a breath or blood test. I know the training an officer has to stop someone, to administer field sobriety tests, to administer portable breath tests, to conduct DWI check points, and to arrest someone for DWI. I know the procedures used to operate and maintain...

Meet Matt Richardson, a distinguished partner at The Richardson Firm, renowned for his exceptional legal experience. Matt embarked on his legal journey by attending Campbell University's Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law, following the completion of his undergraduate degree at the prestigious University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Since his admission to the North Carolina Bar in 2009, Matt has been an esteemed practitioner in southeastern North Carolina. Early in his career, Matt served as an Assistant District Attorney in Cumberland County, where he tirelessly prosecuted cases on behalf of the State of North Carolina for nearly two years. This...

Kris Poppe joined the Richardson Firm in 2016 after nearly 35 years of military service, including over 20 years as an Army Judge Advocate. Kris served as an NCO in the U.S. Marine Corps and as an Army infantry officer before becoming an attorney. As an active duty Judge Advocate, Kris built a service-wide reputation for his courtroom skill and criminal law expertise and was the “go-to” trial defense counsel for high-profile and complex cases. Among those cases, he defended the only officer court-martialed in the Abu Ghraib trials and Major Nidal Hasan. Kris culminated his Army career as the first...

James L Allard Jr. is an experienced attorney dedicated to serving his clients in the greater Wilmington, North Carolina area and beyond. Admitted to bar in 1986, Mr. Allard is an AV-Rated attorney by Martindale-Hubbell, and has been named Top 100 Trial Lawyers / National Trial Lawyers. Practice areas include: DWI defense, traffic law, DMV hearings, drug offenses, property crimes, violent crimes, sexual assaults, felonies, misdemeanors, trials in all federal and state courts, white collar crime. Visit his website for more information and call for a free consultation!

Danny Earl Britt, Jr., enlisted in the North Carolina National Guard as a private while he was still attending high school in Tar Heel, NC. Following high school he attended Appalachian State University where he walked on and played football graduating Magna Cum Laude in Boone, North Carolina with a B.S. in Political Science and concentration in pre-legal studies. After graduation, Danny immediately enrolled in law school in Oklahoma. Following law school Danny joined a firm in Elizabethtown North Carolina working for a few years before taking a job with the Robeson County District Attorney's office. Danny served...

Wilmington, NC Lawyer R. Clarke Speaks practices in the areas of personal injury and criminal defense. He has achieved National Recognition through AVVO and Superlawyers. Specifically, he has attained a rating of "10.0" out of a maximum score of 10.0 on AVVO. In addition, he is rated "Superb". Superb is the highest possible rating. He has earned the "Top Car Accident Attorney" designation. In addition, R. Clarke Speaks has been selected to the Superlawyers for the second consecutive year for his work in the legal field of personal injury law. Recently, Mr. Speaks...

Haywood "Woody" White III is a former North Carolina State Senator and experienced trial attorney. His is a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law, and has twice been awarded a member of the "Legal Elite" by Buisness, North Carolina Magazine.

Bachara & Essey, a general practice firm, provides intelligent, practical, and cost-effective legal counsel to clients across a wide range of industries. We provide legal assistance to clients throughout the Lower Cape Fear Region, in fields ranging from elder law, wills & estates and family law to criminal defense. Bachara & Essey counsel clients with respect to such essential matters as business transactions and litigation, real estate litigation, civil litigation, debtor/creditor issues, and probate & trust disputes. Please take a moment to explore our website to learn more about us, who we are and what we do,...

Hayes was born and raised in Eastern North Carolina and graduated from James Kenan High School in 1998. Hayes attended Hampden-Sydney College in Central Virginia where he met his future wife Emily. A graduate of Campbell University School of Law, Hayes was active in the Honor Court and was elected Cheif Justice of the Honor Court his 3L year. Hayes and Emily reside in Duplin County with their son Miller. In his spare time Hayes can be found running the backroads of Duplin County. He also enjoys fishing and hunting.

I have my Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami, and my Juris Doctor from Thomas Cooley Law School where I was on the Dean's List, Honor Roll, and made the Law Review. I am a veteran from the United States Army. I worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a Senior Claims Adjuster handling Workers' Compensation, automobile and motorcycle accidents, and other insurance claims.

David B. Collins, Jr. grew up all over North and South Carolina, mostly in Charlotte and Myrtle Beach. He attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte where he graduated cum laude with a bachelor's degree in Biology in 1986. In 1993 Mr. Collins graduated with a Juris Doctor and Master of Business Administration from the University of South Carolina at Columbia and was admitted to practice law in North Carolina and South Carolina and Federal Courts.

Mr. Collins has been licensed to practice law in both North and South Carolina since 1993. In 1995, he moved to the Wilmington...

David Gross graduated from Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan in 1992 where he was on the football and swimming team. David graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mount Olive College in Mount Olive, N.C. with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. David attended the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill where he was a member of the International Law Journal. After serving in both the Air and Army National Guard, David became a Rocky Mount N.C. Police Officer in 1998. David Gross performed all aspects of law enforcement including writing traffic citations,...

Christian was born and raised in Indiana and attended Indiana University in Bloomington where he received a degree in Philosophy and Political Science. During college, Christian worked as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in the summers. Christian then attended the University of Montana School of Law in Missoula. While attending law school, Christian interned with Justice Goff of the Indiana Supreme Court and the Federal Defenders of Montana. It was both of these experiences that inspired Christian’s passion for criminal defense. Upon receiving his J.D., he moved to Wilmington and began...

L. Bryan Smith’s primary practice areas are family law, criminal defense, and personal injury. He is proud of his dedication and responsiveness to clients. Bryan attended Francis Marion College in Florence, South Carolina, earning a degree in political science. He then matriculated to Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law for his juris doctor which he earned cum laude. After law school, Bryan was the founding member of a local law firm until he joined The Law Group as a partner.