Ruffin Criminal Lawyers

Our nationally recognized Raleigh law firm focuses on criminal defense, family law, and professional license defense. A small firm mentality allows us to provide personalized attention to each matter. Our philosophy of tireless devotion to our clients and uncompromising honesty has earned us the reputation as one of the go-to firms in the State. We counsel our clients through all aspects of the case, providing the individual attention necessary to achieve justice and return peace to your life.

Valerie grew up in Alabama and obtained her undergraduate degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. During her undergraduate studies, Valerie became interested in the study and practice of law. She went on to attend the Charlotte School of Law, where she served as the president of the Trial Advocacy Board and had the opportunity to try cases in front of attorneys and judges across the country. Valerie has furthered her experience in the practice of law through her work with the nationally recognized Cochran Firm; and she has gained perspective from the bench by clerking...

Hill Allen is a partner in the firm and handles a broad range of civil and criminal litigation. His practice areas and recent cases include:

white-collar criminal defense;
healthcare fraud;
False Claims Act and qui tam, or whistleblower, litigation;
wrongful death and catastrophic personal injury;
antitrust litigation;
administrative law;
aviation and workplace accidents;
class actions and other commercial litigation;
campaign finance and political corruption matters;
environmental crimes;
intellectual property litigation;
mortgage fraud;
securities fraud;
trade secret and non-compete litigation; and
criminal tax investigations.

Mr. Allen's clients have included a former Olympic Gold medalist; a former North Carolina Lieutenant Governor...

Russell D. Babb was born in Wilson, North Carolina. He graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he was a Morehead Scholar and co-captain of the 1995 Carolina football team. A four-year starter as an offensive lineman for the Tar Heels, Mr. Babb was also the winner of the 1995 Jim Tatum Award, which is presented each year to the top Senior Scholar-Athlete in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

After college, Mr. Babb entered the University of North Carolina School of Law. During law school, he participated in the UNC Criminal Law Clinic and served...

Melissa Hill is a native of Asheville, North Carolina. She received her B.A. degree, magna cum laude, as a member of Phi Beta Kappa, from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1984. She also attended law school at UNC, where she was admitted to the Order of the Coif, was on the North Carolina Law Review and received her J.D. with honors in 1987. Ms. Hill is the author of Tennessee v. Garner - The Use of Deadly Force to Arrest as an Unreasonable Search and Seizure, 65 N.C.L. Rev. 155 (1986);...

Buxton Reed Bailey is a practicing attorney in Raleigh, N.C. He represents clients in North Carolina and other states, including Maryland, Delaware, Georgia and Pennsylvania. His law firm, Buxton R. Bailey, P.C., focuses on a general practice of law with a special focus on Immigration and Nationality Law. Bailey, a native English speaker, is also fluent in Spanish. Immigration law is a unique area of law without boundaries and Attorney Bailey represents corporate and individual clients locally and globally. Attorney Bailey represents his clients before the Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services, The Bureau of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, The...

Attorney Lindsey D. Granados is an experienced trial lawyer and seasoned litigator who advocates tirelessly for her clients. She truly cares for the well-being of her clients, and her compassion and desire to see justice in action motivates her to seek the best possible outcome in each case. Over the course of her career, Lindsey has tried hundreds of District Court cases—infractions, misdemeanors of every variety, DWIs—and numerous high-level felony criminal jury trials to verdict in Superior Court.

Ms. Granados was born and raised in Seminole, Oklahoma. She graduated from Oklahoma Baptist University, located in Shawnee, Oklahoma and with a Bachelor’s...

Edward, a Taylorsville native, knew from a young age that his calling in life was to be an attorney. Some of his earliest memories involve watching his father at his law office. Over the years, his desire to help others through legal work has only grown stronger. Edward is a third-generation lawyer, and it brings him immense pride to practice in the same building as both his father and grandfather before him.

An avid Tar Heel fan, Edward attended UNC Chapel Hill for his undergraduate studies. He received degrees in both economics and public policy.

For his legal education, Edward...

Russell is a former prosecutor with 19 years of experience in North Carolina Criminal Courts. It is a passion for protecting people's rights during the most difficult times of their lives that has lead Russell to achieve significant success throughout his practice. Among the many accolades and awards Russell has received for his work are being included in Best Lawyers (c) in America for Criminal Defense, General Practice 2017, North Carolina Business Journal's Legal Elite 2011, 2012, 2015, 2016, and 2017, as well as The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 since 2014.

William Vásquez is a native of Queens, NY. He served in the U.S. Air Force from 2000-2007. He is a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom and received the Joint Service Achievement Medal for his work as a Spanish linguist for the Defense Intelligence Agency in 2005. William graduated from Campbell University in 2007 with a degree in computer science. He earned his J.D. in 2011 from the North Carolina Central University School of Law. His practice areas include immigration law and criminal defense cases. He is licensed and in good standing with the State Bar of North Carolina and...

After five years being a prosecutor, I decided to put that experience to use defending criminal defendants. My decision was based in part upon the realization that criminal prosecution is too often conducted more upon political considerations than upon considerations of fairness, objectivity, and ethics. I believe in the State and federal Constitutions and the rule of law. I'll always be honest with you about your case so the decisions you make regarding the handling of your case may be made fully informed. McCullough Law stands ready to zealously, efficiently, and ethically provide legal representation to...

Andres Tomey is a licensed attorney in North Carolina. Andres earned his Bachelor’s Degree from The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 2015 where he majored in Political Science. He went on to earn his JD from Campbell Law in 2020. While at Campbell Law School, Andres participated in the Hispanic Law Student Association, where he assisted with Naturalization events and also participated in the Campbell Community Law Clinic, where he assisted with expungements and other matters. Andres joined Matheson & Associates as an Associate Attorney in December 2020.

As an Associate Attorney in the Criminal Defense department,...

Defense attorney Veronica Bayó Clifford is the co-founder of the Clifford Law Group in Raleigh, North Carolina. She and husband Nicholas Clifford founded the firm to help those in the North Carolina Triangle who are struggling with immigration issues and people facing criminal charges. Veronica has dedicated her career to helping those who are experiencing some of the most difficult times of their lives. She is passionate about her work, and she takes her role as a lawyer seriously. Guiding her clients through complex legal processes is of utmost importance to her. Veronica majored in...

Paige is a criminal defense attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina. She handles a wide range of criminal offenses in Wake County, including possession of cocaine, possession of marijuana, shoplifting, DWIs, larcenies, assault on female charges, and traffic tickets.

Contact her at hello@paigefeldmannlaw.com

I have been practicing as a criminal defense attorney exclusively in Wake County since 2002. Prior to that I was an Assistant District Attorney in Wake County. While I was a prosecutor I co-authored the first edition of the North Carolina Prosecutor's DWI Manual, and prosecuted individuals for armed robbery, arson and murder to name a few. As a defense attorney I have been recognized on multiple occasions as one of the top criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina. I pride myself on giving quality service to my clients and ensuring that they stay...

Leah Shellberg is a highly skilled and experienced trial attorney in Asheboro, North Carolina focusing on all areas of family law, as well as criminal defense and immigration matters. Ms. Shellberg appears in court weekly for her clients, and has an impressive record of success in even highly contentious family law matters. Although she is a fierce and zealous advocate in the courtroom, Leah Shellberg prioritizes exceptionally compassionate and kind client service. Ms. Shellberg practices in Randolph, Guilford, Forsyth, and Montgomery counties, and is currently accepting new clients in the areas of family law/divorce, criminal defense, and...

I help people who are facing felony and misdemeanor criminal and traffic charges and driver’s license revocations. I also represent people on a wide array of family law issues such as Separation and Divorce, Child Custody and Support, and Alimony and Equitable Distribution, and I assist landlords and tenants with residential and commercial leasing disputes. I have been a criminal defense attorney since the beginning of my career. I worked as an Assistant Public Defender in both Gaston and Durham Counties, before I decided to move to private practice and left the Public Defender’s office to...

Stephanie Goldsborough is a proven leader in the field of criminal defense, with a remarkable record in public legal service. After graduating with honors from Salem College, Stephanie received her J.D. from Campbell Law School. Stephanie began her sixteen-year legal career by dedicating her time and considerable talents to helping the less fortunate during their most trying times, in her work with both Legal Aid and the Public Defender’s office. A public servant to her core, Stephanie served as a domestic violence attorney for Legal Aid of Northwest North Carolina, where she litigated 50B actions and custody manners,...

As a small dedicated law firm, we represent clients involved in marital disputes. Our knowledge of the law allows us to aggressively represent you when you need someone on your side. We represent people who need help in the following Domestic/Family Law areas: family and domestic law including; child custody, support, alimony, divorce, and property distribution.

Matthew Damon Byerley was born and raised in Alexander County, graduating from Alexander Central High School in 2003. Matthew is a 2007 graduate of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology. He obtained his law degree from Elon University School of Law in 2011. While at Elon Law, Matthew concentrated his studies in general practice and litigation. He became a licensed attorney in North Carolina in August 2011, and has been practicing in Alexander and the surrounding counties since that time. Matthew and his wife, Catherine, also an attorney, reside in Conover, North...

Andrew J. Wingo graduated from Norman A. Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University with his J.D. in 1998. He has nearly two decades of legal experience in the areas of commercial real estate, business law, criminal law, personal injury, and domestic/family law. A true trial attorney, Andrew has effectively litigated cases across state and federal courts for his clients. He is aggressive when protecting his clients and bold when asserting their rights. Andrew is licensed to practice in North Carolina and South Carolina.

Attorney Darrin Gamradt is a Concord criminal defense lawyer who focuses his practice on DUI charges, as well as cases involving juvenile crimes, drug crimes, theft crime, white collar crimes, and more. Beyond his criminal practice, he is also able to help injured workers who are dealing with workers’ compensation claims. As a Minnesota native, Darrin first attended high school at St. Thomas Academy in Mendota Heights, where he was proud to win both a state and national championship as a member of the debate team. Following graduation, he earned a presidential scholarship and moved to Winston-Salem, NC...

Martin is a partner at Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC. In almost 20 years of practicing law, his experience includes roles as an assistant District Attorney and District Court Judge. Martin practices primarily in the area of criminal defense. He has represented clients on charges ranging from speeding tickets to first degree murder. Having been a former Judge and Prosecutor has brought Martin a varied perspective and wealth of experience as a criminal defense Attorney. That experience is both recognized by his peers and appreciated by his clients. You will find no one more zealous and committed to advocating on...

Born in Shelby, NC July 18, 1978. I grew up in Kings Mountain, NC. Appalachian State University, 2002; University of South Carolina School of Law, 2008. Member: North Carolina Bar Association; Iredell County Bar Association Bio: I taught US History for three years at Hunter Huss High School in Gastonia North Carolina. During my time as a teacher, I also coached the boys and girls soccer teams and participated in other school activities. I am an avid Appalachian State football fan and enjoy traveling to Boone, NC for the games. ...

Jason is a 1993 graduate of Oak Ridge Military Academy. From there, he attended The Citadel, the military college of South Carolina. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration in 1997. Jason attended Cumberland School of Law, at Samford University, in Birmingham, Alabama where he received his Juris Doctorate in 2000. He has been a member of the North Carolina State Bar since 2001. Jason has practiced law full time in the Iredell County and surrounding areas since 2001 and joined the firm of Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC in 2014. Jason practices primarily in...

Mr. Jeremy Cotten is a native of Fuquay-Varina in Wake County, North Carolina. He attended primary education in Fuquay and has many family members from the area.

After completing his high school education, he was drafted in the 2nd Round (58th overall pick) of the 1998 Major League Baseball Draft and signed a professional contract with the Pittsburgh Pirates. He played for five seasons in the Pirates organization as third and first baseman. He was a Baseball America Top Prospect in 1998; his career stats are available here. He then returned to North Carolina to obtain his BA in Trust and...

In my years of practice as an attorney, I've learned that everyone wants to be heard and everyone wants to be respected. I take pride in my work and care about my clients. You can learn more about me by reading the reviews that clients have posted about my work. My law firm is focused on misdemeanors, lower level felonies, DWI, and traffic offenses. Call anytime for a free consultation. BAR ADMISSION: North Carolina (2011) MEMBERSHIPS: North Carolina Bar Association (NCBA) EDUCATION: Elon University, School of Law, Juris Doctorate UNC-Chapel Hill, Bachelor of Arts

Attorney Edd K. Roberts III is a board certified specialist who has handled thousands of criminal cases and has over twenty years of trial experience. As a former Assistant District Attorney, he has gained a specialized knowledge and he will relentlessly fight for the best possible outcome in your case. His focus has been on defending those accused of a crime and advocating for professionals that have been charged with wrong doing by their licensing board. He provides criminal defense and representation of professionals throughout North Carolina, with a large part of his practice covering Wake County, specifically in the...

Mr. Hayes has been practicing law since 2004. Hi practices primarily in Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Rowan and other nearby counties. He attended UNC Chapel Hill and obtained a Bachelors Degree in Political Science and attended New York Law School for his Juris Doctorate. He practices primarily in criminal defense and car accident personal injury cases.

Attorney Kristi Haddock was born and raised in Cary, North Carolina. A true hometown attorney, she knows how much central North Carolina has changed over the past 30 years. Kristi recognizes the issues her clients face in growing cities that lack good public transportation. For that reason, Attorney Haddock is committed to helping her clients restore their license.

Prior to starting her own firm, Kristi worked as a criminal defense attorney for four years and enjoyed successfully defending a wide variety of misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic offenses both in and around Wake County. Kristi also successfully represented clients at numerous...

Chris is not the type of attorney who wants to collect the fee, plead guilty, and move on to the next case. He is a criminal defense attorney because he cares about people who have been accused, he enjoys taking cases to trial when necessary, and he loves winning. He is ready, willing, and able to represent you in any criminal, traffic, or DWI case for anything from a minor speeding ticket to a serious felony. The process of retaining him starts with scheduling a free initial consultation. You make the call, and he will handle the rest.

Education:
Emory University (BA in Political Science, 2002)
Campbell University (J.D., 2007)
-SBA representative
-Honor Court Justice
-Dean of Delta Theta Phi
-Moot Court Team
-ATLA Trial Team

Professional Memberships:
North Carolina State Bar
Judicial District 19A Bar
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers)
American Bar Association
American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association)

Family:
Married to fellow attorney and former law partner: Luke Baker
Two children: Garrett and Audrey
Two dogs: Phoebe and...

Corry has a strong work ethic that was instilled in him at a very young age by his family and he has carried that with him into law practice. Soon after becoming licensed Corry was able to fulfill a life-long dream of opening a law firm. In December 2012 the Brannen Law Firm was born. Corry primary practice areas include wills and estate planning, criminal law, bankruptcy law, veteran affairs disability, and civil litigation. Within the criminal law practice Corry works cases ranging from traffic matters to felony jury trials. Corry does most of the wills and estate planning in...

Quit cryin, call OBryan

Matthew attended North Carolina State University and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002 with a Bachelor of Arts in History and from the University of Alabama School of Law in 2006 with a Juris Doctorate. He is a partner at Gottholm, Ralston and Benton, PLLC since the firm’s inception in 2014, and was a partner at The Law Offices of Benton & Welborn, PLLC from 2006 until 2011, and The Law Offices of Gottholm, Welborn and Benton, PLLC from 2012-2013. Matthew’s practice primarily focuses on family law, criminal law and civil litigation. Matthew is an experienced litigator, and tries...