Pinetops Lawyers

"Give me liberty or give me death." I get that. Over the last 20+ years, I have represented many many clients, young, old, all walks of life, charged with crimes (some rightly, some-wrongly, some both) For many, their quality of life is suddenly gone, because they are incarcerated, and cannot make bond. For those folks, the powerful and slow machine that is our legal system begins its punishment long before any guilt is proven-- the accused is isolated, and their ability to help themselves is very limited, perhaps especially in finding a good lawyer. If ...

Trained as a real estate and estate planning attorney initially in my career, my practice areas have expanded to encompass estate administration, special proceedings, and corporate formation, as well as, real estate and estate planning. I am a young, energetic attorney determined to become the best in my field through excellent representation of each and every client. I am constantly learning new aspects of the law and surrounding myself with opportunities for growth. Have you reviewed your estate plan lately? If not, maybe it’s time we take a peek at it!

I have been a practicing attorney since 1987. I began my legal career in Los Angeles, California. I joined the Office of the Public Defender in 1990. During my 18 year career as a Deputy Public Defender, I was able to gain invaluable trial experience. I was promoted to the highest trial level position and was assigned death penalty cases. I lectured at attorney training seminars on the topic of juvenile mitigation and fitness and taught a felony trial series for new felony lawyers.
Upon relocating to North Carolina, I worked as an Assistant District Attorney for the County of Durham...

Bevin W. Wall, Attorney at Law is a General Practice of Law emphasizing DWI, Traffic & Criminal Defense, Real Estate & Bankruptcy Law, and Wills & Estates. Located in Newport, North Carolina, the primary jurisdictions of practice are the District & Superior Courts of Carteret & Craven Counties, NC, including Beaufort, Morehead City, Newport, Havelock, New Bern, and the Crystal Coast Beach communities of Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach and Emerald Isle. A Leader in the Legal Community, the goal of Bevin W. Wall, Attorney at Law is to provide quality legal services to his clients, in an...

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...

With more than two decades of experience, Melinda Flinn has dedicated her legal career to family law within Cumberland County, North Carolina. Recognizing the emotional toll and strain associated with family law and divorce matters, Melinda is committed to offering her clients compassionate and pragmatic legal guidance. Employing a hands-on approach and drawing upon her comprehensive understanding of the local legal system, she tirelessly pursues her clients' interests in every case. Melinda places great importance on engaging her clients in their own legal journeys. She endeavors to provide them with a comprehensive overview of all potential outcomes, empowering them to make informed...

Patrick R. Anstead is one of the most sought after litigation attorneys in Southeastern North Carolina. Mr. Anstead prioritizes cases involving the violation of constitutional rights and catastrophic personal injury. If you have been charged with a crime, hurt on the job, or been a victim of police misconduct, call The Richardson Firm and ask for a free consultation with Patrick Anstead to protect your rights. Recent Outstanding Results: $60,000 for a woman falsely arrested by local police $400,000 for a disabled man assaulted by a personal care assistant $85,000 for a medical assistant assaulted by a physician $135,000 for family...

I spent seven years at the Hoke County District Attorney’s Office, where my primary focus was on prosecuting serious felony cases. These cases ranged from domestic violence and drug trafficking to felony assault, child sexual assault, child abuse, rape, and murder. I have a wealth of trial experience and have devoted my career to resolving high-conflict cases. My commitment, thorough preparation, and empathy are clearly reflected in my work. I am a native of Hoke County and maintain strong connections within my community. I graduated from Meredith College with a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology and obtained my Law Degree from Campbell...

Hello, I'm Garistine Simmons, but please, call me "Joy". My parents, Gary and Christine Davis, inspired my name "Garistine" as a blend of theirs, and they nicknamed me "Joy" because I brought so much happiness into their lives. I chose to become a Life and Legacy Planning Lawyer driven by my passion for assisting others in planning, building, and solving problems to ensure their lives are filled with "joy" and "peace". In my legal practice, I concentrate on Business Planning, Estate Planning, and Medicaid Planning. I assist business owners in establishing the foundational and infrastructural aspects of their businesses, including business...

Concentrating in consumer and business Bankruptcy with over 25 years experience in the law. I limit the number of cases so that I know my clients and cases. Also experienced in tax issues, civil and criminal trials, both bench and jury, settlement, mediation, and all means to empower clients and produce a favorable result. My knowledge also includes contracts, adoptions, domestic matters, wills, estates, and most matters which may arise. Let me and my assistants tend to your matter. By practicing bankruptcy law I am a debt relief agency under federal law and proudly represent persons with debt problems.

Justin has been defending criminal defendants in Carteret County since 2013. Prior to moving to Carteret County, Justin and his wife, Erin, practiced law in Guilford and Davidson County. Justin completed his undergraduate studies at Duke University, and after working in the business world for several years, Justin attended law school at Elon University. After receiving his law license, Justin opened and gradually expanded his own practice. Justin joined Wheatly Weeks Newton, PA, in January 2025 and continues to represent criminal defendants in Carteret County.

Roger Crowe has been a Criminal Defense Attorney for 27 years. He has represented tens of thousands of clients. His reputation as a trial Attorney is exceeded only by his devotion to his Family and Community. Recently, The NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION, named him to the "Top 100 Criminal Trial Lawyers in North Carolina." Roger was born in Dunn, North Carolina. He attended NC State University where he double majored in Business and Economics. He attends services at First United Methodist Church in Morehead City. Roger has been married for 34 years and has 2 Children. He enjoys fishing...

Joel Hancock is a native of Carteret County, NC. He was born and raised on Harkers Island by Susan and Joel Hancock, Sr.

Joel focuses exclusively on helping those who have been accused of criminal charges such as traffic infractions, DWI, misdemeanors, and felonies in Carteret County, NC.

In May of 2018, after five years of representing thousands of clients charged with everything from simple seat belt tickets to serious felonies, Joel opened Hancock Law Firm in Beaufort, NC, so he could devote 100% of his time at work to providing elite representation to his clients, and devote 100% of...

Jeannette has 11 years of experience working in the insurance industry in claims handling. She has represented both plaintiffs and defendants and is bilingual in Spanish and English.

Durham disability, personal injury and traffic lawyer representing clients in Durham, Raleigh, Cary, Hillsborough, Chapel Hill and throughout North Carolina.

Michelle Dewkett-Kochhar found her passion for workers’ compensation law dabbling in personal injury, workers’ compensation, and criminal defense law after graduating from law school. Dewkett-Kochhar graduated from Campbell University’s Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law in 2019, and passed the North Carolina Bar Exam that same summer. A northerner at heart, Dewkett-Kochhar grew up in Rhinebeck, New York. She first moved to Raleigh to attend North Carolina State University, where she received a B.A. in International Studies and a minor in Spanish. While at law school, Dewkett-Kochhar served as a research assistant and interned with the Wake County Public Defender’s Office, a personal...

Opened law practice focusing primarily on bankruptcy and associated legal matters. The goal is to provide individuals and families the peace of mind when dealing with stressful and difficult decisions regarding their home and property. We strive to put the client first, helping to guide them down the legal process path. Caring and understanding is the basis for which we base our practice on.

For Joey DeMartin, officially joining the team at Hardison & Cochran, Attorneys at Law feels like a homecoming. He worked at the law firm, writing motions and assisting in the call center while attending Campbell Law School in Raleigh. DeMartin graduated from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University in 2018 and passed the North Carolina Bar Exam in 2019. The Washington, N.C., native is the first attorney in his family. “My grandfather was pretty happy with that,” DeMartin said, noting that the law had interested him from a young age. “I was definitely the family debater. … I...

Scott Montgomery is a N.C. Board Certified Specialist in Family Law, as certified by the North Carolina State Bar. Scott limits his practice exclusively to family law. His practice is focused on equitable distribution of marital property, child custody and support, alimony, as well as adoption and various other legal issues arising from separation and divorce. Scott was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and grew up in Cary. He attended Ravenscroft High School in Raleigh, class of 1999. He graduated with honors from Wake Forest University in 2003 with...

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.

Attorney Steve Palme has devoted his practice exclusively to family law since 2005. The Palme Law Firm prides itself on the individual attention it offers to clients and their cases. Steve Palme has extensive experience both in and out of the courtroom and handles all aspects of family law, including: child custody, child support, interstate custody and support, alimony, equitable distribution, domestic violence, separation and prenuptial agreements, and alienation of affection and criminal conversation claims.

Fred Morelock received his bachelor’s degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in 1974 and his law degree from UNC in 1976. He then practiced as a trial attorney for ten years in the areas of criminal defense and family law litigation before being appointed to the bench. He joined Tharrington Smith in 2001.

In 1986, Mr. Morelock was appointed by Governor James G. Martin to a Wake County district court judgeship. He was reelected three times and served for fourteen years. In 1990, Mr. Morelock became the first judge in Wake County to become a Certified...

Marsha Comeau
A native of upstate New York, Dan Clark moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 1979 and in 1985 graduated with honors from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He served first as a staff writer and then as an editorial board member on the North Carolina Law Review and upon graduation from UNC Law School in 1988 he joined Tharrington Smith.

Mr. Clark’s areas of practice include employment law, civil and business litigation, intellectual property law, and administrative law. He has counseled businesses and individuals, including legal, medical and other professional practices, individual executives, physicians, attorneys, scientists, engineers,...

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...

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...

Roger W. Smith, Jr., was born in Raleigh, North Carolina and attended the Raleigh public schools. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from the University of North Carolina in 1991. While at UNC he was inducted into the Order of Gimghoul.

After college, Mr. Smith moved to Wyoming where, during a period of about two years, he learned to hand-make rough white-pine furniture in the Western tradition. He returned to North Carolina and co-founded Appalachian Designs, a company through which he continued to manufacture and market this furniture.

In the fall of 1996, Mr. Smith entered the Norman A....

Whether you are going through a separation and divorce, have suffered personal injuries as a result of an auto accident, or have pending criminal charges or a traffic ticket or need a Will drawn up or you need a probate attorney to help administer an estate, Tim G. Fowler is available to help you get the results that you both want and need. Tim has over 21 years of experience helping clients just like you. He is a knowledgeable, skilled, and determined attorney with attorney's fees that are fair and reasonable. Just as importantly, he is also a good person...

Mark is recognized for excellence by many peer rating organizations such as Best Lawyers in American and Super Lawyers. He is a former president of the Chief Justice Susie M. Sharp Inn of Court and the 2015 president of the 10th Judicial District which comprises all of Wake County including Raleigh and much of Research Triangle Park (RTP)

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...

Charles R. Ullman is Board Certified by the North Carolina State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization in Family Law. At the time of his certification he was one of less than 300 lawyers state-wide to achieve this distinction. He is also a member of the Wake County Bar Association, the North Carolina Bar Association and a member of the Christian Legal Society.

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);...

Sara Willingham is an experienced trial attorney. Ms. Willingham has extensive experience handling motor vehicle cases, including complex motor vehicle accidents where liability is contested. In addition, Ms. Willingham has handled numerous product liability cases, medical malpractice cases, negligent security cases and premises liability cases. In addition to her extensive courtroom litigation practice, Ms. Willingham arbitrates uninsured and underinsured motorist cases on behalf of injured policy holders.

North Carolina personal injury lawyer Brenton D. Adams has represented individuals against insurance companies since 1973. Mr. Adams is board certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy and is a member of the Million Dollar Advocacy Forum. He has been selected as one of the top 100 trial lawyers in North Carolina by the American Trial Lawyers Association. Mr. Adams has given lectures to trial lawyers at numerous seminars dealing with trial advocacy and trial practice issues. Among the trial lawyer organizations at which Mr. Adams has lectured are the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, The North Carolina Bar Association,...

Andrea Bosquez-Porter is the founding member of Bosquez Porter Family Law, a boutique family law firm that provides exceptional and hands-on service to its clients. She is a Board Certified Family Law Specialist, a Certified Family Financial Mediator, and a Parenting Coordinator.

Ms. Bosquez-Porter is originally from San Antonio, Texas. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Vassar College in Poughkeepsie, New York and a Master of Business Administration degree from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts. Ms. Bosquez-Porter graduated with honors from the University of Wisconsin Law School.

Ms. Bosquez-Porter is admitted to practice law...

Elizabeth focuses her practice on reuniting families and helping individuals reach their American dream. As an adoptive mom of four siblings, she understands the importance of keeping families together.

From 2006 until 2013, Elizabeth assisted an immigration attorney as a paralegal managing the processes for immigration matters including permanent resident/green card applications, petitions for family members, immigrant and non-immigrant visa applications, adjustment of status applications, and citizenship and naturalization. She realized that she wanted to take the lead and help people reach their American dream. It was at that time that she decided to enroll in law school.

In 2015, she graduated...

Kelly A. Stevens is a co-founder and managing member of the law firm of Hemmings & Stevens, P.L.L.C. and has been practicing as an attorney since 1994. She grew up in the mid-west and graduated from the University of Missouri-Columbia in 1991 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in political science. While in college she was elected President of her pre-law fraternity, Phi Alpha Delta. She attended law school at the University of Missouri-Columbia and graduated in 1994. While in law school she performed an internship at the Attorney General's Office for the State of Missouri and later clerked for...

Cameron Lambe is a civil litigation attorney with experience in contract negotiation and dispute, real estate law and litigation, and business and employment law.
She is also a North Carolina native with a background in small business ownership and marketing, specifically in the areas of real estate, property management, and the beauty industry.

David Vtipil is a skilled personal injury lawyer serving North Carolina. He handles cases in many different areas including car accidents, work injuries, dog bites, and more. David is also a NC certified board specialist in Workers' Compensation cases. He has won many awards including being named one of the Best Lawyers in America in the field of workers' compensation law.

A North Carolina native, David was born and raised in a commercial fishing family on the Outer Banks. He decided to attend law school while he was at North Carolina State University earning dual BAs in Economics and Business Management. Even then, he knew that “fighting for the little guy” was his destiny. After 20 years, he and his partners continue to stand for the same principles.

An avid Top Dragster racer (with an IHRA Class B license), David has written articles on the importance of adequate insurance coverage and appropriate legal representation for several racing industry publications.

He spent years dedicated...

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...