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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Gastonia

Our Recommended Top 17

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Gastonia Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

70Reviewed

48Curated

17Top Picks

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Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1213 West Morehead Street, Charlotte, NC 28208

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

FindLaw
5.0 (16)

Why choose this provider?

The Sumwalt Group provides access to a criminal justice attorney near Gastonia. It defends clients against all types of misdemeanor and felony charges. The firm has over 20 years of experience, and it conducts confidential consultations. Its other areas of focus include workers' compensation, personal injury and wrongful death, disability claims, and industrial or worksite injuries and deaths. Attorney Christa Sumwalt is a former prosecutor as well as a member of North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Vernon Sumwalt - PartnerActive26 yrs
Christa Sumwalt - PartnerActive26 yrs

1018 East Blvd. Suite One, Charlotte, NC 28203

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (127)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Jason H. Reece serves residents of Gastonia who have been accused of committing crimes. The firm handles cases involving drug trafficking, assault and battery, and trespassing. The office files petitions for the expungement of records and seeks sentence reductions or outright dismissals. Its clientele includes underage defendants. The group has been operating for more than 25 years. Counsel Jason H. Reece has been a lawyer since 1995 and was with the Federal Public Defender's Office.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jason Reece - PrincipalActive29 yrs

22 South Main Avenue Suite 103, Newton, NC 28658

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Burts Law, PLLC is a law firm offering a comprehensive list of legal services to clients in the Charlotte, Newton, and Gastonia areas. The law firm handles criminal defense cases, including violent crimes, drug offenses, and white-collar crimes. Other areas of service include employment discrimination, personal injury, workers' compensation, and social security disability insurance. Burts Law seeks to provide their clients with the necessary information so they can make informed decisions about their options.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Burts - Managing AttorneyActive9 yrs

130 North McDowell Street Suite C, Charlotte, NC 28204
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Kevin L. Barnett represents the people of Gastonia implicated in criminal law matters. With over 35 years of legal experience, managing attorney Kevin L. Barnett has defended a wide range of cases, from a first-time DWI offense to serious felony charges like fraud and embezzlement. He has also obtained favorable outcomes for those who had been accused of possession with intent to distribute marijuana, interstate extortion and blackmail, and conspiracy. Barnett is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Arraignment
  • DWI/DUI

113 Cabarrus Ave E, Concord, NC 28025

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (58)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Scott C. Robertson, Attorney at Law, caters to clients in the Gastonia metro. He works on criminal law cases and defends individuals accused of crimes like shoplifting, assault, larceny, and murder. He employs an aggressive approach and sets up a personalized defense strategy to help clients avoid various penalties, including prison time. Across his more than 21 years of legal experience, Robertson held multiple positions, like president of the Cabarrus County Bar Association. He is board-certified by the North Carolina State Bar in criminal law.

  • DWI/DUI

4108 Park Road Suite 220, Charlotte, NC 28209

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (54)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Ryan M. Watson, PLLC, provides criminal defense to clients in the Gastonia metro. It takes on a variety of misdemeanor and felony cases and personally evaluates and handles drug crimes involving cocaine, marijuana, heroin, and illegal narcotics. It also helps individuals deal with larceny, DWI, speeding, and reckless driving charges. Founding lawyer Ryan Watson graduated cum laude from law school. He is a board-certified specialist in criminal law recognized by the Carolina State Bar.

  • DWI/DUI

101 North McDowell Street, Charlotte, NC 28204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (110)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Christopher Connelly is a criminal defense practice serving Gastonia and nearby locations. Its team handles cases involving violent offenses such as assault and domestic violence. The legal professionals also build defense strategies for individuals arrested for drunk driving, speeding, shoplifting, and identity theft and assist with post-conviction matters. Firm attorney Christopher Connelly is a board-certified criminal law specialist who has over 25 years of experience. He is a National College for DUI Defense member.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christopher ConnellyActive32 yrs

615 South College Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (547)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Attorney Timothy J. Pavone defends individuals caught up in criminal cases in the Gastonia area. Its criminal defense practice advocates on behalf of individuals who have been charged with criminal offenses, including motor vehicle theft, aggravated assault, burglary, possession of marijuana, larceny, and driving while intoxicated. The firm's other areas of practice include traffic law and DMV hearings. Timothy J. Pavone, a criminal defense attorney near Gastonia, is an associate of the North Carolina Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Timothy Pavone - PrincipalActive7 yrs

211 E. Warren St., Shelby, NC 28150

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (196)

Why choose this provider?

Schweppe Law Firm Attorneys at Law is a family-managed practice that offers its services to the Gastonia community. It represents juvenile individuals and adults facing charges for traffic violations, DUI/DWI, assault, and drug crimes. Its legal team, which is headed by lawyer David Schweppe, investigates case details, litigates the prosecution's case, and develops defense plans. Schweppe is a member of the North Carolina Association of Trial Lawyers and serves on the City of Shelby Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.

  • DWI/DUI

827 Highland Avenue Northeast, Hickory, NC 28601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (155)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Helton, Cody & Associates PLLC is a criminal defense firm serving residents of the greater Gastonia area. It defends people who are being investigated, have been charged, or are currently incarcerated for felonies and misdemeanors, including possession of controlled substances, DWI, receiving stolen property, theft, domestic abuse, and assault. The firm takes advantage of weak points in prosecutors' cases to dismiss charges, preventing clients from going through trial. Helton, Cody & Associates also removes clients' prior convictions by filing for expungement.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Blair Cody - PartnerActive24 yrs
Lyndon Helton - PartnerActive28 yrs

117 S Battleground Ave, Kings Mountain, NC 28086

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (61)

Why choose this provider?

Corry Law Firm Attorney at Law represents individuals accused of a crime in Gastonia. It offers defense for criminal and traffic law cases, including domestic violence, drug offenses, larceny, and DWI. Clayward C. Corry Jr. has over 40 years of experience. He served as City Attorney of Grover and Kings Mountain. Corry not only works to obtain favorable results for the client's criminal case but also to prevent it from affecting their future. He financially supports and volunteers with the community's children's sports teams.

  • DWI/DUI

223 West Main Ave., Suite C, Gastonia, NC 28052

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (68)
Facebook
5.0 (9)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Katzenstein & Lorance, which is headquartered in Gastonia, has been providing legal services to individuals since 1990. Its lawyers deal with criminal defense cases and represent those charged with misdemeanors. They also offer guidance to people accused of traffic violations such as DWI, driving while license revoked, reckless driving, and speeding. The firm also facilitates expunctions and assists with alternative sentencing programs. One of the founders, R. Dennis Lorance, has received numerous Volunteer Lawyers Program (VLP) Service awards.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
R. dennis Lorance - PartnerActive46 yrs

130 North McDowell Street, Suite A, Charlotte, NC 28204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (119)
Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The DeCurtins Law Office is a criminal defense firm serving clients in Gastonia. One of its attorneys, Robert DeCurtins, has been defending the rights and protecting the interests of those charged with assault, drug crimes, probation violation, theft, and DWI for over three decades. He has experience in various interrogation techniques and is a trained polygraph examiner who has conducted over 8,000 polygraph exams. DeCurtins uses this knowledge to create an individualized defensive strategy and defend his clients during the negotiation process and in court.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Decurtins - PrincipalActive40 yrs

201 W. Main St., Lincolnton, NC 28092

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.4 (121)
Google
4.4 (62)

Why choose this provider?

King Law is a multi-practice firm that serves the Gastonia area. One of its practice areas is criminal law, which covers cases involving white-collar and violent crimes. Its team also protects the rights of clients facing drug possession, robbery, and theft charges. DUI and DWI cases are also handled by the professionals. King Law was established in 2002 by Brian King, who is a member of both the North and South Carolina Bar Associations. He is also a former Judicial District Bar president.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Expungement
  • Drug Crimes

725 E. Trade Street, Suite 205, Charlotte, NC 28202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (40)
Facebook
4.6 (38)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Andrew L. Gordon, PLLC, handles criminal cases in state and federal courts. It represents Gastonia individuals accused of committing a misdemeanor or a felony. Gordon and his team build defense plans and counsel their clients in different stages of the criminal justice proceedings. He has been featured on Spectrum News 1 and WBTV News and interned at the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office. The other practice areas his firm deals with include real estate and personal injury law.

  • DWI/DUI

1011 East Morehead St. Suite #300, Charlotte, NC 28204

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (27)

Why choose this provider?

Rawls, Scheer, Clary & Mingo is a team of attorneys serving Gastonia and the surrounding areas. They provide criminal defense for individuals accused of white-collar, sex, and drug crimes. The professionals also build defense strategies for clients facing federal criminal charges. In addition, they handle high-profile criminal cases. The process involves developing media strategies to neutralize unfavorable publicity. Tony Scheer, one of the firm's partners, specializes in federal and state criminal law. He is also a former prosecutor.

  • Arraignment
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Eben Rawls - Managing PartnerActive46 yrs

725 E Trade St Suite 120, Charlotte, NC 28202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (484)

Why choose this provider?

Browning & Long, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, is a general practice firm that serves clients in Gastonia. The law firm aims to reduce the negative consequences of criminal charges, including DWI, drug possession, and firearms offenses. Founding partners C. Todd Browning and Howard W. Long II are former prosecutors with a thorough understanding of the tactics employed by government attorneys. They take an aggressive stance in defending the legal rights and liberties of individuals accused of felonies and misdemeanors. 

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gastonia, North Carolina?

    704-866-3300 is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Gastonia.

  • What are the costs of hiring a criminal defense attorney in Gastonia?

    Most attorneys in Gastonia, North Carolina, ask for a retainer up front and charge a flat rate. Pretrial motions, court fines, post-conviction hours, representation in superior court, and other costs may all be included in these fees. As a client, you should make sure you understand exactly what is covered by the flat rate.

  • Can any attorney in Gastonia represent a federal criminal case?

    Although technically possible, federal crimes are serious and complex, making it advantageous to hire a Gastonia criminal defense attorney with experience in federal court litigation. Check the credentials of the attorney and conduct online research to determine their experience with federal law. Additionally, the attorney must be licensed to practice law in the jurisdiction where the case is being tried in order to represent clients in federal court.

  • Who is eligible for expungement of a criminal record in Gastonia?

    In Gastonia, you have the option to remove an arrest from your record if you were found not guilty or if the charges against you were dismissed. Additionally, if the conditions are met, certain misdemeanors and felonies may be expunged, while juvenile offenses are frequently eligible. However, North Carolina law prohibits expungement for certain offenses, including, among others, sexual offenses, felony assault, and possession of meth or heroin.

  • What happens if you missed your court date in Gastonia?

    There are three outcomes to consider if you miss your Gastonia court date. "Called and Failed" statuses are typically issued for lesser traffic offenses, while "Failure to Appear" and "Order for Arrest" statuses are issued for more serious offenses. For both "Failure to Appear" and "Order for Arrest," you'll need to file paperwork justifying your absence from court. Therefore, it is strongly suggested that you retain legal counsel to help lessen the impact of missing your court date.

  • What are the consequences for stealing in Gastonia?

    In North Carolina, theft is a class one misdemeanor, the second-most serious misdemeanor classification. You risk an active sentence and a criminal record if you're found guilty, both of which can hurt your chances of getting hired in the future. It is critical to retain legal representation immediately following a larceny charge in Gastonia. Avoid talking to investigators or law enforcement without an attorney present, as anything you say could be used against you in court.