As a criminal defense attorney and litigator, I often first meet clients on some of the worst days of their lives. Through compassion, patience, and a thorough, intellectual, and practical knowledge of the law and the legal system, I have consistently been able to provide an elite level of representation to these people and their families.

After graduating from law school in 2008, I practiced law in a wide variety of areas, including civil rights defense, insurance defense, and general civil litigation.  During this time I developed a talent for trial work, successfully representing clients ranging from national banks to individuals in jury trials across Western North Carolina. This broad base of legal knowledge and experience allowed me to understand problems from a variety of viewpoints, and to be able to effectively analyze the positions of both my clients and the opposing parties. In 2012 I transitioned my practice to the areas that I was passionate about – defending people charged with crimes and those wronged by others. This focus of practice areas was immediately successful, and I have been recognized as a North Carolina Super Lawyer since 2013 in Business Litigation and Criminal Defense, and by Business North Carolina magazine as a Legal Elite in Criminal Law since 2016. I currently maintain Martindale Hubbell AV-Preeminent rating.

Next to zealous advocacy for my clients, I consider service to our community to be a vital part of my profession. I have served on several boards of directors in the area, including the Federal Defenders of Western North Carolina. In addition, my wife and I serve as a foster home for numerous shelters and animal welfare organizations in Western North Carolina.

I was born in Fletcher and raised in Fairview, just outside of Asheville. I come from a family of legal professionals, as my father is a retired judge and my step-father a respected attorney.  Upon graduation from law school in New Mexico, I practiced law in a respected litigation defense firm in Albuquerque. After the birth of my first daughter, my wife and I made the easy choice of returning to my home town and settled down in the Asheville area to raise our family. I currently reside with my wife and two daughters on a small farm in Madison County.

Education

  • University of North Carolina, B.A., 2003
  • University of New Mexico, School of Law, J.D., 2008

Associations & Memberships

  • New Mexico Bar Association
  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • North Carolina State Bar

Court Admissions

  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 4th Circuit
  • U.S. Court of Appeals, 10th Circuit
  • U.S. District Court, District of New Mexico
  • U.S. District Court, Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court, Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Bankruptcy Court, Western District of North Carolina

Practices & Industries

  • Criminal Defense
  • Personal Injury & Wrongful Death
  • Civil Rights
  • Business Litigation

Honors

  • Business North Carolina magazine’s Legal Elite: Young Guns, 2016-2017
  • Business North Carolina magazine’s Legal Elite:  Criminal Law, 2017, 2022, 2024
  • North Carolina Super Lawyers® Rising Star: Business Litigation, 2013; Criminal Defense, 2014-2020
  • North Carolina Super Lawyer®: Criminal Defense, 2021-2024
  • The Best Lawyers in America®: Commercial Litigation, 2024
  • Martindale Hubbell® AV Preeminent®

Meet Our Team

Providing Smart Solutions to Serious Problems

Our lawyers handle complex litigation throughout Western North Carolina and surrounding communities. We understand the importance of a personalized, one-on-one approach to help you with your unique needs. Our team will work collaboratively to provide you with the most effective strategy to tackle your problem, while keeping you informed every step of the way.

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