The best criminal defense lawyers in Charlotte in 2026 include Goodman, Carr, Laughrun, Greene & Heroy, whose senior partner is a certified specialist, Arnold & Smith, The Olsinski Law Firm, Butler, Quinn & Hochman, and Johnson & Nicholson for non-citizens.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Goodman, Carr, Laughrun, Greene & Heroy | Uptown & Elizabeth | Criminal defense and DWI | Serious charges |
| 2. Arnold & Smith | Uptown & Elizabeth | Criminal defense | Clients with family or injury issues too |
| 3. The Olsinski Law Firm | Uptown & Elizabeth | Criminal defense | Charlotte and Concord cases |
| 4. Butler, Quinn & Hochman | East Charlotte | Criminal defense and immigration | East Side clients |
| 5. Johnson & Nicholson | East Charlotte | Criminal defense and deportation | Non-citizens facing charges |
Mecklenburg County criminal cases are heard at the courthouse on East Fourth Street, close to many of these offices. North Carolina's State Bar certifies specialists in criminal law, and you can check its list. If you aren't a citizen, ask about immigration consequences before any plea.
Certified specialist since 1991, per the firm.
George V. Laughrun II focuses on criminal defense and DWI, and has been a certified criminal law specialist since 1991, per the firm.
301 S McDowell St, Suite 602, Charlotte, NC 28204
Criminal law as a principal area.
Arnold & Smith lists criminal defense as a principal area, from North McDowell Street.
200 N McDowell St, Charlotte, NC 28204
A dedicated criminal defense team.
The Olsinski Law Firm has a dedicated criminal defense team, with offices in Charlotte and Concord.
1355 Greenwood Cliff, Suite 300, Charlotte, NC 28204
Criminal defense with immigration.
Butler, Quinn & Hochman handles criminal defense, DWI and immigration.
4801 E Independence Blvd, Suite 700, Charlotte, NC 28212
Criminal and immigration together.
Johnson & Nicholson handles criminal and traffic cases as well as deportation defense, from Monroe Road.
5806 Monroe Rd, Suite 102, Charlotte, NC 28212
Stay polite, give your identifying details, say you want a lawyer and don't answer questions without one. Don't discuss the case on a jail phone, because calls can be recorded.
Many charge a flat fee by charge and stage of the case. Ask whether a trial is included. If you can't afford a lawyer and could go to jail, you can ask the court to appoint one.
North Carolina has expanded expungement in recent years, and some dismissed charges and older convictions qualify. Ask a lawyer what applies to your record.