Asheville Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being arrested and charged with a crime is one of the most serious and stressful experiences a person can face. In an instant, your freedom, your reputation, your career, and your future can be put at risk. Even before a case reaches court, the weight of the criminal justice process, from police questioning to pretrial hearings, can be overwhelming. At The Pritchard Firm, we understand exactly what is at stake, and we work tirelessly to protect our clients at every stage.

Our firm defends clients in Buncombe County and across western North Carolina against charges ranging from misdemeanors to the most serious felonies in both state and federal court. Whether you are accused of a first-time offense or you are facing serious repeat charges, we approach every case with the preparation, strategy, and skill needed to give you the strongest defense possible. Contact us today for immediate assistance from an experienced and successful Asheville criminal defense lawyer offering personalized assistance tailored to your particular needs.

Why Any Criminal Charge Must Be Taken Seriously

Some people believe that if a charge is “only” a misdemeanor, they can simply plead guilty, pay a fine, and move on. The reality is that any criminal conviction, even for a relatively minor offense, can have lasting consequences. Fines, court costs, probation conditions, and the possibility of jail time are only the beginning. A conviction creates a permanent criminal record that can be viewed by employers, landlords, licensing boards, and others, potentially affecting your ability to work, live, or travel where you wish.

Felony convictions bring even greater consequences, including the loss of certain civil rights such as voting or possessing firearms, longer prison sentences, and lifelong stigma. In federal cases, sentencing guidelines can lead to extremely harsh penalties, even for first-time offenders.

The bottom line is simple: if you have been charged with a crime, you have too much to lose to take chances with your defense.

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Protects Your Rights

From the moment you are investigated or arrested, the government is building its case against you. Law enforcement has experienced investigators, prosecutors, and forensic experts on their side, and their goal is to secure a conviction. Without an equally skilled advocate on your side to protect your rights, you are at a serious disadvantage.

As your defense counsel, The Pritchard Firm will:

• Ensure your constitutional rights are respected. We make sure you are not subjected to unlawful searches or coerced statements, and we challenge any evidence obtained in violation of your rights.

• Conduct a thorough investigation. We gather and analyze the facts, interview witnesses, and consult with experts when needed to uncover weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

• Develop a defense strategy tailored to your case. Every case is different, and we craft an approach that takes into account the specific facts, legal issues, and your goals.

• Advocate for you at every stage. Whether through pretrial motions, negotiations, or trial, we work to achieve the best possible resolution, from dismissal or reduction of charges to acquittal.

Our work is not limited to defending you in court. It also involves guiding you through a confusing and often intimidating process, making sure you understand your options and the potential outcomes, and know what to expect at every stage.

A Range of Possible Outcomes

No lawyer can promise a particular result, and you should be wary of anyone who does. What we can promise is that we will work relentlessly to secure the best result possible under the circumstances. Depending on the case, this may mean:

• A dismissal of charges due to insufficient evidence or violations of your rights.

• A not guilty verdict or acquittal at trial if the prosecution fails to prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

• Reduction of charges to a less serious offense with lighter penalties.

• Negotiating alternative sentences such as probation, community service, deferred prosecution, or treatment programs that can help you avoid jail or prison.

In every situation, our goal is to minimize the impact of the charges on your life and future.

Broad Asheville Criminal Defense Practice

The Pritchard Firm handles a wide range of criminal matters in Asheville, representing clients in state and federal court. Our practice areas include, but are not limited to:

• DWI – Defending against drunk driving charges, including challenges to traffic stops, breath tests, and field sobriety tests.

• Drug Crimes – Possession, trafficking, manufacturing, and prescription drug cases, from misdemeanors to large-scale federal prosecutions.

• Federal Offenses – Complex cases involving conspiracy, white collar crimes, public corruption, and large-scale drug investigations.

• Theft and Property Crimes – Shoplifting, burglary, robbery, embezzlement, and fraud.

• Assault and Violent Crimes – From simple assault to homicide, with a focus on self-defense and challenging unreliable evidence.

• Sex Offenses – Sensitive, high-stakes cases requiring discretion, careful investigation, and strong trial advocacy.

• Firearms Offenses – State and federal weapons charges, including felon-in-possession cases and alleged firearm enhancements.

• White Collar Crimes – Fraud, money laundering, identity theft, and other financial crimes.

• Traffic Crimes – Reckless driving, hit-and-run, and other serious traffic-related offenses.

• Domestic Violence and Restraining Orders – Defending against criminal charges and related protective orders.

• Misdemeanors and Felonies – No matter the charge, we treat each case with the seriousness it deserves.

State and Federal Court Experience

Many criminal defense lawyers focus solely on state cases. Fewer have substantial experience in federal court, where the rules, procedures, and potential penalties are significantly different. As a Board Certified Specialist in both Federal and State Criminal Law and a former federal prosecutor, John Pritchard is one of the few attorneys in North Carolina with deep, hands-on experience in both systems. This dual expertise allows The Pritchard Firm to handle cases in any criminal forum in western North Carolina.

The Value of Early Representation

The decisions you make in the hours and days after an arrest can have a lasting impact on your case. Speaking to law enforcement without legal representation can limit your options or even strengthen the prosecution’s case against you. Contacting an experienced defense lawyer as early as possible gives you the best chance to protect your rights and start building a strong defense from the outset.

In some situations, we can intervene before charges are formally filed, presenting evidence or arguments that persuade prosecutors to drop the matter altogether. Even when charges proceed, early involvement allows us to gather evidence, interview witnesses, and secure critical information before it disappears.

Straightforward Advice, Steadfast Advocacy

We believe in telling clients the truth about the strengths of their case, the weaknesses, and the realistic options for resolution. While we will always fight for the best possible outcome, we will never mislead you with false assurances. Our honest, upfront approach allows you to make informed decisions about your future and ensures that we are working toward goals that truly serve your interests.

In the courtroom, we are focused and deliberate. We do not rely on theatrics or empty rhetoric; instead, we present well-prepared, well-reasoned arguments backed by credible evidence and a deep understanding of the law.

Serving Asheville and Surrounding Counties

The Pritchard Firm is based in Asheville and defends clients throughout Buncombe County and neighboring counties across western North Carolina. We appear regularly in District and Superior Court as well as the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina. Our familiarity with the local courts, prosecutors, and judges helps us navigate the system effectively on behalf of our clients.

Take the First Step Toward Protecting Your Future

If you have been charged with a crime or if you believe you are under investigation, do not wait to seek legal help. Every moment matters, and the sooner you have a knowledgeable attorney on your side, the better positioned you will be.

Call The Pritchard Firm today to schedule a confidential consultation. We will listen to your concerns, review your case, and give you a clear understanding of your options. Together, we will work toward the best possible resolution and protect what matters most to you.