Asheville Criminal Defense Lawyer / Hendersonville & Henderson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Hendersonville and Henderson County Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being charged with a crime in Hendersonville or Henderson County is one of the most serious situations a person can face. A criminal conviction can mean jail or prison time, heavy fines, and a permanent record that follows you for life. Even accusations alone can damage your reputation, career, and family life. In moments like these, your choice of attorney can make all the difference between protecting your future and facing life-altering consequences.

At The Pritchard Firm, we understand what is at stake when someone is accused of a crime. Attorney John Pritchard has dedicated his career to defending the rights of the accused and ensuring that every client receives the strongest defense possible. His credentials are solid and impressive. He is a former state and federal prosecutor (Assistant United States Attorney) and a board-certified specialist in both state and federal criminal law, a distinction held by only a small percentage of attorneys in North Carolina. With thousands of cases handled and hundreds of trials taken to verdict, Hendersonville and Henderson County criminal defense lawyer John Pritchard has the skill, insight, and courtroom experience you need when your freedom is on the line.

Why Experience Matters in Henderson County Criminal Defense

Henderson County is home to both small-town communities and a busy county court system that prosecutes a wide range of offenses. Local prosecutors take criminal charges seriously, and they are often well-prepared to pursue convictions aggressively. If you have been charged with a crime in Hendersonville, Fletcher, Mills River, Laurel Park, or anywhere in Henderson County, you cannot afford to go into court without an experienced defense lawyer by your side.

John Pritchard’s background sets him apart from most defense attorneys. Having served as both a state and federal prosecutor, he knows how the government builds its cases, how prosecutors think, and what strategies they are likely to use in court. This knowledge gives his clients a distinct advantage. When you are represented by The Pritchard Firm, you have a lawyer who not only understands the defense side but also has firsthand knowledge of the playbook used by the prosecution.

Types of Cases We Handle

At The Pritchard Firm, we represent clients facing a full range of criminal charges in Hendersonville and Henderson County, from misdemeanor offenses to the most serious felony cases. Some of the primary areas of our practice include:

Driving While Impaired (DWI): North Carolina’s DWI laws are among the toughest in the country. A conviction can lead to jail time, fines, driver’s license suspension, and ignition interlock requirements. John Pritchard has extensive experience defending against DWI charges, including challenging the legality of traffic stops, field sobriety tests, and breathalyzer or blood test results.
Drug Crimes: Whether you are accused of simple possession, possession with intent to distribute, or large-scale trafficking, drug charges carry harsh penalties and can result in long prison sentences. John Pritchard’s background as a prosecutor gives him deep insight into how drug cases are investigated and prosecuted, including search and seizure issues, which often play a central role in these cases.
Serious Felony Offenses: Charges such as assault with a deadly weapon, robbery, burglary, sex crimes, and homicide are life-changing. A conviction can mean decades behind bars. These cases require a defense attorney who has experience handling complex trials and presenting persuasive arguments before a jury. John Pritchard has tried hundreds of serious felony cases, giving him the proven trial experience clients can trust.
Federal Crimes: Federal prosecutors and investigators have significant resources at their disposal, and federal sentencing guidelines are unforgiving. John Pritchard is board-certified by the North Carolina Bar in federal criminal law, giving you the confidence you’ve found a lawyer with the expertise you need. His experience as a former AUSA makes him uniquely qualified to defend clients against charges such as wire fraud, bank fraud, drug trafficking, firearms offenses, and other federal crimes.
Misdemeanors and Other Charges: Even less serious charges, such as shoplifting, simple assault, or traffic violations, can have lasting consequences. The Pritchard Firm provides strong defense representation for all criminal charges, ensuring that every client receives the same level of attention and commitment.

The Importance of Board Certification

Board certification is a mark of excellence and expertise in the legal profession. To become a board-certified specialist in an area of law, an attorney must demonstrate extensive experience in their field, pass a rigorous examination, and be recognized by peers for their skill and ethical standards.

John Pritchard holds dual certification in North Carolina and is recognized as a specialist in both state and federal criminal law. These distinctions reflect not only his depth of knowledge but also his dedication to maintaining the highest standards of practice in criminal defense. Clients in Hendersonville and Henderson County can take confidence knowing that their lawyer has achieved the highest level of recognition available in his field.

Why Choose The Pritchard Firm for Criminal Defense

When facing criminal charges, you need more than just a lawyer—you need an advocate who will stand by you every step of the way. The Pritchard Firm offers:

Decades of Combined Experience: John Pritchard has handled thousands of criminal cases at both the state and federal levels.
Trial-Tested Skill: With hundreds of trials tried to verdict, he has the courtroom presence and persuasive ability to take on even the toughest cases.
Insider Knowledge: As a former prosecutor, he understands the strategies used by the government and knows how to anticipate and counter them.
Personalized Attention: Every case is unique, and John Pritchard takes the time to understand each client’s circumstances and develop a defense strategy tailored to their needs.

Protecting Your Rights from the Start

Many people facing charges make critical mistakes in the early stages of a criminal investigation. You may be pressured into answering questions, consenting to searches, or taking other actions that can weaken your defense. Remember: you have the right to remain silent, and you have the right to an attorney. Exercise those rights as soon as possible.

At The Pritchard Firm, we work quickly to protect your rights and begin building your defense. From challenging unlawful searches and seizures to filing motions to suppress evidence or negotiating favorable plea agreements, we pursue every available avenue to protect your freedom. And when a trial is necessary, you can rest assured that you have a seasoned trial lawyer in your corner.

Serving Hendersonville and All of Henderson County

The Pritchard Firm represents clients throughout Henderson County, including Hendersonville, Fletcher, Mills River, Laurel Park, Flat Rock, and surrounding areas. Whether your case is in the Henderson County Courthouse or federal court, we have the experience and qualifications to guide you through the process and fight for the best possible outcome.

Contact The Pritchard Firm Today

If you have been charged with a crime in Hendersonville or Henderson County, do not wait to seek legal help. The sooner you have an experienced defense attorney on your side, the stronger your defense will be. Call The Pritchard Firm today to schedule a consultation with board-certified criminal defense lawyer John Pritchard. With his unique background as a former state and federal prosecutor, his board certifications, and his extensive trial experience, you can be confident that your case is in capable hands.