Federal and State Criminal Law
Burlington, NC
Free Initial Consultations
Installment Payments Accepted
Always Fighting For You
Hours:
Request Lorem Epsom
Hero Request Form
Thank you for contacting us.
We will get back to you as soon as possible.
Please try again later.
Defending Your Rights Against Criminal Charges
At Smith Giles, PLLC Attorneys at Law, we represent clients throughout Alamance, Guilford, Orange, Caswell, and Chatham who face federal and state criminal charges. Our attorneys bring decades of experience defending individuals against serious offenses such as narcotics violations, firearms charges, and traffic or DWI cases. We provide thorough, strategic legal support aimed at protecting your rights and reducing the potential consequences of a conviction. Every case receives detailed attention, from analyzing evidence to reviewing procedural compliance and preparing strong defenses carefully.
We focus on building strong, personalized defense strategies for every client. Our attorneys challenge improper procedures, negotiate with prosecutors, and advocate vigorously in court to achieve the best possible outcomes. As an experienced criminal lawyer in North Carolina and the surrounding areas, we guide clients through complex criminal processes, explain legal options clearly, and ensure they understand every step of the case. By combining experience, strategic planning, and clear communication, we help clients protect their rights, minimize legal consequences, and move forward with confidence. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and discuss your defense strategy.
Why Choose Us
25+ Years of Experience
Client-Focused
Flexible Payment Options
Locally Owned
Free Initial Consultations
Walk-Ins Are Welcome
Narcotics Defense
Facing serious drug-related charges requires careful, thorough, and strategic legal strategy. Attorneys examine the legality of searches, traffic stops, and all available evidence, negotiate plea deals or diversion programs, and provide defense at trial to protect clients against possession, distribution, or trafficking charges while ensuring their rights are fully defended.
Firearms Defense
Firearm-related charges carry serious legal consequences. Attorneys evaluate compliance with state and federal laws, challenge unlawful searches or evidence handling, and represent clients facing charges such as unlawful carry or felon-in-possession, pursuing reduced charges or dismissal through strategic defense and courtroom advocacy.
Financial Defense
Allegations of financial misconduct demand careful and strategic legal representation. Attorneys analyze financial records, review transactions in detail, negotiate with prosecutors, and build defenses involving intent or procedural errors to protect clients facing fraud, embezzlement, money laundering, or other complex financial crimes while seeking favorable outcomes.
Felonies and Misdemeanors
Being charged with a felony or misdemeanor requires strategic legal guidance. Attorneys advise on potential sentencing, challenge all evidence and witness credibility, investigate case details, negotiate favorable plea agreements, and provide strong trial representation to protect clients’ rights and pursue the best possible resolution under the law.
Felonies and Misdemeanors
Being charged with a felony or misdemeanor requires strategic legal guidance. Attorneys advise on potential sentencing, challenge all evidence and witness credibility, investigate case details, negotiate favorable plea agreements, and provide strong trial representation to protect clients’ rights and pursue the best possible resolution under the law.
Traffic Tickets
Traffic violations can lead to fines, points on your license, increased insurance rates, and potential suspension. Attorneys review the legality of traffic stops, challenge citations and officer errors, negotiate reduced penalties, and represent clients in court and administrative hearings to help protect driving records and minimize consequences.
Traffic and DWI
Traffic and DWI violations can have serious, potentially life-altering consequences. Attorneys carefully review the legality of stops, sobriety tests, and chemical analyses, thoroughly challenge errors or officer misconduct, negotiate reduced penalties, and represent clients in court or administrative hearings to protect licenses and minimize legal impact.
DWI Defense
DWI charges can result in serious penalties, including license suspension, fines, and possible jail time. Attorneys carefully evaluate the legality of the stop, challenge sobriety and chemical test results, identify procedural errors or officer misconduct, and advocate in court or administrative hearings to protect clients’ rights and driving privileges.
Marijuana and Alcohol Defense
Charges related to marijuana or alcohol require careful, thorough, and strategic review of legal procedures. Attorneys examine the validity of possession or impairment claims, challenge all chemical testing and officer observations, negotiate diversion or reduced charges, and defend clients in court when evidence or constitutional issues are in question effectively.
Traffic and DWI
Traffic and DWI violations can have serious, potentially life-altering consequences. Attorneys carefully review the legality of stops, sobriety tests, and chemical analyses, thoroughly challenge errors or officer misconduct, negotiate reduced penalties, and represent clients in court or administrative hearings to protect licenses and minimize legal impact.
Expunctions
A criminal record can impact employment, housing, and licensing opportunities. Attorneys determine eligibility, prepare and file petitions, represent clients in hearings when needed, and guide them through the legal process to seal or expunge records, providing a fresh start and protecting future opportunities.
Our Recent Projects
Attorney Todd Allen Smith
Todd has laid down strong roots in the Burlington, North Carolina area. His father was a local pharmacist, his mother a jeweler, his stepfather worked at Burlington Industries as a computer systems analyst, and his stepmother was a substitute teacher in the Burlington City School system.
He attended school at Grove Park Elementary School, Hillcrest Elementary School, and Turrentine Middle School before graduating from Williams High School. After high school, he graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a Bachelor’s Degree, studying Political Science, and then graduated from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1999. During this period of time, he worked as a jeweler, a welder, an insurance underwriter, and a carpenter while raising three children who have made him extremely proud. Two of those young men are college graduates, and one is currently enrolled in college. One is a veteran of the United States Air Force, and one is currently serving in the United States Army. Todd is married to Stacey Rubain, who is a premier lawyer who practices primarily in the Forsyth County area.
After working with a Federal Bankruptcy Judge in Charlotte, North Carolina, for one year, Todd started his own law office in Graham, which has been operating for over twenty years. In 2019, he merged his office with Robert Giles to become Smith Giles PLLC. Todd has handled Bankruptcy, Smith Giles, Personal Injury, Wrongful Death, Family Law, and General Civil Litigation cases, but began focusing on Criminal law within the first few years of his practice. Since that time, Todd has become one of the most experienced criminal attorneys in the region. He has handled tens of thousands of criminal cases in the North Carolina State Courts, including every type of case from Speeding Tickets to First Degree Murder cases. He has represented over thirty clients who have been charged with first-degree murder. He has tried approximately 100 jury trials before different courts, including felony assault cases, drug cases, firearms cases, fraud cases, personal injury cases, murder cases, and rape cases.
In addition, Todd regularly handles Federal Criminal matters. He is the only person whose primary office is in Alamance County who regularly represents people in Federal Court. He has been admitted to practice law in all of the United States District Courts in North Carolina – the Eastern District (since 2008), the Middle District (since 2000), and the Western District (since 1999). He has been certified as a specialist in North Carolina Criminal Law by the State Bar since 2010 and has been certified as a specialist in Federal Criminal Law by the State Bar since 2015. As of 2019, he was one of 63 attorneys who were bar-certified specialists in both of these fields in the entire state.
Todd regularly handles appeals in both the North Carolina and Federal Courts. He has been admitted to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina State Supreme Court since 1999. He has been admitted to the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals since 2008 and the United States Supreme Court since 2008.
Todd’s philosophy regarding practicing law is “The best defense is a good offense.” His favorite quote is attributed to Winston Churchill during World War Two when he stated, “We will defend our island, whatever the cost may be, we shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills, we shall never surrender” because it encompasses his feeling about what it means to fight for what is yours at all costs – including your liberty.
Attorney Robert C. Giles, II
Robert C. Giles, II, also known as “Bob”, is a native of Alamance County. Bob graduated from Western Alamance High School and went on to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where he earned a Bachelor’s degree in Music. Following his graduation from UNC-Chapel Hill, Bob earned his Juris Doctor from North Carolina Central University, Magna Cum Laude. While attending law school, he was a member of the North Carolina Central University Moot Court Board and won first place in the Clifton Johnson Moot Court Competition. He has been licensed to practice law since 2002. After working for a local Alamance County mid-sized law firm for 8 years, and practicing in his own solo firm for 3 years, he is now a partner with Smith Giles PLLC located in Graham, North Carolina.
He proudly serves as the Alamance Burlington School Board attorney as their advocate, assisting in raising funds for their continued growth. Additionally, he is the representing attorney for the Town of Liberty and the Town of Gibsonville in a municipal capacity.
Bob is a skilled litigator and accomplished negotiator who can utilize his knowledge of the local court system and trial process to efficiently handle Personal Injury, Traffic, Civil Litigation, and Municipal matters.
Bob is married to Leanna B. Giles, and together they have one daughter. Bob is very involved in the community, serving on boards and committees. Bob takes pride in providing personal legal service to each and every client.
Education
B.M., University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, 1999
Juris Doctor, North Carolina Central University, 2002, Magna Cum Laude
Attorney Ralph M. Hill, Jr.
Ralph graduated with honors from East Carolina University in 1996 with a major in Industrial Technology. Ralph later attended the North Carolina Central University School of Law, where he served on the staff of the NCCU Law Journal and graduated cum laude in 2000.
Ralph’s practice currently focuses primarily on residential and commercial real estate transactions. His practice areas also include wills, estates, business matters, and personal injury cases. In his spare time, Ralph enjoys spending time with his family and his yellow Labrador retriever, Lou.
Ralph is a member of the Mebane United Methodist Church, where volunteers operate the sound board, and has served as a past member of the Board of Trustees. When time allows, he also likes to go hiking, kayaking, and playing pickleball.
Attorney Andrew P. Fogarty
Education
- Juris Doctor, University of South Carolina School of Law
- Master of Environmental Law and Policy, Summa Cum Laude, Vermont Law School
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association
- North Carolina State Bar
- North Carolina Bar Association
- Alamance County Bar
Community Involvement & Personal Interests
In his free time, Mr. Fogarty enjoys the outdoors and sports. As a youth, Andrew received the Boy Scouts of America Eagle Scout Award.
Today, Andrew serves as an Assistant Scout Master for the Boy Scouts of America. During his college years, Andrew competed in NCAA track and cross country. He continued running after college and completed the New York City Marathon, Richmond Marathon, and Boston Marathon.
Currently, he serves on the Governing Board and plays for the North Carolina Tigers Australian Rules Football Club.
Traffic Violations Defense
Here's what our satisfied clients are saying...
At Smith Giles, PLLC Attorneys at Law, we take pride in providing exceptional legal services to our clients. We would be grateful if you could share your thoughts about our attorneys with others. Your feedback helps us improve and helps others make informed decisions. Please take a moment to leave a review of Smith Giles, PLLC Attorneys at Law and let others know what you think.
Recent Blog Posts
Frequently Asked Questions
How does your firm's local background benefit my criminal defense?
Being a locally owned firm with over 25 years of experience means we have a deep understanding of the North Carolina legal landscape. When you work with a criminal lawyer in Graham, NC from Smith Giles, PLLC, you are partnering with professionals who have spent decades navigating the specific procedural nuances of our regional courts. Our veteran attorneys have built a reputation based on persistence and thoroughness within the communities of Alamance, Guilford, Orange, Caswell, and Chatham, and beyond. This longevity allows us to provide grounded, realistic guidance because we have seen how local judicial processes evolve over time. We leverage this historical perspective to ensure that your defense is not just legally sound, but also contextually appropriate for the specific jurisdiction where your case is being heard.
What should I expect during my initial consultation with your team?
We offer free initial consultations to ensure that every individual has access to clear legal information from the very start of their journey. During this meeting, a criminal lawyer in Graham, NC will sit down with you to listen to the specific details of your situation without judgment. We use this time to conduct a preliminary review of the allegations you are facing and to explain the potential legal paths available to you. Our goal is to demystify the complex criminal process, providing a roadmap of what lies ahead so you can make informed decisions. By offering these sessions at no cost, we prioritize establishing a transparent line of communication and demonstrating our client-focused approach before you ever commit to a formal agreement.
How do you handle urgent legal situations that arise outside of standard office hours?
Legal emergencies rarely happen at convenient times, which is why we offer emergency consultations to address immediate needs. If you are facing a sudden arrest or an urgent law enforcement inquiry, having access to a criminal lawyer in Graham, NC can be vital for protecting your constitutional rights from the moment a case begins. We understand that the hours following a charge are often the most critical for analyzing evidence and ensuring procedural compliance. Our team is prepared to respond quickly to these high-pressure scenarios, providing the steady guidance needed to prevent early mistakes. This availability reflects our commitment to being there for our clients whenever the stakes are highest, ensuring that your defense strategy begins the moment you need it most.
In what ways do you personalize a defense strategy for different types of charges?
We believe that no two cases are identical, which is why we avoid "one-size-fits-all" legal tactics. Whether you are dealing with a misdemeanor or a complex federal felony, a criminal lawyer in Graham, NC will meticulously investigate the specific facts surrounding your arrest. We look closely at the details that others might overlook, such as the exact timing of a traffic stop or the specific handling of evidence in a narcotics case.
How does your experience with both state and federal law impact my case?
Facing charges in different court systems requires a versatile understanding of varying rules of evidence and sentencing guidelines. Our attorneys bring extensive experience to both arenas, allowing us to represent clients effectively whether they are in state court for a DWI or in federal court for a firearms violation. When you consult with a criminal lawyer in Graham, NC at our firm, you gain a representative who understands how these two systems can sometimes overlap or influence one another. We carefully analyze how federal regulations might impact a state-level investigation, ensuring that every angle of your defense is covered. This broad proficiency allows us to provide seamless representation, regardless of which government entity is bringing the charges against you, maintaining a consistent and strong defense.
What is your firm's approach to communication throughout the legal process?
Clear and consistent communication is the cornerstone of our practice because we know how stressful a criminal charge can be for you and your family. Your criminal lawyer in Graham, NC will prioritize keeping you informed at every stage, from the filing of initial motions to the final resolution. We make it a point to explain complex legal jargon in plain language, ensuring you understand the risks and rewards of every strategic choice we make together. We advocate vigorously in the courtroom, but we also act as a steady guide outside of it, answering your questions and addressing your concerns promptly. By maintaining this high level of transparency, we help you move forward with the confidence that your rights are being protected by a dedicated and attentive legal team.
