John D. Pritchard

I represent people who need help in the criminal justice system. That help can take different forms. Sometimes you may need a champion. Sometimes, a counselor. Others, a diplomat, a strong voice, or a rock. Maybe all of the above.

After more than twenty-two years as a prosecutor, first as an Assistant District Attorney and later as a fed working as an Assistant United States Attorney, I started the Pritchard Firm because I wanted to stand on my own, but also because I wanted to stand for the everyday man and woman facing what often seems like the worst situation of their lives.

Eventually, it will get better. My role is to get you there as fast and effectively as possible.

• Google Meet
• Zoom

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted

North Carolina

North Carolina State Bar

ID Number: 27604

Since 2001

4th Circuit

Since 2012

Assistant United States Attorney

United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of North Carolina

2011 - 2023

Also served as the Tribal Liaison to the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the Catawba Nation. Prosecuted all manner of federal crimes, including drugs, firearms, immigration, violent crime, offenses in Indian Country, and crimes on federal lands.

Assistant District Attorney

District Attorney's Office, 40th Prosecutorial District

2007 - 2011

Assistant District Attorney

District Attorney's Office, 2nd Prosecutorial District

2001 - 2006

Wake Forest University School of Law

J.D. (2000)

1997 - 2000

Honors: Trial Bar

University of North Carolina - Chapel Hill

B.A. (1997) | Philosophy and Peace, War, and Defense

1993 - 1997

North Carolina State Bar  # 27604

Member

2001 - Current

Board Certified Specialist in Federal and State Criminal Defense

North Carolina State Bar

2018

Q. How many public defenders can withdraw from a case

March 2, 2025

A: That's a lot, but there is no firm number.

Why are they withdrawing? If it is because they discover a conflict once involved, they are doing the proper thing. Finding conflicts isn't uncommon especially if it is a complicated case with a lot of potential names/targets. You see that sometimes in big drug conspiracies. Or maybe you just got a bad run of attorneys retiring, leaving the practice of law, etc.

If they are withdrawing because they aren't getting along with you then it may be time to reevaluate if you don't need to change your approach or beliefs in some way.

Rule 1.16 of North Carolina's Rules of Professional Conduct cover under what circumstances lawyers may terminate or withdraw from a client relationship. Here's a link. Best of luck.

https://www.ncbar.gov/for-lawyers/ethics/rules-of-professional-conduct/rule-116-declining-or-terminating-representation/ ... Read More

Q. Charged with Felony Serious Injury by Vehicle with DUI in NC, need new lawyer.

March 2, 2025

A: That's bizarre. Many people get court-appointed lawyers at first and then hire their own counsel once they have time to raise funds to do so. I'm not sure why any attorney who wants to make money would hesitate to talk to someone represented by a court-appointed one.

That said, you may still have an uphill battle here. The definition of "serious injury" in the pattern jury instruction for your charge is "Serious injury may be defined as 'such physical injury as causes great pain and

suffering.' "

Having two broken wrists probably has effected the other person's ability to work, eat, dress themselves, even use the toilet. Most jurors would consider that a serious injury. But if you can hire your own attorney to argue otherwise, I can't imagine why lawyers wouldn't consult with you. Keep digging and best of luck. ... Read More

Q. ln NC State will you go to jail for this. A 24 year old dating a 17 year old, both females and had sexual relation.

November 7, 2024

A: Probably not.

The age of consent in North Carolina is 16, so a 17 year old is considered legally able to consent to sexual activity.

There are always exceptions. For instance, if the 24 year old were a teacher or coach at a school and the 17 year old was a student at the same school, sexual acts between them would be prohibited by law. But absent some special consideration like that such a sexual relationship would not be criminal.