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.

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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 to keep a first-time shoplifting citation off my record in NC?

May 11, 2025

A: I practice in Haywood semi-regularly, and the ADAs in District Court are reasonable. The class you took was a smart idea and may help you get the result you want. I don't think they are likely to expend any further resources on this type of crime in the way of the diversion programs you mention, but they may want some additional sanction for you, like paying for the ink cartridge or doing a small amount of community service. Until you get there it's hard to know.

Excuse the self-interest, but an attorney can advocate for you ahead of time and maybe negotiate these things for you before your court date so you have a little more certainty. That said, I suspect you can get a good result on your own. Good luck. ... Read More

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