Kristen Dewar

Originally from Toronto, Canada, Kristen has a Honors B.A. in Political Science from the University of Toronto, and a J.D. and Certificate in Criminal Advocacy from Charlotte School of Law. Kristen has a passion for details and trivia - she brings that same passion to each client she zealously represents. Her focus is on criminal defense, traffic, and landlord/tenant.

• Criminal Law
• DUI & DWI
• Traffic Tickets
• Landlord Tenant
• Domestic Violence

• Expungements

• Free Consultation
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Contingent Fees
  We accept contingent fees on plaintiff's personal injury cases.

North Carolina

Since 2015

Associate Attorney

The Law Office of Marc T. Joyner, PLLC

2015 - Current

Legal Intern

The Law Office of Norman Butler

2015 - 2015

Legal Extern

Criminal Justice Clinic, Charlotte School of Law

2014 - 2014

Legal Extern

Office of the Public Defender, 6th Judicial District, SC

2013 - 2013

Legal Intern

McAlpine PLLC

2013 - 2013

Charlotte School of Law

J.D. (2015)

2012 - 2015

Certificate in Criminal Advocacy

Honors: Cum Laude, Dean's List, Order of the Crown, Pro Bono Honors

University of Toronto

B.A. (2008) | Political Science

2002 - 2008

International Relations and Public Policy

Order of Service

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

2018

Order of Service

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

2017

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Section Chair, Criminal Defense Section

2019 - Current

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Membership Co-Chair, Women's Caucus

2019 - Current

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Member, Diversity and Inclusion Committee

2017 - Current

Cabarrus County Bar Association

Member

2017 - Current

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Member

2014 - Current

A Guide to Expungements, Charlotte, NC

May 4, 2018

Mecklenburg County Self-Serve Center

Expunctions - Non-Violent Misdemeanor/Felony Convictions over Age 18, Not Guilty/Responsible and Dismissed Charges

State of the Union: Bar Passage, Charlotte School of Law, Charlotte, NC

April 27, 2016

BLSA, Charlotte School of Law

Q. North Carolina Ticket

10 February 2020

A: Cabarrus County’s DA’s Office doesn’t accept driving school for reductions or dismissals. The available option in Cabarrus County is a reduction, either to a lesser speed, or to a non-moving violation such as Improper Equipment, all of which depends on your prior driving history. Contact a local Cabarrus County traffic attorney to discuss your options further.

Q. Can i do a poj in NC for misdemeanor larceny? First time offense.

28 August 2018

A: You need an attorney to represent you in this case. If you cannot afford to hire one, request to see if you qualify for court-appointed counsel. Just asking for a PJC won't help you here, as even if a judge granted you one, a PJC still counts as a criminal conviction.

Q. Under new NC expungement laws is a deferred prosecution considered a dismissal ? And can I get it expunged ?

16 August 2018

A: If you successfully complete deferred prosecution, you will receive a dismissal, which then yes, you can expunge under the updated expungement laws as a dismissal. As you may be aware, the updated law for expunging dismissed charges also removed the previous one per lifetime rule that applied, so it should not matter that you have a prior expunction. I recommend contacting an experienced attorney in the county where you completed deferred prosecution to confirm your eligibility.

Q. I'm currently 22 years old, and I got a level 5 DWI misdemeanor 2 years ago. How soon can I get this expunged?

24 May 2018

A: As of July 2015, unfortunately DWI convictions can no longer be expunged.

Q. Should i hire a traffic attorney?

22 May 2018

A: Hire an experienced traffic attorney who regularly practices in the county where you received those tickets. Don't try to work it out yourself.

Q. I got a ticket for going 85 mph in a 65 mph zone in Gaston county NC and was wondering if i could use a PJC

22 May 2018

A: I agree with the two other posters - a PJC is (1) not something you just "have" to use, like a get out of jail free card, and (2), it's not even likely the best option for resolving that ticket in Gaston County. A PJC is a judicial remedy - meaning it's in the judge's discretion as to whether to grant one. It's also not one I would even use on a speeding ticket unless I was out of other options. I recommend hiring an experienced traffic attorney who regularly practices in Gaston County who can review your driving record (because the timing of that last SC ticket may matter as well), and can work out the best reduction possible.

Q. 16 yr grandson speeding 86 in 45 Plus racing other car. Can speed be reduced? What should we expect?

9 April 2018

A: You should advise your grandson to hire an experienced traffic attorney in the county where he was charged. Your grandson's prior driving record and the District Attorney's office policies will determine whether a reduction is possible. This is 41 over the speed limit, so your grandson is looking a suspension of his driving privileges. I do not recommend your grandson trying to represent himself. You may even see the DA's Office trying to make an example of him, too, due to the extreme high rate of speed. Best option is to hire an experienced traffic attorney who regularly practices in that county to negotiate the best possible deal to try to avoid suspension if possible.

Q. Is a seatbelt ticket considered a moving violation in North Carolina?

9 April 2018

A: An adult seatbelt ticket is a non-moving violation in NC, but a child seatbelt ticket IS a moving violation.

Q. I had a DWI in 2001 and have not taken the ADSAP CLASSES . Do I still have to take the classes.

6 April 2018

A: If you want your NC driving privileges reinstated, you will need to obtain a substance abuse assessment from an authorized provider and you will need to complete all recommended treatment (AKA the classes). The passage of 17 years has not changed that.