People Who Called Hancock Have This to Say

I was very impressed by how quickly he got things done and how personable he was. He represented us well in court. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I do, I will use Mr. Hancock's services again.

— AV

Attorney Joel Hancock and his entire team did an excellent job and ultimately secured a full dismissal. As a practicing attorney myself, I was highly impressed with the services provided.

— MP

Mr. Joel Hancock handled my speeding ticket to where my insurance rates did not increase and I did not receive any points on my license. I would definitely recommend him to anyone.

— LM

Joel Hancock doesn’t handle cases, he defends clients.

Being arrested in Carteret County, North Carolina, like being arrested anywhere, is a disturbing, even terrifying, experience. Although you’ve watched many people go through the process on television and in the movies, the harsh reality of being confronted with the potential consequences of your own arrest -- financial penalties, loss of reputation, loss of employment, damaged relationships, loss of civil rights (e.g. the right to vote, the right to own a gun), loss of freedom -- is enough to make you feel powerless and alone. If you find yourself in this troubling situation, Hancock Law Firm, PLLC is here to protect your rights and fight vigorously to win you a dismissal or an acquittal. If circumstances preclude these possibilities, we will negotiate the best possible plea bargain.

In your time of need, Call Hancock

Joel Hancock, our lead attorney, is an accomplished and committed criminal defense attorney. Best known for his personal approach to each of his clients, he will tailor his efforts to your particular needs. Born and raised right here on Harkers Island, Joel Hancock knows the Carteret County criminal justice system inside and out. He considers defending you his mission and will fight to lead you to a successful outcome.

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10 Best Rated in Client Satisfaction 2015 to 2016

Rated top 10 under 40 years old by NACDA in 2016

Rated top 40 under 40 years old by The National Trial Lawyers

What Our Carteret County Criminal Defense Law Firm Can Do for You

Joel Hancock is completely focused on criminal defense so his skills in this area are extremely well-developed.

Joel Hancock is sensitive to the fact that you are calling on him during one of the most difficult days in your life and he reminds himself daily that the reason he went into law in the first place is to defend your rights and your future.

Whether you are accused of a traffic offense, an infraction, a misdemeanor or a felony, he is fully prepared to represent you at every stage of the criminal justice process:

Investigation
Arrest
Arraignment
Pretrial negotiations
Pleas
Bond hearings and/or modifications
Sentencing
Appeals
Post-trial relief

Our clients come from a wide variety of racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds and we serve each with the same level of respect, patience, efficiency and concern. Among our clients are legal, medical, and athletic professionals, as well as teachers, law enforcement officers, members of the military, salespeople, construction workers and clerks. We are proud to have defended this diverse population over our years in practice. Joel Hancock is sensitive to the fact that you are calling on him during one of the most difficult days in your life and he reminds himself daily that the reason he went into law in the first place is to defend your rights and your future.

He always tries to live up to his own high standards, forming a relationship with each individual client. Whether your case is large or small, he knows that it is central to you or you would not have contacted him. He is also well aware that when you reach out to Hancock Law Firm, you are reaching out to him personally and so he will always make sure to connect with you directly.

Joel Hancock Is Your Personal Criminal Defense Attorney

Joel Hancock meets with each of his clients for a free initial, confidential consultation, no matter what type of crime that person is accused of committing. Once you meet with him one-on-one, you will feel that a burden has been lifted. He is focused on taking over that burden as he becomes your legal representative, intervening to shield you from prosecution and penalties.

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Criminal Defense Charges Hancock Law Firm Handles

At Hancock Law Firm we realize that a crime is only truly “minor” when it will not negatively impact your life in any way. If you are seeking Joel Hancock's assistance in extricating you from your current interaction with law enforcement, clearly this matter is not “minor” to you. We proudly handle all felonies and misdemeanors, including:

Assaults: assault on a female, assault and battery
Domestic violence
Drug crimes: possession, distribution, manufacturing, trafficking
DWI / DUI: driving while impaired by alcohol or drugs, driving after consuming being less than 21
Gun crimes: illegal possession, illegal concealment, unregistered weapon
Homicide: voluntary or involuntary manslaughter, murder in the first or second degree
Obstructing justice, resisting arrest, fleeing from a law-enforcement officer
Sex offenses: prostitution, child pornography, sexual assault, rape
Theft crimes: shoplifting, burglary, robbery
Traffic violations: seatbelt violations, failing to stop at a signal or sign, tailgating
Wildlife and fisheries violations

Wildlife and Fisheries Violations

As you can see from the above list, Hancock Law Firm provides a broad range of legal assistance. You may have noticed that one item on our list is rarely seen on criminal defense attorney websites -- wildlife and fisheries violations. Joel Hancock takes great pride in defending you from these types of charges since his family has worked in the commercial fishing industry for hundreds of years. He understands the emotional and financial burden associated with wildlife and fisheries charges, and he will fight to help you keep your freedom and your way of life.

Other Criminal Defense Services We Provide

Laws are complicated and dealing with arrest, arraignment, negotiations with law enforcement and litigation may make you feel that you are caught in the web called the criminal justice system. Joel Hancock is ready to extricate you through any possible legal means which may include guiding you through:

Community service
DMV license hearings
Domestic violence protective orders
Expungements
Juvenile court
Probation violations

Hancock Law Firm provides comprehensive, as well as compassionate, legal assistance when you need it most.

Get a Helping Hand from Hancock

At Hancock Law Firm we know that getting into trouble with the law is embarrassing as well as intimidating. That’s why we make it our business to help. Joel Hancock will always presume your innocence and considers it his duty to protect you, never to judge you. After examining the details of your case thoroughly, he will work up the best strategy for your successful defense. Depending on the nature of your alleged violation or crime, and on the specifics we uncover through investigation, he may use one of the following defenses:

You have a provable alibi
You were coerced
You were misidentified
You were acting under duress
Someone was framing you
You were acting in self-defense
You were entrapped by law enforcement
You did not have any criminal intent

As a criminal defense attorney, Joel Hancock has received some of the same training that law enforcement officers receive so that he will able to find even the tiniest errors in police procedure. His years of experience in the local criminal justice system also helps him know which defense strategies work best in Carteret County, North Carolina. Whichever course we chart to protect you, you can be sure it will be thoughtful and well-crafted. If you’ve gotten into trouble with the law in Carteret County contact us by phone or through our website and get a trusted, experienced and local lawyer on your side immediately.