Business Details
Criminal Defense Lawyers Winston-Salem
Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A is a distinguished law firm specializing in criminal defense, representing clients in state and federal courts across North Carolina. With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our team comprises former prosecutors who leverage their deep understanding of the judicial system to craft strategic defenses. We prioritize client relationships, treating every case with discretion and respect while delivering results-driven advocacy. Our attorneys, all local graduates of Wake Forest Law School, have resolved thousands of cases, earning a reputation for excellence in complex criminal matters.We combine courtroom expertise with a commitment to protecting clients' rights, offering personalized service through a dedicated support staff. Our practice spans DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, white-collar crimes, felonies, and appeals, ensuring comprehensive legal solutions tailored to each client's needs.
Services
Criminal Defense
DWI Defense
Drug Crimes
Sex Crimes
White Collar Crimes
Felonies
Appeals
Federal Cases
Traffic Violations
Restraining Orders
Highlights and features
- Our attorneys include former North Carolina prosecutors with insider knowledge of the judicial system
- All team members are locally based and graduated from Wake Forest Law School
- We have resolved thousands of criminal cases with a focus on client satisfaction
- Our practice combines courtroom experience with personalized, discreet legal representation
- We offer strategic defense planning informed by both prosecution and defense perspectives
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice covers state and federal cases, including misdemeanors and felonies. With former prosecutor insight, we develop strategic defenses for DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, and violent crimes. Our attorneys leverage over 150 years of combined experience to protect clients' rights through trial advocacy and negotiated resolutions, serving clients across North Carolina from our Winston-Salem office.
DWI Defense
We specialize in defending North Carolina DWI charges, challenging blood alcohol testing methods and field sobriety test validity. Our team addresses license suspension issues and potential penalties including jail time and fines. Former prosecutor experience informs our approach to negotiating reductions or dismissals while protecting clients' driving privileges and future opportunities.
White Collar Crimes
Our federal criminal defense includes white collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and tax evasion. We handle complex financial investigations and asset forfeiture issues, leveraging experience with IRS and FBI investigations. The firm protects clients' professional reputations and business interests through strategic pre-indictment interventions and courtroom advocacy in Forsyth County and beyond.
Sex Crimes Defense
We defend against serious sex crime allegations including sexual assault and child pornography charges. Our approach addresses registry requirements and employment implications while challenging evidence admissibility. Former prosecutor experience informs our strategy in navigating sensitive cases with discretion and aggressive advocacy to protect clients' futures.
Felonies Representation
The firm handles Class A-I felony cases including murder, manslaughter, and armed robbery. We challenge evidence through expert investigation and constitutional challenges. Our former prosecutor team develops sentencing mitigation strategies while pursuing dismissals or reduced charges, focusing on minimizing long-term impacts on clients' employment and educational opportunities.
People
D. Kenneth Tisdale Jr.
Partner
Former prosecutor with extensive trial experience in complex criminal cases, focusing on strategic defense planning and appellate advocacy.
Christopher R. Clifton
Partner
Seasoned litigator specializing in DUI defense and federal criminal cases, combining courtroom experience with negotiation expertise.
Donald K. Tisdale Sr.
Founding Attorney
Retired legal pioneer with decades of experience in North Carolina criminal law, mentoring current attorneys in defense strategies.
Michael A. Grace
Partner
Former prosecutor focusing on sex crimes and violent felony defense, known for thorough case investigation and client advocacy.
Michelle B. Clifton
Attorney
Dedicated criminal defense attorney with focus on drug crimes and appellate cases, committed to protecting client rights.
Questions
What types of criminal cases do you handle?
We handle all levels of criminal cases including DUI, drug crimes, sex offenses, white-collar crimes, felonies, and federal cases.
Why hire former prosecutors for criminal defense?
Our former prosecutor experience provides unique insight into prosecution strategies, enabling more effective defense planning and negotiation.
Do you represent clients outside Winston-Salem?
Yes, we represent clients throughout North Carolina including Forsyth County and surrounding areas.
What should I do immediately after criminal charges?
Contact our firm immediately to protect your rights - avoid speaking to authorities without legal representation.
How do you approach DWI defense cases?
We challenge evidence admissibility, question field sobriety test validity, and leverage our trial experience to negotiate reductions or dismissals.
Can federal criminal cases be transferred to state court?
Our attorneys evaluate jurisdictional issues and develop strategic defenses tailored to federal prosecution requirements.
