From the initial consultation, the firm approach emphasizes reviewing the facts, explaining the legal process, and identifying options based on the law and the specific circumstances. This includes outlining anticipated court dates, procedural requirements, and what discovery may be available.
Attorney Bill Powers has been included individually in Best Lawyers in America® in 2025.
The Powers Law Firm has been included in Best Law Firms in America® in 2025.
Legal Services Powers Law Firm offers representation in multiple areas of law, with substantial dedication to criminal defense and impaired driving cases. The firm also handles related matters that often intersect with these areas. Our work includes:
- Criminal Defense: Representation in misdemeanor and felony cases, including assault charges, drug crimes, domestic violence, and larceny/theft crimes. Learn more about our criminal defense services.
- DWI / DUI Defense and Related Felony Charges: Representation in matters involving search warrants, probable cause, chemical testing, and felony-level impaired driving allegations. This practice also includes defending against See our DWI defense FAQs page for more information about impaired driving charges in NC.
- Traffic Violations: Representation for charges such as speeding, reckless driving, and other moving violations. Traffic cases are limited to Charlotte-Mecklenburg and Union County, North Carolina. Visit our traffic ticket defense
About Bill Powers Bill Powers is a North Carolina attorney whose practice includes criminal defense, impaired driving defense, and other complex litigation in both criminal and civil court. His work is informed by years of courtroom experience and active participation in professional education and bar leadership.
Bill publishes the North Carolina DWI Quick Reference Guide, a resource used by lawyers and other legal professionals throughout the state. Provided without charge, the guide promotes consistent interpretation and application of North Carolina impaired driving laws and related court procedures.
In addition to practicing law, Bill Powers has been invited to teach on a recurring basis at the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Training Academy and has presented at programs hosted by the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys including sessions for Drug Recognition Experts (DREs) and Assistant District Attorneys.
Past teaching programs have included topics involving probable cause, search warrants, chemical testing, digital evidence, and courtroom testimony.
He has served as President of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ), chaired the 2025 Criminal Masters of Advocacy program, and has served as an Advisory Member to the North Carolina State Bar Ethics Committee, appointed by the State Bar President in recent years.
His various professional leadership roles have included reviewing proposed changes to professional conduct rules in North Carolina, developing continuing legal education programming, and mentoring newer attorneys in trial practice.
Our Approach to Helping Clients with Criminal Charges Legal representation, in our view, is not limited to drafting documents and appearing in court. It means explaining how the process works in practical terms.
Criminal charges can affect employment, family responsibilities, travel, and long-term plans. Part of our role as criminal defense attorneys is to give legal advice that helps clients understand the rules, procedures, and unwritten realities of court. That includes outlining the steps that may come next and the choices that could be available.
Case strategy is built case by case and client by client. Every criminal allegation involves its own facts, issues, and timing. When useful, a defense lawyer may explain the statutes and rules of evidence that apply, or outline how past cases have been decided under similar circumstances.
This might involve summarizing materials from the prosecution, public records, or information gathered independently. In some situations, it makes sense to involve outside professionals such as forensic experts. Whether that happens depends on the nature of the charges, the complexity of the issues, and the resources involved.
We value candor when sharing legal opinions with clients and honestly evaluating potential outcomes. Our guidance is based on the facts and the law, along with discussion of possible risks, likely next steps, and the procedures that may come into play.
We do not promise results.
Sometimes that means telling good people things they would rather not hear. That is part of honest representation. Those conversations are handled with respect, even when the news is unwelcome, because knowing where things stand is essential to deciding what to do next. Our opinions are shaped by training and experience, not by telling someone what they wish were true.
Helping clients through difficult legal problems includes providing realistic guidance in a straightforward, professional manner so you can understand what you face and the possible consequences of each choice. That perspective shapes how we approach every case we accept.
Services to the Legal Community Powers Law Firm PA participates in statewide legal organizations, Bill Powers has served on the Governor’s Statewide Impaired Driving Task Force since 2014, being first appointed during the McCrory administration. His work supports consistency in courtroom procedures, protection of constitutional rights, and clarity in legal processes across jurisdictions.
Service has included reviewing proposed criminal law legislation, contributing to law enforcement training on courtroom testimony, and addressing the ethical implications of technology use in legal practice. Ongoing participation in these initiatives keeps the firm informed on developments that can directly affect case strategy and client outcomes.
Understanding the North Carolina Court Process Facing criminal charges in North Carolina starts a sequence of procedural steps that can vary based on the jurisdiction, the nature of the charges, and the court’s schedule. Criminal cases often begin in district court, where the first setting may involve addressing conditions of release, discussing scheduling, or other preliminary matters. Felony allegations may be handled in superior court at a later stage, where the procedures, evidentiary rules, and potential consequences can differ from those in district court.
Court dates serve different purposes, which may include administrative reviews, hearings on motions, plea discussions, or trials. In some situations, a matter may be continued to allow additional time for investigation, to gather records, to address scheduling conflicts, or to accommodate other procedural requirements.
The specific path of a case depends on the charges, the county, and the circumstances. Understanding the role of each court, the significance of each setting, and applicable deadlines is important. Failing to appear when required can result in serious consequences, which may include the issuance of an order for arrest. Part of what we do as criminal lawyers is explain these procedural requirements so clients understand when they are expected to be in court and how the different steps fit into the larger process.
Contact Powers Law Firm If you need legal representation in criminal defense, impaired driving, or a related matter, contact the Powers Law Firm for a confidential consultation. Call 704-342-4357, visit our contact page, or find us on Google Maps.
Helpful Information About Criminal Charges