Michael J. Reece

Michael J. Reece

4.8
Rating: 9.2

Licensed for 31 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Smithfield, NC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Speeding & Traffic Ticket, Domestic Violence, Appeals

121 S. Third Street, PO Box 2747, Smithfield, NC

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

32 years | 2,000 cases

50%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 40%

32 years | 10,000 cases

40%
Appeals 5%

28 years | 150 cases

5%
Domestic Violence 5%

32 years | 400 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 31 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Michael J. Reece

121 S. Third Street, PO Box 2747, Smithfield, NC, 27577

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Michael J. Reece's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

34 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | January 22, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Thanks!

Received my first traffic ticket ever. Had a perfect driving record, but received a ticket for 83 in a 70. I was shocked when I found out I would have to appear in court or hire an attorney to go to court for me. I received a lot of mail from lawyers and looked up each lawyer. Reece had the best revi...ews. Before my court date, I received word that my case had been reduced to a moving violation. I am very thankful that I did not have to go to court and thankful my insurance did not go up. I was even more appreciative the case was handled early to alleviate worry. I only ever talked to the receptionist who was very pleasant. I never had any direct contact wth Reece, which I thought was weird. But, obviously I know nothing about these processes and would recommend his service. Thanks again!

Michael Reece

Replied last January 22, 2019

I appreciate the kind words. Your reduction would have been to a non-moving violation - that's an important distinction. Thank you again for trusting me to handle this matter for you.

Posted by MD SUBBIR RAHMAN | November 07, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Great Lawyer

I got a speeding ticket at North Carolina about a month ago at 65MPH zone on 87MPH. I have contacted lots of lawyer. Among them Michael was the greatest one. I found him by online searching. The most important thing about him is he never lied to me. He told me the exact scenario and the outcome of th...at case. I have mailed like 12times before I hired him. But he never get bored of me. He is such a great person as well as a great lawyer. He disposed my case before the court date was mentioned on that ticket. His charges were really competitive than others. And most important thing is, if you want to hire a lawyer who will serve the purpose, that's definitely him.

Posted by Erik | April 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent choice for legal representation

Michael J. Reece handled my legal case very professionally. He and his team kept me informed of all proceedings and answered all of my questions and concerns in a timely manner. Mr. Reece is very knowledgeable of the law and was familiar with all of the details of my case at the time of my trial. I w...as pleased with the outcome. Mr. Reece is an excellent choice for any legal matter that you might have.

Posted by Josh | September 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Helpful and Honest

Got a speeding ticket traveling through NC going 83 in a 65. Even though I had exactly 0 prior offenses, I was given a court date in lieu of a fine. I'm a student in Virginia, and contacted Mr. Reece asking for his unbiased assessment on whether I needed a lawyer for the case or not. He advised me th...at I could probably do an online driving school and represent myself in the case and have the charge reduced, but that there was no guarantee this would help. I did the online driving school and Mr. Reece got my charge down to operating with an improper speedometer, which has no license or insurance points in NC. He was polite, honest, and fair with me in answering my questions, and his fee was reasonable (and cheaper than me having to pay for gas and a hotel to make my court date.) Hiring him saved me a lot of money in the long run, I'm very glad that I did. The only thing I wish he would've done was be a bit more communicative (he didn't reach out to me really ever). However, when I emailed him I always got a prompt, personal response. Cannot recommend enough!

Posted by Rene | April 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent communication, great knowledge of the law - very happy!

In the midst of a family situation gone awry - my husband found himself falsely accused. The moment we sat down with Mr. Reece changed it all - we instantly felt that we had found someone who would truly defend my husband. His communication was right on point, calling us to discuss the case the eveni...ng prior and consulting with us about our options throughout the stressful day in court. He was very receptive to our needs and did a great job litigating when the time came. He explained everything each step of the way, and answered our questions/concerns quickly. We were very pleased with the outcome of our case and I would definitely recommend Mike Reece to anyone seeking an attorney.

See All Client Reviews

Michael J. Reece's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Thomas Christopher Bell headshot
Thomas Bell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Reece is extremely knowledgeable in the areas of Criminal Law and Appeals, and he has established a stellar reputation among other attorneys. I endorse him as an attorney, and would recommend him to anyone looking for a zealous criminal defense attorney in the Johnston County area."

Samuel J. Randall IV headshot
Samuel Randall

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Maitri Klinkosum headshot
Maitri Klinkosum

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mike Reece since college and became re-acquainted with him when I returned to NC to practice law in 1998. Since that time, I have seen Mike grow into one of the most respected attorneys in the specialty of criminal defense. He has defended clients in cases ranging from misdemeanors to first-degree murder. His skills as a defense attorney have been apparent not only in trials, but also in his work on criminal appeals as well. Mike is never afraid of taking on the prosecution in defense of his clients. His work is top-notch and if I were in trouble I would want him on my side."

View All Endorsements
Douglas E. Portnoy headshot
Douglas Portnoy

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Hayes S. Ludlum headshot
Hayes Ludlum

Criminal defense lawyer

Samuel J. Randall IV headshot
Samuel Randall

Criminal defense lawyer

Maitri Klinkosum headshot
Maitri Klinkosum

Criminal defense lawyer

Dionne Loy Fortner headshot
Dionne Fortner

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.2 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Board Certified Specialist - State Criminal Law, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2001

Volunteer Lawyer Award, East Central Community Legal Services

2000

Volunteer Lawyer Award, East Central Community Legal Services

1999

Volunteer Lawyer Award, East Central Community Legal Services

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Managing Partner, Reece & Reece

2001 - 2012

Partner, Woodruff, Reece & Fortner

2000 - 2001

Managing Partner, Reece & Reece

1996 - 2000

Member, Solo Practice

1994 - 1996

Associate, Spence & Spence

Associations

2013 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2002 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2000 - Present

Johnston County Bar Association - Indigent Defense Committee

Chairman

1998 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

1994 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association

1994 - Present

North Carolina State Bar

1994 - Present

Johnston County Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

State of North Carolina v. [name withheld]

Found not guilty by jury

State of North Carolina vs. [name withheld]

Found not guilty by jury on two counts; 11-1 for acquittal on third.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1994

University of North Carolina School of Law

J.D., with honors

1991

North Carolina State University

B.S., cum laude

Speaking Engagements

2016

Successful District Court Practice

DWI Suppression Hearings in the District Court: Preparation of Suppression Orders and Protecting the Record

2012

The Mechanics of North Carolina Criminal Procedures

Ethical Considerations In Criminal Law

2012

The Mechanics of North Carolina Criminal Procedures

Plea Agreement Procedures, Pointers and Pitfalls

2009

Ethics Seminar - 11th District Bar

Ethics Roundtable

Publications

2012

The Mechanics of North Carolina Criminal Procedures Ethical Considerations in Criminal Law

2012

The Mechanics of North Carolina Criminal Procedures Plea Agreement, Procedures, Pointers & Pitfalls

Languages

English

Activity

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