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Ryan T. Smith
also known as Ryan Smith, R. Thomas Smith
About Ryan
Biography
I love competition and thrive on being a trial lawyer. I'm known as the 'DWI Guy' and 100% own it. It's what I do. I'm in the Legal Elite Hall of Fame as my colleagues voted me as North Carolina's Top Criminal Law Attorney in 2016. I appreciate all the awards and recognition, from serving on Law Review to Business NC's Top 30 Under 30, to Super Lawyers, to the National Trial Lawyer's Top 40 Under 40, but it's helping people that makes me truly happy.
What will become clear after speaking with me?
[1] I'm direct and strategically-aggressive.
[2] My niche is getting people (Judges, Lawyers, DA's Office, etc.) to say "Yes" when they don't want to.
[3] Our custom internal-process and checks & balance systems will be relieving.
Being a certified NBA Player Agent (NBPA), the time I don’t spend battling it out in court, I spend either recruiting NBA prospects or reliving my glory days on the basketball court. I’ve been the Commissioner of the Mecklenburg County Lawyer Basketball League for years. Check out the photo-section for our recent Championship portrait. You’ll have the opportunity to hold our 50lb. gavel as it’s proudly displayed as soon as you walk in our building.
I’m a West Virginia native who fights to the end. I started my professional career in the Corporate & Investment Banking world. Although very interesting, I didn’t know my personal end-game until I formed RTS Law Group. Our employees are sharp, passionate, and feel like they are members of my family (some actually are). This has all been a dream-come-true. I’m looking forward to fighting on your behalf.
Practice Areas
20
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
70%
18 years
Criminal Defense
7%
18 years
Speeding and Traffic Ticket
5%
18 years
Car Accident
2%
18 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 18 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
RTS Law Group
715 East Blvd., Charlotte, NC, 28203
RTS Law Group
1606 East Roosevelt Blvd, Ste 202, Monroe, NC, 28112
RTS Law Group
603 Cox Rd, Ste C, Gastonia, NC, 28054
RTS Law Group
333-C 2nd St. NE, Hickory, NC, 28601
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Ryan T. Smith's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
349 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (349)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (174)
Criminal Defense (50)
Lawsuits & Disputes (36)
DUI & DWI (32)
Guardianship (7)
Expungement (5)
Car Accidents (3)
Bankruptcy & Debt (2)
Insurance (2)
Administrative Law (1)
Business (1)
Credit Repair (1)
Debt Collection (1)
Domestic Violence (1)
Elder Law (1)
Estate Planning (1)
Family (1)
Juvenile (1)
Personal Injury (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (262)
Recommendation (133)
Responsiveness (95)
Advocacy (92)
Professionalism (92)
Practice Area Knowledge (74)
Communication Style (58)
Staff & Support (37)
General Knowledge (32)
Character & Conduct (26)
Cost of Services (25)
Trustworthiness (25)
Compassion (18)
Punctuality (8)
Payment Plans (6)
Free Consultations (2)
Showing 6 - 10 of 18 reviews | Compassion
Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
The best of the best!!!
I unfortunately had a very high speeding ticket (93 in a 55) where the conditions would have not only taken my license but also possible jail time. ryan smith worked his magic and had me cleared even before the court date. Not only that, he was very generous to work with me on a payment plan as I was...
Posted by anonymous | December 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
THE LAW FIRM TO GO TO
RTS Law Group saved me in a bind! I had a pretty hefty speeding ticket. I called in and spoke to Ashley who was absolutely wonderful! She quickly transferred me to Ryan Smith who put me at ease. The next day he resolved my ticket with NO license or insurance points. I'm so happy that I contacted this...
Posted by Kristen Dellinger | November 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Highly Recommend For Speeding Ticket
I messaged Mr. Smith about a speeding ticket I got. He was extremely nice and prompt to answer all my questions and concerns. I never once felt rushed, while discussing this matter, he really cared about the outcome and the right option to take. He was eager to quickly take care of this matter for me...
Posted by anonymous | November 05, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Guardianship
Highest Recommendation - A True Ally!
Ryan was a tremendous ally when we needed him most. Guardianship cases can be incredibly nuanced and ours was no exception. Ryan came recommended as one of the top three Adult/Elder Guardianship attorneys in Mecklenburg County, but our experience clearly illustrated that he is simply unmatched. Rya...
Posted by Debbie | October 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Ryan T Smith Will Deliver the Best Outcome
Ryan T. Smith is an exceptional Traffic and DUI attorney. His calm and caring personality along with his staff members impressed us immediately. He was quick to respond to our plea for help and was able to evaluate the situation objectivity while keeping me calm as my 21-year-old son was recoveri...
Ryan T. Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked on the other side of the case from Ryan MANY times. I have always respected his legal ability, advocacy, and honesty. He has a great reputation with the court and other lawyers. I would personally refer him to a valued client if I had a conflict of interest and it was an area that Ryan practiced."
"Mr. Smith is an outstanding asset to our Mecklenburg County Bar and a well respected attorney in Charlotte. He is an agressive advocate for his clients and a great attorney to have on your side for criminal proceedings."
"Great lawyer, great guy. Ryan really knows his stuff!"
"Having worked with Mr. Smith on several occasions, I can personally attest that he is a very sharp and dedicated attorney who pays special attention to detail in every case. He knows the law and is a fierce advocate both in and out of the courtroom. He has my highest recommendation."
"Ryan is a great guy and even better advocate. I tried many cases against him and can attest that he was always beyond prepared. I highly endorse Ryan."
"I’ve had the pleasure of handling many cases against Ryan. In each instance, he represented his client diligently and passionately. Ryan is always professional. I highly recommend him."
"Ryan is a smart, aggressive litigator that will protect client interests. He is effective inside and outside of the courtroom representing his clients. I endorse Ryan."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great lawyer with great character."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Ryan T. Smith. He is my go-to DUI attorney in Charlotte, NC."
"Ryan is a very talented lawyer who understands the law and the system and how to get the best possible results for his clients."
"Ryan is an excellent attorney who exudes compassion for the law, concern for his clients, and professionalism both inside and outside the courtroom."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ryan Smith is an excellent, conscientious lawyer. He excels at fighting hard and achieving great results for his clients."
"Attorney Smith comes with my highest recommendation. As a colleague, his perspective has benefited me tremendously."
"I worked with Ryan on a guardianship matter. He is very knowledgeable and is well respected in the Clerk’s office. I highly recommend Ryan Smith for guardianship matters."
"Ryan is an effective advocate for clients inside and outside of the courtroom. He will take the time to listen to clients and tailor a strategy to fit their specific situation. I endorse Ryan."
"I endorse this lawyer. Over my 25 year legal career, I have interacted with many lawyers. After having an opportunity to observe Ryan Smith, I was impressed by his commanding knowledge and professional courtroom presentation. It is my privilege to recommend him to someone in need of professional representation. Robert"
"Ryan is staunch advocate. He is always sure to give his clients the time and attention they deserve."
"Attorney Smith is about as professional and prepared as anyone could expect the lawyer to be. Ryan is personable and very easy to approach. He is very polished and he represents the profession extremely well. He is the subject matter expert on many topics and I would be very assured if he were my representation. He is often the first car in the parking lot and the last car to leave. He studies each case as if it were his only case and he then goes to work for that client. I am very proud and pleased to be in the same profession as Mr. Smith and look forward to learning as much as I can from such an astute attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
Robert Trobich
Criminal defense lawyer
Mark Gott
Guardianship lawyer
Christopher Browning
Criminal defense lawyer
Howard Long
Criminal defense lawyer
Emily Kresse
Real estate lawyer
Dominique Foard
Family lawyer
Derek Adler
Litigation lawyer
R. Michael Elliot
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Anderson
Litigation lawyer
Christopher Shelburn
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Haigler
Litigation lawyer
Michael Rousseaux
Medical malpractice lawyer
Whitaker Rose
Litigation lawyer
Vincent Filliben
Family lawyer
Eric Montgomery
Business lawyer
Harry Marsh
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Mark Lawson
DUI and DWI lawyer
Jeanne Pennebaker
Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer
Fred DeVore
Personal injury lawyer
Nathan Hull
Business lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers / Rising Stars (DUI/DWI)
2018
Legal Elite, Business North Carolina
2017
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers / Rising Stars
2017
Best DWI Lawyers in Charlotte, NC, Three Best Rated
2017
Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers
2016
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers / Rising Stars
2016
TOP CRIMINAL LAWYER in NC, Business North Carolina's Legal Elite
2015
Top Lawyers, Business North Carolina's Legal Elite
2010
Top 30 Under 30, Elevate Lifestyle - Charlotte
2006
Associate Editor, Law Review - West Virginia University
2006
Law Review, West Virginia University College of Law
2006
Clinical Law Program Member, West Virginia University College of Law
2004
Certified, LexisNexis & Westlaw
2003
Dean's List, Marshall University, Lewis College of Business
2003
President's Honor Roll, Marshall University, Lewis College of Business
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Founder, RTS Law Group
2009 - 2009
Partner, Dillon Moore & Smith
2009 - 2011
Partner, Dillon & Smith, PLLC
2008 - 2009
Associate, Wachovia - Corporate & Investment Banking
2006 - 2006
Law Clerk, MacCorkle Lavender, PLLC
2006 - 2007
Clinical Law Program, West Virginia University College Of Law
Associations
2015 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Western District of North Carolina (Federal Court)Member
2007 - Present
West Virginia Alumni AssociationMember
2007 - Present
YMCAMember
2003 - Present
Marshall University Alumni AssociationMember
2014 - 2015
North Carolina Advocates for JusticeMember
2012 - 2023
Mecklenburg County Bar Lawyer Basketball LeagueCommissioner
2011 - 2014
QC HoopsSponsor/Coach
2009 - 2012
Mecklenburg County Bar Young Lawyer DivisionMember
2008 - 2008
American Bar AssociationMember
2006 - 2007
West Virginia Law ReviewAssociate Editor
2006 - 2006
Business and Politics Summer Abroad Program in BrazilMember
2006 - 2006
Sports Law SocietyMember
2005 - 2005
Mediterranean Legal Studies Summer Abroad program in EuropeMember
2004 - 2005
Trial AdvocacyMember
2003 - 2003
Beta Gamma SigmaMember
2003 - 2003
Phi Eta SigmaMember
2003 - 2003
American Marketing AssociationVice President
2001 - 2003
Alpha Kappa PsiMember
Sample of Legal Cases
NO PROBABLE CAUSE
Judge Dismissed DWI Charge
Court Finds No Probable Cause
Case Dismissed by Court
Court Finds No Reasonable Suspicion
Dismissed charge
Dismissed DWI
DWI Charge Dismissed
No Probable Cause
Court Dismissed DWI Charge
Superior Court DWI Appeal
Dismissed the DWI Charge
NOT Guilty
NOT Guilty
DISMISSED DWI & Assault on a Female
DISMISSED
NOT Guilty
NOT Guilty
Suppressed BAC
Suppressed BAC
DISMISSED DWI
Dismissed
Dismissed 50-B/Assault on Female
Dismissed the 50-B Complaint & Assault Charge
Failure to Work Charge - NOT Guilty
Not Guilty
DWI Case Dismissed
Dismissed charge
Education
2007
West Virginia University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
Marshall University
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2016
Super Bowl Preparation
How to Avoid DWI Arrest
2016
Legal Elite
TOP CRIMINAL LAWYER IN NC - Peer Rated
2015
Panther's Greg Hardy (NFL)
Greg Hardy (NFL) - Assault Trial
2014
Sports Law Society
Lawyer League Basketball & Softball
2014
Attorney Continuing Legal Education
DWI/DUI Laws
2010
Real Estate 101 - SunTrust Bank
Real Estate
2008
WEF - Corporate & Investment Bank
Deal Partners - Equipment Finance
2004
Sales Conference
360 Viewpoint
2001
Resident Advisor Welcoming
New Residents
2000
Resident Advisor Welcoming
New Residents
Publications
2008
2006
Albany Law Journal of Science and Technology
Counterfeit Drugs: The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I have a warrant for Larceny by Employee what is the most probable outcome.
23 Jun 2019
Q&A
Will I got to jail in North Carolina for a hit and run to property damage only less than $2000 damage
22 Oct 2018
Q&A
Can Diabetes effect a breathalyzer test
14 Oct 2018