Christopher A. Connelly

Christopher A. Connelly

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 38 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Charlotte, NC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ... +2 more

101 N. McDowell St., Suite 104, Charlotte, NC

About Christopher

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 26%

Larceny, Larceny By Employee, Larceny from Workplace, Bank Fraud, Mortgage Fraud, Embezzlement, Shoplifting, Unlawful Concealment; Trafficking, Sale, Drugs, Cocaine, Marijuana, Heroin, Ecstasy, Underage Drinking, Alcohol Violations, etc

38 years | 7,500 cases

26%
DUI and DWI 25%

Driving While Impaired, Blood Tests, Refusals, Accidents, Intox EC IR II, Intoxylizer, Breathalyzer, Habitual DWI, Driving after Consuming Being under 21 yo, Provisional Licensee, Underage Drinking, Alcohol Violations,etc

38 years | 3,000 cases

25%
Domestic Violence 24%

Assault on a Female, Assault by Strangulation, Communicating Threats, Trespass, Restraining Orders (50B), Domestic Violence Protective Orders, Harassment, Stalking

38 years | 3,000 cases

24%
White Collar Crime 15%

Larceny, Larceny By Employee, Larceny from Workplace, Bank Fraud, Mortgage Fraud, Embezzlement,

38 years | 2,500 cases

15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

Speed, Stop Sign, Red Light, Reckless Driving, Hit & Run, Leaving the Scene, Unsafe Movement, DMV Hearings

38 years | 7,500 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 33 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1992

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 38 years

State: New York

Acquired: 1987

Currently Registered

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Christopher A. Connelly

101 N. McDowell St., Suite 104, Charlotte, NC, 28204-2264

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Christopher A. Connelly's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

153 Client Reviews

5 star (150)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by anonymous | November 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Outstanding Lawyer!

Knowledgeable, detailed, professional and kind, Chris provides tremendous representation to those needing help! His reputation and record set the bar; I highly recommend his legal services.

Posted by Brian | June 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Had to FIRE Connelly

Unfavorable experience with my former attorney, Chris Conelly. I hired him for a major case at a significant cost. Regrettably, the specifics of the case were only relayed to me a day before the trial, which left me resorting to ChatGPT to dissect the numerous complexities involved in the case. In... an attempt to address the issues raised by ChatGPT with Conelly a day before my court appearance, his response was not only dismissive but he also asked me to stop referencing case precedents. ChatGPT's legal analysis proposed that the traffic stop involving a witness could be contested. However, Conelly disputed this and inaccurately informed me that, since I was not the witness, I had no grounds to challenge the stop. He even underscored the harshest penalty I could face, even though this was my first offense. This created an environment of intimidation that seemed to be geared towards pressuring me into accepting a plea deal. His insistence on me accepting the plea deal, without affording me ample time to conduct my own research or consult trusted advisors, was highly concerning. He repeatedly tried to interfere with a private call with a confidant, which I found invasive and inappropriate. His persistency was largely evident when he was urging me to accept a plea, but this was not reflected when it came to advocating for my case. His strategy seemed to revolve around pushing me towards accepting a plea deal, utilizing scare tactics and superiority, and rushing me into making a momentous decision on the eve of my court date. This forced me to seek help from another lawyer, dismiss Conelly from the case, and request the judge for a change of counsel, leading to a delay in the proceedings. Conelly's erroneous comprehension of the law, or perhaps a deliberate misrepresentation of it to fulfill his own objectives, led me to believe that he could not represent me effectively, particularly in light of the numerous issues with the evidence. I had to fire Connelly and seek a different attorney.

Posted by Andrew K. | October 5, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thankful For A Great Job!

Mr. Connelly was extremely professional, highly responsive and overall a real pleasure to work with. I had a very serious DWI that if proven guilty could have had major negative implications. Mr. Connelly came to court beyond well-prepared. Due to his detailed legwork, I was ultimately proven not gui...lty. I would recommend Mr. Connelly to anyone looking for a hard-working and thorough defense. He is clearly an A-player in every way.!

Posted by Michael | June 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Did nothing

Christopher failed to investigate my case. I was convected of having knowledge of an online crime. Here are facts about my case. No contraband was found on any computer in my house. The required software to commit the crime was not downloaded on any computer I own. I spent 3 years in Federal prison f...or a crime I did not commit. Once I got out of prison I contacted the software company. To use the software it requires the user to set up an account. The account I was accused of does not exist per the software company. When I was in country jail I begged Christopher to pull the account records. Christopher refused to do so. Once Christopher gets your money he stops working. Had Christopher pulled the account records from the software company the outcome of my case would have been different. The FBI did not find any contraband or software on my computers. It was my word against the FBI. Had Christopher done his job and contacted the software company, it would have been discovered the account does not exist. Beware of giving Christopher money. I have talked to Christopher after I pulled the record's. He said " this would mean I made a mistake, it's not in my interest to help you". What about my interest? Do you sleep good at night knowing you did not help an innocent man.

Posted by Mike | April 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly recommend

Professional, prompt and honest attorney. Recommend him for any traffic issues.

See All Client Reviews

Christopher A. Connelly's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Christopher
Timothy John Pavone headshot
Timothy Pavone

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Experienced, dedicated, and strong advocating skills. With his experience, he knows exactly what to do for you. I know personally that when you hire him, he is 100% committed to resolving your issue. He’s one of the best there is no question about it. I give him a very strong endorsement."

Daniel M. Rosenberg headshot
Daniel Rosenberg

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am in criminal defense attorney in New Jersey. I contacted Chris about a NC matter I was assisting with. Chris provided detailed, accurate and timely information. I was impressed with his knowledge as well as his office's professionalism. I endorse this lawyer."

Joe Dye Culik headshot
Joe Culik

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is an excellent attorney -- I would recommend him to my friends and family were they to need his services."

Christopher Todd Browning headshot
Christopher Browning

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend this lawyer's work. Chris is extremely knowledgeable about complex criminal defense issues. He is very hard-working and provides excellent representation for his clients. No one will work harder to achieve the best results!"

David C. Driscoll headshot
David Driscoll

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Connelly. He has a keen understanding of the legal process, and he knows what it takes to get great results for his clients.."

Howard Winfred Long II headshot
Howard Long

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Chris is a great lawyer and I highly endorse him."

Mary Guy Mendini headshot
Mary Mendini

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr C and I worked together for a client on a very tough license restoration matter. Mr C handled the old Mecklenburg County cases and I did the remaining cases in my part of the state. Together we resolved the client's problems so our client was able to drive legally after. 20 + years of license suspension. I'd happily refer clients to Mr Connelly for serious criminal charges and for garden-variety misdemeanors as well."

Douglas MacMillan Borthwick headshot
Douglas Borthwick

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brandon Rice Roseman headshot
Brandon Roseman

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have seen Christopher try cases and there is no doubt that he fights hard for his clients. Chris is experienced and very knowledgeable, he is a great asset to the defense bar."

Charles Christopher Adkins headshot
Charles Adkins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Connelly is well respected in the legal community and extremely competent. I endorse and recommend this lawyer."

P. Mercer Cauley headshot
P. Cauley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse and highly recommend Mr. Connelly. I have worked with him on cases in the past where he has represented the client with a criminal matter. He is a very good attorney and provides outstanding representation to ensure his clients receive the best criminal defense."

Ryan Michael Watson headshot
Ryan Watson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Chris for several years. He is extremely knowledgeable and works hard for his Clients. He has extensive experience with all levels of criminal defense, from traffic cases to complicated Felony charges. He is a go-to person for advice and I highly recommend him."

David Alexander Concha headshot
David Concha

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Chris since 1996 and he has always been a hard working criminal defense attorney. He is board certified so he really knows this area of the law. He is a zealous advocated for his clients and you won't regret his representing you!"

Corey Goodman Rosensteel headshot
Corey Rosensteel

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have watched Chris work for years. He's always prepared and aggressive. He's been successfully representing clients in the community for a very long time."

Michael John Stading headshot
Michael Stading

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Chris as a prosecutor and now as a defense attorney. He is an excellent advocate for his clients and gets results. I endorse this lawyer."

Adam M. Seifer headshot
Adam Seifer

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is very knowledgeable of the law and genuinely is concerned for the well being of his clients. He spots the legal issues very quickly and is a zealous advocate on behalf of his clients. I definitely recommend Chris as an attorney."

Allen C. Brotherton headshot
Allen Brotherton

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is experienced, smart, and an excellent advocate for his clients."

Steven A. Grossman headshot
Steven Grossman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have know Chris for many years and we have handled a number of cases together. My office is actually in Concord, N.C. and he and I work together often on his cases in Concord and mine in Charlotte. I have found him to be trustworthy and good to work with. He has the client's best interests at heart and we often discuss strategies in cases. He is knowledgeable and capable and I am happy to recommend him."

Todd Eric Gonyer headshot
Todd Gonyer

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy Scott Emry headshot
Timothy Emry

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Chris is a passionate advocate for his clients, with a tremendous wealth of experience and knowledge."

View All Endorsements
Neil S Tassel headshot
Neil Tassel

Gun Law lawyer

David C. Driscoll headshot
David Driscoll

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan Michael Watson headshot
Ryan Watson

Criminal defense lawyer

David Alexander Concha headshot
David Concha

Immigration lawyer

Corey Goodman Rosensteel headshot
Corey Rosensteel

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory J. Plumides headshot
Gregory Plumides

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael John Stading headshot
Michael Stading

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam M. Seifer headshot
Adam Seifer

Criminal defense lawyer

Allen C. Brotherton headshot
Allen Brotherton

Criminal defense lawyer

Steven A. Grossman headshot
Steven Grossman

Litigation lawyer

Theodore Alonzo Maloney headshot
Theodore Maloney

Criminal defense lawyer

Timothy Scott Emry headshot
Timothy Emry

Criminal defense lawyer

Todd Eric Gonyer headshot
Todd Gonyer

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Scott Benjamin Pleune headshot
Scott Pleune

Intellectual property lawyer

Ronald James Shook II headshot
Ronald Shook

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2011

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

2006

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

2001

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

1995

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

Work Experience

1997 - Present

Attorney, Law Office of Christopher A. Connelly PA

1994 - 1997

Criminal Attorney, Law Office of Paul H. Kaplan

1993 - 1994

Assistant Public Defender, Mecklenburg County Public Defender - Drug Court

1992 - 1992

Special Assistant District Attorney, Suffolk County DA's Office (working out of Southampton Town Attorneys Office)

1988 - 1992

Trial Attorney, Suffolk County Legal Aid

Associations

1997 - Present

United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit Bar

Member

1995 - Present

United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina Bar

Member

1993 - Present

Mecklenburg County Bar Association

Attorney Member

1993 - Present

Mecklenburg County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Attorney Member

1993 - Present

United States District Court for the Western District of North Carolina Bar

Member

1992 - Present

United States District Court for the Eastern District of New York Bar

Member

2005 - 2010

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Charlotte

Volunteer

1994 - 1998

Charlotte Jaycees

Legal Counsel

1993 - 1994

Charlotte Jaycees

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State vs. AB

DWI Case dismissed

State vs. KP

DWI Case dismissed

State vs JS

DWI Case dismissed

State vs. DM

Drug Trafficking case dismissed

State vs UN

DWI Case dismissed

State vs JL

Domestic Violence case dismissed

State vs OG

Case dismissed

State vs OS

Domestic Violence case dismissed

State vs RC

Case dismissed

State vs FL

Felony reduced to misdemeanor and no jail time.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1993

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Trial Advocacy Clinic

1986

Touro College - Jacob D. Fuchsberg Law Center

JD - Juris Doctor

1983

Fordham University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2012

NYPD 10-13 Charlotte Monthly Meeting

Law of Self Defense

2012

Charlotte Rifle & Pistol Club-Special Meeting

Lethal Force Presentation

2010

Mecklenburg County Bar Association CLE

Sexually Related Offenses

Publications

N/A

Public Information Brochure What You Should Know About Concealed Handgun Permits

N/A

Suffolk County Bar Association Bad Days.... (DWI cases)

N/A

Suffolk County Bar Association Cross Examination of Witnesses

N/A

Suffolk County Bar Association Getting out of Jail Free

N/A

Suffolk County Bar Association Sufficiency of Charging Documents

N/A

Suffolk County Bar Association Areas of Cross Examination in DWI Trials

N/A

Suffolk County Bar Association Driving While Impaired by Drugs

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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