Thomas C. Goolsby

PRO

Thomas C. Goolsby

also known as Thom Goolsby

4.6
Rating: 8.4

Licensed for 33 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Wilmington, NC
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Personal Injury

212 Walnut St Ste 100, Business, Wilmington, NC

About Thomas

Biography

Trusted Legal Counsel & Former Two-Term NC Senator. 23+ years of practice in New Hanover County.

Trusted Defense Attorney & Former Two Term NC Senator. 23+ years of practice in New Hanover County.

Trusted Injury Lawyer & Former Two Term NC Senator. 23+ years of practice in New Hanover County.

Trusted DWI Attorney & Former Two Term NC Senator. 23+ years of practice in New Hanover County.

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 50%

Driving While Impaired, Alcohol or Drugs. Handled 1000s of cases over 2+ decades.

34 years | 1,000 cases

50%
Criminal Defense 30%

DWI/DUI, Revoke License, Assault, Drugs, Financial Crimes (Fraud/Embezzlement), First Time Offenders, Domestic Violence, Traffic Offenses

34 years | 10,000 cases

30%
Personal Injury 20%

Motor Vehicle Accidents, Wrongful Death, Work/Construction Injuries, Tractor-Trailer Collisions

34 years | 2,000 cases

20%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2016 2014

Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 33 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1992

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2019

Location

Goolsby Law Firm, PLLC

212 Walnut St Ste 100, Business, Wilmington, NC, 28401-4254

goolsbylaw.com/

Thomas C. Goolsby's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.6 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

5 star (20)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (2)

Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

sdk

Thom Goolsby is an excellent attorney. He is well known in our community and is highly recommended. Thom is understanding with the legal fee's, he's prompt, thorough, and to the point. Thom Goolsby's' commitment to my case resulted in a WIN! WIN! ending for me as well as him !!!

Posted by anonymous | February 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Sincerest Gratitude to Thom!

Thom Goolsby was a superb attorney! He is highly respectable, empathetic, and knowledgeable. I was told that he was one of the best lawyers and town, and I surely wasn’t misled! He represented my case with the utmost professionalism. He is a skilled lawyer and has my highest and sincerest thanks and ...respect!

Posted by Chelsea | December 5, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Very knowledgeable

I was arrested for my 1st DWI…it was a bad one too. It definitely would’ve resulted in a 95% worse outcome if I’d gone with anyone other than Thom. He’s a very busy attorney and will get back to you but be patient..he’s very involved in every one of his cases which keeps him busy and you’ll see it th...ru your cases final outcome. I didn’t have a clue as to how deep in I was until after the judges decision and I looked closer into all of the levels.. He got me off with the lightest level possible and I’m so thankful and amazed. Thom AND his super cool assistant Heather did more than I could’ve ever imagined. Thank you very much to the both of them. Y’all are great!

Posted by Laci | February 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Lawyer & Senator

I was charged with assault and battery and was very worried about going to jail, as well as having a violent criminal record. Thank you for calming my fears and helping me in court. When I learned that you had had my case dismissed, I was overjoyed. You have a great staff and I could not ask anymore ...from a lawyer. You are the best!

Posted by CJ | October 14, 2016 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Thom Goolsby A+

Thom Goolsby is an amazing lawyer. his representation of me was above and beyond anything I ever expected. he aggressively represented me in two Superior Court jury trials. Senator Goolsby was impressive to watch in action. He fought every issue and won both of my cases. I could not have imagine...d a more competent, caring and skilled trial advocate. I give him my highest recommendation and eternal thanks for all he did for myself and my family.

See All Client Reviews

Thomas C. Goolsby's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Thomas
Woody E. White headshot
Woody White

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thom is a tireless advocate for his clients and has earned a reputation as a heavy-weight in the courtroom. His commitment to the community and his vocation is unmatched, and I highly recommend him."

Mark S Williams headshot
Mark Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Senator Goolsby is an excellent attorney. I have watched him in the Courtroom skillfully cross examine witnesses and often win his case for his client. He truly cares and desires to win. I strongly recommend him."

Derrick Ernest Cruz headshot
Derrick Cruz

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thom is a titan in the courtroom. I consistently see him taking the time outside the courtroom to explain the criminal law process to his clients. He is always patient with them and taking copious notes. He is equally professional with the prosecutors and court staff. I would highly recommend him for anything criminal, especially, DWIs."

Rick E. Graves headshot
Rick Graves

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Thom is a great attorney with a wealth of experience. If you have been charged with a crime you need an attorney like Thom Goolsby."

Janet L. Gemmell headshot
Janet Gemmell

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thom is well liked by his peers and the legal community. He understands the law and actively pursues his client's best interests in all legal matters. Clients will get steadfast and well-rounded legal representation from Mr. Goolsby."

David P. Walen headshot
David Walen

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Thom is a colleague and friend. He represents his clients with great integrity and skill and deals forthrightly with his peers and adversaries alike. I am honored to endorse Mr. Goolsby"

Wayne J. Payne headshot
Wayne Payne

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Senator Goolsby is a tireless warrior for the criminally accused. One lucky enough to have Senator Goolsby at the side knows that he will work above and beyond any call of duty to provide the best possible defense. Hire him."

David Bruce Collins Jr. headshot
David Collins

Personal injury lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer - I have known Thom Goolsby and his associates for over 20 years. He is an extremely experienced and expertly skilled attorney who knows the law and fights extremely hard for his clients. As a former Senator, he has helped write the law. With his knowledge and experience, he makes sure the law is applied correctly in his clients’ favor."

Brian C. Arthur headshot
Brian Arthur

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thom is an excellent criminal defense attorney. I have seen him handle cases day in and day out with the utmost professionalism and integrity. I gladly endorse this attorney!"

Amanda Bryant Mason headshot
Amanda Mason

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Goolsby is a well respected and accomplished attorney in North Carolina."

Kevin Matthew Marcilliat headshot
Kevin Marcilliat

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Goolsby is an experienced and dedicated advocate for his clients. I endorse him in all areas of criminal defense and personal injury practice."

Richard Forrest Kern headshot
Richard Kern

Unknown lawyer | Aug 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I first met Thom long before I was an attorney. I was initially impressed with his knowledge and calming effect on those around him. When I first became an attorney, I had a case with Thom as opposing counsel. I was then impressed by his abilities in the courtroom. Honest, hardworking, fair, very skilled, and knowledgeable are just a couple words I would use to describe Thom."

Robert H. Hale Jr. headshot
Robert Hale

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Thomas Goolsby for many years. He is a very experienced and capable criminal defense attorney. He is trustworthy and caring and responsive to his clients' needs."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Thomas. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Andrew W. Olsen headshot
Andrew Olsen

Litigation lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Wayne J. Payne headshot
Wayne Payne

Criminal defense lawyer

David Bruce Collins Jr. headshot
David Collins

Criminal defense lawyer

Charles D. Meier headshot
Charles Meier

Business lawyer

Amanda Bryant Mason headshot
Amanda Mason

Family lawyer

Anthony L. Register headshot
Anthony Register

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Brian C. Arthur headshot
Brian Arthur

Business lawyer

John L. Coble headshot
John Coble

Business lawyer

Alexander Clay Dale headshot
Alexander Dale

Business lawyer

James E. Eldridge headshot
James Eldridge

Business lawyer

Joseph Edward Betts headshot
Joseph Betts

Commercial real estate lawyer

John D. Martin headshot
John Martin

Wrongful death lawyer

David P. Walen headshot
David Walen

Commercial real estate lawyer

Matthew John Golden headshot
Matthew Golden

DUI and DWI lawyer

Cynthia C. Locklear headshot
Cynthia Locklear

Divorce and separation lawyer

Mark S Williams headshot
Mark Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer

David A. Coolidge Jr. headshot
David Coolidge

DUI and DWI lawyer

John K. Fanney headshot
John Fanney

DUI and DWI lawyer

Howard A. Kurtz headshot
Howard Kurtz

DUI and DWI lawyer

Fred B. Amos II headshot
Fred Amos

DUI and DWI lawyer

Robert H. Hale Jr. headshot
Robert Hale

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.4 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019.

Reprimand issued in NC, 2019

updated on 11/27/2019

Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Honors

2015

Client Satisfaction, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys

2015

Nation's Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Litigator Award, Trial Lawyers Board of Regents

2014

Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum

2014

Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina Governor

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Senator, North Carolina General Assembly

1993 - Present

Owner, Goolsby Law Firm, PLLC

1995 - 2014

Writer, Carolina Syndicated Columns

1994 - 2010

Professor, Campbell Law School

Associations

2012 - Present

NC Crime Commission

Commissioner

2012 - Present

NC Courts Commission

Commissioner

1997 - Present

International Bar Association

Member

1993 - Present

Internation Association of Penal Law

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Scaturro

Not Guilty on DWI and Careless & Reckless

State v. Tucker

Not Guilty on DWI.

State v. Pedersen

Dsimissed

State v. Flannery

Not Guilty on DWI.

State v. Keen

Probation (best pretrial offer was 18 months ACTIVE time)

See More Legal Cases

Education

1991

University of North Carolina School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

Golden Gate University

MBA - Master of Business Administration

1984

Citadel, Military College of South Carolina

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

CCBI Forensic Science Conference

Forensic Science in North Carolina

Publications

1994

ISISC Journal The Role of the Prosecutor in the Administration of Justice

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution