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Thomas C. Goolsby

also known as Thom Goolsby
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2019. Read more
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Avvo Rating6.8
  • Wilmington, NC
  • Licensed for 29 years

Legal guides written by Thomas Goolsby

Thomas C. Goolsby
Thomas C. Goolsby
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About Thomas

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

Trusted, Experienced Trial Attorney & Former North Carolina Senator. Recently awarded NC's highest honor, Order of the Long Leaf Pine, for legal and legislative service to North Carolina and its people. You will find no other lawyer with his vast experience in the law (trial attorney for 22+ years in North Carolina courtrooms) and legislation (two-term North Carolina Senator).

Thom Goolsby has a commanding courtroom presence and is NEVER afraid to fight for his clients and their rights. His many years drafting legislation in the Senate give him a superlative understanding of the law, its structure and statutory interpretation.

A top graduate of The Citadel, Senator Goolsby served his country as an Officer in the United States Marine Corps. He earned his MBA from Golden Gate University and Law Degree from UNC-Chapel Hill.

Recognized as an exceptional statesman, he headed the Judiciary One and Justice & Public Safety Committees in the Senate. After retiring from the Senate, he continues to serve as a Crime Commissioner and Courts Commissioner.

From matters large to small, Senator Goolsby brings tenacity, wisdom and fearlessness to the courtroom. Again and again clients appreciate the way he takes a personal interest in their lives and struggles.

When you need a highly skilled advocate to personally handle your case, look no further than Thom Goolsby.

 

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Practice areas

Personal injuryCriminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 50%

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

    29 years, 1,000 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 30%

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

    29 years, 10,000 cases

  3. Personal injury: 20%

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

    29 years, 2,000 cases

Languages spoken

English

Client's Choice 2016
Client's Choice 2014

Photos and videos

1744242 1391804726

Contact

Goolsby Law Firm, PLLC

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

Website
https://goolsbylaw.com/ 

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      NCActive199205/31/2021

      Professional misconduct


      This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority.

      • 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.

      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers5
      Legal guides2
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys2015
      Nation's Top One PercentNational Association of Distinguished Counsel2015
      Litigator AwardTrial Lawyers Board of Regents2015
      Million Dollar AdvocateMillion Dollar Advocates Forum2014
      Order of the Long Leaf PineNorth Carolina Governor2014
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      SenatorNorth Carolina General Assembly2011 - Present
      OwnerGoolsby Law Firm, PLLC1993 - Present
      WriterCarolina Syndicated Columns1995 - 2014
      ProfessorCampbell Law School1994 - 2010
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      NC Crime CommissionCommissioner2012 - Present
      NC Courts CommissionCommissioner2012 - Present
      International Bar AssociationMember1997 - Present
      Internation Association of Penal LawMember1993 - Present
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      ISISC JournalThe Role of the Prosecutor in the Administration of Justice1994
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      University of North Carolina School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1991
      Golden Gate UniversityMBA - Master of Business Administration1987
      Citadel, Military College of South CarolinaBA - Bachelor of Arts1984
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      CCBI Forensic Science ConferenceForensic Science in North Carolina2013
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      State v. ScaturroNot Guilty on DWI and Careless & Reckless
      State v. PedersenDsimissed
      State v. TuckerNot Guilty on DWI.
      State v. FlanneryNot Guilty on DWI.
      State v. KeenProbation (best pretrial offer was 18 months ACTIVE time)

      Reviews

      (19)
      5 Star
      		89%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		11%
      Review Thomas Goolsby

      Ian

      Posted by

      Senator Goolsby did me right! My ex-girlfriend charged me with assault. I did not do it and Thom was the only lawyer who would even talk to me about trying my case. He kicked ass in court and showed her to be a liar. The judge found me not guilty. Yeah!

      Great Lawyer & Senator

      Posted by

      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!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Thom Goolsby A+

      Posted by

      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 imagined 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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Competent, Knowledgeable and Committed

      Posted by

      Attorney Goolsby is very competent, knowledgeable and committed. He takes his cases and clients very seriously. He represented our son recently on a minor traffic ticket and it was dismissed. Attorney Goolsby gave us total peace of mind that our son was in the very best of hands. Just watch his video and you too will be assured that he's the best to represent you!!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Charged with DWI- Not Guilty

      Posted by

      Thank goodness for Thom Goolsby. What a fighter! He did not hesitate to take my case to trial. He preformed a withering cross examination of the arresting officer in my DWI case. It was like a tv show. When it was my turn to testify he led me step-by-step through my case. At the end of the trial he gave a wonderful closing argument. The judge found me NOT guilty! I would recommend Mr. Goolsby to anyone who wants an excellent lawyer who takes care of his clients and knows how to win cases.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Thom's the best!

      Posted by

      I was charged with DWI and Reckless Driving after passing out and crashing my car. Apparently, I had a seizure while driving and was groggy at the scene when the police arrived. The investigating officer found drugs in the car and was convinced I was impaired by them. He had my blood drawn at the hospital for a test and charged me with the crimes. I am so glad I had Senator Thom Goolsby fighting for me. He stood strong and was with me at every court date. He challenged everything the State did and filed motions to protect my rights. The officer wanted to see me hammered and Senator Goolsby would have none of it. He fought hard for me. I could not believe it when I saw the officer throw up his hands and walk away when the case was dismissed. I walked out of the courtroom with my witness and my dad as a free man with no record! Senator Goolsby is the real deal. He is the best!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Awesome

      Posted by

      I went to Thom Goolsby a while back for personal injury and he was amazing he helped to get me the most from a bad situation.He was very polite and professional so was his staff. I would recommend him to anyone needing legal representation. I cant thank him enough God Bless You Thom Goolsby, Yours Truly, Mrs Constance Wills
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Expunction - New Law- adult felony charges

      Posted by

      Mr. Goolsby had my ADULT felony charges Expunged!!!! Seventeen years ago, at 21 years old, I was convicted of numerous very serious felony charges and due to the new NC Expunction Law that Mr. Goolsby supported as Senator, opening up the possibility for the expunction of felony convictions for people over the age of 18, the horrible past that followed me all these years has been washed to the ocean floor. Mr. Goolsby represented me and literally gave me my life back.

      First Time Offence - SDD

      Posted by

      Thom and his staff helped me tremendously on my first offence charge. Instead of a conviction, I was able to do community service, pay court fees and have my case dismissed. I've also hired him for my personal injury case due to an auto accident that wasn't my fault. I would rather pay more for an attorney with long standing experience and reputation than a cheap attorney who will charge less because they need business. Would highly recommend him!

      Experienced trial lawyer

      Posted by

      Thom is an experienced trial lawyer. Not afraid to go to court. He is particularly knowledgeable his areas of practice, but he has a wide range of knowledge of legal matters outside his practice which enables him to alert his clients to legal concerns that others might not recognize.
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (14)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Woody White, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2014
      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 Williams, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 19, 2014
      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.

      Rick Graves, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 24, 2019
      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 Gemmell, Criminal defense Attorney on May 1, 2017
      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 Walen, Criminal defense Attorney on May 7, 2015
      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 Payne, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 6, 2015
      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 Collins, Personal injury Attorney on Dec 1, 2014
      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 Arthur, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 19, 2014
      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 Mason, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 20, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

      Kevin Marcilliat, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 30, 2014
      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 Kern

      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.

      Mark Williams, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 19, 2014
      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.

      Robert Hale, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 19, 2014
      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 Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 13, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

      Woody White, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2014
      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.

      Andrew Olsen, Litigation Attorney on Jun 12, 2012
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Legal guides written by Thomas Goolsby