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For over 27 years now I have defended thousands of clients in Carteret County on charges ranging from minor traffic offenses to driving while impaired and crimes from simple drug offenses all the way to murder. I appreciated the responsibility to each client to give them my all to achieve the best possible outcome. In my first five years after law school, I served as an Assistant District Attorney, prosecuting the vast majority of both felony and misdemeanor jury trials in Carteret County.
I am Board Certified by the North Carolina State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization in State Criminal law, having been recertified every 5 years since 2009. I hold an AV Preeminent® peer review rating by Martindale-Hubbard: This is the highest peer rating standard and is awarded to attorneys who are ranked at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal expertise, communication skills, and ethical standards by their peers. In 2010, my peers recognized my expertise in the field of Criminal Law and included me in the Legal Elite in Business North Carolina Magazine.
I am licensed to practice before the North Carolina State Courts, the Federal District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and the United States Supreme Court.
I grew up in New Bern, North Carolina, graduated with a degree in business from Wake Forest University in 1987, cum laude, and received my law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law in 1992. I am a member of the North Carolina State Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Criminal Defense Section, 3B Judicial District Bar (past president), Carteret County Bar Association, and Eastern North Carolina Inn of Court.
I am married with 6 children, and enjoy being in the water, on a trail, and active in the community.
5
Practice Areas
28 years
28 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: North Carolina
Acquired: 1992
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106-D Professional Park Dr, Beaufort, NC, 28516
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Kevin | June 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
“Mr Lupton is excellent lawyer. He was clear and concise. He took care of my matter in a very timely manner, did exactly what he told me he was going to do, and followed through with it. He gave me peace of mind. I would highly recommend him. He is friendly, courteous and above all very fair. Again… ...
Posted by Ally | December 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Jim Lupton is an exceptional lawyer who went above and beyond for my case. His unwavering dedication and meticulous efforts led to a non-guilty decision by the judge. I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have entrusted him with my life, and he did everything possible to secure the best outcome f...
Posted by Cliff | August 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney
The Wheatley law firm and James Lupton offer superior legal representation! Mr. Lupton is an excellent listener, quick to grasp the essence of your case, and adept at handling all legal aspects. He responds with care and attention and is the best advocate you can have in a courtroom. Highly recommend...
Posted by anonymous | December 8, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Lupton projects professionalism and knowledge in consultation and in the courtroom. It is obvious he is respected by his peers and others in the court system. He takes interest in getting to know you and how best he can meet your needs. I was fully satisfied with the result and the way in whic...
Posted by Graham | December 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney
I was pulled over by a NC state trooper & falsely accused of multiple traffic violations that the trooper stated happened earlier that day. I hired James Lupton. He subpoena troopers video & demonstrated skill that only an experienced attorney could. My second appearance in court the case was compl...
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim Lupton in an excellent criminal defense attorney. He receives my highest marks."
"I first met Jim when he was a very competent Assistant District Attorney in this judicial district. Upon leaving the District Attorney's office, Jim quickly demonstrated that he is a master at criminal defense as well. Jim is a Board Certified Criminal Law Specialist, and I do not hesitate to refer criminal and traffic cases to him, and I will continue to do so in the future. I wholeheartedly endorse Jim."
"Jim is a strong force and competent criminal defense lawyer. He is a good man, trust worthy and diligent. I endorse Jim."
Litigation lawyer
Workers compensation lawyer
Estate planning lawyer
2020
Client Champion Award, Martindale-Hubbell
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2010
Legal Elite for Excellence in Criminal Defense, Business North Carolina
2010
Legal Elite, Business North Carolina
2009
Board Certified Specialist - State Criminal Law, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
2009
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2024 - Present
Partner, Lupton & Nobles, P. A.
1997 - 2024
Partner, Wheatly, Wheatly, Weeks, Lupton & Massie, P.A.
1992 - 1997
Prosecutor, District Attorney's Office, 3B Prosecutorial District, Beaufort, NC
2004 - Present
Eastern North Carolina Inn of Court
1997 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for JusticeCriminal Defense Section
1997 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Criminal Defense Section
1997 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section
1992 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association
1992 - Present
Carteret County Bar Association
1992 - Present
3B Judicial Bar AssociationPast President
1992
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
BS - Bachelor of Science
English
Spanish