Joshua Nielsen

Joshua Nielsen

also known as Nielsen Legal

4.9
Rating: 8.5

Licensed for 13 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Waynesville, NC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, Family ... +2 more

413 Walnut Street, Waynesville, NC

About Joshua

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

I have provided trial work and representation from high level felonies through simple possession charges for marijuana, assault and DWI/DUI in North Carolina.

14 years | 658 cases

30%
Sex Crime 30%

Sex crimes are serious. Life sentences, 30 years or more on the sex offender registry and long reaching ramifications. If you have been charged with statutory rape, indecent liberties with a minor, first or second degree sex offense call us today.

13 years | 50 cases

30%
Family 20%

We focus on child custody, equitable distribution, modification of custody, alimony, and post separation support and emergency custody in both state and tribal court.

14 years | 367 cases

20%
Federal Crime 10%

Federal criminal law is similar to state law, but also vastly different in sentencing and the types of crimes that can be alleged. If you need serious representation call us for a free consultation.

11 years | 39 cases

10%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 10%

I have handled thousands of traffic violations, ranging from reckless driving through simple seat belt tickets. We keep you from coming to court and help keep your license and insurance points from increasing.

14 years | 3,000 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 13 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2012

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Nielsen Legal

413 Walnut Street, Waynesville, NC, 28786-0304

Nielsen Legal - Asheville Office

215 Executive Park, Building 100, Asheville, NC, 28801

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Joshua Nielsen's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

5 star (26)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Will defend abusers so long as they’re men

Unbelievably misogynistic and cold. I’m a DV survivor and in a complex and nasty custody battle. Don’t waste your time.

Posted by Gareth | June 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Greatest Lawyer on the Planet

This amazing man showed up, got my case dismissed immediately, and walked out of that court room like an absolute badass. I have no idea how he did it, but I’m eternally grateful.

Posted by Douglas | September 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The BEST

Watched him anilate his opponent in court. He knows his stuff! Very good at what he does! Would not hesitate to employee him again!!

Posted by Olivia | January 11, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Such a great experience!

I was put into a situation where I needed an emergency custody order for my son. Not only did Joshua go above and beyond to get the order in place quickly, he was there with me all the way until the ultimate win of permanent custody. He was kind and professional and I couldn’t have asked for better! ...Joshua and Angela are a great team and I highly recommend him for any family custody cases!

Posted by AJ | December 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Traffic Citation Results delivered on Expectation

Joshua and Angela were available, and thorough, with me as we collaborated remotely. The result was as expected per previous discussion.

See All Client Reviews

Joshua Nielsen's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Joshua
Heather Dolan Kaemmer headshot
Heather Kaemmer

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Joshua is an excellent attorney, I would recommend him to any client needing legal services in Waynesville and surrounding areas. His legal knowledge and ability to advocate for his clients really sets him apart!"

Amy Christina Smith headshot
Amy Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Josh is an excellent lawyer!"

J. Thomas Amburgey headshot
J. Amburgey

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Josh is an excellent attorney. He listenes to his clients and does an excellent job advocating for them. If you're looking for an attorney to hire, he is an excellent choice."

Douglas H. Pearson headshot
Douglas Pearson

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have had the opportunity to both work with, and as opposing counsel in trial versus, Mr. Josh Nielsen on many occasions. He always impresses me with his professionalism and attention to detail. His thoroughness and understanding of the law, nuances of a case, and strategy are a great asset to his clients. Additionally his staff is helpful and attentive. I would, and do frequently, recommend clients call Josh to handle traffic, DWI, criminal and family law matters. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Nielsen."

Robert Samuel Gilligan headshot
Robert Gilligan

Criminal defense lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lakota Robin Denton headshot
Lakota Denton

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Anthony Richard Tuorto headshot
Anthony Tuorto

Family lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lance Christian Williams headshot
Lance Williams

Divorce and separation lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Amy Christina Smith headshot
Amy Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas H. Pearson headshot
Douglas Pearson

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Samuel Gilligan headshot
Robert Gilligan

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.5 (Excellent)

Honors

2016

10 Best Under 40, American Institute of Family Law Attorneys

Work Experience

2014 - Present

Principal, Nielsen Legal

2012 - 2014

Partner, Melrose Seago and Lay

Associations

2014 - Present

Cherokee Nation Bar Association

Attorney

2012 - Present

28th Judicial District Bar

Member

2012 - Present

30th Judicial District Bar Association

Attorney Member

2012 - Present

Western District of North Carolina

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Statutory Rape

Not Guilty

DWI

Not Guilty

Felony Larceny of Motor Vehicle

Dismissed

Primary Custody Awarded

Completed Objective = Custody granted

See More Legal Cases

Education

2012

Elon University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2008

University of North Carolina, Wilmington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Publications

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 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