Albert M. Messer

Albert M. Messer

5.0
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 29 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Asheville, NC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

40 Clayton St, Asheville, NC

About Albert

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Al Messer is a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal law. He has represented 1000's of people ranging from Capital murder to DWI. He has tried hundreds of cases. He is aggressive and has the experience, knoweledge and skill to achieve the best results possible.

29 years | 1,000 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 50%

Attorney Al Messer is a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal law and has successfully defended individuals charged with Driving While Impaired. He has won many cases at trial and has the experience, skill and knowledge necessary.

29 years | 1,000 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 29 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Albert M. Messer

40 Clayton St, Asheville, NC, 28801-2424

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Albert M. Messer's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

41 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (41) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 10 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 14, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Al Messer and his counterpart, Kate Collins, saved my life as well as my financial future

In 2014 I was charged with Trafficking in Marijuana 50-2000 pounds, Conspiracy to Traffic in Marijuana, Manufacturing Marijuana, Maintaining a dwelling, and possession of paraphernalia stemming from a Grow House Bust in Asheville, NC. When I found out I had a warrant for my arrest, I immediately con...tacted my family attorney in Florida and asked him to find me the best lawyer in Western North Carolina to represent me. The charges could have gone federal, so my lawyer not only wanted the best lawyer for me, but also wanted one who has experience on the Federal level. He gave me Al Messer's phone number and said to go see him. When I first met with Al, I knew right away he was going to be my representation in the upcoming court proceedings. He immediately drove me downtown to turn myself in and had my bail bondsman waiting for me out front before I even got there. He also got my $5000 bail waived. I was in and out within an hour. During the entire 11 month process, Al and his counterpart, Kate Collins, were their for me whenever I needed them. I lived in Florida the entire time and Al would get me excused from virtually every court proceeding. Al negotiated with the prosecutors and got all my charges dropped down to one felony count of attempted Trafficking. No 3 year mandatory minimum sentence and no $25,000 fine. At my final court appearance, he pleaded with the Judge not to give me the 15-25 month in the NCDOC. He told me all the right things to say to the judge and thankfully I got my sentence suspended and put on 2 years probation, transferrable back to my home state of Florida. Al and Kate saved my life! I have a 4 year old daughter and wife of 10 years that cant be without me for a weekend, no less 3 years in State prison. They also rely on me financially to pay the bills and put food on the table. I really feel that if I used another lawyer, I would have done time. This man knows everyone in the justice system. He was a former prosecutor years ago and has 20 plus years experience dealing with these type of cases. Al and Kate also saved my financial future. At the time of arrest, The State of North Carolina unauthorized substance tax, taxed me $225,000 for the 98 pounds of marijuana they confiscated from the grow house. He told me right away that we only had 20 days to fight it and that this was a separate matter, a civil matter, separate from the criminal charges. He started working right away on negotiating with the NC Department of Revenue. In the end, Al Messer and Kate Collins settled my tax debt. They brought the tax down from $225,000 to $5,000. (that is NOT a typo). To this I owe them my financial future. If that tax debt was not settled, the NC Department of Revenue CAN AND WILL seize all the money in your bank account (even years after you get the bill), take your tax returns, put liens on your property, and much more. Because of Al and Kate's hard work in fighting this civil matter, I am now able to continue my life, run a successful business, have money in the bank, cars in my name, etc. etc. Al and Kate handled both my criminal and civil matters for a very minimal cost. Other Lawyers charge up to 5 times what they charged me. Although money was never a concern, because I wanted to best lawyer money could buy. They were the best and just happened to be very reasonably priced. I will never forget as long as I live, what Al and Kate did for me, my wife, and my entire family. If you find yourself being charged with any criminal and/or civil crimes in Western North Carolina, please Al and Kate right now. You will be very happy with the outcome.

Posted by JAYSON LEE | April 19, 2015 | Criminal Defense

THIS IS THE LAWYER OF AND FOR THE 21st CENTURY!!!

Al Messer is the best lawyer I have ever retained whenever I found myself in a predicament that required representation. Which has been a few. Now I am not some disrespectful thug who thinks the Justice system is rigged but it has crossed my mind but Mr. Messer renewed my faith in our system. If you ...stick to your principles and you are honest with Mr. Messer/council Justice can prevail even when the Cop are stretching the truth or out right fibbing, Mr. Messer has the skills to bring forth the truth & the facts and in my case was able to show the inconsistencies in "the laws" testimony. Now in my case I ACTUALLY was INNOCENT but the way it was reported my NOT GUILTY VERDICT could have very well been a dream in my head but with Mr. Allen Messer's expertise and skillfully mastered language and court room tactics he was able to show that just because someone where's a badge does not mean they are always right. If you need an attorney Al Messer is the one for the citizens of Buncombe County. A 21st century real version of the fictional Perry Mason with the potential to rise into the stratosphere of his field. If I ever need another attorney (which GOD willing I will not) HELL YES Mr. Allen Messer will be my choice and if you want the best this area has to offer he will be the one you choose as well. Thank You once again to all those within the LAW FIRM of MR. ALLEN MESSER, you deserved every penny and then some. Justice truly has a capable advocate and a supremely qualified ally!

Posted by Bonnie | January 09, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Highly Recommend MesserLaw Firm

We live out of state and are very grateful to have found the Messer Law Firm to represent our son in North Carolina. Our first contacts were with Legal Assistant, Kate Collins. Her knowledgeable answers to our questions and emotional support in a time of crisis gave us the incentive to pursue hiri...ng this firm. She has continued to assist us throughout this lengthy process. Our son, a young adult, was charged with violations in two counties (Buncombe and Rutherford). The charges ranged from traffic violations to more serious felony allegations. Mr. Messer never minimized the situation and presented us with an honest assessment that demonstrated his extensive and comprehensive knowledge of the law. Our son's complex case has been handled by Mr. Messer with diligence, professionalism, impressive skills in the courtroom and an understanding and ability to navigate the system. We are extremely appreciative of the positive outcomes Mr. Messer has achieved for our son. We highly recommend Mr. Messer and the Messer Law Firm. Bonnie and Dirk P

Posted by anonymous | August 25, 2014 | Expungement

great attorney

Thank you all so much for the help you have given me with regards to this matter. I am very happy to see that my charges have been expunged and am very great full for the work you all have done. I'm currently studying abroad in Santiago, Chile, learning Spanish and about the local cultures, economy, ...and people. I may not have had this opportunity without the quick dismissal of charges last summer, and now with the expunction I no longer have to worry about opportunities lost due to a stupid decision. So one more time, thank you all again very much for all of the help. Anonymous -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Messer Law Firm is extremely professional, and streamlined one of the most important obstacles in my life. You are truly blessed! I would recommend anyone to Kate and Al. Their professionalism and knowledge of the system is amazing. Thanks again. What a relief to have this over for now. Many sleepless nights, and I actually got some real rest last night. Anonymous

Posted by JGH | July 18, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Outstanding Criminal Attorney

Recently had the unfortunate circumstance of needing a trial attorney to help me through an incident. Mr. Messer was brilliant in trial in front of the jury which resulted in my exoneration. I would recommend Al highly to anyone facing a problem which needs legal help.

See All Client Reviews

Albert M. Messer's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Albert
Suzanne Alicia Nelson headshot
Suzanne Nelson

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have seen Mr. Messer in action in the courtroom, and you will be very well represented if you are lucky enough to get him on your case. He goes the extra mile for his clients and cares about the outcome."

Rebecca Ashley Nelson headshot
Rebecca Nelson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"This is the lawyer a lawyer would hire if he got charged with DWI."

Robert J. Reeves headshot
Robert Reeves

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Very impressive credentials and willing to try cases in court. Is also responsive to phone calls and emails. Would recommend highly."

Bill Powers headshot
Bill Powers

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Al Messer is a "Lawyer's Lawyer." He has a sharp legal mind, quick wit and personable demeanor. I consider myself lucky to count him as a friend. Al is known within the legal community as a legal scholar. He enjoys the process of researching and arguing cases. There are few attorneys out there whom possess a greater and/or more thorough knowledge of the law. His subtle sense of humor is refreshing. I enjoy seeing him in court, especially in Chambers when we can catch up and discuss developing trends in the Courts. Al isn't afraid to take on complex, difficult legal issues or causes. I would not hesitate to send him a case, especially one involving a serious felony in Buncombe County. Bill Powers www.PowersMcCartan.com [email protected]"

Marcus E. Hill headshot
Marcus Hill

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Al for over 10 years, and have regularly referred him cases. He is a smart and crafty advocate, who will work until he achieves success, whether the fee he was paid justifies that or not.He is an excellent choice for a traffic or criminal matter."

Tony E. Rollman headshot
Tony Rollman

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Al is a great lawyer who works hard for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Scott H. Sheffron headshot
Scott Sheffron

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Great lawyer. Al is very honest, trustworthy, and most importantly cares about his clients."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

View All Endorsements
J. Thomas Amburgey headshot
J. Amburgey

Criminal defense lawyer

Rebecca Ashley Nelson headshot
Rebecca Nelson

Child custody lawyer

Scott H. Sheffron headshot
Scott Sheffron

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert J. Reeves headshot
Robert Reeves

DUI and DWI lawyer

Bill Powers headshot
Bill Powers

DUI and DWI lawyer

Marcus E. Hill headshot
Marcus Hill

DUI and DWI lawyer

Tony E. Rollman headshot
Tony Rollman

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Board Certified Specialist in State & Federal Criminal Law 2006, North Carolina State Bar

2013

2013 Nationally Ranked Top Ten Attorney Award, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys

2013

Top Lawyers in North Carolina, Super Lawyers Magazine

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Top Lawyers in North Carolina, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

Work Experience

1999 - Present

Attorney, Messer Law Firm

1998 - 1999

Assistant District Attorney, Buncombe County District Attorney's Office

1997 - 1998

Associate, Brown and Moore

Associations

2000 - Present

North Carolina Advocates for Justice

Attorney Member

2000 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association

Attorney Member

2000 - Present

American Bar Association

Attorney Member

2000 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Attorney Member

Education

1996

University of Arkansas

JD - Juris Doctor

1991

University of South Carolina

BS - Bachelor of Science

Languages

English

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Avvo Rating Levels
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