J. Thomas Amburgey

PRO

J. Thomas Amburgey

also known as Thomas Amburgey, Asheville Criminal Defense Lawyer

5.0
26 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 18 years

Violent crime Lawyer at Asheville, NC
Practice Areas: Violent Crime, DUI & DWI, Federal Crime ... +3 more

22 South Pack Square Suite #1200, Asheville, NC

Free Consultation

About J.

Biography

A Board Certified Specialist in State Criminal Law. Trial experience that drives results.

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 20%

20%
Federal Crime 20%

20%
Sex Crime 20%

20%
Violent Crime 20%

20%
Criminal Defense 10%

10%
Domestic Violence 10%

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2017 2016

Licenses

Licensed in North Carolina for 18 years

State: North Carolina

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of J. Thomas Amburgey

22 South Pack Square Suite #1200, Asheville, NC, 28801

amburgeylaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find J. online.

J. Thomas Amburgey's Reviews

5 star

(24)

4 star

(0)

3 star

(0)

2 star

(0)

1 star

(0)

Posted by David | December 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Defense Attorney

If you require a competent and compassionate attorney, consider contacting Amburgey Law. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with Thomas Amburgey during my first experience seeking legal advice and defense representation. Mr. Amburgey demonstrated thorough understanding by carefully listening t...o my circumstances, asking insightful questions, and providing a clear summary of our defense strategies. He played a crucial role in alleviating my concerns and addressing my anxiety throughout the process. During the extended legal proceedings, Mr. Amburgey was consistently present at every court appearance, offering invaluable support. He took care to explain each stage of the process and, with the assistance of his paralegal Vanessa, maintained regular communication. It was reassuring to know that Mr. Amburgey was committed to advocating on my behalf from start to finish. Ultimately, both of my cases were successfully dismissed.

Posted by Sam | February 9, 2023 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Best in Asheville

Out of many attorneys, Thomas was the only to tell me what I needed to know. Not only that, he took hours out of his day to sit down with me & give advice that helped me secure a legal victory. One of the most competent & moral attorneys I’ve dealt with.

Posted by Robert | August 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional Recommendation

Loyalty, care, confidentiality, expertise and so much more. Vanessa and Thomas worked diligently to provide me with sound guidance and great information for informed decision making. Additionally, the professionalism that they exude to their clients is what gives this firm the reputation that they... are known for. If your looking for counsel to represent you, I recommended Amburgey Law.

Posted by Nick | August 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A Pro’s Pro

Although my case was trivial in the grand scheme of things, I was treated as though my case was their top priority. Thomas’ previous experience as a DA, coupled with Vanessa’s expertise, his highly qualified legal assistant made for a straightforward, expeditious experience. Again, for individuals co...nsidering Thomas for serious, nuanced situations or more run of the mill cases, this is the team you want behind you. Cannot overstate their professionalism, efficiency, and consistent communication!

Posted by Bonnie | July 21, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Lawyer

I highly recommend Thomas Amburgey to anyone looking for a criminal attorney. He is a highly intelligent, charismatic, knowledgeable lawyer. He knows the system and the stakeholders involved with the judicial system in Buncombe County. He has genuine concern for his clients and is an extremely cap...able attorney. I hope I never need a criminal attorney again but if I do, he will be my first call. My case ended with a dismissal. He is a great attorney.

See All Client Reviews

J. Thomas Amburgey's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse J.
Vijay Nathan headshot
Vijay Nathan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thomas was one of the foremost trial attorneys in the District Attorney's Office during his years there. Putting that experience to work on your behalf is a good idea."

Brian David Elston headshot
Brian Elston

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Mr. Amburgey to my clients in criminal defense matter. He is diligent, timely, and a zealous advocate. His experience in the district attorney's office makes him uniquely qualified to represent and advise individuals in criminal matters. Without reservation, I endorse Mr. Amburgey."

Suzanne Alicia Nelson headshot
Suzanne Nelson

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Thomas and I had many cases where he was the Prosecutor and I was the Defense Attorney. Thomas was always very prepared and worked hard to make sure every aspect of the case was handled appropriately as the Prosecutor. He was always very fair in his plea offers and truly wanted to help those in need of help. With Thomas as your defense attorney, you can not go wrong!"

Albert M. Messer headshot
Albert Messer

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Thomas for several years dating back to when he was a prosecutor. I think Thomas is a knowledgeable and experienced advocate. It is my pleasure to endorse him."

Janet Haney Amburgey headshot
Janet Amburgey

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Family member

"Thomas is a board certified specialist in criminal defense and practices with the utmost integrity and at the highest level. Thomas has earned the respect of our judiciary and colleagues and has served our local bar association. Not only is he an effective and successful trial lawyer but he is a good husband and father to me, his wife, and our two children."

Patrick S. Mccroskey headshot
Patrick Mccroskey

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Knowledgeable, tenacious and exceedingly good at what he does. I cannot recommend him highly enough."

Howard L. Gum headshot
Howard Gum

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Thomas is an very experienced and knowledgeable defense attorney. He has substantial experience in serious and complex felony cases as well as misdemeanor matters. I highly recommend him."

View All Endorsements
Matthew Jarboe Rupp headshot
Matthew Rupp

Unknown lawyer

Joel Schechet headshot
Joel Schechet

Criminal defense lawyer

David G. Budd II headshot
David Budd

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua Nielsen headshot
Joshua Nielsen

Criminal defense lawyer

Vijay Nathan headshot
Vijay Nathan

Criminal defense lawyer

Ryan S. Petersen headshot
Ryan Petersen

Litigation lawyer

Justin Michael Lovely headshot
Justin Lovely

DUI and DWI lawyer

Amy Suzanne Lawrence headshot
Amy Lawrence

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Ellis Farmer headshot
Andrew Farmer

Criminal defense lawyer

Suzanne Alicia Nelson headshot
Suzanne Nelson

Litigation lawyer

Brian David Elston headshot
Brian Elston

Workers compensation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

North Carolina Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2023

Business NC Legal Elite, Criminal Defense Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

North Carolina Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2022

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2022

Business NC Legal Elite, Criminal Defense Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

North Carolina Super Lawyer, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2021

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2021

Business NC Legal Elite, Criminal Defense Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2020

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2020

Business NC Legal Elite, Criminal Defense Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2020

Super Lawyer Rising Stars, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2020

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2019

Business NC Legal Elite, Criminal Defense Section, Business North Carolina Magazine

2019

Super Lawyers Rising Stars, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2019

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2019

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyers Rising Stars, North Carolina Super Lawyers

2018

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell®

2018

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2017

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Client's Choice, Criminal Defense, Avvo

2015

Board Certified Specialist in State Criminal Law, North Carolina State Bar

N/A

Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Attorney, Amburgey Law P.A.

2007 - 2014

Assistant District Attorney, State Of North Carolina

2006 - 2006

Intern, Bearfield & Associates

2005 - 2005

Intern, District Attorney's Office Sevier County

Associations

2007 - Present

North Carolina State Bar

Admitted

2013 - 2016

Buncombe County Bar Association

Executive Committee Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v Hopper

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Appalachian School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2004

East Tennessee State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2015

Competent Criminal Representation for Civil Attorneys CLE Intro to Criminal Law

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