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

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

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

Filter Avvo Reviews (24) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Lawsuits & Disputes

Posted by David | December 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

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 09, 2023 | Lawsuits & Disputes

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 | April 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Very satisfied with my results.

Thomas is a great attorney with your best interest in mind at all times. He listens and then will give you the best advice at the moment of what he has in mind for your best defense. Thomas keeps you abreast of what is happing with your situation. Very professional person and a great sense of humo...r. Did a fantastic job with my situation and his staff is very good and knowledgeable to help with questions. I wouldn't hesitate to refer someone to Thomas. In my mind, Thomas has exceptional knowledge of the areas that he specializes. Thanks again for all your help and for the great outcome for my situation.

Posted by Dawid | August 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Excellent

Thomas did way more then I expected. I did not have to show up to court, being out of state, it helped out tremendously. Would definitely recommend to everyone. Thank you!

Posted by anonymous | July 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

He was great.

Thomas Amburgey was very straight forward and very helpful in terms of how he could help me with my case. He got my case dismissed so I was very pleased to have had him as my lawyer.

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

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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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