When you’re charged in Carteret County, the right defense starts now.
Joel Hancock has defended thousands of people facing DWI, drug, felony, and traffic charges in the courts right here at home. Honest answers, a focused defense, no judgment.
Trusted by people across Carteret County
★★★★★ 4.9 · 132 reviews on Google →Individual results depend on the specific facts of each case; these reviews reflect those clients’ own experiences and are not a guarantee of any particular outcome.
A criminal charge can follow you for the rest of your life.
Your job, your record, your license, and your freedom are all on the line. You deserve a defense that takes every detail seriously.
Local court experience
Joel is in Carteret County’s district and superior courts week in and week out, so he knows how the local docket actually runs.
Straight answers, no judgment
You’ll get a clear read on the charges, your options, and what to expect, in plain English, from the attorney himself.
One focused practice
This is a criminal-defense firm. It’s not a side practice. It’s the whole practice, and it’s all in Carteret County.
Practice Areas
Focused criminal defense across the charges Carteret County residents face most.

DWI / DUI Defense
From a first offense to aggravated DWI, defending your license and your record.
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Drug Charges
Possession, distribution, and trafficking defense under North Carolina law.
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Felonies
Serious charges demand a serious defense, built around the facts of your case.
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Misdemeanors
“Minor” charges still carry real consequences. Joel treats them that way.
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Traffic Offenses
Tickets, license issues, and CDL violations that can cost you more than a fine.
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Expungements
Clearing an eligible record so an old mistake stops holding you back.
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A focused defense from a local Carteret County attorney.
Joel Hancock has built his practice defending people in the courts of Carteret County since 2013. He knows the local system because he works in it every day, and he handles your case personally, start to finish.
- ✓ Thousands of client matters since 2018
- ✓ 4.9★ on Google (132 reviews) · 10.0 on Avvo
- ✓ Speaks Portuguese (fluent) and Spanish (conversational)
- ✓ Keri answers the phone, and Joel returns your call himself
From your first call to the courtroom, you’re never in the dark.
Free Consultation
Call and tell Joel what happened. He’ll explain the charges and your options at no cost.
Joel Builds Your Defense
He reviews the stop, the evidence, and the charges, then maps out a strategy built around the facts of your case.
Joel Fights For You
He represents you in Carteret County district and superior court himself, from your first appearance through trial if that is where the case goes.
Before you call, you might be wondering…
How soon should I call a lawyer?
As soon as possible. Early steps in a case, before your first court date, can make a real difference in the outcome.
How much will my defense cost?
It depends on the charge and the case. The initial consultation is free. Joel quotes a flat fee up front, and payment plans are available in most cases.
What areas do you serve?
Carteret County only: Beaufort, Morehead City, Newport, Atlantic Beach, and Cape Carteret.
Do you handle federal cases?
No. Hancock Law Firm focuses on North Carolina state criminal matters in Carteret County’s district and superior courts.
Charged in Carteret County? Let’s talk.
A free, confidential consultation is the first step toward protecting your future. Call now, or send a message and Joel will get back to you.
252-515-1516601-A Cedar Street · Beaufort, NC 28516
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