Experience
Having practiced criminal law in North Carolina for over a decade, Mr. Dawkins has experience in a wide range of criminal and administrative proceedings that can affect your liberty. His experience includes jury trial acquittals of first degree murder, Driving While Impaired (DWI), drug offenses, sex crimes, assaults and protective order violations. Not all cases require trial by jury. Many times, cases can be resolved by negotiating dismissals or other favorable outcomes for our clients. Mr. Dawkins has resolved hundreds of cases by dismissal or plea negotiations, benefiting his client’s best interest, and avoiding the risks of trial while providing peace of mind knowing the outcome of your case.
Prior to entering private practice, Mr. Dawkins was a former Assistant District Attorney in Moore County, North Carolina where he primarily prosecuted cases in district court. Mr. Dawkins through his trial experience and education is Board Certified by the North Carolina State Bar in State Criminal Law. He has previously lectured to other attorneys on DWI defense at the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. He is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, President of the Moore County Bar Association, Member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, former member of the Federal Training Panel for the Middle District of North Carolina, and is qualified to serve as lead trial counsel in First Degree Murder cases through the Office of the Capital Defender for North Carolina.
Associations & Memberships
NC State Bar
National Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
About Kelly Dawkins
Mr. Dawkins was born in Rockingham, North Carolina, and raised in Sanford North Carolina. He is the son of a law enforcement family, having a father who is a retired detective and a mother who served as a probation officer for nearly three decades. Mr. Dawkins grew up surrounded by friends and family members who worked with law enforcement and the State Court System. After graduating college and attending law school, Mr. Dawkins returned to the area where he was raised and joined the Moore County District Attorney’s Office. After serving the public in the District Attorney’s Office, Mr. Dawkins moved into private practice so he could see the outcome of the work he provided and the positive impact on his client’s lives. He has Defended hundreds of clients throughout the State while working in private practice. Mr. Dawkins has endeavored to open his own law firm where he will focus his expertise on providing the best criminal defense and personal attention to his clients. When not in court, Mr. Dawkins is happily married to his wife, Jane Claire. They have two young children. Mr. Dawkins is an avid golfer and loves calling Pinehurst, North Carolina his home. Mr. Dawkins is a Vestry member of Emmanuel Episcopal Church and is currently serving as President of the Moore County Bar Association.
