Gaston County Traffic & Criminal Defense

When a ticket or charge threatens your license, your job, or your record: I’ve been there, and I can help.

Free consultation on traffic and criminal matters. Practicing law in Gaston County since 2007. More than 6,000 traffic and criminal cases defended. In most traffic cases, I can go to court so you don’t have to.

4.9 · about 380 Google reviews read them here

What I Do Best

One office. Four ways to get you back on track.

1. Traffic Tickets

Got a ticket in Gaston County? Don’t just pay it. Paying is a conviction, and the license and insurance points can follow you for three years. Most tickets can be negotiated down or dismissed, and in most cases I can appear in court on your behalf using a Waiver of Personal Appearance, so you never miss work. Speeding, super speeder, CDL, revoked license: start here.

Please note: my office is not currently accepting DWI cases.

Learn more about traffic tickets →

2. Misdemeanor Criminal Defense

Charged with a misdemeanor in Gaston County District Court? A conviction can mean probation, jail time, and a criminal record that follows you to every job application. From the moment an officer approaches you through the end of trial, your rights need safeguarding. Free case review: bring a copy of your ticket or warrant.

Learn more about criminal defense →

3. Clean Slate: Expunctions & Firearm Rights

An old charge shouldn’t decide your future. If your case was dismissed, or enough time has passed, North Carolina law may let us erase the record entirely. And if a single non-violent felony cost you your firearm rights, a restoration petition may get them back. Employment, housing, peace of mind: it starts with one call.

Learn more about clearing your record →

4. Life Documents: Powers of Attorney & Living Wills

We can’t be everywhere at all times, and often need the help of others in managing our affairs. That is truer as we grow older. A power of attorney puts someone you trust in your corner; a living will spares your loved ones the hardest decisions. Straightforward documents, prepared properly.

Learn more about life documents →

Proven Results

Real clients, real outcomes, in their own words.

North Carolina attorneys can’t promise outcomes, so I’ll let past clients describe theirs. Pulled from my public Google profile: 4.9 stars across roughly 380 reviews.

Never went to court
“Mr. Taylor helped me with 2 separate driving infractions. One of which offense he got completely Dismissed returning $200 of court fees back to me… he went to court on my behalf for both cases. I never had to step foot in a courtroom or miss any work.”
Joshua B., Google review
All charges dropped
“I had four different charges including a failure to appear. I live over 900 miles from North Carolina now… Not only did he go to court for me, but he was able to get all my charges dropped! AWESOME!”
Rog, Google review
No license points
“He got my 75 in a 55 ticket dropped down to where I got no points in my license… I didn’t have to do anything! He helped me so much in my time of need.”
Salem M., Google review
Stress off your shoulders
“Mr. Taylor was very kind and professional. He took away the stress and confusion of the situation… He took care of everything quickly, with very little effort on my part.”
Rita C., Google review
Plain-language advice
“First lawyer out of the many I had called to actually break down everything and explain it to me. Truly felt like he was working for me… helped me get everything taken care of with ease.”
Silvia K., Google review
Fair flat price
“He was still able to help me, give me advice, and handle my case with swiftness and ease for a great price. Best in Gaston county!”
Dana L., Google review

Read all reviews →  ·  Had a good experience? Review us on Google

Why I Do This Work

A lawyer who’s been where you are.

L. Martin Taylor standing outside Courtroom 3B at the Gaston County Courthouse
Gaston County Courthouse, Courtroom 3B
“Having been involved with the legal system from an early age as a juvenile defendant, and as a convicted felon in adult court, I can personally attest that we humans make mistakes in judgment. Having received a full pardon for my felony conviction, I fully understand how a criminal conviction can lead to both loss of freedom and future opportunities. If you want an attorney who will aggressively fight for you, who has been there and can relate, give my office a call.”

Read Martin’s full story →

What Happens Next

Worried about your court date? Here’s how this goes.

Call or walk in: it’s free

Free consultation on traffic and criminal matters. If the line is busy, leave a message. Martin returns calls the same business day. Walk-ins Mon–Fri 8:00–8:30 AM and 11:00 AM–12:00 PM.

We go over your ticket and your options

Bring or read off your citation. You’ll get a plain-English rundown of what you’re facing, every available option, and an up-front flat quote with no hidden fees. You make the key decisions.

In most traffic cases, I go to court for you

With a signed Waiver of Personal Appearance, most clients never set foot in a courtroom or miss a day of work. You get the outcome and case paperwork by mail.

Where I Practice

Gaston County is home court.

Born and raised in Gaston County. Practicing in its courtrooms since 2007. More than 6,000 traffic and criminal cases. If your ticket says Gaston County, this office knows the courthouse, the calendars, and the local rules that decide how your case gets resolved.

  • Gastonia
  • Mount Holly
  • Belmont
  • Dallas
  • Cherryville
  • Bessemer City
  • Lowell
  • McAdenville
  • Cramerton
  • Stanley
  • Ranlo
  • High Shoals

More about the areas I serve →

Map of Gaston County, North Carolina
Cases heard at the Gaston County Courthouse, Gastonia.
Client Forms

The two forms clients need most, right here.

Waiver of Personal Appearance

Lets Martin appear in court on your behalf. In most traffic cases you never have to show up or miss work. Download, sign, and return it to the office.

Consent for Release of Personal Information

Authorizes the office to obtain what your case needs, like your driving record, so Martin can negotiate from the full picture.

Credentials & Memberships
North Carolina State Bar Gaston County Bar NC Bar Association NC Advocates for Justice U.S. Army Veteran, Honorable Discharge ★ Google 4.9 · ~380 reviews Practicing since 2007

Verify Martin’s license with the NC State Bar →

Free Consultation

Free consultation on traffic & criminal matters. Call before your court date.

704-675-9939

Can’t call right now? Request a callback and Martin will return it the same business day.