Clear counsel, practical direction
Understanding the matter in front of you.
Facing criminal charges can be an overwhelming and stressful experience. At Hester, Grady, & Hester, PLLC, our criminal defense attorneys are dedicated to providing focused representation to individuals accused of crimes. We handle a wide range of criminal cases, including DUI, drug offenses, theft, assault, and more. Our goal is to protect our clients’ rights and achieve the appropriate outcome, whether through negotiation, plea bargaining, or trial.
Our firm understands the serious consequences that criminal charges can have on our clients’ lives. We take a proactive approach to criminal defense, thoroughly investigating each case, identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s evidence, and developing a strong defense strategy. At Hester, Grady, & Hester, PLLC, we are committed to standing by our clients every step of the way, providing the support and legal experience they need to navigate the criminal justice system.
Start with the charge, the paperwork, and the next date
A criminal case can move quickly, and the first useful step is to identify exactly what has been charged, where the case is pending, and what date appears on the citation, release order, or other court paperwork. Different charges and procedural stages raise different questions. A defense strategy must be based on the evidence, the client’s history, the applicable law, and the options actually available in that case.
Kyle G. Melvin handles criminal matters in Bladen County and criminal matters in Columbus County. His work includes felony and misdemeanor charges, DWI, traffic matters, expunction questions, and certain registry matters within the geographic focus described on this site. Gary Grady also handles criminal law matters. Representation is determined only after a conflict check and consultation.
What to preserve before a consultation
Keep every document received from law enforcement, the court, or the Division of Motor Vehicles. Note upcoming dates and preserve potentially relevant communications, photographs, or other records without altering or posting them publicly. Do not discuss the facts of a pending case on social media or send a detailed account through the website contact form.
At a consultation, counsel may ask about the charge, the encounter, prior court history, witnesses, available records, release conditions, and the client’s immediate concerns. The purpose is to understand the matter and explain potential next steps—not to promise a particular result. Outcomes depend on facts and decisions outside any lawyer’s control.
Focused service in Bladen and Columbus Counties
The firm’s office is in Elizabethtown in Bladen County. Kyle’s current county focus includes criminal, felony, traffic, DWI, expunction, and sex offender registry matters in Bladen County, and criminal, traffic, and DWI matters in Columbus County. The firm does not claim a separate Columbus County office.
If you have a court date, identify the county, charge, and date when requesting a consultation. A form submission or phone message alone does not engage the firm or change a deadline. Continue to follow all court orders and seek immediate, appropriate help if the situation is urgent.
What to expect when you contact us
- Tell us what happened.Share the basic facts and any immediate deadlines.
- Discuss the available paths.We will help you understand whether and how our firm may be able to assist.
- Decide on the next step.If we work together, we will explain the scope and what comes next.
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