Attorney Les Robinson, Greenville NC
Super Lawyer, Leslie S. Robinson
National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
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Meet Les

Leslie S. Robinson was born and raised in Greenville, North Carolina. He graduated from East Carolina University and immediately thereafter, attended Campbell University School of Law where he received his Juris Doctorate degree in 1986.

During law school, Les was a staff member of the Campbell Law Review, a law journal operated by students who rank in the top 5% of their class. He was also a member, by invitation, to Omicron Delta Kappa, Phil Alpha Delta and Order of Barristers. In addition, he was a case summary writer for the Campbell Law Observer, a student published legal publication. As a member of Campbell’s 1985 moot court team, he participated in the national finals for the American Bar Association’s Appellate Advocacy Competition before the U.S. Supreme Court in Washington, D.C.

After graduating from law school, Les returned to his hometown of Greenville where he entered into private practice in August 1986. Since that time, he has tried more than 3,500 bench and jury trials. Les has represented and successfully defended individuals at both the trial and appellate court levels in criminal cases involving traffic violations; alcohol and drug offenses, such as driving while impaired, provisional licensee alcohol violations and drug trafficking; assaults and violent crimes, including crimes of domestic violence and capital murder; theft and property crimes; sex crimes; computer and corporate fraud crimes; probation violations; and firearm offenses. He has given oral arguments in criminal cases, by invitation, to the North Carolina Court of Appeals and the North Carolina Supreme Court, and successfully argued numerous criminal cases before the appellate courts of North Carolina, several involving issues of first impression.

Les is a frequent continuing legal education (CLE) speaker for legal associations throughout North Carolina. He has given CLE presentations for the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, North Carolina Bar Association, North Carolina Public Defenders and the North Carolina Institute of Government. Les is known throughout North Carolina as being the creator and author of the legal practitioner’s DWI Criminal Defense Checklist. Since 1997, this checklist is considered an absolute must for criminal attorneys defending individuals charged with driving while impaired in North Carolina.

Les has been repeatedly elected by his peers to leadership positions in local, district and state bar organizations. He served for nine years as the elected Bar Councilor representative to the North Carolina State Bar. As Bar Councilor, he served on numerous committees in the capacity as committee member, Vice Chair and Chair.

He was recognized by Business North Carolina magazine as a Legal Elite in 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017, and was named to the Legal Elite Hall of Fame in 2018. He was also highlighted in Super Lawyers Magazine’s recognition of outstanding lawyers from more than 70 practice areas 10 years in a row (2015 to 2024). Les is also recognized as being the first lawyer in the state to obtain pretrial dismissal of criminal charges and the grant of civil and criminal immunity based upon the castle doctrine.

Les regularly volunteers his time as a speaker to community sports and school groups involving teenagers on the topics of alcohol and drug use, peer pressure and wise choices. He is also a member of numerous civic and charitable organizations that raise funds to serve disadvantaged youth and adults living in Pitt County. He currently serves on the board of a local nonprofit, Caitlyn’s Courage, which supports victims of domestic violence.

Since 2021, Les has served his community as the District 5 Council Member on the Greenville City Council. He previously served as a member and chairman of the Greenville Planning and Zoning Committee.

A lifelong hunter and saltwater fisherman, Mr. Robinson actively advocates for conservation of our fish and game resources.

CURRICULUM VITAE

EDUCATION

Undergraduate:

    • Campbell University School of Law
      • J.D., 1986
      • American Jurisprudence Award
      • 1985 ABA Appellate Advocacy Competition
      • Campbell Law Review
      • Campbell Law Observer, Case Summary Writer
      • Omicron Delta Kappa
      • Order of Barristers
      • Phi Alpha Delta
BAR ADMISSIONS
AWARDS AND HONORS

Super Lawyers Magazine, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys Top Ten, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024
The National Trial Lawyers, Top 100, 2013, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020
American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys, 10 Best Attorney, 2017, 2018 and 2019
Named to Business North Carolina Magazine, Legal Elite Hall of Fame in 2018
Business North Carolina Magazine, Legal Elite 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017
First lawyer in North Carolina to obtain pretrial dismissal of criminal charges and the grant of civil and criminal immunity based upon the castle doctrine.

MEMBERSHIP
  • American Bar Association
    • Member, Criminal Justice Section
  • DUI Defense Lawyers Association
  • Eastern North Carolina Inn of Court
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • North Carolina Advocates For Justice
    • Former Chair, Criminal Justice Section
    • Challenge for Justice
    • Circle of Advocates
    • Educational Achievement Program
    • Order of Service Award, 2014 and 2015
    • Political Action Committee
    • Benefactor
  • North Carolina Bar Association
    • Criminal Justice Section
    • Silver Patron for 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016
  • North Carolina State Bar
    • Former Bar Councilor
      • Administration Committee
      • Authorized Practice Committee
      • Attorney Client Assistance Committee
      • Executive Committee
      • Grievance Committee
      • Issues Committee
      • Program Evaluation Committee – Vice Chair
    • Pitt County Academy of Criminal Defense Lawyers
      • Founding Member
      • Former President, Vice President, & Secretary-Treasurer
    • Pitt County Bar Association
      • Former President & Vice President
    • The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
    • Three-A Judicial District Bar
      • Former President & Vice President
REPORTED APPELLATE CASES
  • State v. Woolard, 385 N.C. App. 560, 894 S.E.2d 717 (2023)
  • State v. Bucklew, 280 N.C. App. 494, 867 S.E.2d 362 (2021)
  • State v. Steele, 277 N.C. App. 124, 858 S.E.2d 325 (2021)
  • State v. Carver, 373 N.C. 453, 837 S.E.2d 872 (2020)
  • State v. Seeman, 264 N.C. App. 250, 824 S.E.2d 208 (2019)
  • State v. Kesler, 264 N.C. App. 250, 823 S.E.2d 694 (2019)
  • State v. Hernandez, ___ N.C. App. ___, 831 S.E.2d 121 (2019)
  • State v. Gaskins, 264 N.C. App. 250, 824 S.E.2d 209 (2019)
  • State v. Foster, ____ N.C. App. ____, 829 S.E.2d 525 (2019)
  • State v. Blakeslee, ___ N.C. App. ____, 829 S.E. 2d 528 (2019)
  • State v. Carver, 265 N.C. App. 501, 828 S.E.2d 195 (2019)
  • State v. Joyner, 263 N.C. App. 412, 821 S.E. 2d 905 (2018)
  • State v. Floars, N.C. App. 821 S.E.2d 907 (2018)
  • State v. Jones, 263 N.C. App. 412, 821 S.E.2d 899 (2018)
  • State v. Hill, 263 N.C. App. 411, 821 S.E.2d 903 (2018)
  • State v. Gross, 263 N.C. App. 411, 821 S.E.2d 903 (2018)
  • State v. Averette, 262 N.C. App. 373, 820 S.E.2d 132 (2018)
  • State v. Baker, 263 N.C. App. 221, 822 S.E2d 902 (2018)
  • State v. Loftis, 264 N.C. App. 652, 830 S.E.2d 648 (2019)
  • State v. Williams, 248 N.C. App. 112, 786 S.E.2d 419 (2016)
  • State v. Skinner, 242 N.C. App. 522, 776 S.E.2d 898 (2015)
  • State v. Harper, 241 N.C. App. 570, 775 S.E.2d 695 (2015)
  • State v. Wainwright, 240 N.C. App. 77, 770 S.E.2d 99 (2015)
  • State v. Mann, 237 N.C. App. 535, 768 S.E.2d 138 (2014)
  • State v. Williams, 234 N.C. App. 445, 759 S.E.2d 350 (2014)
  • State v. Roberts, 237 N.C. App. 551, 767 S.E.2d 543 (2014)
  • Pasat v. Roberston, 237 N.C. App. 399, 767 S.E.2d 151 (2014)
  • State v. Holliday, 228 N.C. App. 360, 748 S.E.2d 775 (2013)
  • State v. Howell, 222 N.C. 636, 731 S.E.2d 275 (2012)
  • State v. Otto, 366 N.C. 134, 726 S.E.2d 824 (2012)
  • State v. Hulse, 214 N.C. App. 194, 714 S.E.2d 531 (2011)
  • State v. Kincer, 208 N.C. App. 279, 702 S.E.2d 240 (2010)
  • State v. Simmons, 205 N.C. App. 509, 698 S.E.2d 95 (2010)
  • State v. Leskiw, 199 N.C. App. 756, 687 S.E.2d 541 (2009)
  • State v. Peele, 196 N.C. App. 668, 675 S.E.2d 682 (2009)
  • State v. Rackley, 200 N.C. 433, 684 S.E.2d 475 (2009)
  • State v. Hinchman, 192 N.C. App. 657, 666 S.E.2d 199 (2008)
  • State v. Labinski, 188 N.C. App. 120, 654 S.E.2d 740 (2008)
  • State v. Leskiw, 186 N.C. App. 680, 652 S.E.2d 72 (2007)
  • State v. Haislip, 186 N.C. App. 275, 651 S.E.2d 243 (2007)
  • Pitt v. Deja Vue, 185 N.C. App. 545, 650 S.E.2d 12 (2007)
  • State v. Teel, 180 N.C. App. 446, 637 S.E.2d 288 (2006)
  • Wallace v. M, M&R, 165 N.C. App. 827, 600 S.E.2d 514 (2004)
  • State v. Bowes, 159 N.C. App. 18, 583 S.E.2d 294 (2003)
  • State v. Phelps, 161 N.C. App. 350, 588 S.E.2d 587 (2003)
  • State v. Madry, 140 N.C. App. 600, 537 S.E.2d 827 (2000)
  • Horvath v. NC DMV, 139 N.C. App. 449, 537 S.E.2d 272 (2000)
  • Rodman v. Faulkner, et al, 133 N.C. App. 444, 525 S.E.2d 244 (1999)
  • State v. Watson, 122 N.C. App. 596, 472 S.E.2d 28 (1996)
  • Ross, et al v. Mark’s Inc., 120 N.C. App. 607, 463 S.E.2d 302 (1999)
  • State v. Morris, 103 N.C. App. 246, 405 S.E.2d 351 (1991)
  • State v. Morris, 102 N.C. App. 541, 402 S.E.2d 875 (1991)
LEGAL PRESENTATIONS AND PUBLICATIONS
  • “Sun, Sand, and Statutes: DWI Defense” (11 October 2024)
  • “From Novice to Pro: Advancing Your DWI Defense Proficiency,” North Carolina Advocates for Justice (9 February 2024)
  • Practical Criminal Law 2023, “Core 4 DWI Defense” Presentation to 43rd Judicial District, Southwestern Community College (1 December 2023)
  • “Core 4 DWI Defense,” (Rowan County Bar, 2023)
  • Using “The Castle Doctrine” To Obtain Immunity From Criminal Prosecution (2019)
  • North Carolina Firearm Laws (2018)
  • Masters Of DWI: “Innovative Trial Motions & Strategies” (North Carolina Advocates For Justice, 8 November 2013)
  • Expunction Checklist: “Being An Eraser for Your Client’s Record” (North Carolina Advocates For Justice, 1 March 2013)
  • Criminal Masters In Advocacy Seminar: “The Ultimate DWI Checklist” (North Carolina Advocates For Justice, Convention, Program Chair & Guest Speaker 17 June 2012)
  • The Changing Face of DWI Law in North Carolina: “New Grossly Aggravating Factors” and “Laura’s Law” (High Point Bar Association 3 February 2012)
  • Most Important Opinions, State v. Otto, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, 9 January 2012
  • The Changing Face of DWI Law in North Carolina (North Carolina Advocates for Justice 18 November 2011)
  • 2011 Legislative Changes To DWI Law: “Laura’s Law” and “New Grossly Aggravating Factors” (North Carolina Advocates For Justice, Mountain Magic, Co-Chair 14 October 2011)
  • “Blue Lights Don’t Make It Legal: Challenging The Man’s RAS” (North Carolina Advocates For Justice 18 June 2011)
  • Boot Camp DWI Checklist: Bringing It To The Prosecution! (North Carolina Advocates For Justice 20 May 2011)
  • Hot Topic: Attacking CDL Disqualifications Arising From DWI Charge (North Carolina Advocates For Justice 20 May 2011)
  • “CSI”ing the DWI Case (North Carolina Advocates For Justice 20 May 2011)
  • Melendez-Diaz v. Massachusetts: Adios to Lab Reports Absent Live Testimony, Trial Briefs, North Carolina Advocates For Justice, October 2009
  • Anonymous Tip and Driver’s Swerve Not Enough, The Daily Reflector, 6 May 2009
  • Criminal Masters In Advocacy Seminar Chair and Guest Speaker (North Carolina Advocates For Justice 2009)
  • Checkup On Checkpoints: “Still Smelling Like A Rose” (North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers 5 September 2008)
  • No DWI Dismissal Despite Denial Of Pretrial Release, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, 28 January 2008
  • 50 Most Important Opinions, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, 31 December 2007
  • Snared Driver Could Challenge Checkpoint, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, 8 October 2007
  • HOT! 2007 DWI Update! (North Carolina Bar Association, April 2007)
  • Examining The Motor Vehicle Driver Protection Act of 2006 (North Carolina Bar Association 18 November 2006)
  • A Top Ten List of Suppression Issues In A DWI Case (North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers 20 January 2006)
  • Criminal Justice Checklist V 2005 “Checkup On The Checklist” (NC Bar Association 18 March 2005)
  • “What’s All This Commotion About Motions” (NC Academy of Trial Lawyers, 2004)
  • Lecturer at Professionalism in Practice: A Local Perspective (December 10, 2004)
  • Criminal Justice Checklist IV: Hot Topics and Old Standbys (November 19, 2004)
  • DWI Journal Law Sciences: December 2003
  • DMV Could Not Void Limited Driving Privilege Order, North Carolina Lawyers Weekly, 21 July 2003
  • DWI General Update/Cross Examination: The Sequel Checklist Seminar III (North Carolina State Bar October 2001)
  • Challenging Blood Tests in DWI Cases (North Carolina Bar Association June 8, 2001)
  • DWI Checklist Update (North Carolina Bar Association November 2000)
  • Hot Issues in DWI Defense (Academy of Trial Lawyers January 25, 2000)
  • DWI: Attacking the State’s Case through Motions (Academy of Trial Lawyers January 21, 2000)
  • A Checklist Seminar II: DWI General Update; Cross-Examination Points (North Carolina Bar Association November 1999)
  • Advanced Issues for a State District Court Practice: A Checklist Seminar DWI General Update (North Carolina Bar November 1997)
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Robinson Law Firm P.A.
Greenville Defense Attorney
1510 E Arlington Blvd Suite A
Greenville, NC 27858

Phone: (252) 758-4100

Monday-Friday: 8:30am-5pm

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