J. D. grew up in Wilkes County, North Carolina. He graduated from the Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina in 1989 and from Wake Forest University School of Law in 1992. J.D. has trial experience in many areas including criminal defense. After gaining several years experience in various areas of trial law, J.D. developed a special interest in criminal defense law. Over the past 25 years, J.D. has represented criminal defendants in North Carolina District and Superior Courts, Federal District Court as well as State and Federal Appellate Courts. J.D. is a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, American Bar Association, Forsyth County Bar Association, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, American Association for Justice, Forsyth Criminal Trial Lawyers Association, and the Lawyer Pilot Bar Association. J. D. is an instrument rated private pilot. He represents pilots as well as Fixed Based Operations and Aviation related businesses in all aspects of aviation law. J. D. has been an aircraft owner and pilot for many years and understands the needs of the aviation community and those who work in the tight nit world of aviation.