Joshua Nielsen

North Carolina

Nielsen Law, PLLC
413 Walnut Street
Waynesville, NC 28786
United States

Tel: 828-246-9360

Email: josh@nielsen-legal.com
Web: www.nielsen-legal.com

Professional Biography

Josh Nielsen is a seasoned criminal defense attorney serving clients throughout Western North Carolina, with deep personal and professional ties to the region. Raised in Henderson and Buncombe Counties, he brings a strong understanding of the local communities and court systems to his practice, along with a commitment to providing skilled, results-driven advocacy for individuals facing serious criminal charges and traffic violations.

Mr. Nielsen is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, a distinction he achieved in 2018 and one held by a select group of attorneys statewide.

He is known for his dedication to trial advocacy and his ability to develop creative, sound legal strategies tailored to the unique circumstances of each case. His courtroom experience spans courts across Western North Carolina, where he regularly defends clients in complex and high-stakes criminal matters and traffic offences.

In addition to his criminal defense practice, Mr. Nielsen represents clients in a range of family law matters, including divorce, child custody and support, alimony, adoption, and equitable distribution. He approaches these matters with the same strategic focus and client-centered advocacy that define his criminal work, recognizing the significant personal and financial stakes involved. Mr. Nielsen also has experience practicing Indian law and jurisdictional considerations unique to tribal proceedings.

Mr. Nielsen earned his Juris Doctor from Elon University School of Law, where he graduated in the top 15 percent of his class. He completed his undergraduate education at the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, earning degrees in History and English and graduating summa cum laude with highest honors at both the class and departmental levels.

Admitted to practice law in North Carolina since 2012, Mr. Nielsen is also admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of North Carolina, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit, and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians Tribal Court.

He is an active member of the National College for DUI Defense and the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, where he remains engaged in continuing legal education and the advancement of criminal defense practice.

Nielsen Legal’s criminal defense practice is built on a firm commitment to protecting the rights of individuals facing criminal charges throughout Western North Carolina. The firm emphasizes vigorous advocacy and constitutional protections, particularly focusing on ensuring that law enforcement and prosecutors uphold clients’ Fourth Amendment rights against unreasonable searches and seizures. Recognizing the fear and uncertainty that accompany criminal accusations, Nielsen Legal provides personalized attention and is prepared to take cases to trial when necessary, rather than defaulting to plea deals.

Founding attorney Joshua Nielsen is certified as a board specialist in criminal law by the North Carolina State Bar, underscoring the firm’s deep experience and trial-tested capabilities.

The practice covers a broad spectrum of criminal matters, ranging from traffic-related offenses such as DUI/DWI and driving while license revoked to more serious charges including assault and battery, drug offenses, financial crimes, and sex offenses. In addition to its work in state and federal courts, the firm also has experience defending clients under Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians tribal law, ensuring culturally informed representation when tribal jurisdiction applies.

With a focus on tailored legal strategies and a readiness to challenge procedural errors or evidentiary weaknesses, Nielsen Legal strives to achieve the best possible outcomes for clients confronting the criminal justice system.

Nielsen Law is a Western North Carolina–based law firm focused on providing strong, strategic representation to individuals facing serious legal challenges. The firm is known for its hands-on approach, deep knowledge of local courts, and commitment to protecting clients’ rights at every stage of the legal process.

The firm maintains a robust criminal defense practice, representing clients in a wide range of misdemeanor and felony matters in both state and federal courts. With significant trial experience across the region, Nielsen Law is respected for its careful preparation, sound legal judgment, and willingness to aggressively advocate for clients in high-stakes cases.

In addition to criminal defense, Nielsen Law also advises clients in select family law matters, including divorce, child custody, child support, alimony, adoption, and equitable distribution, as well as Indian law matters. Across all practice areas, the firm is dedicated to delivering clear guidance, responsive communication, and practical solutions tailored to each client’s unique circumstances.