John Waldo Reis, Criminal Defense Attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina
Over 34 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General
MemberatCozen O'Connor
Charlotte, NC
Practicing criminal defense in Charlotte since 1992.
- 34+
- Years practicing
- 4
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
John Waldo Reis is a member based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General. John has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cozen O'Connor.
- Based in
- Charlotte, NC
- Experience
- over 34 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Entertainment · General
- Handles Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General matters from Charlotte, NC.
- Over 34 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About John Waldo Reis: John Waldo Reis is a member based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General. John has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cozen O'Connor.
Areas of practice
Legal matters John takes on
John concentrates on criminal defense, entertainment, general, insurance, and litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Entertainment
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General
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Insurance
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Litigation
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Maritime
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Product Liability
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Criminal Defense cases in Charlotte, North Carolina
John takes criminal defense matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Entertainment cases in Charlotte, North Carolina
John takes entertainment matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
General cases in Charlotte, North Carolina
John takes general matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Insurance cases in Charlotte, North Carolina
John takes insurance matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Charlotte, North Carolina
John takes litigation matters in Charlotte, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet John Waldo Reis — criminal defense lawyer in Charlotte
John Waldo Reis is a member based in Charlotte, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Entertainment, and General. John has over 34 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cozen O'Connor.
John Waldo Reis is a lawyer practicing litigation, advertising, criminal defense and 5 other areas of law. John received a A.B. degree from Duke University in 1988, and has been licensed for 34 years. John practices at Cozen O'Connor in Charlotte, NC.
John's approach to criminal defense cases
John Waldo Reis is a lawyer practicing litigation, advertising, criminal defense and 5 other areas of law. John received a A.B. degree from Duke University in 1988, and has been licensed for 34 years. John practices at Cozen O'Connor in Charlotte, NC.
Clients John works with
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, entertainment, and general matters in Charlotte and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Miami School of Law
J.D. · 1992
Duke University
A.B. · 1988
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
Alabama
2005 · ACTIVE
Tennessee U.S. Distr
2005 · ACTIVE
North Carolina
1998 · ACTIVE
Florida
1992 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Miami School of Law and A.B. in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Miami School of Law and A.B. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Mecklenburg County and North Carolina Bar Associations
membership
Locations
John Waldo Reis's office in Charlotte
John's primary office is at 301 S. College St., Ste. 2100, Charlotte, NC, 28202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John Waldo Reis
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire John Waldo Reis — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Charlotte, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for John
John discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about John Waldo Reis
How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Charlotte?
John is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with John?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
John's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Charlotte, Raleigh and Durham in North Carolina
John handles criminal defense matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Charlotte handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

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