Drawn to criminal law during undergraduate visits to North Carolina prisons and mental health facilities, Cynthia approaches every case with dedication, empathy, and a focus on achieving meaningful outcomes for her clients. She is known for listening carefully, advocating fiercely, and making clients feel heard and supported.
Cynthia Smith
CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY
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Cynthia Smith is a criminal defense attorney passionate about helping people navigate the legal system and ensuring clients receive the best possible representation.
Cynthia began her career as an Assistant District Attorney in Gaston County, where she gained extensive experience prosecuting criminal cases. She later transitioned to solo practice, focusing on criminal defense, DSS parent representation, domestic violence survivor advocacy, and landlord-tenant law. She has also volunteered with Hope United, assisting domestic violence survivors. Cynthia is committed to exploring every option for her clients and helping them navigate complex legal challenges with confidence.
Outside of work, Cynthia enjoys watching cooking shows and spending time with her three dogs: two French Bulldogs and a Chihuahua. Her guiding philosophy comes from Alexander Hamilton: “I think the first duty of society is justice.”
EDUCATION
- B.S., Criminal Justice, University of North Carolina at Charlotte, 1993
- Juris Doctor, North Carolina Central University School of Law, 1996
- Pro Bono Attorney
PRACTICE AREAS
- Criminal Defense
- DSS Parent Representation
- Domestic Violence Survivor Representation
- Landlord-Tenant Law
LICENSED TO PRACTICE
- North Carolina, admitted March 22, 1997, NC State Bar No. 23857 (Active, Oct. 2026). View NC State Bar listing