Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving Statesville, NC · 26+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Michael D. Cleaves at a Glance
Michael D. Cleaves is a personal injury, criminal defense, family law, workers comp, and litigation attorney based in Statesville, North Carolina. They have 26+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 2000. Admitted to practice in Maryland (2000) and North Carolina (2004). Educated at University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill (J.D., 2000) and Appalachian State University (B.A., 1996). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serves clients in Statesville, NC and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Michael D. Cleaves
- Mr. Michael D. Cleaves is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, general practice, personal injury and 3 other areas of law
- Michael received a B.A. degree from Appalachian State University in 1996, and has been licensed for 26 years
- Michael practices in Statesville, NC
Practice Areas Explained
Michael D. Cleaves's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Michael D. Cleaves handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Statesville.
Personal Injury in Statesville
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Michael D. Cleaves is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in North Carolina →
Criminal Defense in Statesville
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Michael D. Cleaves is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina →
Family Law in Statesville
Family law attorneys handle divorce, child custody, child support, adoption, prenups, and protective orders. Find verified family lawyers near you.
Michael D. Cleaves is one of 185,688 family law attorneys indexed nationally. Browse family law attorneys in North Carolina →
Workers Compensation in Statesville
Workers compensation lawyers help injured workers get medical care, lost wages, and disability benefits. Free consult, no fee unless you win.
Michael D. Cleaves is one of 54,932 workers comp attorneys indexed nationally. Browse workers comp attorneys in North Carolina →
Civil Litigation in Statesville
Civil litigation attorneys for breach of contract, business disputes, civil rights, and class action lawsuits.
Michael D. Cleaves is one of 450,750 litigation attorneys indexed nationally. Browse litigation attorneys in North Carolina →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Statesville
Practicing law in North Carolina. Legal matters in North Carolina are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Statesville are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate North Carolina state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in North Carolina brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in North Carolina courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Statesville Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Statesville-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional North Carolina attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Statesville or all attorneys in North Carolina.
Frequently Asked
Common Questions About Michael D. Cleaves
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Statesville Choose Michael D. Cleaves
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Michael D. Cleaves's practice in the field of personal injury, criminal defense, family law, workers comp, and litigation.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Michael D. Cleaves brings 26+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Maryland and North Carolina, Michael D. Cleaves can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering personal injury, criminal defense, and family law, Michael D. Cleaves can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Statesville
A Statesville-based practice means Michael D. Cleaves attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Michael D. Cleaves Handles in Statesville
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Michael D. Cleaves has experience with under North Carolina law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Michael D. Cleaves directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
Search Reference
How People Find Michael D. Cleaves Online
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Michael D. Cleaves's Practice Areas & Specializations
Education & Law School Background
Awards & Professional Honors
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