Our court system in Cumberland County is a reflection of our community. Our bench is one of the most diverse in the state. 6 out of 10 of our District Court judges are women. The vast majority of our judges are registered Democrats. Superior Court Judge, Robby Hicks, is the lone Republican on the bench.

Here is a list of Cumberland County’s current, elected judges:

CURRENT CUMBERLAND COUNTY DISTRICT COURT JUDGES

Cheri Siler-Mack – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Rosalyn Hood – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Frances McDuffie – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Stephen Stokes – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
David Hasty – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Cullen Jordan – Democrat (Term Ends: 2024)
Lou Olivera – Democrat (Term Ends: 2024)
Toni S. King – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Caitlin Evans – Democrat (Term Ends: 2026)
Tiffany Whitfield – Democrat (Term Ends: 2024)

CURRENT CUMBERLAND COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT JUDGES

Our Superior Court District (District 12) has four judges.

DISTRICT 12A – Claire Hill – Democrat – (Term Ends: 2026)
DISTRICT 12B – Gale Adams – Democrat – (Term Ends: 2028)
DISTRICT 12C – James Floyd “Jim” Ammons, Jr. – Unaffiliated – (Term Ends: 2026)
DISTRICT 12C – George (Robby) Hicks – Republican – (Term Ends: 2030)

Fayetteville and Fort Liberty: A Unique Legal Community

Unlike other southern towns of our size, Fayetteville has a transient population of military members and their families. Many of these individuals come when they are stationed at Fort Liberty and leave when their term of service has ended.

Fayetteville also has its share of large industry. Kelly Springfield (a Goodyear tire factory) has been around for decades and employed thousands of people, including my grandfather.

The Democratic Party has gained a stronghold on local politics. Our Mayor and a majority of our City Council are Democrats. However, like most southern towns, there is a wealthy element of blue-blood types that keep the country clubs in business. This pocket of Fayetteville is increasingly conservative.

This complexity presents a unique problem for an attorney looking to practice in Fayetteville. You can find a niche and specialize, or you can grow and attempt to serve everyone. At The Richardson Firm, we chose the latter.

The Richardson Firm: A Law Firm Built to Serve Fayetteville

Attorneys Matt and Billy Richardson have spent their entire legal careers in Fayetteville. They are active in their community, both professionally and politically. Billy Richardson served multiple terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In his spare time, Matt Richardson blogs about Fayetteville and North Carolina politics on his website: crosscreekdivide.com.

Matt and Billy Richardson have constructed a law firm to serve the needs of regular people in Fayetteville. They believe that every person should have a right to a good attorney, no matter their circumstances. Specifically, Matt and Billy Richardson represent the citizens of Fayetteville and Southeastern, North Carolina in civil matters, including:

• Personal Injury
• Medical Malpractice
• Auto Accidents
• Wrongful Death
• Eminent Domain and Property Law
• Insurance Disputes
  

Military Law

Attorney Kris Poppe joined The Richardson Firm as a partner in 2016 after nearly 35 years of military service, including over 20 years as an Army Judge Advocate.

Kris is able to assist with the specific legal needs of service members at Fort Liberty and other North Carolina bases, while also representing both military and non-military residents who have been charged with serious criminal offenses. Kris can assist in the following areas:

• Criminal Defense
  • Homicide
  • White Collar
  • Sexual Assault
  • Drug Offenses
• Federal Court Charges
• Court-Marital Defense
• Military Courts of Appeals
• Administrative Separation
• Officer Elimination
• Inspector General Investigations
• Board for Correction of Military Records
• Memorandum of Reprimands
• Non-Judicial Punishment Proceedings

Family Law and Divorce

The Richardson Firm has maintained a family law and divorce practice for several years. In 2023, Attorney Melinda Flinn joined the firm. Melinda has been practicing family law in Cumberland County for over twenty years, and she has gained a reputation as a steady and courageous advocate. She serves the residents of Fayetteville in the following areas:

• Child custody and visitation
• Child support
• Alimony
• Equitable Distribution (Property and debt division)
• Divorce
• Annulment
• Separation agreements
• Contempt
• Termination of parental rights
• Adoption
• Collaborative Law
  • Melinda has trained and participated in the Collaborative Law aspect of family law as an alternative to litigation.

Fort Liberty Traffic Tickets and DWI

Residents of Fayetteville and Fort Liberty who are charged with a traffic offense will be ordered to appear to answer the charges in federal court. While there are numerous attorneys practicing traffic law in Fayetteville, there are few who are licensed to practice in Federal Court. Seeing this need, Attorney Patrick Anstead has developed a robust defense practice. Patrick routinely appears in federal court on behalf of military and non-military residents who receive traffic tickets and DUI/DWI charges on Fort Liberty.

The Richardson Firm: Dialed Into Fayetteville’s Needs

If you live in Fayetteville or Cumberland County, and you’re in need of an attorney, give us a call at 910-488-5050. If we are not able to assist with your specific issue, we can use the contacts we have developed over the years to get you pointed in the right direction.

Military Administrative Separations have been on the rise within the military. Administrative separations offer a low-cost and quicker means of separating military members without going through a court-martial process.

It is no secret that the culture of the military is very different from the culture of civilians. If you have been accused of serious wrongdoing, effective legal representation is essential. At The Richardson Firm, we want to help protect you, your family, and your career. Don’t let an administrative separation and potential loss of future veteran benefits put your future at risk.

A DEEPER LOOK AT AN ADMINISTRATIVE SEPARATION
Administrative Separations offer a streamlined process to Commands. The administrative separation process does obligate a command to provide the service member notice that he/she will undergo an administrative separation. The notice advises that the service member has a right to military and civilian counsel.
The notice also advises the service member that he or she may have a right to an administrative separation board depending on the servicemembers years in service or the recommended characterization of service. At a separation board, the service member may call witnesses. The service member has a right to question witnesses through his/her lawyer and may confront the evidence against him/her. Additionally, the hearsay rules do not apply; which means that the government can submit statements without bringing the people making the statements into the hearing. If approved by a separation authority, an OTH discharge may deny a service member all Veterans Administration benefits earned from that term of service and result in the loss of veterans’ benefits from the various state veterans administrations.

ACTION TO TAKE IF YOU RECEIVE A SEPARATION NOTICE
• Contact a lawyer – It is important that a service member who receives notice of an administrative separation hearing must immediately contact a lawyer with expansive experience in military law and the military administrative process and procedures. The lawyers at The Richardson Firm know the proper military laws, procedures, and actions are crucial for any military-related charges.
• Do not waive your rights – A common mistake committed by service members facing an administrative separation is waiving the right to a hearing. Waiving the hearing means the service member may be separated with an OTH and without a hearing.
• Review separation regulations – Separations hearings are governed by service regulations. It is critically important that the service member facing separation becomes familiar with the particular Chapter or Section of the regulation governing the Separations. The Richardson Firm can make sure you are up-to-date no matter your branch of service.
• List witnesses – It is important to have a list of witnesses who can testify about the facts on the basis of the separation or those who can testify about your performance and conduct throughout your entire period of service.

Our military law attorneys will work tirelessly to obtain the best possible outcome for you. Knowing the proper military laws, procedures, and actions is crucial for any military-related charges. In the courtroom, there is no replacement for experience. If you or a loved one is facing an administrative separation or other military action, trust our dedicated attorney to defend your case. No matter the need, the military lawyers at The Richardson Firm have you and your family’s best interest at heart while still advocating for each individual’s rights and interests.
Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.

If facing allegations of criminal charges in Cumberland County, it is important to understand the process and how courts work. With all the information online and how overwhelming a criminal charge can be, we strongly recommend you talk to an experienced lawyer after an arrest or summons.

Facing criminal charges can be stressful and cause much anxiety. Much of the anxiety is likely to be from the unknown and not understanding what comes next.

The attorneys at The Richardson Firm can help you and your loved ones understand your charges, whether you’re facing a misdemeanor or a felony.

The easiest way to differentiate between the two types of offenses is in how they are punished. If convicted of a misdemeanor, one can face up to 150 days in jail. On the other hand, if convicted of a felony, the minimum punishment is twelve months in prison. No maximums are explicitly defined by state law.

MISDEMEANOR

In North Carolina, misdemeanors are not as serious as a felony, however, that does not mean they are insignificant criminal offenses. The state of North Carolina ranks these crimes into four different classes:

Class 3: The least serious type of misdemeanor; carries a maximum penalty of 20 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples include — disorderly conduct.

Class 2: The maximum penalty is 60 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Examples include — simple assault and issuing a false check valued at $2,000 or less.

Class 1: Punishable by up to 120 days in jail and a fine set by the judge. Examples include — larceny under $1,000 and driving with a revoked license.

Class A1: The most serious type of misdemeanor, with a penalty is up to 150 days in jail and a discretionary fine. Examples include — sexual battery and assault with a deadly weapon.

FELONY

North Carolina divides felonies into 10 classifications: A, B1, B2, C, D, E, F, G, H, and I. Where misdemeanors have set rules for punishments, felonies do not. The only exception is with Class A felonies, which are punishable by death or life imprisonment. Other felonies have different punishments that may include any combination of fines, probation, and prison terms of any length. The assigned judge on the case takes the offense into account as well as the previous criminal record.

Some examples of felony offenses include murder, manslaughter, rape, armed robbery, breaking and entering, arson, armed robbery, assault with a deadly weapon, and assault with intent to kill.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE FACING CHARGES

The difference between a felony and a misdemeanor crime comes down to the type of offense that’s been committed, how severe the damage is to another person or to the public at large or to the state of North Carolina.

If you are facing criminal charges, it is imperative to discuss your case with an experienced criminal defense attorney. At The Richardson Firm, our top priority is advocating for your rights. We will do everything we can to ensure you receive the best possible defense.

Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

With our office being located just outside the largest military base in the United States, we are familiar with all military matters, including on-base traffic tickets. Traffic tickets on military bases are enforced by federal law, and if you’re charged with a traffic offense or other crime on a federal installation, you will be given a court date in federal court. If you have been charged with a traffic ticket on base or off base, it is important to seek a dedicated defense attorney to represent you and your rights.

Multiple attorneys at The Richardson Firm are authorized to practice law in federal court, and they have spent decades defending servicemembers. In some cases, you can waive your appearance in Federal court by hiring The Richardson Firm to represent you.

COMMON FEDERAL TRAFFIC OR IMPAIRED DRIVING CHARGES

Some of the most common federal traffic violations include:

• Speeding
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driving the wrong way on a one-way road
• Failing to stop at a stop sign or red light
• Reckless driving
• DWI/DUI
• Following too closely
• Failure to maintain lane control

UNDERSTANDING FEDERAL VIOLATIONS

On-post traffic tickets affect everyone who drives onto a military installation, whether you’re a civilian or a service member. Since many people are not familiar with how military traffic violations are treated, legal help is highly recommended. Outside of the military installation, traffic laws are treated the same as anywhere in your state. However, the moment you enter federal land, it is imperative to follow the law or be prepared to face federal legal consequences. All laws, including traffic rules, are enforced by the federal government once you’re on a military base.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU ARE SUMMONED TO APPEAR IN FEDERAL COURT

It can be confusing to be told to appear in federal court for something as trivial as a traffic ticket; however it is important to prepare yourself with the best defense. Upon arrival at federal court, an Army Judge Advocate will prosecute you for a violation of federal law and a federal judge will oversee your case. It is important that you prepare for this hearing and have an experienced attorney with you at the time.

OBTAINING A LIMITED DRIVING PRIVILEGE IN NORTH CAROLINA

If you have received a violation for DWI/DUI, you may be facing the loss of your license. In some cases, you may be eligible to obtain limited driving privileges. Limited driving privilege in North Carolina can be granted for essential purposes such as employment, maintenance of your household, education, court-ordered treatment or assessment, community service ordered as a condition of probation, emergency medical care and religious worship.

North Carolina law is specific about when and how the privileges are granted. It is best to hire an attorney from The Richardson Firm to help navigate your situation.

STEPS –

Submit a DL-123 form from your insurance company. Your insurance agent can email or fax this to you or your attorney. This form expires in 30 days.

Complete an alcohol assessment, or DWI class. There is usually a fee to pay to the course provider.

Get an interlock device if needed.

You or your attorney will need to prepare the appropriate form from the NC Judicial Branch website to file in the court where you were charged.

If you need to work outside of standard business hours (Monday through Friday 6:00 AM – 8:00 PM), you will need to get a letter from your employer or provide other documents to show why you need to drive for work outside of those hours.

File the document with the clerk of court and pay the $100 fee.

Paying a fine does not make a traffic violation go away. In fact, uncontested traffic charges can impact you and your record for years. An increase in points against your driver’s license or insurance policy means you could be at risk for a license suspension or higher insurance premiums. Do not ignore your ticket. Speak with an attorney first.

Call us at 910-488-5050 to schedule a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

Military law is an area of law that is both complex and daunting as the military justice system functions much differently than the civilian system. Outlined in the Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) and complex service regulations, military law includes legal rules and procedures that apply to service members both at home and abroad, whether they are currently on active duty or not. While similar to civilian law, the UCMJ can also be stricter in several areas. The UCMJ establishes a separate court system, the “court-martial”, which is subject to military specific rules and procedures.

WHY HIRE A CIVILIAN ATTORNEY?
If you’re facing a court martial or military legal action, you need someone who is fearless and has the ability to go into a courtroom and dominate. When you consider everything you can lose in a court-martial, a civilian attorney is a worthwhile investment. While it’s true that as a service member you will be appointed a military attorney at no cost to you, many times you will not be assigned an attorney until after you have already been charged. Adding a civilian attorney gives you a level of legal knowledge and experience you might not otherwise have, and also allows you to retain an attorney at the first sign of trouble. The sooner you get an attorney, the better chance you have of your case, and career, not being derailed.

WHAT AREAS ARE COVERED?
There are many different areas of military law that you may need an attorney for, and if you are facing accusations of serious wrongdoing, effective legal representation is essential to protect you, your family, and your career.

At The Richardson Firm, our military attorneys have extensive experience in the following areas:

• Court-Martial Defense
• Military Courts of Appeals
• Administrative Separation
• Officer Eliminations
• Inspector General Investigations
• Senior Leader Investigations
• Boards for Correction of Military Records
• Discharge Review Boards
• Memorandums of Reprimand
• Non-Judicial Punishment Proceedings

PROUDLY SERVING FORT BRAGG & BEYOND
While our offices are located in Fayetteville, NC, we provide military law assistance to many locations outside of the Fort Bragg area, outside of North Carolina, and even outside of the country. We have worked on a number of cases in outside areas, including Jacksonville, NC, Richmond, VA, Norfolk, VA, and Columbia, SC. It’s our mission to make sure everyone has a fair chance of professional military representation.

MILITARY FAMILIARITY
When you hire a civilian attorney, it’s important you hire someone who is well versed in military law and who understands the military lifestyle. At The Richardson Firm, our staff includes two military law specialists, Kris Poppe and COL (Ret.) Andrew Glass. Both served over 25 years in the US Military and are well-versed, proven experts in the field of military law.

Kris Poppe is a former Army Judge-Advocate who, at the time of his retirement in 2016, was the most experienced Defense Counsel in any US Military Service. He has served as both Defense Attorney and Prosecutor in state, federal and military courts, and has also been a Military Trial Judge.

COL (Ret.) Andrew Glass served in the US Army for 26 years as a Defense Counsel, Regional Defense Counsel, Military Judge, and as one of five Chief Circuit Judges in the US Army. As a Defense Counsel and Regional Defense Counsel, he was recognized as a subject matter expert and his advocacy enabled an astounding 96% of his clients to be promoted or retire in grade.

You can read their bios and learn more about military law services at The Richardson Firm by clicking here.

PROVEN SUCCESS
When you’re fighting for your family, career, or even your freedom, it’s important to find an attorney with a proven record of success. Below are the cases of just two of the many service members we have been able to assist through hard work and experience:

-We represented a Special Forces Sergeant First Class who was charged with two counts of forcible sexual contact under Article 120, UCMJ. Through aggressive investigation, thorough preparation, and skillful execution at trial, Kris Poppe was able to prove the soldier’s innocence and he was fully acquitted. Shortly after the trial, he was promoted to Master Sergeant.

-A Senior Leader came to our firm facing a career-ending GOMOR because of founded allegations involving leadership issues, as well as insensitive racial and gender comments. COL (Ret.) Glass advocated for this officer, directly resulting in that leader receiving a local filing, allowing him to continue his career.

No matter what the allegations or issues you face are, it is important to have the very best attorney with knowledge and experience defending service members. At The Richardson Firm, we have the knowledge and experience, and we are ready to put it to work for you.

How to Protect Your Security Clearance

When you are a member of the armed forces, your security clearance is an important aspect of your job. Once it is obtained, protecting your security clearance should be top priority–as without your clearance, you can’t complete your duties as assigned. In the following, you will learn what you need to know about your security clearance, how you can protect it for the long term, and how a military law attorney can help if you’re at risk of losing it.

Gaining a Security Clearance

When your security clearance is being determined, there are many different criteria that are examined. These criteria are called eligibility guidelines:

• Allegiance to the United States
• Foreign influence
• Foreign preference
• Sexual behavior
• Personal conduct
• Financial concerns
• Alcohol consumption
• Drug involvement
• Emotional, mental, and personality disorders
• Criminal conduct
• Security violations
• Outside activities
• Misuse of government systems

After a through governmental investigation, you will be assigned a security clearance of confidential, secret, or top secret.

Protecting Your Security Clearance

Gaining your security clearance is a long and exhaustive process, and not one that is taken lightly. Once you have your security clearance, keeping it protected should be a huge priority. Here are a few suggestions to keep your security clearance in the clear, so you can do your duty to serve your country.

1. Avoid debt. A small amount of debt is okay, especially if it is “good debt” like a mortgage or student loans. However, having large amounts of debt can set off a red flag and may trigger an investigation. To steer clear and protect your clearance, it is advisable to have a handle on your finances and seek financial guidance should you run into trouble.

2. Don’t engage in criminal activities, and don’t lie about your criminal history. Having a criminal history is one of the major red flags for investigators when determining your security clearance. This being said it is also a bad idea to withhold information or lie about a criminal history. The best thing to do is to be honest, even about things as harmless as your parking tickets, while you are under review for a security clearance.

3. Avoid drug use. Drug use is not tolerated in any branch of the military, and will result in a loss of security clearance.

4. Maintain good credit. Credit is a lot more than just managing debt. It is important that you show that finances can be handled properly and that you are responsible. A credit check is standard when you are seeking a security clearance, so it is important to maintain good credit.

5. Keep reinvestigation in mind. Even though the investigation for a security clearance is thorough, keep in mind that you will likely have to undergo it multiple times throughout the course of your career. Typical reinvestigations are 5 years for top secret, 10 years for secret, and 15 years for confidential.

Do You Need Professional Help to Protect Your Security Clearance?

If you find yourself under investigation and at risk of losing your security clearance, you may need legal assistance to arrive at the best outcomes for you and your career. At The Richardson Firm, our military law attorney can help you to protect your security clearance so you can continue to do your job, and serve your country.

Are you at risk of losing your security clearance? Contact us today!

How to Choose the Best Court-Martial Defense

You served your country with pride, but now you’re facing a court‐martial. No matter what allegations you are facing, you need the best defense attorney on your side. This trial will affect how people view your military experience, your personality, and the future of your career. At The Richardson Firm, we specialize in military defense cases. We want to share with you the questions our office receives on what to do if you are subject to a court‐martial, and how to choose the best court‐martial defense to have on your side.

Q: If I haven’t been charged in a court‐martial yet but think I may be, should I seek counsel?

A: Yes. It’s always prudent to know as much as you can about your legal situation, and getting professional advice, even if you haven’t been faced with a court‐martial yet is highly recommended. You probably have a lot of questions about your rights, and you shouldn’t have to try and find those answers alone.

Q: If I am facing a court‐martial or am getting questioned by a member of my command or CID, what should I do?

A: Remaining silent is within your rights, and we highly recommend you do so. Providing a statement can lead to irreparable circumstances down the road.

Q: What if I have already given a statement?

A: Do not provide them with any further information, and speak with a defense attorney that can help your case. There is a good chance that an experienced court‐martial defense attorney will be able to undo any harm that your statement may bring to your trial.

Q: What can I do to help my defense?

A: Begin by putting together a list of identifying witnesses that were involved in the alleged incident. Provide their full name, rank, and unit. But most importantly, seek the counsel of a defense attorney with years of experience winning court‐martial cases.

Q: Can I hire a civilian lawyer?

A: Yes, you can. Whenever you hire a lawyer ‐ for any kind of case ‐ you want to know what kind of track record they have on those kinds of cases. A lawyer might have some experience with court‐martial cases, but only an attorney with decades of military service will have the experience in these kinds of trials that you need on your side.

Experience Will Matter When Handling Your Case

No one knows better than you do how different military and civilian culture are. When you are facing a court‐martial you don’t just need any defense attorney, you need one with extensive experience practicing military law. We are proud to have Kris Poppe on our team, and he will work hard to fight for you and your family. Kris retired from active duty in 2016, and at the time he was the most experienced defense counsel in any U.S. military service. On top of that, he has over 35 years of military service. When you partner with the Richardson Firm for your court‐martial defense you will have decades of experience on your side.

Contact The Richardson Firm

Please contact us or give us a call at 910‐488‐5050 for your free consultation!

The Richardson Firm Welcomes LTC (Ret) Kris Poppe and Expands Military Legal Services

The Richardson Firm is proud to welcome Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Kris Poppe. He joined the firm upon his retirement from 34 years of military service, including 20 years as an Army Judge-Advocate. Poppe’s most recent assignment was with the U.S. Army Trial Defense Service, where he served as a defense attorney in several high profile courts-martial cases.

“Kris brings a wealth of military legal experience to our team,” said attorney Billy Richardson of The Richardson Firm, “and we are extremely pleased to announce that we have expanded our major practice areas to better serve the military community.” Kris Poppe will head up the firm’s military legal services, which include court-martial defense, military courts of appeals, administrative separation and officer elimination representation, inspector general investigations, Board for Correction of Military Records, memorandum of reprimands and non-judicial punishment proceedings.

During his military career, Poppe also served as the Chief, Capital Litigation, US Army Trial Defense Service, Military Trial Judge, Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, Chief of Military Justice, and the Senior Defense Counsel at several Army posts. He is a past adjunct professor of criminal law at the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General’s School and worked in private practice as a criminal defense attorney in Ohio.

A native of Auglaize County, Ohio, Poppe received his Bachelor of Arts degree from The Ohio State University and his Juris Doctor from Ohio Northern University. He and his wife, Susie, a registered dietitian, have two children. Their son, Lucas, is a West Point graduate and Army military intelligence officer, and daughter, Katie, is a senior at Miami University.

Want to learn more about how our law firm can assist you in protecting your military legal rights? Contact us now or call 910-488-5050 to schedule your FREE consultation!

The Richardson Firm is a well-established law practice serving clients in the greater Fayetteville area. Because of their dedication to this community, the firm’s attorneys have earned a reputation as the “local guys.” In addition to military services, The Richardson Firm offers legal services for a wide range of issues, from personal injury and criminal defense, to business litigation, property law, civil rights and worker’s compensation.