Brent D. Ratchford, Attorney at Law

04/02/2026

10/03/2024

Please help!!

07/26/2023

I just learned I have received the honor of being voted BEST OF GASTON - LAW FIRM for 2023.

Thank you So Much for all those who voted for me and continue to support my work for the last 27 years!
I am honored and humbled!!!

04/11/2022

Breath tests aren't always accurate or administered with probable cause.

Here's how it works in North Carolina.

02/09/2022

In North Carolina, assault and battery can be charged as a misdemeanor or a felony. Here's how it works.

Defending people in Gaston County.

12/03/2021

In the Old North State, this aspect of a DWI's cost is often far worse than any other state.

It is often a financial headache.

11/15/2021

Eyewitnesses can be pivotal in a case. But that doesn't mean their recollection is flawless.

What are the gaps in their story?

10/05/2021

What is a reasonable doubt in criminal law?

This is a 403 error, and it's not as ominous as it sounds. Bitly can only show this page to people who have permission to see it. Maybe what you are looking for can be found at Bitly.com.

09/22/2021

Procedure for being removed from the s*x offender registry

Everyone convicted of a s*x offense in North Carolina is required to register with the Department of Public Safety as a s*x offender. The registration period typically requires the convicted s*x

09/10/2021

Why insider trading could be wrong

Insider trading is a white-collar crime that you may have heard about in North Carolina, but you might not know what it entails or why you should care. Insider trading is when someone who has access

09/09/2021

A DWI conviction often comes with added costs, but is one's commute in jeopardy too?

It depends on the details.