Winston-Salem Criminal Defense Lawyers With 150+ Years of Combined Experience

Facing criminal charges can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to face them alone. At Grace, Tisdale & Clifton P.A., our criminal defense attorneys have successfully defended thousands of clients throughout North Carolina, from misdemeanor charges to complex federal cases. With former prosecutors on our team, we know exactly how the other side builds their case, and how to dismantle it.

Former Prosecutors Now Fighting for You

When your freedom, reputation, and future are on the line, experience matters. Our Winston-Salem criminal defense team includes attorneys who spent years as criminal prosecutors in Forsyth County and across North Carolina. That insider knowledge gives you a critical advantage: we anticipate prosecution strategies, identify weaknesses in the state's case, and build defenses designed to win.

Michael A. Grace has spent over 30 years defending clients in North Carolina's state and federal courts, trying thousands of cases from misdemeanors to serious felonies. A lifelong Winston-Salem resident and former prosecutor, Michael brings deep local credibility and courtroom experience to every case.

D. Kenneth Tisdale, Jr. served as an Assistant District Attorney in Winston-Salem from 1997 to 2002, where he prosecuted DWI cases and felony trials including capital murder. Now he uses that insider knowledge to defend clients, and his certification in field sobriety testing allows him to challenge evidence most attorneys cannot.

Christopher R. Clifton is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law—a distinction held by fewer than 3% of attorneys in the state. A former chair of the Federal Bar Association and two-term chair of the N.C. Bar Association's Criminal Justice Committee, Chris focuses on serious felonies, white collar crimes, and federal defense.

Michelle B. Clifton brings nine years of corporate litigation experience to the firm's personal injury and civil practice. A certified Superior Court mediator and author of Personal Injury Practice in North Carolina, she now advocates for individuals using the same skills she once employed for corporations.

Whether you're facing charges in Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, or anywhere in the Triad region, our criminal defense lawyers are ready to fight for the best possible outcome.

Contact us to let our experienced criminal defense lawyers in Winston Salem get started on your case!