North Carolina Criminal Defense Attorneys

Joshua Cole

Josh is a dedicated criminal defense attorney motivated by a desire to help real people with real problems navigate difficult moments with clarity, fairness, and dignity.

Licensed to Practice
Education

His path to criminal defense was shaped by a search for meaningful, people-focused work. After earning his law degree and undergraduate degree in Political Science with a minor in History from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, he explored several areas of law before finding his professional home. Josh is known for his thoughtful communication style, practical mindset, and genuine interest in his clients’ stories. He approaches criminal defense as an opportunity to provide steady support when individuals are facing uncertainty, stress, and high stakes.

Josh began his legal career in family law before transitioning into insurance defense, including workers’ compensation and commercial litigation. While these roles strengthened his litigation skills, he ultimately sought work that felt more directly connected to helping individuals in crisis.

Since joining Martine Law, Josh has found renewed energy in representing clients facing criminal charges, many of whom are navigating the legal system for the first time. He values the responsibility of helping people who may have made a mistake, found themselves in a difficult situation, or been unfairly accused.

He prioritizes honesty, education, and transparency, ensuring clients understand their options and feel supported throughout the process. He sees advocacy as both a legal and human responsibility, focused on doing work that serves clients and the broader community.

Outside of his practice, Josh is a certified hobbyist and an avid mixed martial arts enthusiast who values physical and mental discipline. He is driven by the belief that meaningful legal work can make a tangible difference in someone’s life.