Author Avatar

Michael D. Cleaves

Michael D. Cleaves is the distinguished founder of The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC in Statesville, North Carolina. With over two decades of experience, he employs a strategic, results-driven approach to criminal defense, personal injury, and workplace accident cases. A graduate of UNC School of Law (2000), Mr. Cleaves is renowned for his skilled negotiation with insurance firms and prosecutors. He is committed to personalized service and, as a fluent Spanish speaker, effectively bridges language barriers to advocate for diverse clients across Iredell, Davie, and Alexander counties.

LATEST ARTICLES BY: Michael D. Cleaves

North Carolina DWI Laws and Penalties [2026 Updated]
North Carolina DWI Laws and Penalties [2026 Updated]
  |     |  
Last Modified on Jan 08, 2026

Every state has the power to decide how driving under the influence charges are handled. In North Carolina, the state has some of the strictest DWI laws in the country.…

Read More
How does state law determine what is drug paraphernalia?
How does state law determine what is drug paraphernalia?
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 22, 2023

Drug laws do not only criminalize illegal drugs. There are some objects which people use to package, analyze or ingest controlled substances. The law calls these objects drug paraphernalia. Under…

Read More
When can you refuse an officer’s request to search your car?
When can you refuse an officer’s request to search your car?
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 16, 2023

During a traffic stop in North Carolina, a law enforcement officer may ask you if he or she may have a look through your car. In some cases, you may…

Read More
What does a plaintiff need to show to receive a DPVO?
What does a plaintiff need to show to receive a DPVO?
  |     |  
Last Modified on Nov 16, 2023

In North Carolina, a DPVO is a Domestic Violence Protective Order. The DPVO is a court order that requires one person to stay away from another. For example, if someone…

Read More

Recent Posts

Categories

Archives

Get In Touch With Us

Fields Marked With An “*” Are Required

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Our Location

© 2026 The Law Office of Michael D. Cleaves, PLLC • All rights reserved.

Digital Marketing By Rizeup Media