Mike Klinkosum
Raleigh, NC
N/A
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Language
English
About
A good lawyer represents clients; a great lawyer fights for people. With nearly 20 years of experience as a criminal defense attorney, Mike Klinkosum has fought for thousands of people; from those charged with minor infractions to those charged with capital murder. Mike's philosophy is that everyone who stands accused of a crime deserves to have a lawyer who will wage war to protect them. Mike Klinkosum is a member of the law firm of Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, PLLC in Raleigh, North Carolina. He has been certified as a Specialist in State Criminal Law by the NC Bar Board of Legal Specialization since 2004 and as a Specialist in Criminal Trial Advocacy by the National Board of Trial Advocacy since 2007. Mike's practice focuses exclusively on criminal defense at the trial, appellate, and post-conviction levels in both State and Federal courts. Mike obtained his B.A. from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (1992) and his J.D. from the University of Miami School of Law (1995). He began his career as an Assistant Public Defender in the State of Illinois, first with the Office of the Kane County Public Defender in St. Charles and then with the Office of the Cook County Public Defender in Chicago. In 1998, he returned to Wilkesboro,NC and entered private practice. In 2002, Mike joined North Carolina’s Office of the Capital Defender, where his work focused exclusively on death penalty trials. He joined the Wake County Public Defender’s Office in 2007, where he worked in the felony unit of that office handling major felony cases until he joined Cheshire, Parker, Schneider, Bryan & Vitale in June, 2010. In January 2015, he joined the law offices of Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, PLLC. In October, 2007, Mike, along with his co-counsel, Kelley DeAngelus, were successful in obtaining the freedom for Floyd Brown, a mentally retarded man from Anson County, NC who had been wrongfully charged with first-degree murder and armed robbery and who was confined to a state mental institution for 14 years due to his incapacity to stand trial. For their successful four-year legal battle, in 2008, Mike and Kelley were awarded the ACLU of North Carolina Award, as well as the Kellie Crabtree Award, presented by the NC Advocates for Justice. On February 17, 2010, Mike, along with attorney Joe Cheshire, and Christine Mumma of the NC Center on Actual Innocence won the freedom of Gregory F. Taylor, who had been wrongfully convicted of first-degree murder and incarcerated for 16 years. Mike and the team won a declaration of innocence from a three-judge panel convened via the NC Innocence Inquiry Commission. It is believed that the three-judge panel’s ruling is the first time in U.S. legal history that a court of law has declared a person “innocent” of the crimes with which he/she was convicted. In June, 2010, Mike was again awarded the Kellie Crabtree Award by the NC Advocates for Justice for his work in the Gregory Taylor case, thus achieving the distinction of being the only attorney to have received the Kellie Crabtree Award more than once. The cases of Floyd Brown and Gregory Taylor were featured in the CNN Presents documentary “Rogue Justice,” which aired in January, 2011 and Gregory Taylor's case was the subject of a documentary, "6,149 Days: The True Story of Greg Taylor," which aired on WRALTV in April, 2012. The WRAL documentary can be viewed at WRAL.com. Mike constantly strives to become better at defending people accused of crimes and he does this by both attending and teaching at continuing legal education seminars in North Carolina and around the U.S. Mike has served as a faculty member at the University of North Carolina School of Government’s NC Defender Trial School, the NC New Felony Defender Program, the National Institute for Trial Advocacy’s Southeastern Regional Trial Skills program, and has presented at numerous lectures and seminars on topics relating to criminal defense and criminal trials throughout the State of North Carolina. In May, 2011, the North Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense Services presented Mike with The Professor John H. Rubin Award for Extraordinary Contributions to Indigent Defense Training Programs. As a criminal defense attorney, Mike has also fought for the accused through professional organizations and the legislative process. Hehas served two terms as Chair of the Criminal Defense Section (2004 – 2006) of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice (NCAJ) and was a member of that association’s Board of Governors from 2004 to 2007.Due to his work with the forensic science issues in the case of State v. Gregory F. Taylor, Mike was asked by the NCAJ to chair the NCAJ SBI Crime Lab Task Force, a position which he held from 2010 to 2011.He has worked with NCAJ to lobby the North Carolina General Assembly for increased funding for the Office of Indigent Defense Services and for discovery reform.Mike has also served as Vice-Chair of the Committee on Law Enforcement/Prosecutorial Misconduct of the NACDL. Mike has authored several articles on criminal defense related topics for both state and national publications. He is also the author of the North Carolina Criminal Defense Motions Manual, a 700 plus page manual, published by LEXIS and the NC Advocates for Justice, which is now in its 2nd Edition.
Practices Areas
Criminal Defense
White Collar Crime
Language
English
Contact
Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, PLLC127 W. Hargett St., Suite 705Raleigh, NC, 27601
Office: N/A
Website: N/AReviews
To make long story about my case short, I should say that he is one of the best in his field. If he says he can do it, he means it and he does. Thank you Mike for helping me in my case.
Maitri "Mike" Klinkosum recently represented me and I would hire him again in a second. He took the time to discuss my case with me thoroughly, offering insight on what I should expect from the beginning. Mike was always responsive anytime I called or emailed with questions and did an excellent job of keeping me posted on my case and the next steps. I would recommend Mike to any family member or friend without hesitation, a real professional.
Mr. Klinkosum gave us plenty of time to discuss our issues and concerns, he was attentive to our input as the case progressed, he consistently provided timely information and excellent legal advice.
Mike was hired for my son and I can't say enough about how helpful he was. Not only was his legal knowledge spot on, but his advice was wonderful. It was a very difficult situation and Mike was patient, always responsive, and informative. He was great to work with, never making us feel like we were on the outside. I would use him again and recommend him with highest regards.
I was permanent resident at the time the issue happened. Mike did a free consultation and heard my case thoroughly and went through all aspects of it. He asked proper questions and listened patiently. He even discussed the negative results of getting convicted or getting a plea deal on immigration i.e. being deported etc. I asked him, what steps he will take or how he will handle my case. He answered satisfactorily and told that he can't promise anything, but he will do his best. I hired him immediately. No lawyers should guarantee you anything, if they do it's a red flag, as it depends on the court and the judge etc. Other lawyers i talked to before, gave me 6 months, 12 month programs, plea deals etc which would have negative consequences on my immigration. Whenever I emailed or wanted to talk to Mike, he was available.and he responded promptly as fast he could. Mike got my case dismissed on the hearing date and he also got it expunged. This resulted me being able to become naturalized citizen which i otherwise couldn't have done so. He even met me after my case was done (which most lawyers probably wont do) and gave me advise for the future. I can't recommend Mike enough. To some his fee might be higher, but he's worth every penny and he gets his job done properly and gives you the satisfactory results and the ones which are best for your case. This might sound like an ad, but it's a true client feeling and testimonial. This gentleman did wonders for me and was always very professional, courteous and forth coming. He never tried to extort more fees or linger the case. I would suggest talk to all the lawyers and go with the one you feel comfortable with. In my case it was Mike. God bless him and I wish him and his firm all the success. If God forbid, I ever need a defense lawyer, it will be Mike in a heart beat and without hesitation. He never asked to write reviews online or do recommendation. I am so pleased with his performance, that I am writing this, so that it help those who might need a lawyer. Think about this, your criminal defense case is like a surgery case and you need the best possible doctor/surgeon for it, would you go to a joe schmoe doctor, who will mess it up or will you go to an expert one. There are many lawyers out there, make sure you choose the right one.
Mike "Maitri" Klinkosum was/is an amazing attorney/person. I had never been in a situation to need such representation and he was not only amazing in handeling my case, but very supportive personally and professionally. I was able to contact him at anytime with any questions and he always responded to be promptly. It was a very traumatic time in my life and he was just an amazing attorney to work with and helped me get through that time in my life which i will be forever greatful. Mike has an AMAZING work ethic and does the right thing..he is not money hungry and gives you the facts. I felt very comfortable with him from the start and knew things were going to be ok. If you are looking for the "real deal" ,an attorney that will be upfront with you and give you the best posssible representation/outcome, hire this man!
Mr. Klinkosum was recommended to me by a different attorney. He was able to explain my situation before court and after court, as well as explain to me what I needed to do to make sure I had my case dismissed and my record expunged. He was a pleasure to work with and very helpful throughout the entire process (Approx. 1 year). I was very happy with his services.
Mr. Klinkosum was always honest and hardworking in our dealings. I could not have asked for a better advocate and legal attorney during the time of my legal proceedings. Mr. Klinkosum was always prompt in responding to any questions I had, and he did not mislead me at any point by giving false hope or too dire of predictions. His advice was always clear, and with his help I believe I achieved the best possible outcome in my situation. I cannot stress enough how professional and personable Mr. Klinkosum was during this extremely stressful time.
Until recently, Mike Klinkosum spent his career in the Wake County Public Defender Office, which is to say that he never learned anything about customer service. Mike was never reported to be in the office when I called, and he did not return my phone messages. He would respond to emails but only to report how busy he was with the cases of other clients. Mike dragged out a case for more than a year that should have taken a few months. He claimed to be researching and speaking to other attorneys, crafting and reworking things, but in the end his paperwork wasn't even filed properly, was rejected, the case prejudiced, and more time was lost due to his carelessness. I specifically retained his services and requested research on a particular issue. My request was ignored, and Mike's lack of due diligence cost me thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, costs that could have and should have been avoided. Rather than apologize for his mistakes, Mike chose to downplay their significance. When faced with legitimate criticism, he chose to insult me. As the months turned into years, Mike showed less and less enthusiasm for the case, me as a client, or a successful outcome. At the end of the representation, I had no faith in his ability, no confidence in his skill, and no trust that he would protect my best interests.
To make long story about my case short, I should say that he is one of the best in his field. If he says he can do it, he means it and he does. Thank you Mike for helping me in my case.
Maitri "Mike" Klinkosum recently represented me and I would hire him again in a second. He took the time to discuss my case with me thoroughly, offering insight on what I should expect from the beginning. Mike was always responsive anytime I called or emailed with questions and did an excellent job of keeping me posted on my case and the next steps. I would recommend Mike to any family member or friend without hesitation, a real professional.
Mr. Klinkosum gave us plenty of time to discuss our issues and concerns, he was attentive to our input as the case progressed, he consistently provided timely information and excellent legal advice.
Mike was hired for my son and I can't say enough about how helpful he was. Not only was his legal knowledge spot on, but his advice was wonderful. It was a very difficult situation and Mike was patient, always responsive, and informative. He was great to work with, never making us feel like we were on the outside. I would use him again and recommend him with highest regards.
I was permanent resident at the time the issue happened. Mike did a free consultation and heard my case thoroughly and went through all aspects of it. He asked proper questions and listened patiently. He even discussed the negative results of getting convicted or getting a plea deal on immigration i.e. being deported etc. I asked him, what steps he will take or how he will handle my case. He answered satisfactorily and told that he can't promise anything, but he will do his best. I hired him immediately. No lawyers should guarantee you anything, if they do it's a red flag, as it depends on the court and the judge etc. Other lawyers i talked to before, gave me 6 months, 12 month programs, plea deals etc which would have negative consequences on my immigration. Whenever I emailed or wanted to talk to Mike, he was available.and he responded promptly as fast he could. Mike got my case dismissed on the hearing date and he also got it expunged. This resulted me being able to become naturalized citizen which i otherwise couldn't have done so. He even met me after my case was done (which most lawyers probably wont do) and gave me advise for the future. I can't recommend Mike enough. To some his fee might be higher, but he's worth every penny and he gets his job done properly and gives you the satisfactory results and the ones which are best for your case. This might sound like an ad, but it's a true client feeling and testimonial. This gentleman did wonders for me and was always very professional, courteous and forth coming. He never tried to extort more fees or linger the case. I would suggest talk to all the lawyers and go with the one you feel comfortable with. In my case it was Mike. God bless him and I wish him and his firm all the success. If God forbid, I ever need a defense lawyer, it will be Mike in a heart beat and without hesitation. He never asked to write reviews online or do recommendation. I am so pleased with his performance, that I am writing this, so that it help those who might need a lawyer. Think about this, your criminal defense case is like a surgery case and you need the best possible doctor/surgeon for it, would you go to a joe schmoe doctor, who will mess it up or will you go to an expert one. There are many lawyers out there, make sure you choose the right one.
Mike "Maitri" Klinkosum was/is an amazing attorney/person. I had never been in a situation to need such representation and he was not only amazing in handeling my case, but very supportive personally and professionally. I was able to contact him at anytime with any questions and he always responded to be promptly. It was a very traumatic time in my life and he was just an amazing attorney to work with and helped me get through that time in my life which i will be forever greatful. Mike has an AMAZING work ethic and does the right thing..he is not money hungry and gives you the facts. I felt very comfortable with him from the start and knew things were going to be ok. If you are looking for the "real deal" ,an attorney that will be upfront with you and give you the best posssible representation/outcome, hire this man!
Mr. Klinkosum was recommended to me by a different attorney. He was able to explain my situation before court and after court, as well as explain to me what I needed to do to make sure I had my case dismissed and my record expunged. He was a pleasure to work with and very helpful throughout the entire process (Approx. 1 year). I was very happy with his services.
Mr. Klinkosum was always honest and hardworking in our dealings. I could not have asked for a better advocate and legal attorney during the time of my legal proceedings. Mr. Klinkosum was always prompt in responding to any questions I had, and he did not mislead me at any point by giving false hope or too dire of predictions. His advice was always clear, and with his help I believe I achieved the best possible outcome in my situation. I cannot stress enough how professional and personable Mr. Klinkosum was during this extremely stressful time.
Until recently, Mike Klinkosum spent his career in the Wake County Public Defender Office, which is to say that he never learned anything about customer service. Mike was never reported to be in the office when I called, and he did not return my phone messages. He would respond to emails but only to report how busy he was with the cases of other clients. Mike dragged out a case for more than a year that should have taken a few months. He claimed to be researching and speaking to other attorneys, crafting and reworking things, but in the end his paperwork wasn't even filed properly, was rejected, the case prejudiced, and more time was lost due to his carelessness. I specifically retained his services and requested research on a particular issue. My request was ignored, and Mike's lack of due diligence cost me thousands of dollars in out-of-pocket expenses, costs that could have and should have been avoided. Rather than apologize for his mistakes, Mike chose to downplay their significance. When faced with legitimate criticism, he chose to insult me. As the months turned into years, Mike showed less and less enthusiasm for the case, me as a client, or a successful outcome. At the end of the representation, I had no faith in his ability, no confidence in his skill, and no trust that he would protect my best interests.