Richard J. Costanza

In 1994, I graduated from the Norman A. Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University, where I was a member of the law review. I became licensed the same year and immediately began representing individuals accused of crimes, often on an appointed basis. I have continued representing the accused my entire practice, both on a retained and appointed basis. In 2007, I was certified as a specialist in State Criminal Law by the North Carolina Board of Legal Specialization. In 2011, I was approved by the Office of the Appellate Defender to receive appointments for appellate clients, which has led to me being the attorney of record for approximately 60 appeals. I have presented oral arguments three times to the North Carolina Supreme Court and four times to the North Carolina Court of Appeals. I am the past-President of Judicial District 19B, and from 2015-2023, I served as my district's representative to the North Carolina State Bar Council, where I helped to regulate the practice of law and protect the public from bad actors in the legal profession. In 2023, I was recertified as a specialist in State Criminal Law for the third time. Additionally, I have served for over 10 years as the administrator of the indigent list in Moore County, reflecting my commitment to public service and the defense of those accused of crimes.