Client
AVOID AT ALL COST. Tracy Godwin, a criminal attorney in Goldsboro works here. She was appointed to handle a simple probation matter concerning a missed appointment for me. I was on probation for driving with a suspended license, and I'm NOT a felon. I met her on the day of the trial, and she acted as if she couldn't be bothered. I supplied her with discharge papers from Duke University Hospital, proving I'd been in surgery on the date I was alleged to have missed the probation appointment. As this documentation would have certainly gotten the matter dismissed, I was shocked at what she did next. She proceeded to plead me guilty before the judge, I leaned over to tell her she'd misspoken and should say "not guilty". She responded by literally holding up her hand to silence me, prompting the judge to tell me to be quiet too. She went on talking, and "defending" me, by stating that I'd never before gotten in trouble, or missed any other appointment. She DID NOT mention the surgery, which was in writing, IN HER HAND. After speaking, the judge sentenced me to 5 days in jail, THEN asked if I wanted to speak. I attempted to explain that the lawyer made a mistake in pleading guilty, and tried to offer the surgery paperwork. I was told by the judge, "I'm not changing my ruling, and you can't appeal because you PLEAD GUILTY". I attempted again to explain but was silenced by the threat of being in contempt. So, AT BEST, Ms. Godwin is INCOMPETENT, and at worst, she was COMPLICIT in working against me at the behest of the probation officer and/or DA. Whichever is true, she's not a viable choice for representation in Wayne, or any other county in N.C. Do yourself a favor, hire ANYONE ELSE, or represent yourself. In my circumstance and many others voiced by regretful clients, Tracy Godwin represented the interests of the state, NOT HER CLIENTS. An utter disgrace to the profession.