Joseph M. Hester Jr. - a Rocky Mount, Mecklenburg (NC) Traffic Tickets Lawyer

Rocky Mount Traffic Tickets Lawyer

Updated: 04/12/2026

Areas of Practice

Traffic Tickets
Felonies and Misdemeanors
Criminal Defense
Speeding Violations
Reckless Driving
Driver's License Restoration
DUI/DWI

Attorney Information

Overview

Joe Hester began practicing law in 1977 as an Assistant Solicitor (now Assistant District Attorney) in the Seventh Judicial District serving Nash, Edgecombe and Wilson Counties.

He joined the law firm of Moore, Diedrick, Whitaker & Carlisle in 1979 and later became a partner in the reorganized firm of Moore, Diedrick, Carlisle & Hester. He left the firm in 1999 and together with Thomas J. Moore II formed the partnership Hester & Moore, PLLC. Joe continues to practice today with Damian L. Tucker as Hester & Tucker, PLLC.

Joe's practice has consisted of criminal defense in the Seventh Judicial District in both the District and Superior Courts. He has handled thousands of cases, both felonies and misdemeanors. Joe is known by many of his peers as one of the most experienced DWI trial attorneys in the district. He is a board certified specialist in state criminal law.

Joe was chosen in 1996 by Governor James B. Hunt to become the first chairman of the newly established Clean Water Management Trust Fund. With the support of President Pro Tem Mark Basnight and Governor Beverly Perdue, he lead the Trust Fund from its beginning to become one of the most important state water preservation and conservation organizations in the nation. He was reappointed to the board by Governors Easley & Perdue and remained on the board until July 31, 2013. He also served as President and member of the Board of the Pamlico Tar River Foundation for many years. Joe was also appointed to the Coastal Resources Commission by Governor Perdue and served until July 31, 2013.

For many years, Joe has been an active supporter of community athletic programs in the surrounding areas. He has coached youth sports teams in baseball and softball but primarily Babe Ruth baseball for over 20 years. He now coaches the 13u and/or 15u Northern Babe Ruth team. Visit our Facebook page during the season.

Awards and Honors

Super Lawyers® Selectees

Joseph M. Hester Jr. included in a Super Lawyers® list

Honors

Martindale-Hubbell AV Rated
Martindale-Hubbell Client Distinction Award
Selected Super Lawyers
The Order of the Long Leaf Pine Award by Gov. Mike Easley
Great Blue Heron Award, Pamlico Tar River Foundation

Other Sources of Feedback About Joseph M. Hester Jr.

Included on the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers list

Past Lists

2025 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2024 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2023 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2022 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2021 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2020 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2019 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2018 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2017 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2016 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2015 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2014 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2013 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2012 North Carolina Super Lawyers list
2011 North Carolina Super Lawyers list

Education

Legal Education
- University of North Carolina School of Law, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 1977
  Juris Doctorate
Non Legal Education
- University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, 1971
  B.A.
  Major: Economics
- Fike High School, 1966
- North Carolina State University, 1975
  M.S.
  Major: Zoology

Current Employment Position(s)

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Partner
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Past Positions

N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries, - 1975
Seventh Judicial District, Assistant Solicitor, 1977 - 1979
Moore, Diedrick, Whitaker & Carlisle, 1979 - 1999
Hester & Moore PLLC, 1999 - 2015

Pro Bono Activities

Clean Water Management Trust Fund, First Chairman, 1996
Coastal Resources Commission
Pamlico Tar River Foundation, President and Member of the Board
13u and 15u Northern Babe Ruth Team, Coach

Bar Admissions

North Carolina, 1977
U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina, 1983

Specialties and Certifications

Board Certified Specialist Criminal Law
Certified Intoxilyzer 5000 Operator
NHTSA DWI Detection& Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Certificate

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Contact

Rocky Mount, NC

3230 Zebulon Road
P.O. Box 8256
Rocky Mount, NC 27804

Directions

Phone: 252-231-2362

Fax: 252-451-7774

Email: Send a message

Hours: 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday

Free Consultations

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Joseph M. Hester Jr. - Rocky Mount, NC