C. Melissa “Missy” Owen

C. Melissa “Missy” Owen is a distinguished criminal defense attorney and partner at Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, known for her dedication to defending individuals in both state and federal courts across North Carolina. Since beginning her Charlotte practice in 2002, Missy has focused exclusively on criminal law, representing clients in cases ranging from misdemeanors to complex homicide and white-collar matters.

Missy earned her Juris Doctor from Duquesne University School of Law in 1999, where she was honored with the Candace Reidbord Erhenworth Award for outstanding advocacy. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Miami University, earned in 1996. This strong academic foundation paved the way for her exceptional ability to navigate intricate legal issues and build effective defense strategies.

In her white-collar practice, Missy is known for her analytical precision in evaluating business transactions and financial investigations. She has represented individuals in regulatory proceedings before the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and guided clients through complex pre-indictment matters. In defending clients accused of sex offenses, she collaborates closely with forensic experts to uncover critical evidence, often preventing unwarranted prosecutions before trial.

Missy’s excellence has been widely recognized. Missy has been listed among Super Lawyers for Criminal Defense: White Collar (2013–present), included in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite, and named one of The National Trial Lawyers Top 100. In 2023, she was inducted into the prestigious American Board of Criminal Lawyers, honoring her as one of the nation’s leading trial advocates.

Beyond her legal accomplishments, C. Melissa “Missy” Owen serves as Second Vice President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and remains deeply engaged in her Charlotte community through leadership and volunteer service. Her career reflects an unwavering commitment to fairness, justice, and the defense of individual rights.

Law Office Affiliations

• Partner and Criminal Defense Attorney, Tin Fulton Walker & Owen, PLLC
• Member, North Carolina Bar Association
• Member, Mecklenburg County Bar Association
• Member, Mecklenburg County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Board Member, Federal Defenders of Western North Carolina, Inc.
• Board Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2018-present)
• Co-Chair, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (2014-present)
• Member, Criminal Justice Act Panel, Western District of North Carolina
• Member, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Board of Governors
• Publications Co-Chair, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Criminal Defense Section (2011-2012)

Licensed State

• North Carolina

Education

• Duquesne University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Miami University
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges