About Us

About Edwards & Trenkle, PLLC

Trusted Defense From Criminal Charges

If you face criminal charges, you require a capable attorney who can defend your rights and protect your future. At Edwards & Trenkle, PLLC, our attorneys have more than 70 years of combined experience and can provide the trusted representation you need during this difficult time.


Both Mark Edwards and Robert Trenkle are board-certified in state and federal criminal law. Experts in criminal defense, they regularly teach other attorneys about this field of law in continuing legal education (CLE) classes. They have the firm knowledge base to thoroughly evaluate your case’s complex evidence and develop a strong defense. We are results-driven and aim to secure the best outcome given your situation. We strive to protect your reputation, career, financial security and freedom.

Addressing The Repercussions Of A Conviction

Edwards & Trenkle, PLLC, can still help you even after you are convicted of a crime. We can help you file an appeal if your rights were violated during your case, or if significant new evidence surfaces.


Our attorneys help clients pursue post-conviction relief and expungements. A conviction does not have to be the end of the road. We will thoroughly evaluate your situation and look for opportunities to improve your current and future reality.

Contact Us To Secure A Formidable Advocate

When your future is threatened, we can provide the strong advocacy you need to combat the charges against you. Our capable lawyers can represent you in negotiations and in North Carolina’s state and federal courts. We will tailor our approach to best suit your needs.


Contact Edwards & Trenkle, PLLC, to schedule an initial consultation at one of our office locations. You can reach our Durham office at 919-695-7338, or our Pittsboro office at 919-545-5626. You may also contact our firm online. We are ready and willing to answer all your questions and to provide the information you need to make the best choices moving forward.

PARTNER WITH EXPERTS IN CRIMINAL DEFENSE

Our attorneys are board-certified in state and federal criminal law. They have the knowledge and insight you need when criminal charges threaten your future.

Practice Areas

  • Appeals
  • Bond Hearings
  • Clemency Requests
  • Drug and Alcohol Offenses
  • Drug Trafficking
  • DUI/DWI
  • Expungements
  • Federal Offenses
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder
  • Parole Hearings
  • Petitions for Early Release
  • Post Convictions (State & Federal)
  • Serious State Offenses
  • Sex Offenses
  • Traffic Violations

Education

  • University of North Carolina School of Law, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
    • J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence – 1985
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
    • B.A. – 1982
  • Surry Community College
    • A.A. – 1980

Bar Admissions

  • North Carolina, 1989
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Associations

  • 14th Judicial District Bar, Member
  • Durham County Bar Association, Member
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Life Member
  • N.O.R.M.L., Resource Attorney and Life Member

Practice Areas

  • Appeals
  • Bond Hearings
  • Clemency Requests
  • Drug and Alcohol Offenses
  • Drug Trafficking
  • DUI/DWI
  • Expungements
  • Federal Offenses
  • Kidnapping
  • Murder
  • Parole Hearings
  • Petitions for Early Release
  • Post Convictions (State & Federal)
  • Serious State Offenses
  • Sex Offenses
  • Traffic Violations

Education

  • University of North Carolina School of Law, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
    • J.D., Doctor of Jurisprudence – 1985
  • University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
    • B.A. – 1982
  • Surry Community College
    • A.A. – 1980

Bar Admissions

  • North Carolina, 1989
  • U.S. District Court Eastern District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court Middle District of North Carolina
  • U.S. District Court Western District of North Carolina
  • U.S. Court of Appeals 4th Circuit
  • U.S. Supreme Court

Professional Associations

  • 14th Judicial District Bar, Member
  • Durham County Bar Association, Member
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Life Member
  • N.O.R.M.L., Resource Attorney and Life Member

NORML

Members of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML), we do not believe that marijuana charges should threaten your future. We have partnered with many clients facing marijuana-related charges, and we can capably address your case to pursue the best results.

What does it mean to be board certified?

Board-certified specialists have undergone additional training and have significant experience within their area of law. They have demonstrated skill and competency, and they maintain respect from their peers. 

NACDL

The National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) is an American criminal defense organization whose members include private criminal defense lawyers, public defenders, active U.S. military defense counsel, law professors, judges, and defense counsel in international criminal tribunals.

 

NACDL is committed to enhancing the capacity of the criminal defense bar to safeguard fundamental constitutional rights and harnesses the unique perspectives of NACDL members to advocate for policy and practice improvements in the criminal legal system. NACDL envisions a society where all individuals receive fair, rational, and humane treatment within the criminal legal system.

NACDL’s mission is to serve as a leader, alongside diverse coalitions, in identifying and reforming flaws and inequities in the criminal legal system, and redressing systemic racism, and ensuring that its members and others in the criminal defense bar are fully equipped to serve all accused persons at the highest level. 

Board-Certified Expertise

Both of our partners, Mark E. Edwards and Robert C. Trenkle, hold board-certifications in state and federal criminal law. Their expertise in criminal defense goes beyond the courtroom, as they regularly educate fellow attorneys in Continuing Legal Education (CLE) classes. This depth of knowledge allows us to evaluate complex case evidence and build robust defenses that aim to secure the best outcome for you.

Protecting Your Future

At Edwards & Trenkle, PLLC, our mission extends beyond initial representation. Even after a conviction, we stand by your side. We assist clients in filing appeals when rights were violated during their case, or when significant new evidence surfaces. Our dedication to post-conviction relief and expungements means your future doesn’t have to be defined by a past conviction. We’re here to explore opportunities to improve your current and future reality.