Chris McCartan grew up in Buffalo, New York, and has lived in Concord since 2002. As the child of a single mother, he learned the values of hard work and responsibility from one of the most incredible women in the world. A graduate of Syracuse University, Chris received his Bachelor's Degree in Political Science and his Master's Degree in Public Administration. He was also fortunate to leave SU as a National Champion, Captain, and three-year starter of the Orange lacrosse team. Chris went on to receive his law degree from the University of Buffalo. Chris moved to North Carolina and was hired as an associate with the law firm now called Powers McCartan, a group he has been a partner with for the last 12 years. He practices criminal defense almost exclusively, with a particular focus on Driving While Impaired (DWI), domestic crimes, and drug-related offenses. Throughout his 15-year legal career, Mr. McCartan has been committed to three things: preparedness, creativity, and empathy. With respect to the first two, "a good attorney knows to have all required tools in his bag when he walks into the court house; a great attorney does innovative and clever things with those tools." Chris feels the third prong of his representation is the most important: understanding his clients' positions in the circumstances they're facing. "As defense attorneys, we represent a lot of great people accused of some less-than-flattering things. Whether guilty, innocent, or somewhere in the middle, zealous representation starts with understanding what lies behind the name and case number attached to the client." Away from the office, Chris is married to Michelle, a Cabarrus County School Teacher, and they have two children: Brodie and Sally. Chris was a two-term Chairman of the Cabarrus County Republican Party, and was also a member of the Party's Board At-Large prior to being elected. He is Co-President of Carolina Miners Lacrosse, a youth lacrosse organization based in Cabarrus County, a Habitat for Humanity Board Member, and swims with the Sailfish Masters.