How it Started
Our Firm Story
Serving You Since 1982
Hewlett, Collins & Allard, PLLC has deep roots in Wilmington, North Carolina. The firm began in 1982 as Hewlett & Collins, when Addison Hewlett Jr. asked John C. Collins to join him as a partner. Mr. Collins had previously served as an Assistant District Attorney for the Fifth Prosecutorial District from 1979 to 1982, bringing valuable courtroom insight to a firm built around criminal defense and traffic matters.
James “Buddy” Allard Jr. later joined the firm and helped carry that legacy forward. Today, HCA Law continues under his leadership as a Wilmington criminal defense firm focused on strategy, preparation, and protecting the rights of the accused. From DWI and traffic cases to felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, sex offenses, violent crimes, federal cases, and trials in state and federal courts, the firm’s mission remains clear: provide experienced, strategic criminal defense for clients in Wilmington and throughout Southeastern North Carolina.
The Legacy of Our Partners
Addison Hewlett Jr.
Addison Hewlett Jr. was a Wilmington attorney, public servant, and community leader whose impact reached across New Hanover County and the State of North Carolina. Born in Wilmington in 1912, Mr. Hewlett began practicing law in 1934 after graduating from Wake Forest Law School. He later served in World War II as a captain in the U.S. Army Air Corps before returning home to continue his legal career.
His life reflected a deep commitment to service. Mr. Hewlett served as President of the New Hanover County Bar Association and the North Carolina Bar Association, served in the North Carolina General Assembly, and became Speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives in 1959. He also played an important role in the growth of higher education in Wilmington, helping support Wilmington College as it became the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. UNCW later awarded him its first honorary doctorate, and Hewlett Hall was named in recognition of his service.
His legacy continues through the firm that still bears his name and the standard of service he set for generations of Wilmington attorneys.
John C. Collins
John C. Collins helped shape the firm’s identity as a respected criminal defense practice. Before becoming a partner at Hewlett, Collins & Allard, Mr. Collins served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1979 to 1982. He later practiced law in Wilmington for more than four decades, with much of his career spent as a partner at Hewlett, Collins & Allard focusing on criminal defense.
Mr. Collins was known for his courtroom skill, depth of legal knowledge, and commitment to criminal defense. He was a founding member of the National College for DUI Defense and served as President of the New Hanover County Bar Association from 1987 to 1989.
His work helped build the firm’s reputation for serious, strategic defense in criminal and traffic cases. For decades, clients turned to Hewlett, Collins & Allard when they needed guidance, preparation, and strong advocacy in court.
John C. Collins
John C. Collins helped shape the firm’s identity as a respected criminal defense practice. Before becoming a partner at Hewlett, Collins & Allard, Mr. Collins served as an Assistant District Attorney from 1979 to 1982. He later practiced law in Wilmington for more than four decades, with much of his career spent as a partner at Hewlett, Collins & Allard focusing on criminal defense.
Mr. Collins was known for his courtroom skill, depth of legal knowledge, and commitment to criminal defense. He was a founding member of the National College for DUI Defense and served as President of the New Hanover County Bar Association from 1987 to 1989.
His work helped build the firm’s reputation for serious, strategic defense in criminal and traffic cases. For decades, clients turned to Hewlett, Collins & Allard when they needed guidance, preparation, and strong advocacy in court.
James “Buddy” Allard Jr.
James “Buddy” Allard Jr. became a partner at Hewlett, Collins & Allard in December 1989. Since then, he has continued the firm’s long-standing focus on criminal defense, traffic law, DWI defense, DMV hearings, drug offenses, property crimes, violent crimes, sex offenses, felonies, misdemeanors, white collar matters, and trials in federal and state courts.
Mr. Allard was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 1986 and has more than 40 years of legal experience. He is AV-Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as a Top 100 Trial Lawyer.
Today, Mr. Allard carries forward the tradition established by Addison Hewlett Jr. and John C. Collins: thoughtful preparation, strategic defense, and a commitment to protecting clients when the stakes are high.
Strategy. Protection. The Next Move.
The Meaning Behind the Knight
The knight is more than a symbol. It represents the way Hewlett, Collins & Allard approaches criminal defense. In chess, the knight does not move like every other piece on the board. It sees different paths. It creates unexpected angles. It can move around obstacles. Most importantly, it rewards strategy over reaction.
That same idea is central to strong criminal defense. When someone is charged with a crime, every decision matters. What is said to law enforcement matters. How the evidence is reviewed matters. Timing matters. Preparation matters. The next move matters.
HCA Law uses the knight as a reminder of the firm’s mission: to think strategically, protect clients, and help them move forward with confidence when the stakes are high.
Strategy. Protection. The Next Move.
The Meaning Behind the Knight
The knight is more than a symbol. It represents the way Hewlett, Collins & Allard approaches criminal defense. In chess, the knight does not move like every other piece on the board. It sees different paths. It creates unexpected angles. It can move around obstacles. Most importantly, it rewards strategy over reaction.
That same idea is central to strong criminal defense. When someone is charged with a crime, every decision matters. What is said to law enforcement matters. How the evidence is reviewed matters. Timing matters. Preparation matters. The next move matters.
HCA Law uses the knight as a reminder of the firm’s mission: to think strategically, protect clients, and help them move forward with confidence when the stakes are high.
