Former District Attorney | Experienced Trial Lawyer
Former State Senator | Former State Representative
Scott Thomas is an attorney with over 30 years of legal experience, including nearly two decades as the District Attorney for Carteret, Craven, and Pamlico Counties. He served as the Chief Prosecutor from 2006 until his retirement as District Attorney in 2025. He and his team of prosecutors and staff were responsible for handling thousands of criminal and traffic cases, including serious felonies and homicide prosecutions.
Before becoming District Attorney, Scott served as a criminal defense attorney in private practice, as an Assistant District Attorney and as law clerk to a NC Supreme Court Justice. He has handled a wide range of criminal cases on both sides of the courtroom, from minor offenses to complex felony trials. He has also worked alongside law enforcement agencies and civil attorneys on motor vehicle collision cases involving serious injuries and wrongful deaths. While District Attorney, he was also Chairman of the North Carolina Governor’s Crime Commission and President of the Conference of District Attorneys.
Scott is a former member of the North Carolina General Assembly where he served as a State Representative and State Senator. As Chair of the Senate Justice and Public Safety Appropriations Committee, he helped shape legislation and budgets affecting law enforcement, the courts, and public safety across the state. He was also Vice-Chairman of the Judiciary Committee.
A lifelong resident of Craven County, Scott is a graduate of West Craven High School, East Carolina University and North Carolina Central University School of Law. He is licensed as an attorney and as a real estate broker, former banker, mason, and former volunteer fire department president. He has received numerous honors including the NC Attorney General’s Dogwood Award and the Charles Dick Medal of Merit from the National Guard Association.
Now back in private practice, Scott brings decades of courtroom experience, legal knowledge, elected public service, and an extensive network of local and statewide connections to serve clients across Eastern North Carolina.