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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Jacksonville

Our Recommended Top 13

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Jacksonville Criminal Defense Attorneys on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

61Reviewed

41Curated

13Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

510 Court Street Suite 200, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Based in Jacksonville, the Wilkie Law Firm offers aggressive representation to accused individuals in criminal defense proceedings, particularly involving military law. It assists veterans and service members in all branches of the military in various matters, including administrative discharge, adverse administrative action, and non-judicial punishment. It also advocates for the rights of clients accused of homicide, theft, sex offenses, violent crimes, and federal crimes. Managing partner Aden Wilkie brings over 20 years of legal experience and 21 years of honorable service in the Marines. 

  • DWI/DUI

2416 Commerce Rd,, Jacksonville, NC 28546

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (178)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Silva, Kiernan, & Associates PLLC represents clients charged with crimes as they pursue favorable outcomes within the justice system. Multiple partners at this firm have previous experience as Superior Court Prosecutors and bring a multifaceted knowledge to their criminal defense services, anticipating plans of action by prosecutors in order to better prepare defense efforts for clients. Silva, Kiernan, & Associates PLLC can deal with both misdemeanor and felony charges and works to achieve acquittal or the most positive outcomes otherwise for each client.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
William Shanahan - Senior AssociateActive11 yrs
Nicholas Ziolkowski - Senior AssociateActive18 yrs
Kevin Kiernan - Partner/ Founding PartnerActive17 yrs
Matthew Silva - Partner/ Founding MemberActive17 yrs
Charles Taylor - Associate AttorneyActive17 yrs

410 New Bridge Street, Suite 4, Jacksonville, NC 28540

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (12)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of W. H. Paramore, III, P.C., handles criminal defense cases in Jacksonville. Its attorney, Walter Paramore, has been in practice for over three decades and is a certified specialist in criminal law. He works on cases related to juvenile defense, drug offenses, release violations, DWI, and white-collar crimes. Paramore represents defendants and handles criminal appeals of sentencing or conviction. He has won cases at both state and federal levels. Paramore is a senior member of the Criminal Justice Act Panel.

  • Federal Crime

636 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (13)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of R. Christian Smith, PLLC, is a veteran-owned and locally operated legal practice that serves the residents of Jacksonville and the surrounding areas. It provides criminal defense services for a variety of felonies, misdemeanors, and infractions. The types of cases it handles include DWIs, BWIs, traffic violations, and wildlife violations. R. Christian Smith has been practicing law for more than a decade. He is a former assistant district attorney for the Onslow and Jones Counties.

  • DWI/DUI

127 Chaney Avenue, Jacksonville, NC 28541

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (2)

Why choose this provider?

William J. Morgan, P.A., addresses the legal needs of individuals in Jacksonville. Its attorney, William Morgan, represents clients charged with serious felonies. His criminal law defense involves appearances in federal and state courts or before a court-martial at a military installation. Morgan also represents victims of medical negligence and automobile accidents. He served as the vice president of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. In 1988, he was named Jacksonville and Onslow County's Community Man of the Year.

  • DWI/DUI

1315 Glenburnie Road, New Bern, NC 28562

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (32)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Michelle K. Jerome, Attorney at Law does business with clients throughout the Jacksonville metro area, helping them to address criminal charges against them and defending them in arraignments and trial proceedings. This firm offers representation to clients faced with misdemeanor or felony charges of all kinds, and it possesses all-encompassing experience with cases involving violence, theft, or traffic violations. Michelle K. Jerome, Attorney at Law assists clients pursuing expungements as well.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michelle Jerome - PrincipalActive12 yrs

825 Gum Branch Road, Suite 115, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (35)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

The Barber Law Firm, PLLC, caters to clients in the Jacksonville metro and the surrounding communities. It offers legal guidance and representation to individuals who are facing felony and misdemeanor charges. Some of the cases it works on are driving while impaired and traffic violations. The firm also handles claims involving allegations of abuse, neglect and dependency, and termination of parental rights. Terence Barber, one of the attorneys, has been practicing law since 2011. He served in the U.S. Army for over 20 years.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes

112 Old Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (49)
Avvo
5.0 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Starling Law Firm P.L.L.C. provides services to individuals and businesses in the Jacksonville metro and the surrounding communities. It represents clients in different types of criminal defense cases, such as assault and battery, armed robbery, drug distribution and trafficking, firearm possession, identity fraud, and public indecency. It works on claims involving elder abuse, family violence, kidnapping, and voluntary manslaughter. Walter H. Rodriguez, one of the attorneys, is also licensed to practice law in the District of Columbia.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

814 New Bridge Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Bryon M. Smith Attorney is a locally owned and operated office that counsels and represents clients in the Jacksonville metro and nearby areas. It caters to individuals who are facing different types of criminal charges. These include assault, drug possession with intent to sell, and theft. It also works on cases related to speeding, running a red light, and driving without a license. The firm has been in practice for over 30 years. It is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Drug Crimes

615 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (89)
Facebook
5.0 (5)
Yelp
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

James Rutherford Attorney at Law advises and represents clients in the Jacksonville metro and the surrounding areas. It caters to individuals who are facing different types of criminal charges. These include burglary, domestic violence, drug possession, DWI, and shoplifting. It also works on cases involving indecent exposure, manslaughter, and sexual assault and battery. James Rutherford, the attorney, brings over 10 years of legal experience. He is a criminal law specialist certified by the North Carolina State Bar.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

1723 South Glenburnie Road, New Bern, NC 28562
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (30)

Why choose this provider?

The Carolina Law Group is a criminal defense firm in Jacksonville with over a decade of experience. The team is led by Tommy Kellis, an experienced litigator who handles parole violations, personal injury cases, and workers' compensation claims aside from his criminal defense work. They represent clients in cases involving violent crimes, expungements, and traffic violations including drunk driving, reckless driving, speeding, and other road offenses. They also handle family law, personal injury claims, and immigration cases.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Kellis - Lead Attorney/PartnerActive17 yrs

636 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (57)
Facebook
5.0 (11)
Avvo
4.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Trevor J. Avery Law Firm counsels and represents clients in the Jacksonville metro and the surrounding communities. It works on various criminal defense cases, such as assault, domestic violence, drug possession and trafficking, DWI, expungement, and larceny. Its process involves investigating the facts, determining what defenses to be used, and negotiating with the prosecutor and the court. Trevor J. Avery, a firm partner, holds a bachelor's degree in philosophy and a master's in business administration.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

718 Court Street, Jacksonville, NC 28540

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Laird Law PLLC serves the Jacksonville metro area, helping clients to resolve criminal cases when they've been charged with misdemeanors or lesser felonies. Attorney Steven Matthew Laird has been active since 2009, and his firm provides full representation to clients as they engage the legal process in pursuit of acquittal or reduced penalties. Laird Law PLLC is specifically experienced with DWIs and domestic violence cases. It also helps clients charged with probation violations or juvenile delinquency. Representation is available for misdemeanor appeals.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steven Laird - PrincipalActive15 yrs

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Jacksonville, North Carolina?

    The non-emergency contact number for the Jacksonville Police Department is (910) 455-4000.

  • What rights do you have if you are suspected of a crime in and around the Jacksonville area?

    In Jacksonville, you have the right to an attorney, the right to privacy, the right to remain silent, and the right to leave an interview if you are not under arrest. Legal counsel generally advises that you do not give statements to the authorities without legal advice to help avoid self-incrimination.

  • If you're found guilty of a crime in Jacksonville, is there a way to remove those charges from your record?

    After a certain period of not committing any crimes, you can file for an expungement of your criminal records, allowing you to show to courts that the original offense was an outlier. Legal counsel can assist you in convincing judges and state attorneys that your original criminal offense was an outlier and should not impact your current academic, financial, and personal life.

  • In Jacksonville, can military personnel retain civilian counsel for court martials centered on criminal charges?

    In Jacksonville, yes military personnel can retain civilian counsel when they are court-martialed. Civilian counsel may be advantageous for military personnel in court-martials, in that they are outside of the pressures that the chain of command that military-appointed judge advocates may find themselves under. Civilian attorneys can also work alongside military counsel to improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

  • When are police officers supposed to read you your Miranda Rights in Jacksonville?

    Generally, Jacksonville officers read you your Miranda Rights if they wish to question you regarding the alleged criminal offense you committed after you have been placed in custody. Even after arresting and detaining you, if they don't plan on questioning you further, they will not read you your Miranda Rights.

  • When should you retain an attorney when facing a criminal charge in Jacksonville?

    Generally, the sooner you can retain an attorney when facing criminal charges in Jacksonville, the sooner your legal counsel can help you. Attorneys assist you throughout the process of a criminal charge, from helping you give concise statements to police officers to investigating the claims levied against you to advocating for your innocence in court.