WHO YOU HIRE CAN Make The Difference In The Outcome Of Your Future James F. Rutherford is a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law.

Wilmington Criminal Defense Lawyer

Certified Specialist Back by 19 Years of Experience

If you have been arrested or charged with a crime, you are in a race against the clock to fight for your freedom and future. Law enforcement officers and the prosecutor have already started building a case against you, and they have the backing of government resources. You need qualified Wilmington attorneys in NC to defend your rights.

What is a criminal lawyer?

Those who practice criminal law are also known as criminal lawyers, criminal defense attorneys, and public defenders. criminal attorneys represent those accused of committing crimes, whether they are individuals, organizations, or entities. Attorneys who handle criminal cases have a wide range of experience ranging from domestic violence crimes, sex crimes, violent crimes, and drug crimes to driving under the influence (DUI/DWI), theft, embezzlement, and fraud.

How to choose a criminal defense lawyer?

James F. Rutherford, Attorney at Law, P.A. is a certified specialist in criminal law, certified by the North Carolina State Bar. This means that he is well-reviewed by peers, took additional high-level training in this specialty after school, has extensive experience in criminal law, and passed a rigorous exam to become a certified expert in the field. In order to maintain this elite certification, our Wilmington NC criminal defense attorney stays at the leading edge of criminal defense. Don’t hesitate to find out how our powerhouse defender can guard your reputation, finances, and future. To see why our clients choose us when they're looking for the best criminal attorney at law near them, read our criminal lawyer reviews.

Call us today to schedule your FREE initial consultation with our Wilmington attorneys in NC!

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Our Clients Share Their Experience

  • "He was always in great communication with us, organized, and reliable, which gave us the utmost confidence in him."
    - Lori
  • "He was able to get it dismissed and also represented my father who also won his case."
    - Elisha
  • "You could see it on his face he actually cares about children in the school and their rights as individuals."
    - Dimitrius
    • Super Lawyers Rising Star
    • Super Lawyers
    • National Trial Lawyers Top 100
    • Legal Elite
    • National Associate of Criminal Defense

      About James F. Rutherford

      Your Wilmington Criminal Defense Attorney

      From the start of his career, James has had a passion for advocating for the rights of people who face the criminal justice system. When your rights, career, and permanent record are all jeopardized, he knows how to get results, and he has proven this talent and resolve time and again. He has the experience, tireless advocacy, and expertise you need. In fact, he is AV Preeminent® rated by his peers for his exceptional ethical standards as well as his legal skill and successes.

      From 2013 to 2015, he has been included on the list of Super Lawyers® Rising Stars℠.

      Not only is he certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a specialist in criminal law, recognized by Super Lawyers as a rising star, but he is also certified to administer standardized field sobriety tests by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration. An especially qualified DWI defense attorney and criminal lawyer, James dedicates his practice to those in and around Wilmington, NC.

      What Sets Our Defense Firm Apart

      Hire an Attorney Who Cares About Your Unique Case
      • National Trial Lawyers Association Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers
      • Field Sobriety Test Certified
      • 14+ Years Experience
      • Certified Specialist in Criminal Law
      • AV® Peer Review Rated

      Contact Us Today To Get Started

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