Why Hire Us?

Why Choose Us?

Criminal Law Expert with 14 Years of Proven Defense

For more than a decade, our Wilmington NC criminal defense lawyer at James F. Rutherford, Attorney at Law. has been providing high-quality, aggressive advocacy for criminal defendants all across North Carolina. He dedicates a significant portion of his practice defending clients accused of criminal charges, including felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, sex crimes, and more. No case is too large or too small.

Why Clients Trust James F. Rutherford:

  • He Cares About You.
  • Skilled with 14+ years of experience: James is a seasoned defense attorney with over 14 years of experience tackling a wide variety of tough cases, including DWI and sex crimes.
  • Personalized, hands-on counsel: James works directly with each client during the entire duration of their cases. He always goes the extra mile in order to ensure their needs are met.
  • Certified Specialist in Criminal Law: Only attorneys with extensive experience, accomplishments, and peer recognitions can gain certification as a specialist. James brings his proven expertise to each case under his care.
  • Super Lawyers named him a Rising Star: Only 2.5 percent of lawyers in each state receive this honor.
  • AV® Peer Review Rated: This rating is earned through rigorous evaluation by our legal peers for an attorney's legal ethics and abilities.
  • Certified in Field Sobriety Testing: A certified specialist receives in-depth training on how to property administer field sobriety tests, as well as the flaws and inaccuracies inherent in the testing process.

Call Our Wilmington NC Criminal Defense Attorney Today: (910) 595-1377

If you have been arrested, discuss your charges with our team. We can review your situation and provide you with our honest assessments on how to best move forward. James Rutherford is a criminal law specialist with the right experience, knowledge, and legal savvy to help you.

Call our office at (910) 595-1377​ to request a FREE evaluation.

Our Clients Share Their Experience

    "James is always willing to go the extra mile for his clients."
    James is very easy to understand he explains him self very well. James is always willing to go the extra mile for his clients. I would highly recommend James to anyone who is in search for a good lawyer.
    - Dale
    "He went above and beyond his duties as an attorney and handled my case with skill and tact."
    James is an extremely competent and brilliant attorney. He went above and beyond his duties as an attorney and handled my case with skill and tact. I would highly recommend Mr. Rutherford to anyone stranger, friend, or family.
    - Michael
    "James Rutherford is the by far the best attorney to have to see you through your case."
    Mr. Rutherford is the most knowledgeable and competent attorney I have ever worked with. As busy as he is he will be in contact with quite often in regards with the details of your case. I would not recommend anyone go into court with any other lawyer by your side. I can't say enough about him as abilities as an attorney but I do believe his record speaks for itself.
    - John
    "He stepped up and did an outstanding job."
    Mr. Rutherford is by far the best and most emphatic lawyer currently practicing in Wilmington. He prevailed against an unjust system when he helped clear my severely mentally ill son of charges which would have ended his dolorous life. I know I was a hysterical and terrified mother. With no knowledge or experience with the judicial system; he was very kind and reassuring in every step of the way. He stepped up and did an outstanding job that other lawyers with half of his worth and talent would have shunned. He made every step of the way better for my son. Anyone who faces any legal adversary should have Mr. Rutherford on their side.
    - Susan
    "You could see it on his face he actually cares about children in the school and their rights as individuals."
    After calling multiple lawyers regarding my sons situation at his school, I came across Attorney James Rutherford, he got me and my son in immediately and listened to our concerns regarding his Suspension. He was very professional and knew what he was talking about, and you could see it on his face he actually cares about children in the school and their rights as individuals. He never once talked about money, I was the one that asked him, and he gave a fair price, that I could live with for my child. Of course there are no guarantees when it comes to short-term suspensions, but we have a plan in place, so I have full confidence in Mr. Rutherford. I would recommend him to everyone that has concerns regarding their children's rights in New Hanover County Schools. I am so glad I found him.
    - Dimitrius
    "He was always in great communication with us, organized, and reliable, which gave us the utmost confidence in him."
    Mr. Rutherford is extremely professional, and compassionate. We hired him to defend our son who was falsely accused, and he did a very thorough job proving his innocence. He was always in great communication with us, organized, and reliable, which gave us the utmost confidence in him. He genuinely cares about his clients, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a good defense attorney. He is highly respected by his peers, and the community.
    - Lori
    "He was able to get it dismissed and also represented my father who also won his case."
    Mr. Rutherford was very professional and punctual in dealing with my DWI case that hired him for a year ago. He was able to get it dismissed and also represented my father who also won his case. Mr Rutherford would be highly recommend by me to anyone needing a great criminal defense lawyer.
    - Elisha
    "He prepared us both for the proceedings and made the experience as stress-free as possible."
    My husband and I had a great experience with Mr. Rutherford as our attorney. At our initial consultation he was realistic and honest about the parameters regarding our case. Moving forward he prepared us both for the proceedings and made the experience as stress-free as possible. We are very happy with the results from our case and would highly recommend Mr. Rutherford.
    - Kara B.

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