Win With Wagoner Put Over 15 Years of Experience on Your Side

Wilmington Criminal Lawyer

Contact The Wagoner Law Firm, P.L.L.C. to Advocate for Your Freedom!

Have you been accused of a criminal offense? There is no time to waste waiting around. You need our well-respected, aggressive criminal defense attorney negotiating for your freedom right away. Attorney Merritt Wagoner is extremely approachable and won't judge you for what has happened in the past; he truly enjoys helping people during difficult times in their lives, and he’s ready to do the same for you.

Unlike many criminal defense firms, The Wagoner Law Firm P.L.L.C. obtains valuable experience in jury trials. If your case were to end up in trial, you would need a lawyer who knows how to navigate the complexities of both state and federal crimes. Luckily, our criminal defense attorney obtains vital trial experience that could advance your case closer to an optimal result.

  • Assault by Strangulation Client Acquitted
  • Assault on a Female Case Dismissed
  • Common Law Robbery Case Dismissed
  • Driving While Impaired Case Dismissed
  • Felony Hit and Run with Injury Client Acquitted
  • First Degree Arson Case Dismissed
  • Heroin Trafficking Case Dismissed
  • Insurance Fraud Client Acquitted
  • Sexual Battery Client Acquitted
  • Statutory Rape Case Dismissed

Services Offered by Our Criminal Defense Attorney

Attorney Merritt Wagoner handles a wide variety of criminal defense cases from our Wilmington law office. Our experience in state and federal courtrooms could benefit your case because it proves our extensive knowledge spanning the entire legal system.

What Does a Criminal Lawyer Do?

A criminal defense lawyer plays a vital role in any criminal case. They are responsible for protecting the rights of their client and ensuring they have access to a fair trial.

A criminal defense attorney will review all available evidence, interview witnesses, and research applicable laws to devise a strong legal strategy to protect their client’s rights. They also work with prosecutors to negotiate pleas and represent their clients during hearings with judges.

In some cases, a criminal defense lawyer may even be able to get the charges against their client dropped or reduced. Ultimately, the goal of the criminal defense lawyer is to secure the best possible outcome for their client.

Possible Consequences of a Criminal Conviction

North Carolina law administers misdemeanor and felony charges depending on the criminal offense. Misdemeanors are classified as A1, Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3, with A1 being the most serious. Felonies are broadly categorized from Class A to Class I felonies, with Class A being the most severe. To minimize the possibility of facing these charges, our lawyer will persistently defend your case with the goal of reducing or dismissing the charge entirely.

Misdemeanor punishments:

  • Class A1: 1 to 150 days of active, intermediate, or community punishment and a fine in the amount deemed necessary by the court.
  • Class 1: 1 to 120 days of active, intermediate, or community punishment and a fine in the amount deemed necessary by the court.
  • Class 2:1 to 60 days of active, intermediate, or community punishment, and up to a $1,000 fine.
  • Class 3: 1 to 20 days of days of active, intermediate, or community punishment and up to a $200 fine.

Felony punishments:

  • Class A: death, or life with or without parole
  • Class B1: 144 months to life without parole
  • Class B2: 94 to 393 months
  • Class C: 44 to 182 months
  • Class D: 38 to 160 months
  • Class E: 15 to 63 months
  • Class F: 10 to 41 months
  • Class G: 8 to 31 months
  • Class H: 4 to 25 months
  • Class I: 3 to 12 months

Fines for each felony class are determined by the court.

We Are Serious About Fighting Your Criminal Charge

Our criminal defense lawyer intends to pursue the most strategic avenue for furthering your best interests. We implement personalized defense strategies that aim to bring our client the freedom and justice they deserve. Contact us to schedule your free consultation and learn about how we will work to overcome your felony or misdemeanor charges.

Call (910) 400-8285 for our dedicated, aggressive criminal defense!

"I would never walk into a courtroom without this man."

Seth, Former Client

Quality Makes a Difference

4 Benefits of Hiring Us
  • Over 15 Years of Experience
  • Work Directly with the Attorney from Start to Finish
  • Well Respected in the Legal Community
  • Free Phone or In Person Consultations - Same Day Appointments Available

How Can We Help?

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