Our skilled Wilmington criminal defense attorneys and support staff at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC are dedicated to pursuing positive results for each of our clients, one case at a time.
Our customized legal strategies are designed to meet each client’s unique needs, so their side of the story is fully heard, investigated, examined, and defended with experienced precision that provides confidence.
In just over a decade, our criminal defense law firm has handled over 5,000 cases with an uncompromising commitment to producing significant results in difficult cases for clients throughout North Carolina to ensure their criminal charges do not define their futures.
Our talented team of criminal defense attorneys in Wilmington, New Hanover County, has established itself as an authoritative presence inside and outside both state and federal courtrooms, reputably producing real results for our clients through case dismissals, reduced charges, and other recognizably favorable outcomes.
If you are facing criminal charges in Wilmington, North Carolina, work with a skilled team of Wilmington defense attorneys who will fight for your freedom.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys In Wilmington, North Carolina
Our Wilmington criminal defense lawyers at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC bring over 60 years of combined experience to each of our clients’ cases, so they can benefit from the extensive resources formed by some of the sharpest legal minds in North Carolina.
Our New Hanover County defense lawyers represent clients in the following practice areas:
- Sex Crimes
- Indecent Liberties with a Child
- Sexual Exploitation of a Child
- Child Pornography
- Forcible Rape
- Drug Crimes
- Murder Defense
- Gun Crimes
- Federal Crimes
- Healthcare Defense
- White Collar Crimes
If you have been charged with a state or federal crime in North Carolina, contact us today in Wilmington to learn how we can help make a difference in your case.
According to recent Wilmington Police Department statistics, reported aggravated assaults increased by 25 incidents, and arrests for larceny have doubled since 2022. As local law enforcement intensifies its focus on criminal charges, you need an aggressive defense strategy dedicated to protecting your rights.
Leading Wilmington Sex Crimes Attorneys Representing Clients In North Carolina
Our Wilmington criminal defense law firm, Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, have defended – and produced real results for — some of the most complex sex crimes cases in North Carolina.
Because of our background of success in these difficult cases, our Wilmington sex crimes lawyers dedicate a significant portion of our legal team’s formidable skills to defending North Carolina clients who are accused of these crimes, because we know how important the outcome is to their futures.
Sex crime allegations are all-encompassing and can negatively impact a person’s reputation and livelihood with a single claim, with or without the evidence to back it up.
Our skilled sex crimes attorneys are prepared to counter the District Attorney’s Office each step of the way — no matter the circumstances of the allegations — to prioritize the facts of these important cases and develop effective defense strategies that help give our clients their lives back.
Marcilliat & Mills PLLC and our respected team of Wilmington criminal defense attorneys represent clients who have been charged with:
- Sexual assault or rape
- Aggravated sexual assault
- Date rape
- Sex crimes against children
- Juvenile sex offenses
- Lewd behavior, indecent exposure
- Prostitution, solicitation
- Kidnapping for the purpose of committing a sex crime
Contact us today to learn more about the innovative defense strategies we implement for each of our client’s unique and important cases.
Defending Students, Faculty, and Staff In Title IX Cases In Wilmington, North Carolina
Have you been accused of campus-related sexual misconduct?
These allegations, even without any substantial proof, can lead to students being expelled, instructors losing their professional licenses, and staff members losing the careers they have worked so hard to build.
We represent clients attending and working at colleges in Wilmington, including:
- The University of North Carolina at Wilmington
- Cape Fear Community College
- Shaw University
- University of Mount Olive
- The University of North Carolina at Pembroke
Our Title IX defense attorneys in Wilmington handle these sensitive matters with discretion while providing a strong and strategic defense that gives our clients confidence.
Experienced Wilmington Drug Crimes Attorneys In North Carolina
Combined with that of our esteemed group of criminal defense attorneys, his experience and influence inside and outside the courtroom lead our drug crimes attorneys in Wilmington to aggressively defend each of our clients with skill and distinction, so they are confident that over 110 years of combined legal experience is going to work on their case as a team.
Knowledgeable Murder Defense Attorneys In Wilmington, North Carolina
If you or someone you love has been accused of or charged with murder, homicide, or manslaughter in North Carolina, the severity of these charges will come crashing down quickly.
Facing a lifetime in prison is a shocking reality, even for those who have served lengthy jail sentences before, which is why we evaluate the charges against our clients to provide a formidable defense that could mean the difference in their very freedom.
Our murder defense attorneys in Wilmington have delivered multiple dismissals on charges of first-degree murder in the past, and strive to make a difference in each of our clients’ lives by creating unique defense strategies that give them another chance.
We can provide the same experience, skill, and aggressive approach to producing results for your murder case too. Call us now to learn more.
Respected Gun Crimes Attorneys In Wilmington North Carolina
Marcilliat & Mills PLLC is a preferred law firm for the United States Concealed Carry Association, which is important in our client’s cases because they can move forward with confidence knowing we are dedicated to protecting their Second Amendment rights and those afforded by our progressive North Carolina gun laws at all costs.
No matter the gun crimes charge, nearly all weapon offenses are classified as felonies that result in at least one year of jail time, and depending on the circumstances, extend to a mandatory minimum jail sentence of 15 years to life.
Do not allow your gun rights to be violated by overzealous law enforcement. Our criminal defense lawyers in Wilmington are here to protect both you and them by providing the legal experience you need to pursue real results.
Federal Crimes Defense Attorneys In Wilmington Representing North Carolina Residents
At Marcilliat & Mills PLLC, our federal criminal defense attorneys have represented clients in every federal courtroom in North Carolina.
Our Wilmington federal crimes law firm and a team of experienced Wilmington criminal defense attorneys have represented clients facing serious federal charges for:
- Drug Charges
- Gun Crimes
- Internet Sex Crimes
- Kidnapping
- Mail and Wire Fraud
- Medicaid and Medicare Fraud
- Tax Fraud
If you are being investigated for federal crimes in North Carolina or have already been arrested and charged for a federal crime, your future is at stake without the help of an experienced federal criminal defense attorney by your side.
We are a North Carolina criminal defense law firm that is equipped to handle federal charges anywhere in the state.
Marcilliat & Mills PLLC has produced real results for previous clients in federal courtrooms throughout the state and will pursue the same positive outcome for your unique circumstances.
Understanding the Criminal Process in North Carolina
Understanding the criminal process in North Carolina can make a stressful situation feel a little less uncertain. Cases are different, but most people go through the same process.
Arrest or Investigation
Sometimes the process starts with an arrest because the police are called to the scene or see you doing something they believe is illegal. Other times, police or other law enforcement agencies investigate first, and charges come later.
First Appearance and Bond Hearing
After an arrest, you will usually have an initial court appearance, and the court may also decide on bond. This is when the judge or magistrate looks at whether you can be released from custody while your case is pending, and what conditions may apply. Depending on the case, that can include cash bond, supervision, or other restrictions on your release.
Arraignment
Arraignment is where the formal charges are read, and a plea is entered. If you haven’t been able to pay for a lawyer, one will be provided to you.
Pretrial Motions and Negotiations
Before trial, your lawyer may file motions to challenge evidence, limit what the prosecution can use, or ask for dismissal. This is also when plea discussions often happen. Many cases get resolved at this point through plea deals.
Trial (If Necessary)
If the case is not resolved here, you will proceed to trial. The prosecutor must prove the charges beyond a reasonable doubt, and the defense has the opportunity to question witnesses, challenge the evidence, and present its side of the story. Trials can be incredibly stressful, but sometimes it’s the only way to clear your name.
A criminal case can move quickly, and the rules are not always easy to follow on your own. A North Carolina criminal defense lawyer can explain the process to you and help you take the right steps.
Common Mistakes to Avoid After Being Charged
When someone is arrested, it’s an overwhelming situation that can lead to mistakes that harm the case. Here are some of the things you should avoid after being charged with a crime:
Speaking to Law Enforcement Without an Attorney
You always have the right to have an attorney present when law enforcement is questioning you, and this is a right you should assert immediately. No matter how nice the police are acting and how helpful they tell you they can be, they are not on your side, and you should not believe everything that they say.
Whatever you tell them can be used against you at trial, and you should always reach out to an experienced criminal defense lawyer who can protect your rights.
Posting About Your Case on Social Media
Prosecutors commonly search social media to see if defendants have posted about their case online. It may be surprising, but this happens often. Anything you post online can be used against you. Don’t assume that because you have certain privacy settings, the prosecutor won’t be able to see what you’ve posted. You are always better off just not using social media at all until your case has been resolved.
Missing Court Dates
Do not miss court dates. You will have court hearings before the trial, and you must attend all of them and arrive on time. If you fail to appear in court, don’t let your attorney know, and there’s no legitimate reason for your absence, a warrant will be issued for your arrest.
Once you’re arrested and taken into custody, you’ll likely remain there while your case is ongoing. Missing court also means you forfeit any bail you’ve paid to the court.
Contacting Alleged Victims or Witnesses
No matter the situation or who the alleged victim or witnesses are, you should never contact them. It doesn’t matter if it’s your spouse, sibling, parent, friend, or anyone else. There’s never anything good that will come from you contacting someone involved in the case; you will likely be accused of trying to intimidate them or influence the case, and you could face additional criminal charges.
Assuming the Charges Will Resolve on Their Own
Many people who know they didn’t commit a crime assume that the charges will just take care of themselves. They wait for the police to realize that an error has been made, assuming the charges will get dropped. This simply doesn’t always happen. Wrongfully accused people get convicted all the time, sadly, and you don’t want to be one of them. You need to take action as soon as possible, regardless of what you think of the charges or how innocent you are.
Facing any criminal charge should be taken incredibly seriously. Don’t say anything about your case, and reach out to a lawyer as soon as you can.
Skilled Wilmington Criminal Defense Attorneys Who Pursue Real Results For Clients Throughout North Carolina
Contact our skilled criminal defense attorneys in Wilmington at Marcilliat & Mills PLLC today by calling (919) 838-6643 or online to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can empower you to take a stand and pursue real results, as we have established for our previous clients.