Criminal Defense

Ryan Willis Law recently secured a not guilty verdict for a client charged with first-degree kidnapping in Wake County, where the State also alleged violent habitual felon status—an enhancement that, if proven after conviction, carries a mandatory life sentence under North Carolina law. Charges and Potential Penalties The client was originally charged with attempted first-degree…

It can be hard to understand white-collar charges, especially when you don’t know if the state or the federal government is handling your case. There can be a lot of differences between the rules, punishments, and court systems. If you are facing these kinds of charges, a North Carolina criminal defense lawyer can help you…

If you or someone you care about has been arrested, one of the first questions is whether you can be released and how much it will cost. Recent updates to bond rules in North Carolina have changed how some decisions are made, especially in serious cases. A North Carolina criminal lawyer can help you understand…

After an arrest in North Carolina for some minor offenses, like a speeding ticket or possession of marijuana, you may only receive a citation. However, more serious charges may lead to an arrest. If you are arrested, law enforcement will process you, and a magistrate or judge will decide the conditions that must be met…

We are delighted to announce that Ryan Willis of Ryan Willis Law has been selected for the 2026 North Carolina Super Lawyers list, a recognition that reflects his ongoing dedication to providing exceptional criminal defense in both state and federal courts. What Is Super Lawyers? Super Lawyers is a prestigious award that recognizes outstanding attorneys…

If you or someone you love has been charged with a federal crime, you may hear that a grand jury has returned an indictment. For many people, this sounds frightening and final. It can feel like the case is already decided. But a grand jury indictment does not mean you have been found guilty. It…

Not every federal case starts in federal court. Many cases begin as state charges and are later picked up by federal prosecutors and brought before a federal grand jury. When we handle your case, our main goal is to keep it from moving into federal court, if at all possible. We will work hard to…

Yes! As it happens, federal prosecutors can charge someone with conspiracy if there is evidence that they agreed with another person to commit a crime or do something illegal. In many federal cases, prosecutors must also show that someone took a clear step toward carrying out the crime. However, in federal conspiracy cases, no such…

If you are charged with a crime in North Carolina, it’s important to protect yourself right away. One of the first steps is finding an experienced criminal defense lawyer. Before you hire someone, it helps to know what to look for in a Raleigh criminal defense attorney and what questions to ask during your first…

Crimes are not always violent. Sometimes people are accused of breaking the law by lying, cheating, or using deception instead of physical force. These are often called “white collar crimes.” Even though they don’t involve violence, they are still taken very seriously and can lead to long jail sentences, large fines, and other punishments.  If…