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Chapel Hill Criminal Defense Attorneys

Defending Serious Criminal Cases in Chapel Hill and Throughout North Carolina

When you’re facing serious criminal charges, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Whether you’ve been accused of a federal crime, a violent felony, or a professional offense that could end your career, you need experienced legal counsel who knows how to fight back.

At Ryan Willis Law PLLC, we defend individuals across Chapel Hill, Orange County, and the greater Triangle area against some of the most complex and high-stakes criminal charges in North Carolina. We focus on serious felony and federal cases, the kinds of cases where experience, discretion, and preparation matter most.

Why Chapel Hill Clients Turn to Ryan Willis Law

Clients come to Ryan Willis Law PLLC because they need a defense attorney who can handle more than routine misdemeanors or traffic charges. They turn to us when their freedom, reputation, or livelihood is on the line.

We regularly represent individuals accused of:

Federal crimes involving fraud, conspiracy, or interstate activity

White collar offenses such as embezzlement, wire fraud, or public corruption

Serious state-level felonies including homicide, violent crimes, and sex offenses

Felony firearm and vehicular homicide cases

Professional licensure violations that threaten medical, legal, or financial credentials

Our firm delivers strategic, precise representation — tailored to the facts, the forum, and the client.

The Criminal Process in Chapel Hill and Orange County

If you’re charged in Chapel Hill, your case will typically proceed through the Orange County District or Superior Court or, in federal cases, the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina.

We guide clients through every stage, including:

Investigation

Early intervention can prevent charges or limit exposure.

Indictment or Arrest

We ensure you understand your rights and options before court.

Discovery and Pretrial Motions

We challenge improper searches, unreliable evidence, and procedural violations.

Negotiation or Trial

We pursue dismissals, favorable plea agreements, or acquittal at trial.

Our role is to anticipate challenges, control the narrative, and protect your future.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in Garner

At Ryan Willis Law PLLC, we focus exclusively on criminal defense — with deep experience in the following areas:

Federal Criminal Cases

Defense in complex investigations and prosecutions in U.S. District Court.

White Collar Criminal Defense

Representation in cases involving fraud, embezzlement, and financial crimes.

Drug Trafficking Defense

Strategic defense against large-scale drug and conspiracy charges.

Sex Crime Defense

Discreet, aggressive representation in highly sensitive matters.

Homicide and Violent Felonies

Defense in murder, manslaughter, and assault with deadly weapon cases.

Felony Firearm Offenses

Representation in cases involving possession or use of firearms by felons.

Vehicular Homicide and Felony DWI

Defense in serious vehicular offenses with life-altering penalties.

Professional Licensure Representation

Protecting professionals facing disciplinary or criminal exposure.

We handle each case with the skill and discretion required when everything is on the line.

Ready to Defend Your Rights?

We’ve helped clients across Raleigh and the Triangle protect their freedom and their future. Find out how we can help you.

Common Challenges in Serious Criminal Cases

Major criminal cases come with unique complexities — from lengthy investigations to public scrutiny. Clients facing serious state or federal charges often contend with:

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Complex investigations involving federal agencies and multiple jurisdictions

Mandatory sentencing guidelines that leave little room for error

Professional and reputational fallout from publicized allegations

Collateral consequences such as loss of licensure or firearm rights

At Ryan Willis Law PLLC, we take a proactive approach — identifying weaknesses in the prosecution’s case early and positioning you for the best possible outcome.

How Ryan Willis Law Supports Chapel Hill Clients

We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Each case demands precision, discretion, and strategy. Our firm provides:

Early involvement to protect your rights before formal charges are filed
Thorough investigation and analysis of every piece of evidence
Skilled negotiation with state and federal prosecutors
Trial-tested advocacy for clients facing serious felony indictments
Guidance on mitigating professional and personal consequences

When the stakes are highest, we deliver defense you can trust — backed by experience and results.

What Our Chapel Hill Clients Say

“Ryan Willis has come through for us. His timing, insight and expertise are second to none. He goes beyond the extra mile to provide advice and even referrals to help augment the excellent counsel he provides. You can trust him to do what he says and put your best interests first and foremost.”

J.M.

  • According to the Federal Bureau of Investigation, white-collar crimes are nonviolent but not victimless, such as mortgage fraud and healthcare fraud. These crimes are often accompanied by harsh penalties that can be very challenging to deal with. Your life, your financial security, and your reputation can all be irreparably damaged if you are convicted.   In…
    How to Protect Your Rights During a White Collar Investigation

Serving Chapel Hill and the Greater Triangle Area

While our main office is in Raleigh, Ryan Willis Law PLLC represents clients from Chapel Hill and across the Triangle, including Durham, Hillsborough, Cary, and Wake Forest. We provide the same level of preparation, professionalism, and commitment in every case — whether it’s filed in state or federal court.

About Attorney Ryan Willis

Attorney Ryan Willis has built his career defending individuals across North Carolina who are facing serious criminal charges. With years of courtroom experience and a reputation for fearless advocacy, Ryan approaches each case with the same intensity and care no matter the charge.

He believes every client deserves a second chance and a defense rooted in truth, preparation, and respect.

Attorney Ryan Willis

Contact Our Chapel Hill Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you’ve been charged with a serious crime in Chapel Hill or anywhere in the Triangle, don’t wait to get experienced legal representation. Early intervention can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.

Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a confidential consultation.

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