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Raleigh Criminal Defense Attorneys

Protecting Your Rights in Raleigh and Across Wake County

If you’ve been charged with a serious crime in Raleigh, your future, freedom, and reputation are on the line. North Carolina’s criminal justice system can be intimidating, but you don’t have to face it alone. Ryan Willis Law PLLC stands ready to defend you with experience, strategy, and dedication.

Our firm represents clients throughout Raleigh and the Triangle, handling everything from federal crimes to violent felonies and professional offenses. We know how prosecutors build their cases, and how to dismantle them. Our goal is simple: to protect your rights and achieve the best possible outcome.

At our Raleigh office, we meet clients face-to-face, explain every step of the legal process, and fight relentlessly in and out of the courtroom. When everything is on the line, we’re the defense you can trust.

Why Raleigh Residents Turn to Ryan Willis Law

Raleigh’s diverse community includes college students, professionals, military members, and families—all of whom can find themselves unexpectedly facing criminal accusations. Whether your case begins in Wake County District Court or federal court in the Eastern District of North Carolina, having a skilled local defense attorney is crucial.

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

We understand what’s at stake. At Ryan Willis Law, we treat every case as personal. We take the time to understand your story, protect your rights, and push back against unfair treatment.

How the North Carolina Criminal Process Works

North Carolina’s legal system moves quickly after an arrest. From the first court appearance through potential trial, every step matters. Key stages include:

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.

Throughout the process, our job is to ensure your constitutional rights are protected and that the State meets its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.

Types of Criminal Cases We Handle in Raleigh

Ryan Willis Law defends clients across a broad range of charges, including:

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.

Every case receives personalized attention. We build defense strategies tailored to your situation—whether that means challenging an illegal search, suppressing evidence, or negotiating a fair resolution.

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 Raleigh Defendants Face

Each type of criminal charge comes with its own set of challenges. At Ryan Willis Law PLLC, we understand how to navigate the specific issues that arise in different kinds of cases:

search-files

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

No matter the charge, we help clients anticipate what’s ahead, prepare strategically, and protect their rights at every stage. Our approach is built on deep experience across North Carolina’s state and federal courts and a commitment to securing the best possible outcome for each client.

How Ryan Willis Law Supports Our Clients

When you hire our firm, you’re choosing a defense team that values communication, preparation, and integrity. We help our Raleigh clients by:

Investigating every detail of the case
Negotiating with prosecutors for dismissals or reduced charges
Filing motions to suppress evidence obtained illegally
Preparing compelling arguments for trial
Guiding clients through license restoration, expungements, or appeals

Our approach is thorough and client-focused because the best defense starts with understanding what matters most to you.

What Our Raleigh 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

Raleigh Office, Triangle Reach

While our main office is in downtown Raleigh, Ryan Willis Law serves clients across the Triangle, including Cary, Apex, Garner, Wake Forest, and Durham. Whether your case begins in Wake County or federal court, we’re equipped to represent you with professionalism and discretion.

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 Raleigh Criminal Defense Attorneys

If you’re facing criminal charges in Raleigh or anywhere in Wake County, don’t wait to get help. The sooner you involve an experienced defense attorney, the stronger your case can be.

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

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