Wilmington Murder Lawyer

Wilmington Murder Attorney

If you’re dealing with murder charges in North Carolina, it’s important to understand your options when it comes to moving through the legal process. The good news is you don’t have to handle the impending legal battle on your own. By choosing the right Wilmington murder lawyer, you can build a strong case and navigate the court proceedings with ease.

Our team at The Shotwell Law Group has years of experience handling all types of criminal cases in North Carolina, including those that involve complex murder charges. Our goal is to work within the confines of the law to build a strong defense that leads to acquittal when possible and reduced sentencing otherwise.

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How Can a Wilmington Murder Lawyer Help Me?

Navigating murder charges can be a stressful situation, no matter the details of the case. A Wilmington murder lawyer can provide comprehensive legal representation for your case so you have a direction to head in with your defense. An attorney can also advise you on your rights and legal options and help with the investigation so you can be as prepared as possible.

A Wilmington murder lawyer can help you understand your charges and the potential penalties so you know how to move forward with your case. They can gather key pieces of evidence for your defense and lay out available legal strategies to get you a fair outcome.

They can also handle negotiations with prosecutors and represent you in court if the case goes to trial. In the case you are convicted, your lawyer can also help you appeal the verdict to a higher court to continue fighting for your rights.

What Can I Tell My Wilmington Murder Lawyer?

If you’ve been accused of murder in North Carolina and are seeking legal counsel to represent you in court, it’s important to be completely honest with your murder lawyer in Wilmington. Tell your lawyer any and all information about an incident, and do not leave anything out. That means if you are, in fact, guilty of murder, it’s wise to disclose that information to your lawyer.

Thanks to client-attorney privilege, they can’t reveal your confession without your consent. By being honest with your attorney, you give them the tools they need to fight for the optimal outcome for your case. In situations where you’re guilty, and acquittal is not an option, your attorney can shift their attention to mitigating penalties and lowering sentences if possible.

Ultimately, you are only hurting yourself by being dishonest with your Wilmington murder lawyer. Their job is to help you get the optimal outcome in any given situation, regardless of the facts. If you hide information from them, you’re essentially undermining your own investigation.

The Shotwell Law Group has experience defending clients in complex criminal cases of all varieties, including those that involve murder charges. Our goal is to represent you and defend your rights so you make it to the other side of the legal process with a fair outcome.

A Brief Look at Crime in Wilmington, NC

In recent years, the crime rate in New Hanover County has been approximately 42.55 per 1,000 residents. In Wilmington specifically, it’s slightly higher at 48.59 per 1,000 residents. While violent crime has been on the decline in recent years, there were still 93 homicides recorded in North Carolina in 2024.

On a more positive note, the Wilmington Police Department has cleared nearly 80 percent of homicide cases in the county between 2019 and 2023. While violent crime has been going down, property crimes and domestic violence have been increasing. This includes things like arson, burglary, vehicle theft, and more.

FAQs About Wilmington, NC Murder Laws

What Is the Penalty for Murder in Wilmington?

First-degree murder is considered to be a capital offense in North Carolina. A conviction can mean the death sentence or life in prison without parole. Under North Carolina law, murder refers to a person’s willful and premeditated killing. First-degree charges can also be brought forth in cases where the killing took place while committing a felony — rape, robbery, use of a deadly weapon, etc.

Do I Need a Wilmington Murder Lawyer if I’m Innocent?

While you are not legally obligated to work with a Wilmington murder lawyer on your case, it’s wise to do so, whether you’re innocent or not. The legal system is not infallible, so it’s important to use every tool at your disposal to ensure you are treated fairly by law enforcement and the courts. Your attorney can provide invaluable assistance for your case and protect your rights, too.

What Is the Felony Murder Rule in North Carolina?

Under North Carolina G.S. 14-17, murder in the first degree also includes cases where the perpetrator didn’t mean to kill the person if the death occurred while they were committing a felony offense. Felonies that typically qualify for this ruling include arson, burglary, kidnapping, rape, robbery, and use of a deadly weapon.

What Is the Difference Between First- and Second-Degree Murder in Wilmington?

The key difference between classifying a murder as a first-degree or a second-degree offense can be summed up in one word — premeditation. First-degree murder involves some level of planning, while second-degree murder can include incidents like reckless killing in accidents. Voluntary manslaughter is similar, except it deals more with situations where a person kills someone in the heat of the moment without any prior intent or premeditation.

Discuss Your Case in Depth With a Wilmington Murder Lawyer Today

If you’ve been charged with murder in North Carolina, you have a limited amount of time to secure solid legal representation. It’s important to connect with a Wilmington murder lawyer as soon as possible so you can be sure you’re doing everything correctly and giving yourself an optimal chance at a fair outcome in court.

The Shotwell Law Group has years of experience representing clients in all types of complex criminal cases. Murder cases can be complicated and emotionally distressing to navigate. Our job is to learn your story inside and out and provide quality legal counsel and fair representation in court. Call our office to learn more about our process and to set up a consultation with our team.