North Carolina Criminal Defense Lawyers

Criminal Defense Law

111 N Chestnut St 200 8, Winston-Salem, NC 27101, USA

Maricelis Timothee is a dedicated criminal defense attorney with over 20 years of experience advocating for individuals facing serious criminal charges. Her passion for criminal law began early, driven by a fascination with how the mind works and a deep desire to help innocent people navigate an often-unfair system. While Maricelis initially envisioned a career as a prosecutor, her path changed after working closely with a defense attorney and witnessing firsthand how unjustly defendants can be treated. That experience solidified her commitment to criminal defense and to standing up for the rights of those who need it most. Maricelis has been practicing law since 2004 and proudly serves the Winston-Salem community she has called home since the age of three. Born in Puerto Rico, she is bilingual and offers legal services in both English and Spanish. She earned both her undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Outside of the courtroom, Maricelis is an animal lover and the proud adopter of two rescue dogs from AARF. She brings the same compassion, dedication, and one-on-one attention to her clients as she does to every aspect of her life.

Criminal Defense Law

10631 Sleigh Bell Lane, Charlotte, NC 28216

Area of Practice: Criminal and Civil Law Melissa Hordichuk is the Founder and Managing Attorney of the Access to Justice Project, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public interest law firm based in Charlotte, North Carolina that offers pro and low bono legal services. Her practice areas include civil litigation, family law, veterans law, criminal defense, and post-conviction relief. Ms. Hordichuk graduated from Georgetown University Law Center and is licensed to practice in North Carolina, South Carolina, and New Jersey.

Criminal Defense Law

4434 Main St, Shallotte, NC 28470, USA

W. James Payne is a criminal defense attorney, representing white-collar criminal matters and military justice matters. Payne has been local to the Shallotte and Wilmington, North Carolina areas since 1988. Payne retired as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve after 30 years of dedicated service. He had the honor to spend five years of that service as a Judge. His military service honed his acute sense of honor, which he acquired from his rearing and has carried on into his civilian legal career. Practicing law since 1984, he has centered all of his efforts and attention to practicing only Criminal Defense and Military Justice matters. Native to North Carolina, he received his B.S. in Government from Campbell University and his J.D. from Campbell University School of Law in North Carolina. His Bar Licenses include the North Carolina Supreme Court, United States Court of Military Appeals, United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, Middle District of North Carolina, Western District of North Carolina, and the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. Mr. Payne’s keen attention to detail plays an important role in his effective representation of White-Collar Cases to Death Penalty Cases. His zealous defense for his clients has earned him the respect of judges and prosecutors in both state and federal court. His tireless warrior mentality and “take no prisoners” approach has catapulted him to the top of the legal ranks and garnered front-page media coverage. He is also a highly sought-after writer and lecturer on topics related to criminal law and white-collar criminal defense.