Lillington Criminal Lawyers

Education:
Emory University (BA in Political Science, 2002)
Campbell University (J.D., 2007)
-SBA representative
-Honor Court Justice
-Dean of Delta Theta Phi
-Moot Court Team
-ATLA Trial Team

Professional Memberships:
North Carolina State Bar
Judicial District 19A Bar
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Advocates for Justice (formerly North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers)
American Bar Association
American Association for Justice (formerly American Trial Lawyers Association)

Family:
Married to fellow attorney and former law partner: Luke Baker
Two children: Garrett and Audrey
Two dogs: Phoebe and...

James is a North Carolina Board Certified Specialist in Federal and State Criminal Law and Family Law with a trial practice in criminal, domestic, and general litigation. He is deeply committed to excellence and professionalism in the practice of law, having served on the North Carolina State Bar Specialization Criminal Law Committee, the North Carolina State Bar Board of Continuing Legal Education, and was Issue Planning Editor of the Law Review at Regent University. James also lectures at criminal, family law, and trial practice continuing legal education (CLE) programs, and is regularly designated by the Capital Defender as lead counsel...

As a dedicated attorney with experience in personal injury, family law, and criminal defense, I understand that legal challenges can be overwhelming and life-altering. Whether you’re recovering from an accident, navigating difficult family transitions, or facing criminal charges, I am here to provide compassionate, strategic guidance to help you move forward with confidence. Serving Wilmington, North Carolina, and the greater New Hanover, and Brunswick Counties, I bring years of experience as an Assistant District Attorney in Brunswick, Bladen, and Columbus Counties, offering a unique perspective on each case. From securing fair compensation in personal injury cases to advocating for clients in...

I help people charged with traffic tickets, driving while license revoked, driving while impaired, drug charges and other criminal matters protect their rights! The reason I'm so passionate about what I do is because I know how hard it is to fight the system. As a child, I watched my mother fight for and win her freedom, after being arrested for a crime she didn't commit. Her courage is what inspired me to come back to Louisburg, where I was born and raised, to practice law. Prior to starting my own law firm, I served as an Assistant District...

With an engineering degree and MBA, I started my career as an in-house consultant in the aerospace industry. After a few years I transitioned to engineering and consulting positions in other industries. Eventually I returned to college for a law degree and have been a courtroom lawyer for more than 20 years.

Kevin E. Heckart was born in Des Moines, Iowa in 1961. After graduating from Wentworth Military Academy he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves in the Spring of 1979. Kevin then continued to serve in the USMCR achieving the rank of Corporal while attending Drake University (B.A. – 1983). Before graduating from college, Kevin was accepted into the PLC program for prospective Marine Officers, completed the training and was Commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in May, 1983.
After college Kevin attended Drake Law School (J.D. – 1985) and, upon graduation, the Basic School for Marine Officers in Quantico, Virginia and further...

Christian was born and raised in Indiana and attended Indiana University in Bloomington where he received a degree in Philosophy and Political Science. During college, Christian worked as a wildland firefighter for the U.S. Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management in the summers. Christian then attended the University of Montana School of Law in Missoula. While attending law school, Christian interned with Justice Goff of the Indiana Supreme Court and the Federal Defenders of Montana. It was both of these experiences that inspired Christian’s passion for criminal defense. Upon receiving his J.D., he moved to Wilmington and began...

Corey McManus was born in Monroe, North Carolina where he attend Monroe High School and graduated in 1994. Corey attended the University of North Carolina Central in Durham, North Carolina on an academic scholarship. At North Carolina Central he majored in Political Science and minored in English and graduated with Honors in 1998. He then attended Law School at Campbell University as a Campbell Law Scholar and Robert A. Dyer Scholar. While there, Corey was a Campbell Law Observer Case Writer, competitor in the Judge Conrad Duberstein National Bankruptcy Moot Court Competition, North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers member and...

I have my Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Miami, and my Juris Doctor from Thomas Cooley Law School where I was on the Dean's List, Honor Roll, and made the Law Review. I am a veteran from the United States Army. I worked for Liberty Mutual Insurance Company as a Senior Claims Adjuster handling Workers' Compensation, automobile and motorcycle accidents, and other insurance claims.

L. Bryan Smith’s primary practice areas are family law, criminal defense, and personal injury. He is proud of his dedication and responsiveness to clients. Bryan attended Francis Marion College in Florence, South Carolina, earning a degree in political science. He then matriculated to Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law for his juris doctor which he earned cum laude. After law school, Bryan was the founding member of a local law firm until he joined The Law Group as a partner.

David Gross graduated from Lakeview High School in St. Clair Shores, Michigan in 1992 where he was on the football and swimming team. David graduated Summa Cum Laude from Mount Olive College in Mount Olive, N.C. with a B.S. in Criminal Justice. David attended the University of North Carolina School of Law in Chapel Hill where he was a member of the International Law Journal. After serving in both the Air and Army National Guard, David became a Rocky Mount N.C. Police Officer in 1998. David Gross performed all aspects of law enforcement including writing traffic citations,...

Over the years, Mr. Thomas has earned a reputation for being one of the best military defense attorneys in the country because of his successes litigating and trying some of the most highly publicized military cases. Mr. Thomas focuses on defending clients at court-martials, as well as, administrative separation hearings in the military justice system. Mr. Thomas also represents clients facing state and federal criminal charges in North Carolina. What sets Mr. Thomas apart is that he has experience from every angle in the courtroom and the ability to try any case that comes across his desk. Before starting his...

Graduated UNC-Chapel Hill with BS degree in Industrial Relations in 1974; Graduated in Charter Class of Campbell University School of Law in 1979; Assistant District Attorney 4th Judicial District 1979-84. Private Practice of Law 1984-present. Primary Area of Practice: Criminal Defense; DWI; Driver's License Restoration. Licensed Real Estate Broker since 1974.

Thomas W. Smothers offers the necessary expertise to negotiate with the State regarding your charges. When prosecutors are forced to deal with our firm, they realize that we have what it takes to go to trial. Keeping this in mind, Attorney Smothers is always able to negotiate from a position of strength.

Graham worked for the United States Attorney's Office for the Middle District of North Carolina. As an Assistant United States Attorney for 19 years, Graham tried numerous cases in the Middle District and has trial experience in both the Eastern and the Western Districts of North Carolina. Graham has also argued several cases before the United States Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit. As a federal prosecutor, Graham also oversaw federal investigations, including the use of investigative grand juries. Graham participated in the investigation and prosecution of federal cases including robbery, conspiracy, narcotics distribution, firearms offenses, national security cases, fraud,...

Attorney Mark D. Stewart is a Greenville criminal defense lawyer dedicated to protecting the rights and futures of the clients he represents. As a former prosecutor, Mr. Stewart maintains a unique perspective from both sides of the courtroom, and uses his past experience and knowledge to build the strongest defenses possible on his clients’ behalves. To find out more about working with Attorney Stewart, do not hesitate to contact Burch Law Office today.

Mr. Eldredge is a co-founder and partner at Brittain & Eldredge, PLLC. He has a passion for helping others and loves his job because it gives him the opportunity to help others every day. Mr. Eldredge has a reputation for giving each client the personal attention he or she deserves and for providing high quality legal representation at affordable rates.

I am a graduate of the University of South Carolina School of Law who graduated in May 2023 with a Juris Doctor. During my time in law school, I was a member of the South Carolina Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and also served as President of the USC school of law American Constitution Society. I am passionate about helping clients and look forwarding to serving you as best I can.

As a former prosecutor and current criminal defense attorney I have seen both sides of the law to gain a complete picture on how to best help my clients. I have a great amount of experience with the criminal justice system and a vast knowledge of how the police operate. I became a criminal defense attorney because I want to help people. I aspire to be the one person who is on your side and want to help you deal with your case with the least amount of anxiety possible. You will notice that the system is not...

Jim Doermann primarily serves as a Greensboro attorney. Jim travels to several counties and serves a wide range of clients. He practices in Guilford, Rockingham, and Alamance County. With prior experience as a Financial Services Consultant and Military Veteran he seeks opportunities to help disadvantaged people and the community through the practice of law. Interested in focusing on criminal law, civil rights, and veterans advocacy.

Owner of Hamilton Law Firm, PLLC a General Law Practice serving Vance, Granville, Franklin and Warren Counties.