Pender County Criminal Defense Lawyer
If you are facing criminal charges in Pender County, your case will be handled at the Pender County Courthouse in Burgaw. That can feel overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone. Attorney Merritt Wagoner has more than 21 years defending people in North Carolina courts, including Pender County. He will walk you through what to expect and stand beside you at every step.
Where your case is heard in Pender County
Criminal cases in Pender County are handled at the Pender County Courthouse in Burgaw. District Court and Superior Court both meet there. Most misdemeanor charges start in District Court. More serious felony cases move through Superior Court.
Each courthouse has its own rhythm. Local prosecutors, clerks, and judges follow their own routines and calendars. Knowing how things run in Burgaw can make a confusing process feel a little more clear.
Your first court date is called an arraignment or a first appearance. This is where the charge is read and the case begins. It is normal to feel nervous. Having someone who knows the building and the process by your side helps.
How local experience helps you
Merritt Wagoner has spent more than 21 years in North Carolina courtrooms, including the courts in Pender County. He knows how cases tend to move through Burgaw and what the local process looks like from the inside.
That familiarity matters. He can explain what each court date means, what the prosecutor is likely to ask for, and what your realistic options are. No surprises and no guesswork left for you to manage alone.
Merritt handles both state charges in Pender County and federal matters in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina, where he is admitted. Whatever kind of case you face, he can tell you honestly where you stand.
What to do next
The most useful first step is to talk with a defense attorney before you say anything more about your case. What you do early can shape what happens later.
You can call or text the firm at 910-218-9669, or book a time to talk on the /book page. The phone is answered 24 hours a day by Karen, an AI assistant who schedules appointments and takes messages. Karen does not transfer calls, give legal advice, or quote fees.
Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, at 401 Chestnut Street, Suite K, in Wilmington. When you reach out, you take back a little control over a situation that feels out of your hands.
What to know
Courthouse in Burgaw
Pender County criminal cases are heard at the Pender County Courthouse in Burgaw, in both District and Superior Court.
21+ years in NC courts
Merritt Wagoner has defended people across North Carolina, including Pender County, for more than two decades.
State and federal
He handles state charges in Pender County and federal cases in the Eastern District of North Carolina.
Answered any hour
Call or text 910-218-9669 anytime. After hours, Karen, an AI assistant, schedules appointments and takes messages. She does not transfer calls, give legal advice, or quote fees.
Questions people ask before they call
Where will my Pender County criminal case be heard?
What happens at my first court date?
Should I talk to the police or prosecutor on my own?
Does Merritt Wagoner handle cases in Pender County?
What penalties could I be facing?
How do I reach the firm if it is after hours?
How far is the Pender County Courthouse from Wilmington?
Talk through your case with someone who knows these courts.
Reach out by phone, text, or by booking a consultation. Merritt will tell you plainly where you stand and what to do next.
The line is answered 24/7 by Karen, an AI assistant who schedules appointments and takes messages. She does not transfer calls or give legal advice or fee quotes.