21+ years in the local district and superior courts. Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, and everything in between.
Merritt Wagoner has been practicing criminal defense in New Hanover County since the early 2000s. The Wilmington office sits at 316 Princess Street, two blocks from the New Hanover County Courthouse. He is in front of the same district court judges and the same assistant district attorneys most weeks of the year. That repetition matters. He knows which prosecutors will negotiate, which judges weigh certain motions, and how the local calendar moves.
The firm also covers Pender County. The Pender County Courthouse in Burgaw is roughly thirty minutes north of Wilmington. Merritt has represented clients there for years and knows the smaller, tighter rhythm of that courthouse.
Coverage across the categories most likely to bring someone into a North Carolina district or superior courtroom.
Class A through Class I felony charges, from initial appearance through superior court trial.
Class A1 through Class 3 misdemeanors in district court. Trials, dismissals, and deferred outcomes when available.
First, second, and subsequent offense DWI in New Hanover and Pender. License consequences handled alongside the criminal case.
Possession, possession with intent, sale and delivery, manufacturing, and trafficking under North Carolina law.
Assault on a female, communicating threats, simple assault on a household member, and 50B protective orders.
Discreet, serious representation for indecent liberties, statutory offenses, and other sex crime allegations.
Common law robbery and robbery with a dangerous weapon. Felony charges that carry significant exposure.
Simple assault, assault with a deadly weapon, assault inflicting serious injury, and habitual assault.
Misdemeanor and felony larceny, shoplifting, organized retail theft, and embezzlement.
Felonious B&E, first and second degree burglary, and possession of burglary tools.
Possession of a firearm by a felon, carrying concealed without a permit, and firearm enhancements.
Technical and substantive violations, absconder warrants, and modification of probation hearings.
Reckless driving, driving while license revoked, hit and run, and serious traffic-related criminal charges.
Embezzlement, obtaining property by false pretenses, identity theft, and forgery.
Petitioning to clear eligible dismissed charges and certain old convictions from your North Carolina record.
316 Princess Street, Wilmington, NC 28401. District court runs the daily calendar for misdemeanors and DWI. Superior court handles felony matters. Both are in the same complex downtown.
100 South Wright Street, Burgaw, NC 28425. Smaller courthouse, smaller calendar, and a tighter local bar. Merritt is regularly in Burgaw for both district and superior court matters.
910-218-9669. Answered 24/7 by an AI virtual receptionist.
Call 910-218-9669
The Wagoner Law Firm, PLLC