W. James Payne, the Steadfast Champion for the Accused for over 40 Years!

By W. James Payne Law Firm

Wilmington, NC – W. James Payne is a criminal defense attorney representing Freedom-Loving Human Beings facing White-Collar criminal matters, High-Level Felonies, in State and Federal court, and Uniform Code of Military Justice (UCMJ) criminal offenses for Marines, soldiers, sailors and airmen. W. James Payne has been local to the Shallotte and Wilmington, North Carolina areas since 1988. W. James Payne retired as a Colonel in the United States Marine Corps Reserve after over 30 years of dedicated service. He had the honor to spend five years of that service as a military judge. W. James Payne has over 30 years of capital defense litigation without a “Death Penalty Verdict”.

What are W. James Payne Practice Areas?

• White Collar Criminal Defense
• Corporate Criminal Defense
• Embezzlement Defense
• Public Corruption Defense
• Gun Crime Defense
• Health Care Fraud Defense
• Law Enforcement Defense
• Environmental Law Defense
• General Fraud Defense
• Military Crimes Defense
• Financial Crimes Defense
• First-Degree Murder Defense
• Law Enforcement Defense
• Sex Crime Defense
• Violent Crime Defense
• Child Pornography Defense
• Breach of Fiduciary Duty Defense
• Judicial Disciplinary Defense

Notable Cases:

• JAMES PAYNE LAW: NC MEDICAL EXAMINERS REPORT SHOWS FARMWORKER DIED FROM PRE-EXISTING CONDITION NOT A HEAT RELATED FATALITY
• W. James Payne secures 10-2 hung jury in a highly charged rape case in which an immigrant tradesman was wrongfully accused. State of North Carolina vs. Ernesto Cruz Martinez, July 2024.
• W. James Payne secures 10-2 hung jury in a highly charged rape case in which an immigrant tradesman was wrongfully accused. United States vs. Kojo Owusu Dartey, April 2024.
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  W. James Payne negotiated an unprecedented a term of years plea, avoiding a life sentence or the death penalty, in a brutal spousal homicide, resulting in a first-ever agreement with a long-standing career prosecutor. State of North Carolina vs. Winfield Smith, July 2024.
• W. James Payne earns acquittal of a police officer charged with homicide while in the line of duty. State of North Carolina vs. Byron Vassey, May 2016.
• W. James Payne wins a judicial exoneration of a first-degree murder case prosecuted by the notorious Joe Freeman Britt, who at one time had the Guinness Book of Records for the most death penalty verdicts in the country. State of North Carolina vs. Leon Brown, September 2014.
• W. James Payne avoids a death-penalty conviction and instead obtains a Life Verdict for a first-degree murder trial (6 victims) with a prior first-degree murder conviction. Achieved a jury deadlock on life or death for three days, forcing a mistrial and a verdict of Life. State of North Carolina vs. Danny Thomas, October 2013.
• W. James Payne clears a jailer from a federal investigation for the death of an inmate, and the United States Government ultimately closed the investigation.

W. James Payne has earned multiple prestigious awards and been accredited through various associations such as:

1. American Board of Criminal Lawyers
2. Top 100 Trial Lawyers
3. Super Lawyers – 10 Years
4. American Top 100 Attorneys
5. Police Benevolent Association Award 2023
6. 2025 Elite Lawyer Awards
7. Esteemed Members 2025 – 11 Years Recognizing Excellence in the Practice of Law (Wall Street Journal)

What Makes W. James Payne Unique?

W. James Payne is a distinguished criminal defense attorney with an illustrious career spanning over 40 years. With a remarkable record of defending thousands of cases, Mr. Payne is known for his fearless trial advocacy and unwavering commitment to justice. W. James Payne is commended for providing honest and straightforward legal advice, ensuring clients’ rights are respected. W. James Payne’s comprehensive first-class representation has earned him the trust and respect of clients and peers alike. Mr. Payne is dedicated to delivering exceptional legal services, advocating fiercely for his clients’ rights and freedoms.

For more information concerning this case, please contact the W. James Payne Law Firm at:
Phone: (910)-754-4389
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.Jamespaynelaw.com

Media Contact:
Susan Israel
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (303) 884-1862