About W.James Payne

Seasoned Litigator Court Martial Veteran

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.