About Whitley Coleman, PLLC
Whitley Coleman, PLLC is a Wilmington, North Carolina law firm handling criminal defense, DUI and traffic matters, and personal injury cases throughout New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties. Our office is located at 703 Princess Street in downtown Wilmington, with a second office at 3490 Old Ocean Highway in Bolivia, North Carolina. We also offer Spanish-language services for personal injury cases.
A Team Built From Both Sides of the Courtroom
The firm is led by attorneys Jessica Whitley Coleman and John Coleman. Jessica earned her Juris Doctor from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Law and has been licensed to practice since 2008. Before starting her own practice, she worked with the Wake County District Attorney's Office and the Orange County Public Defender's Office while in law school, then practiced with Anderson and Associates Attorneys, PLLC in Wilmington. She has appeared in criminal court in more than ten counties across North Carolina, and her practice focuses on personal injury cases and criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to felonies.
John began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney for the State of North Carolina, where he prosecuted thousands of cases ranging from impaired driving offenses to first-degree murder. As former Chief District Court Assistant District Attorney in Wilmington, a DWI Court Prosecutor, and a Felony Motor Vehicle Prosecutor, he trained many of the local Assistant District Attorneys and law enforcement officers currently working in the area. He later made partner at Burney, Jones, and Coleman before joining forces with Jessica.
That combination matters for clients: our attorneys have seen criminal cases built from the prosecution's side, and they use that experience to prepare a defense that anticipates how the state will argue its case.
What Our Clients Say
We've represented clients throughout the Wilmington area for years, and client feedback consistently points to a few themes: responsiveness, clear communication, and results. A few examples, in clients' own words:
- "I received a call back from Whitley Coleman within an hour from leaving a message for them." — Brandon M.
- "I basically had to do nothing except hire them. You should hire these people." — Ray
- "I can not recommend this firm more highly. They got me a proposal within 5 minutes and handled my case with a great result the next day." — Jim P.
You can read more client reviews on our Testimonials page, and see examples of case outcomes, including dismissals, a not guilty verdict, driving privilege restoration, and six-figure personal injury settlements, on our Results page.
Why Clients Choose Us
We're a small, hands-on team, not a firm that hands your case off to whoever's available. Jessica and John both work cases directly, and for larger matters, both attorneys work the case together to cover as much ground as possible. We offer a free initial consultation so you can talk through your situation and understand your options before you decide anything.
If you're facing a criminal charge, a DUI or traffic matter, or a personal injury claim in the Wilmington area, we'd welcome the chance to talk with you.
FAQ
Do you offer a free consultation?
Yes. We offer a free initial consultation so you can talk through your situation and understand your options before deciding whether to move forward.
What areas do you serve?
We represent clients in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender counties, with offices in Wilmington and Bolivia, North Carolina.
Do I need to come to your office in person?
No. Most of our work can be handled by phone, text, and email, including reviewing your citation or charges, discussing your case, and completing paperwork.
Call (910) 218-9973 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation.
