Vehicular Assault Attorney in Wilmington

Serious Charges After A Crash Call For Serious Defense

If you have been accused of causing an injury in a vehicle crash, the stakes are high, and the process can feel overwhelming. A vehicular assault accusation can put your freedom, your license, and your future at risk, and many people are not sure where to turn next. At Whitley Coleman, PLLC, we focus on criminal defense in this region, and our goal is to guide you through each step with clarity and steady support.

Our attorneys, Jessica Whitley Coleman and John Coleman, bring years of courtroom experience to every serious driving case we handle. John spent nearly a decade as a prosecutor and serves on the Police Advisory Commission, so we understand how law enforcement and district attorneys approach crashes that lead to serious injury allegations. We use that insight to evaluate the evidence against you and to plan a defense that protects your rights from the very beginning. If you are looking for a vehicular assault attorney in Wilmington who will be hands-on with your case, we invite you to contact us for a free initial consultation. We can review what happened, discuss the charges you are facing, and help you understand what comes next in the court system here.

If you've been involved in a vehicular assault, get the defense you deserve by contacting us today. 

Facing Vehicular Assault Charges In Wilmington: What Is At Stake

When a serious crash leads to criminal allegations, it is common to feel shocked and confused about the exact charge. In North Carolina, prosecutors may pursue different assault or traffic-related offenses depending on factors such as injury level, whether alcohol or drugs are alleged, and your prior record. A conviction can bring jail or prison time, probation, heavy fines, and long-term damage to your record.

For many people, the most frightening part is the possibility of a felony. A felony level conviction can affect employment, housing opportunities, and even your right to possess firearms. In addition, serious traffic-related convictions can impact your driver’s license, which may affect your ability to work, care for family, or attend school. Courts typically look at the specific facts of the crash, the type of injuries involved, and any claim of impairment when making decisions, which is why a careful defense strategy matters.

If you are searching for vehicular assault criminal defense in Wilmington, you may also be worried about how quickly your case will move. In this part of North Carolina, cases that begin with an arrest usually involve an early appearance where conditions of release and scheduling are addressed. We work to prepare you for each court date, explain what will likely happen, and seek opportunities to limit the long term impact of the charge wherever the law allows.

How Our Defense Team Handles Vehicular Assault Cases

Investigating The Allegations Against You

When you come to us after a serious crash, we start by listening carefully to your account of what happened. We then review the charging documents, police reports, body camera footage when available, and any accident reconstruction that law enforcement used to support the charge. Our attorneys look for gaps or weaknesses in how the investigation was handled, and we examine whether the state can truly prove what it claims about impairment, speed, or other alleged conduct.

Using Prosecutorial Insight To Shape Strategy

John Coleman’s nearly ten years as a prosecutor help us understand how the state evaluates injury cases, which statutes it may choose, and what evidence tends to carry the most weight with judges and juries. Because of that background, we can often anticipate how a prosecutor may respond to certain arguments or requests and we plan accordingly. We also take into account John’s work on the Police Advisory Commission, which gives us ongoing insight into how local law enforcement approaches serious incidents on the road.

Collaborative Representation In High Stakes Cases

In significant vehicular assault matters, both Jessica and John typically collaborate on strategy. This means more than one attorney reviews the evidence, thinks through possible defenses, and prepares for key hearings. We may look at issues such as whether the crash reconstruction is reliable, whether field sobriety or chemical testing was conducted correctly, or whether other drivers or conditions played a role in the collision. As your vehicular assault defense lawyer in Wilmington, we work to identify every lawful avenue to protect your record and reduce the risk of the most severe penalties, while being honest about the range of potential outcomes.

What To Do After A Vehicular Assault Arrest

If you have just been arrested or recently learned that charges may be filed, the steps you take now can affect your case. It is natural to want to explain yourself, especially when you never intended for anyone to be hurt. However, statements made to officers or investigators can later be used in court, sometimes in ways that are not obvious in the moment. Requesting to speak with an attorney before answering questions about the crash is often a critical step in protecting your rights.

Court appearances and bond conditions are another immediate concern. If you are released, it is important to follow any conditions set by the court, such as not contacting certain individuals or not driving under specified circumstances. Missing a court date can lead to additional problems, including warrants and higher bond amounts. We work to explain what each condition means and to appear with you in court so you are not facing these proceedings alone.

You can also help your defense by gathering and preserving information. This may include paperwork from the arrest, tow or impound records, names of passengers or witnesses, and any photos or messages from around the time of the crash. At the same time, it is wise to avoid discussing the incident on social media or in detail with people who may later be called as witnesses. When you contact our firm, we talk through these issues, help you avoid common missteps, and begin building a plan that fits your situation.

Local Insight Into Vehicular Assault Criminal Defense In Wilmington

Courtrooms Where Your Case May Be Heard

Criminal charges arising from crashes in this region are usually heard in courts that serve the area where the incident occurred. If your case stems from an event inside the city or nearby, your early court dates are often scheduled at the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington. Crashes in neighboring counties may go through the Brunswick County Courthouse in Bolivia or the courthouse in Burgaw for Pender County. Our attorneys regularly appear in these courts on criminal matters and are familiar with the procedures that apply.

Working With Local Law Enforcement & Prosecutors

Serious traffic-related cases typically involve investigations by agencies such as city police departments, county deputies, or North Carolina State Highway Patrol troopers. The officers prepare reports, gather statements, and sometimes consult specialized units for crash reconstruction. Because John serves on the Police Advisory Commission, we stay engaged with discussions about law enforcement practices in the area and approach each case with a detailed eye on how the investigation unfolded.

How Local Knowledge Helps Your Defense

When you work with a team that already knows the prosecutors, court staff, and common scheduling patterns in New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties, you do not have to navigate an unfamiliar system alone. We explain how hearings at these courthouses usually proceed, what to expect at each stage, and how we plan to present your case. If you are from outside the region but face charges here, this local knowledge can help reduce some of the uncertainty about where to go, when to appear, and how your case may move through the system.

Why Drivers Choose Our Firm For Serious Traffic-Related Charges

Experience With High-Stakes Criminal Cases

People facing serious allegations after a crash look for more than general criminal defense experience. They want to know that their attorneys can handle high-stakes cases where jail time and a damaged record are on the line. At Whitley Coleman, PLLC, we have handled serious felony matters and have obtained dismissals and other favorable outcomes in cases where the consequences could have been life-changing. We always explain that no past result can predict the future in any individual case, but our history does show that we are comfortable working in challenging criminal situations.

A Broader Perspective On Crash Related Consequences

We also bring a broader perspective to vehicular assault defense because our practice extends beyond criminal court. Our work in personal injury matters has given us extensive experience with crashes and injury documentation, and our immigration practice means we understand that certain convictions can have additional consequences for noncitizens. This combination allows us to look at your situation from several angles and to help you think about not only the immediate criminal case, but also longer term effects.

Hands-On, Collaborative Representation

Another reason drivers turn to us is our hands-on representation model. In significant cases, both Jessica and John are actively involved, reviewing evidence, discussing strategy, and preparing for hearings together. We strive to keep communication open so you know what is happening with your case and why certain decisions are being considered. During your free initial consultation, we review your charges, answer questions, and outline possible paths so you can decide how you want to move forward with full information.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I Go To Jail For A Vehicular Assault Charge In North Carolina?

Jail or prison time is possible in serious crash-related cases, but it is not automatic in every situation. The potential sentence depends on many factors, such as the specific charge, the level of injury, your prior criminal record, and how the judge applies North Carolina’s sentencing laws. Some individuals may be eligible for probation or other alternatives, while others may face time in custody if the offense level is higher. During a consultation, we review the charge and your background carefully so you understand the range of penalties that the court could consider in your case.

Is Vehicular Assault Considered A Felony On My Record?

Whether a particular crash-related assault charge counts as a felony depends on the statute used by the prosecutor and the facts alleged. North Carolina law includes both misdemeanor and felony level offenses for conduct that harms another person using a vehicle, and the distinction usually turns on factors such as the seriousness of the injury or the presence of impairment. A felony conviction can bring more severe penalties and carry longer-term consequences for employment and other rights. Part of our role is to analyze how you have been charged, explain whether the case is being treated as a felony, and discuss options that might reduce the long term impact where the law and facts allow.

Should I Talk to the Police Or Investigators About The Crash Before I Have A Lawyer?

In most situations, it is wise to speak with an attorney before giving detailed statements about the crash to police or investigators. Even if you believe you did nothing wrong, comments made under stress can later be interpreted differently in court. As a former prosecutor, John has seen how statements are used to build cases, which is why we encourage clients to understand their rights before answering questions. You can usually provide basic identifying information, but for anything about what happened, asking for legal counsel first is often an important way to protect yourself.

How Can A Former Prosecutor Help With My Vehicular Assault Case?

A former prosecutor understands how the state reviews evidence, decides which charges to file, and prepares for trial, which can be valuable in planning a defense. John’s years in that role, along with his position on the Police Advisory Commission, give us insight into what prosecutors look for when evaluating issues such as impairment, speed, or alleged recklessness. We use that knowledge to anticipate which parts of a case may be most important to the state and to focus our investigation on areas that could raise reasonable doubt or support negotiations. While no attorney can control every decision a prosecutor makes, this perspective often helps us communicate more effectively about your case and explore possible resolutions.

What Happens At The First Court Date For A Vehicular Assault Charge?

The first court date, often called a first appearance or initial hearing, typically focuses on making sure you understand the charge and addressing basic issues like your right to counsel and future court dates. In the New Hanover County Courthouse in Wilmington, and in the courthouses in Brunswick and Pender Counties, these early sessions usually move quickly and may involve many defendants on the same calendar. In some cases, bond conditions are reviewed or clarified, and new dates for hearings are set. We work to appear with you at these early stages, explain what will likely happen in that particular courtroom, and begin communicating with the prosecution about your case when appropriate.

How Much Does It Cost To Hire Your Firm For A Vehicular Assault Case?

The cost of representation in a serious crash-related criminal case varies based on factors such as the specific charge, the complexity of the evidence, and whether the matter goes to trial. Because every situation is different, we do not quote fees on this page. Instead, we offer a free initial consultation where we can learn more about your case, discuss the likely scope of work, and explain our fee structure in detail. Our goal is to be transparent about costs so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your defense.

Can You Help If My Case Is In Brunswick Or Pender County Instead Of Wilmington?

Yes, our firm regularly represents clients facing criminal charges in Brunswick County and Pender County, as well as in New Hanover County. Cases from these counties typically appear in the Brunswick County Courthouse in Bolivia or the courthouse in Burgaw for Pender County, and we are familiar with the processes in each location. Whether your case arose in Wilmington or in another nearby community, we can discuss your situation, explain how that particular court usually handles similar matters, and work with you on a defense plan tailored to that jurisdiction.

Talk With Our Vehicular Assault Lawyer In Wilmington Today

When a serious crash leads to criminal charges, trying to navigate the court system on your own can feel overwhelming. Working with a vehicular assault lawyer Wilmington who understands both the law and the local courts can help you regain some control and make smart decisions about your future. At Whitley Coleman, PLLC, we bring former prosecutor insight, a collaborative two-attorney approach, and a commitment to clear communication to every serious traffic-related case we handle in this region.

During a free consultation, we review the facts as you know them, go over your charges, and talk through possible next steps so you are not left guessing about what comes next. There is no obligation to hire us, and the conversation is confidential. If you are ready to take the next step and speak with attorneys who handle vehicular assault criminal defense in Wilmington and throughout New Hanover, Brunswick, and Pender Counties, we are ready to listen.

To schedule your free initial consultation, call (910) 218-9973 today.