James F. Rutherford

James F. Rutherford Photo
James F. Rutherford

About

Meet James F. Rutherford

Trusted Wilmington Criminal Defense Lawyer With Nearly 19 Years of Experience

James F. Rutherford grew up in North Carolina. He is a 2001 graduate of the University of North Carolina Wilmington and a 2005 graduate of the Michigan State University School of Law.

James takes special interest in criminal law cases. He has a true passion for advocating on behalf of the accused and helping to give them a voice in the criminal justice system. James cares and works tirelessly to fight each charge, no matter how tough or complicated.

He is a member of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers and North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

In 2011, James became certified by the North Carolina State Bar as a specialist in state criminal law. 2013-2015 Super Lawyers named him a rising star. In 2015 he was rated AV Preeminent® by his peers for his exceptional ethical standards as well as his legal skill and successes. He is certified to administer standardized field sobriety tests by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration.

Superlawyers Rising Stars

Education
  • Michigan State University School of Law – 2005
  • University of North Carolina – Wilmington, 2001
Certifications
  • Criminal Law Specialist by the North Carolina State Bar
  • Certified in Field Sobriety Testing by the National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration

Call James F. Rutherford at (910) 595-1377 to discuss your criminal charges.

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Our Clients Share Their Experience

At James Rutherford, Attorney at Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "James is always willing to go the extra mile for his clients."
    James is very easy to understand he explains him self very well. James is always willing to go the extra mile for his clients. I would highly recommend James to anyone who is in search for a good lawyer.
    - Dale
    "He went above and beyond his duties as an attorney and handled my case with skill and tact."
    James is an extremely competent and brilliant attorney. He went above and beyond his duties as an attorney and handled my case with skill and tact. I would highly recommend Mr. Rutherford to anyone stranger, friend, or family.
    - Michael
    "James Rutherford is the by far the best attorney to have to see you through your case."
    Mr. Rutherford is the most knowledgeable and competent attorney I have ever worked with. As busy as he is he will be in contact with quite often in regards with the details of your case. I would not recommend anyone go into court with any other lawyer by your side. I can't say enough about him as abilities as an attorney but I do believe his record speaks for itself.
    - John
    "He stepped up and did an outstanding job."
    Mr. Rutherford is by far the best and most emphatic lawyer currently practicing in Wilmington. He prevailed against an unjust system when he helped clear my severely mentally ill son of charges which would have ended his dolorous life. I know I was a hysterical and terrified mother. With no knowledge or experience with the judicial system; he was very kind and reassuring in every step of the way. He stepped up and did an outstanding job that other lawyers with half of his worth and talent would have shunned. He made every step of the way better for my son. Anyone who faces any legal adversary should have Mr. Rutherford on their side.
    - Susan
    "You could see it on his face he actually cares about children in the school and their rights as individuals."
    After calling multiple lawyers regarding my sons situation at his school, I came across Attorney James Rutherford, he got me and my son in immediately and listened to our concerns regarding his Suspension. He was very professional and knew what he was talking about, and you could see it on his face he actually cares about children in the school and their rights as individuals. He never once talked about money, I was the one that asked him, and he gave a fair price, that I could live with for my child. Of course there are no guarantees when it comes to short-term suspensions, but we have a plan in place, so I have full confidence in Mr. Rutherford. I would recommend him to everyone that has concerns regarding their children's rights in New Hanover County Schools. I am so glad I found him.
    - Dimitrius
    "He was always in great communication with us, organized, and reliable, which gave us the utmost confidence in him."
    Mr. Rutherford is extremely professional, and compassionate. We hired him to defend our son who was falsely accused, and he did a very thorough job proving his innocence. He was always in great communication with us, organized, and reliable, which gave us the utmost confidence in him. He genuinely cares about his clients, and I would highly recommend him to anyone who needs a good defense attorney. He is highly respected by his peers, and the community.
    - Lori
    "He was able to get it dismissed and also represented my father who also won his case."
    Mr. Rutherford was very professional and punctual in dealing with my DWI case that hired him for a year ago. He was able to get it dismissed and also represented my father who also won his case. Mr Rutherford would be highly recommend by me to anyone needing a great criminal defense lawyer.
    - Elisha
    "He prepared us both for the proceedings and made the experience as stress-free as possible."
    My husband and I had a great experience with Mr. Rutherford as our attorney. At our initial consultation he was realistic and honest about the parameters regarding our case. Moving forward he prepared us both for the proceedings and made the experience as stress-free as possible. We are very happy with the results from our case and would highly recommend Mr. Rutherford.
    - Kara B.

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