Skip to main content

Geoffrey Ryan Willis

  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Raleigh, NC
  • Licensed for 16 years
  • Free consultation
See more Raleigh Criminal Defense lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Geoffrey

I am a former Wake County Assistant District Attorney with over 10 years of criminal trial experience and Board Certified by the North Carolina Bar in State and Federal Criminal Law.  I am a Raleigh native, graduating from Enloe High School and attending  NC State for my undergraduate degree.  I attended UNC for law school.  After law school, I was hired as an assistant district attorney in the Wake County District Attorneys Office. After two years with the Wake DA, I went to work for the criminal defense firm of Manning & Crouch.  I spent three years there, before opening my own law practice in 2010.  Since I left the Wake DA's office, my practice has focused solely on criminal defense in federal and state court.  I represent clients charged with traffic violations, DWI/DUIs, drug charges, assaults, domestic violence cases, serious felonies, and murder.   

Read More

Practice areas

DUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 75%

    State and Federal criminal court including DWIs, drug felonies and misdemeanors, violent crimes, sex offenses, fraud, embezzlement, traffic, domestic violence

    15 years, 500 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 25%

    17 years, 300 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1733638 1418247997

Contact

1101 Haynes Street
address map

Willis Johnson & Nelson PLLC

1101 Haynes Street
Suite 205
Raleigh, NC, 27604

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    NCActive200401/23/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers15
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Best Lawyers in America-DUI/DWI DefenseBest Lawyers in America2016
    Rising StarsSuperLawyers2015
    Board Certified Specialist - Criminal LawNorth Carolina State Bar2015
    Rising StarsSuperLawyers2014
    Rising StarsSuperlawyers2013
    Rising StarsSuperlawyers2012
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerWillis Johnson & Nelson PLLC2010 - Present
    Associate AttorneyManning & Crouch2006 - 2009
    Assistant District AttorneyWake County District Attorney's Office2004 - 2006
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    National College of DUI DefenseN/A2014 - Present
    American Bar AssociationN/A2004 - Present
    Wake County Bar AssociationN/AN/A
    North Carolina Bar AssociationN/AN/A
    North Carolina Advocates for JusticeN/AN/A
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    University of North Carolina School of LawJ.D.2004
    North Carolina State UniversityB.A.1997
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    The Mechanics of North Carolina Criminal ProcedureJury Strategies and Trial Tactics2012
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    First Degree MurderAssistant District Attorney offered plea of attempted voluntary manslaughter, which client accepted
    .08 DWINot guilty after a bench trial.
    Felony Assault by FirearmClient found not guilty of felonies after a jury trial. The jury convicted him of misdemeanors.
    Robbery and Felony AssaultNot guilty of all charges after a jury trial.
    Marijuana DWIClient found not guilty after a bench trial.

    Reviews

    (4)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review Geoffrey Willis

    Speeding- Raleigh NC

    Posted by

    I was worried when I received a ticket on my way to school. It was great that Mr. Willis was professional and explained my options and what he could do for me. After several extensions i had my reckless driving charges dropped and speeding reduced significantly so i could use a pjc. I would recommend him to anyone who receives a speeding ticket in raleigh.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    A great lawyer

    Posted by

    Atty Ryan Willis did a great job providing me legal informations and he respond quickly and in timely passion. Thanks again.

    Personable Attorney

    Posted by

    Ryan was both genuine and personable. After my initial consultation with him, I knew that I had someone on my side. Unlike other attorneys, Ryan didn't seem to be after money, but instead sought after justice. I would not only recommend his services, but won't hesitate to utilize him myself again if necessary.

    The Best: Defends you as your own family.

    Posted by

    High Integrity, Honesty. Fearless in defending with truthful facts. He stood by me, my family and always delivered successful results . Its hard to find such a stand up, excellent, honest, reasonable man anymore. His integrity is solid. If I ever had to use an attorney it is him. He has presence of humanity and dignity in his demeanor in courtrooms. He brings respect to your case just by his commitment to his integrity in his role as your attorney. You cannot go wrong in choosing this man. Excellent work ethics. On-time communications and genuine sense of responsibility in his prompt actions. He has all the 'Best Qualities' you ever want in an attorney on your side. Highly recommend him. I wish him the very best in his future with great success.

    Attorney endorsements

    (6)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Patrick Weede, Federal crime Attorney on Jul 11, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Rebekah Grafton, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 14, 2016
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ryan is an outstanding attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and finds creative ways to get his clients fantastic results.

    Hart Miles, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 23, 2016
    Relationship: Worked together on matter

    Ryan is a great lawyer and very talented trial attorney. I have referred many cases to Ryan with confidence that he will do an excellent job for the clients.

    David Sherlin, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 14, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Ryan is a thoughtful and compassionate defense attorney who does an incredible job representing clients facing a crime, whether it be a serious felony or a DWI. Whether Ryan is in a jury trial or attempting to negotiate a plea, he always keeps his clients best interest in mind and does all in his power to attain the best result possible for his client. As a former prosecutor, Ryan understands the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, and he has a great reputation among the courthouse community. Ryan realizes that each case is different, and as importantly that each client is different. Ryan takes the time to understand his clients, their background, and their goals with respect to their specific case.

    Edd Roberts, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 27, 2015
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I met Ryan when he was opposing prosecutor/counsel on a case I was defending. Years later, he stills brings the same passion and sound skill sets honed in the DA's Office to defending his clients in both State and Federal Court. I highly recommend this lawyer.

    Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 12, 2012
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse Geoffrey. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Cost

    RATES
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs30 minutes