Kevin Matthew Marcilliat
About Kevin
Biography
Kevin Marcilliat is an award-winning state and federal criminal defense attorney who has handled criminal cases in more than 70 counties across North Carolina and all three federal districts. Known for taking on complex cases including adult and child sex crimes, financial crimes, federal white-collar crimes and investigations, Medicaid fraud, drug trafficking cases, and homicides, Mr. Marcilliat has been recognized as a leading criminal defense attorney in Wilmington and across the state.
As Managing Partner of Marcilliat & Mills, PLLC, a highly reputable statewide criminal defense firm, Mr. Marcilliat has the experience, resources, and staff to defend the most serious felony cases with uncompromising precision and tenacity. With three offices in Wilmington, Raleigh, and Charlotte and a staff including four paralegals, two Senior Trial Attorneys, and three Associate Attorneys, the firm has developed a reputation for getting results in the most serious cases all over the state.
Just a few examples of Mr. Marcilliat's success stories include:
(1) Securing a jury verdict of NOT GUILTY in a two-week long jury trial in Duplin County where our client was falsely accused of molesting his former step-daughter. Notably, the client faced a mandatory 25-year prison sentence if convicted and turned down a plea offer for time-served prior to trial;
(2) Securing the outright dismissal of a charge of First-Degree Murder in a self-defense shooting in Eastern North Carolina (which received national attention in a feature article in Concealed Carry Magazine);
(3) Apearing as counsel pro hac vice in a federal fraud case in the Southern District of Florida, where I ultimately secured the release of my client from federal prison after his sentence was cut in half;
(4) Clearing a client from a false rape accusation in New Hanover County;
(5) Earning an outright dismissal of a felony drug trafficking case in Wake County Superior Court, after a hung jury voted 9-3 in favor of acquitting my client after a week-long trial ;
(6) Securing the dismissal of a Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon charge in Richmond County Superior Court, and
(7) Avoiding charges for a client in a federal fraud probe.
During law school, Mr. Marcilliat developed a passion for zealously advocating for the rights of those accused with crimes while serving as an intern at both the Mecklenburg County Public Defender’s Office and the Federal Public Defender for the Eastern District of North Carolina in Raleigh.
Mr. Marcilliat joined the firm in 2014, became a partner in 2016, and took over as Managing Partner in 2023.
His awards including bring named a Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2019, an honor limited to the top 2.5 percent of attorneys in the state. He has also been recognized by his peers as AV Preeminent by Martindale Hubbell, the highest possible rating, as well as a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 13 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Marcilliat & Mills, PLLC
272 N. FRONT ST., Suite 330, Wilmington, NC, 28401
Marcilliat & Mills, PLLC, Raleigh Office
19 W. Hargett Street, Suite 700, Raleigh, NC, 27601
Marcilliat & Mills, PLLC, Charlotte Office
112 S. Tryon Street, Suite 720, Charlotte, NC, 28284
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Kevin Matthew Marcilliat's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
58 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 58 reviews
Posted by Lucinda Welch | March 07, 2025 | Lawsuits & Disputes
No title no star
DEPLORABLE at best! Zero ability to demonstrate technical fortitude or physical representation —- the office simply… postpones court DOESN'T SHOW UP, contacts clients 30+ days later || and… repeat. Kevin is merely incompetent, still owes someone proof, yet somehow still lacks all accountability....
Posted by Jason | June 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Top Notch Criminal Defense Attorney.
I hired Mr. Marcilliat on 09 NOV 2023. My charges were (M) DWI x2 and (M) Careless and Reckless Driving by Manner x2. I did my research and I found that he, as well as his law firm, were the most highly rated attorney/law firm equipped to handle my charges. He showed up at my arraignment on 23 NOV 20...
Posted by Mayra | August 28, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Straight forward honest lawyer!
Kevin is professional and he worked diligently on our case. He was straight forward with all outcomes and most importantly kept us informed of any new updates and he educated me on the law. This was an extremely tough case & the results were better than what we expected. I couldn't have picked a bett...
Posted by Casey Covington | March 27, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Great lawyer
Kevin was honest and gave real answers and kept me informed and never gave me false hope. I plead guilty but never falsed me me to do anything I didn't want. To do great lawyer and firm
Posted by anonymous | August 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommended!!!
Kevin did an outstanding job with my case, he was great at communicating and explaining everything that was going to happen. He was always there when I needed him and alway returned my calls or emails in a timely manner. He will have your back and give you the best result in my opinion. When I was ar...
Kevin Matthew Marcilliat's Lawyer Endorsements
"Kevin is a smart and effective lawyer, dedicated to his work and to representing his clients to the best of his ability. I highly recommend Kevin."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Having studied and worked alongside Mr. Marcilliat, I can vouch for his tremendous competence and work ethic. He cares about your case and will go the extra mile for you. Hire this guy."
"A true professional. Incredibly knowledgeable, and result driven. Highly recommended. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Kevin is by far one of the most gifted young attorneys I have encountered in my years of practice. He is insightful, analytical and capable. It is a privilege to count him among my colleagues."
"Compassionate attorney who cares about his clients. Super nice guy. Hard worker. I endorse Kevin Marcilliat for Federal Criminal Defense work in the Raleigh-Metro region. Bill Powers @BillPowersNC www.PowersMcCartan.com"
"I endorse this lawyer...very professional and always well studied. I found him to be "worthy opposing counsel.""
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Kevin is one of the most professional and well spoken attorneys I know. I would not hesitate to recommend Kevin to anyone facing criminal charges in North Carolina. I am particularly impressed with his federal criminal practice."
"I endorse Kevin Marcilliat as a criminal defense attorney. He is knowledgeable of the law and skilled in his representation of clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Marcilliat is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He zealously represents the rights and interests of his clients."
"Kevin is an excellent and tenacious attorney who zealously advocates for his clients. Based on my experience working with Kevin, I am sure that any person who uses his services will be greatly pleased by his representation."
"I endorse Kevin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Attorney Marcilliat has a reputation for being a true professional and a zealous advocate for his clients. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. He works hard for his clients and has a really positive attitude!"
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I worked with Kevin when he interned in my former office, the Federal Defender for the Eastern District of NC. He is very sharp and works tirelessly on complicated matters."
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Experience
Honors
2021
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2019
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Client Choice Award, Avvo
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Client Choice Award, Avvo
2014
NHTSA DWI Detection and Field Sobriety Testing, Drugs & Alcohol Risk Management
2014
Felony Defender Training, UNC School of Government
2014
Client Choice Award, Avvo
2013
Misdemeanor Defender Training, UNC School of Government
2012
Best Advocate, 10th Place - New York Regional, ABA National Appellate Advocacy Competition
2012
Order of Old Kivett, Campbell Law School
2011
Book Award - Criminal Trial Practice, Campbell Law School
2010
Finalist and Best Brief, Richard A. Lord Moot Court Competition
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Partner, Roberts Law Group, PLLC
2014 - 2016
Associate Attorney, Roberts Law Group, PLLC
2012 - 2014
Associate Attorney, Law Office of Heather R. Klein
2011 - 2012
Legal Intern, Federal Public Defenders Office EDNC
2011 - 2011
Legal Intern, Mecklenburg County Public Defender's Office
2010 - 2010
Legal Intern, North Carolina Attorney General's Office
Associations
2015 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2014 - Present
10th Judicial District Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
North Carolina Bar Association, Criminal Justice SectionMember
2012 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for JusticeMember
2016 - 2019
North Carolina Dispute Resolution CommissionCommissioner
Sample of Legal Cases
ALL CHARGES DISMISSED
Jury Verdict of Not Guilty
Verdict of Not Guilty
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Reduced from Felony to Misdemeanor
Case Dismissed
Case Dismissed
Education
2017
Certificate of Completion
2012
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2017
2015
Publications
2016
2015
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Can I get my speeding ticket dropped? I got pulled over by a DEA agent and he gave me a ticket for speeding and possession
26 Jun 2014
How do I fight a speeding ticket going 79 in a 55?
05 Jun 2014
I got a ticket for doing 80mph in a 45mph zone. I was charged with speeding, reckless driving, and speeding competition.
04 Jun 2014