Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
30 Client Reviews
PRO
Derrick Ernest Cruz
Virtual Consultation Available
About Derrick
Biography
With a foundation built on service as a U.S. Marine and legal experience as an Assistant Public Defender in Brunswick County, Derrick Cruz has dedicated his career to representing clients who may feel overwhelmed by the legal process. Mr. Cruz founded Cruz Law, PLLC to help others with legal issues during critical times. He recognizes that clients need straightforward advice and effective solutions—not empty promises. Through his calm approach and unwavering commitment, Mr. Cruz ensures each client receives attentive, respectful, and thorough advocacy. He is devoted to guiding individuals facing criminal charges or personal injuries, always working to achieve the best possible results.
Real People. Real Stories. Real Help.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
80%
Litigation
10%
Personal Injury
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Awards
2025
Licenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 2 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2023
No misconduct found
Location
Cruz Law, PLLC
(910) 833-3775
Mobile
3907 Wrightsville Ave, Suite 200B, Wilmington, NC, 28403
dcruzlaw.comDerrick Ernest Cruz's Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (29)
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Showing 1 - 5 of 29 reviews
Posted by anonymous | December 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Criminal charges no back ground
He was an exceptional lawyer. Very knowledgeable, on top of things, weekly contacts to keep me up to date on case information, which ended with my charges being dismissed. Thank you!
Posted by John | December 09, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Just Outstanding, Knowledgeable and Professional
Derrick is an Amazing attorney. I am all out of superlatives for our interaction. We were Blessed that he took my son’s case. Treated all of us with such respect. Thank you again Derrick. If you have an issue. He is the Attorney you want!!
Posted by Kevin | November 14, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
2 Criminal Traffic Violations to Improper Equipment
I was facing potentially 2 criminal offense misdemeanors for going 64 in a 45 and subsequently passing a school bus that had just stopped. Derrick talked with the judge and the cop and also showed my previous community service work I had done the prior year and helped me get it reduced to improper eq...
Posted by Evan | November 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Experience
I was lucky enough to get referred to Mr. Cruz and could not have asked for a better experience from start to finish. He was extremely professional, transparent and punctual with all his communication. Without a doubt would use Mr. Cruz again, couldn’t recommend him highly enough.
Posted by ja'lira | November 11, 2025 | Lawsuits & Disputes
No need to worry because Derrick cruz has your back
He was very patient with me and my shenanigans, very understanding and polite, and also helped me beat my Case I really appreciated his help!!!
Derrick Ernest Cruz's Lawyer Endorsements
"Derrick is a consummate professional who zealously advocates for his Clients in and out of Court. Using his prior experience as a Public Defender, where he handled a variety of cases ranging from traffic matters up to serious felonies, Derrick navigates the Courtroom with ease. I would recommend Derrick to anyone in need of an experienced Criminal Defense attorney."
Gordon Langer
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer
Tara Gore
Criminal defense lawyer
Ryan Stowe
Criminal defense lawyer
Thomas Goolsby
DUI and DWI lawyer
Gintaras Krulikas
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Client's Choice, Avvo
Work Experience
2025 - Present
Managing Partner, Cruz Law PLLC
2024 - 2025
Assistant Public Defender, Brunswick County Public Defenders Office
Associations
2025 - Present
Veteran Business CollectiveMember
North Carolina Bar Association
North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Criminal Defense Section
North Carolina Advocates for Justice, Auto Torts Section
Education
2023
South Texas College of Law Houston
Juris Doctorate
2018
Norwich University
Master of Arts
2009
Texas A&M University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2025
North Carolina Bar Association
Recover Courts: An Overview for Defenders
2025
North Carolina Bar Association
2025 Winter Criminal Law Webinar
2025
North Carolina Bar Association
Learn from the Personal Injury Pros
2025
North Carolina Bar Association
Online Attorney State Invoice System (OASIS) for Defender Districts 14, 15 & Moore and Randolph Cos.
2025
North Carolina Bar Association
Digital Forensics Litigation
2025
North Carolina Bar Association
Freedom Fighters Summit
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Portal
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Defense Challenges to Firearms Evidence
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
File & Serve - Morning
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Felony Defender Training
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Tips on Using Evidence.com Efficiently to Organize and Digest Your Discovery
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Intensive Juvenile Defender Training
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Defender Trial School
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Juvenile Defender Conference 2024
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
The Rise of Conflicts of Interest in the Realm of Criminal Representation
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Celebrating Professionalism - Brunswick County
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Mental Health and Stress Resilience for Attorneys
2024
North Carolina Bar Association
Introduction to Defense Experts and Rule 702 Challenges