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
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Showing 6 - 9 of 9 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by Monica | May 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
He Deserves Beyond 5 Stars!
If I could rate Mr. Cruz higher than 5 stars, I'd give him 10! I just have to say, if you are looking for the right lawyer, Derrick Cruz is the man. I was more than fortunate that he was court appointed to me. Having Mr. Cruz in my corner, I was more than supported, I was given confidence in a situat...
Derrick Cruz
Replied last July 30, 2025It was a pleasure serving you, Monica. Thank you for the kind words.
Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
He was amazing !
It was a wonderful experience to work with him. I was very nervous and he was able to help me out step-by-step and, for my case dropped. I am very thankful for the time he put into helping me. And for having him on my side. Thanks again.
Derrick Cruz
Replied last February 03, 2026Thank you for your kind review. It was an honor helping you throughout the process. The legal system is scary. And I'm glad I could help you.
Posted by Christine | January 27, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Exceptional
Mr Cruz was my attorney for a criminal case involving an assault. Mr Cruz could not have been more professional or caring on my behalf. He took as much time as I needed to answer all of my questions and helped me to understand all of the particulars regarding my case. Mr Cruz returned all of my pho...
Derrick Cruz
Replied last July 16, 2025Thank you so much Christine. And thank you for being so courageous with something so foreign to you.
Posted by Monique | January 21, 2025 | Criminal Defense
Amazing lawyer
I had a case and he was appointed as my lawyer. And you know what every one thinks about appointed lawyers. They say they don’t really care about your case, they don’t communicate with you and they will convince you to take the easy way out. Not Mr Cruz he stood beside me ever step of the way, kept i...
Derrick Cruz
Replied last June 23, 2025My first review! Thank you so much. It was an honor representing you.
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