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Wayne J. Payne
also known as W. James Payne, W. J. Payne, Colonel
About Wayne
Biography
W. James Payne is a fearless criminal trial lawyer. Mr. Payne is also a retired Colonel of United States Marines, serving his country for over 30 years as a Reserve Officer and very active trial lawyer.
Mr. Payne's practice is defending the criminally accused in the following venues: State Court, Federal Court, and Courts-Martial (Military Justice). Criminal charges include Felonies, Misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, murder, sex crimes, robbery, rape, larceny, computer crimes, military offenses, drug trafficking, drug conspiracy, white collar offenses.
Mr. Payne has such experience in defending the criminally accused that he is one of a very select group of attorneys in North Carolina that are qualified to defend capital (death penalty) murder cases. Further, Mr. Payne is also qualified to represent defendants in United States District Court that are unable to afford the services of a private attorney.
In the Marine Corps, W. James Payne served as a judge advocate. He defended Marines and officers from the rank of Private through General on a multitude of differing military justice offense. Colonel Payne also served five years on the bench as a military judge and several years as the Staff Judge Advocate for the 4th Marine Logistics Group.
An avid Crossfitter, Mr. Payne prides himself on keeping in top physical shape to have the stamina to represent his clients with drive, energy, and enthusiasm.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 41 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1984
No misconduct found
Location
W. James Payne, Attorney-At-Law
4434 Main St., Shallotte, NC, 28459
W. James Payne
1213 Culbreth Drive, Wilmington, NC, 28405
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Wayne J. Payne's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
1 Client Review
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Advocacy
Posted by Chris | August 31, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Wayne J. Payne found his niche in law! Highly accomplished, honest, humane and humble heart. He gives attorneys a great name!
If you need solid representation, Wayne J. Payne is the man! I am going to hire him to help my daughter. I visited her in jail today. Epic! Happy and sad. Mostly happy, she's amazing! A man walks into a restaurant and calls me by name. I'm the bartender. He knows my first name without introduction...
Wayne J. Payne's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known Colonel Payne for 20+ years. He is an outstanding attorney with a stellar track record in Federal and State criminal court. Always prepared and ready to fight for his clients, James is an attorney at the top of his profession! I recommend him without hesitation."
"One of the finest attorneys in our area who is willing to fight for his client's rights."
"James is an Excellent Attorney. If you are charged with a crime call James."
Thomas Goolsby
Criminal defense lawyer
Helayne Payne
Elder law lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Elite Lawyer Criminal Defense 2025, Elite Lawyers of America
2025
Top 100 Trial Lawyer in the State of North Carolina, The National Top 100 Trial Lawyers
N/A
American Board of Criminal Lawyers, American Board of Criminal Lawyers
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Owner, W. James Payne, Attorney-At-Law
1990 - 2010
Partner, Powell & Payne, Attorneys-At-Law
1989 - 1990
Partner, Powell, Gore, & Payne, Attorneys-At-Law
1988 - 1989
Associate, Powell & Gore, Attorneys-At-Law
1987 - 1988
Associate, Murchison, Taylor, Kendrick, Gibson, and Davenport
1984 - 2009
Judge Advocate, United States Marine Corps
Associations
1995 - Present
United States District Court for the Middle District of North CarolinaMember
1989 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of North CarolinaMember
1989 - Present
Rotary Club of the South Brunswick IslandsMember
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Member
North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers, Criminal Law Section
Member
Brunswick County North Carolina Criminal Indigent Appointment Committee
Member
1993 - 1995
Rotary Club of the South Brunswick IslandsPast-President
Sample of Legal Cases
State of North Carolina v. Larry Robinson
Life
State of North Carolina vs. Danny L. Thomas, capital murder charge
Life Without Parole
State of North Carolina v. Caudle
Full Acquittal
Education
1984
Campbell University, Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law
Juris Doctor
1981
Campbell University
Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2011
Capital Murder College
Closing Arguments in the Penalty Phase of a Capital Muder Case
2011
Capital Murder College
Logistics in a Capital Murder Case
2011
Capital Defense College
Jury Selection in Capital Murder Cases
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What would happen to a co-defendant if the defendant dies or flees before conviction in a federal case?
27 Oct 2011
Q&A
How can I get a misdemeanor larceny charge taken off my record in North Carolina?
05 Sep 2011