James R. O'Neill, Criminal Defense Attorney in Winston Salem, North Carolina
Over 31 years of legal practice · 5.0/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews
Winston Salem, NC
Practicing criminal defense in Winston Salem since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 8 client reviews
- 2
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you James R. O'Neill?
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Quick answer
James R. O'Neill is an attorney based in Winston-Salem, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
- Based in
- Winston-Salem, NC
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense
- Handles Criminal Defense matters from Winston-Salem, NC.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James R. O'Neill: James R. O'Neill is an attorney based in Winston-Salem, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by James R. O'Neill
James concentrates on criminal defense. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Winston Salem, North Carolina
James takes criminal defense matters in Winston Salem, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
About James R. O'Neill — Over 31 years of North Carolina criminal defense experience
James R. O'Neill is an attorney based in Winston-Salem, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 8 client reviews.
James R. O'Neill is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution. James received a B.A. degree from Duke University in 1988, and has been licensed for 31 years. James practices in Winston-Salem, NC.
Working with James on a criminal defense matter
James R. O'Neill is a lawyer practicing criminal prosecution. James received a B.A. degree from Duke University in 1988, and has been licensed for 31 years. James practices in Winston-Salem, NC.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense matters in Winston Salem and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
James R. O'Neill's legal education and bar admissions
New York Law School
J.D. · 1993
Duke University
B.A. · 1988
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
North Carolina
1996 · ACTIVE
New York
1995 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in New York Law School and B.A. in Duke University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in New York Law School and B.A. in Duke University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of James R. O'Neill
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
James R. O'Neill's office in Winston-Salem
James's primary office is at 200 N. Main Street, Suite 700, Winston-Salem, NC, 27120. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James R. O'Neill — 5.0/5 rating from 8 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Winston Salem.
5.0
8 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James R. O'Neill claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James R. O'Neill — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Winston Salem, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James R. O'Neill
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside Winston Salem?
James is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Winston Salem, Raleigh and Charlotte in North Carolina
James handles criminal defense matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in North Carolina
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Winston Salem handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





