John M Willard, Criminal Defense Attorney in Wilmington, Delaware
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatJohn M. Willard
Wilmington, DE
Practicing criminal defense in Wilmington since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 4.4 ★
- 1 client review
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
Are you John M Willard?
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Quick answer
John M Willard is a member based in Wilmington, DE. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John M. Willard. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Wilmington, DE
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Personal Injury
- Handles Criminal Defense and Personal Injury matters from Wilmington, DE.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About John M Willard: John M Willard is a member based in Wilmington, DE. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John M. Willard. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by John M Willard
John concentrates on criminal defense and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case John handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
View other Criminal Defense attorneys
Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Criminal Defense cases in Wilmington, Delaware
John takes criminal defense matters in Wilmington, Delaware. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Wilmington, Delaware
John takes personal injury matters in Wilmington, Delaware. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before John agrees to represent you.
Biography
About John M Willard — Over 51 years of Delaware criminal defense experience
John M Willard is a member based in Wilmington, DE. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Personal Injury. John has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at John M. Willard. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.
John M Willard is a lawyer practicing criminal law, personal injury law. John received a B.S. degree from University of Delaware in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. John practices at John M. Willard in Wilmington, DE.
How John handles criminal defense matters
John M Willard is a lawyer practicing criminal law, personal injury law. John received a B.S. degree from University of Delaware in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. John practices at John M. Willard in Wilmington, DE.
The kind of cases John takes
John reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and personal injury matters in Wilmington and the surrounding Delaware area.
Credentials
John M Willard's legal education and bar admissions
University of Louisville
J.D. · 1974
University of Delaware
B.S. · 1969
Jurisdictions
John's state bar admissions
U.S. Supreme Court
2005 · ACTIVE
Delaware
1975 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1975 · ACTIVE
John studied at J.D. in University of Louisville and B.S. in University of Delaware.
Law school and academic background
John completed J.D. in University of Louisville and B.S. in University of Delaware. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice John runs in Delaware is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of John M Willard
John has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Affiliations
John's professional memberships and bar associations
Delaware State (Member, Sections on: Criminal Law Litigation) and American Bar Associations Delaware Trial Lawyers Association National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers The Association of Trial Lawyers of America
membership
Locations
John M Willard's office in Wilmington
John's primary office is at 224 Plymouth Rd., Wilmington, DE, 19803-3117. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of John M Willard — 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of John. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Wilmington.
4.4
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once John M Willard claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire John M Willard — 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 John usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
John charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain John'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; John will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Wilmington, Delaware
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 John
John 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. John confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
John'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 John M Willard
How much does it cost to hire John for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. John walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does John offer a free consultation?
John charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain John's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check John's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Delaware 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. John gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can John take my case if I'm outside Wilmington?
John is licensed in Delaware. Matters governed by Delaware law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — John 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 John?
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. John will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is John accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
John'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 Wilmington, Dover and Newark in Delaware
John handles criminal defense matters throughout Delaware. 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 Delaware
If John's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Wilmington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





