Welcome to
Michael P. Sanders, P.C.

In 2010 Michael P. Sanders was a successful partner in a large law firm with 20 years of experience. But he had a vision of how a criminal practice should operate to best serve its clients. So he took the unusual step of leaving his comfortable partnership and opening a new firm in his image. What he said when he founded Michael P. Sanders, P.C. holds true today. I believe in personal contact with clients. I return phone calls and I take phone calls from clients. What may seem unimportant to some can be very important to a client whose livelihood is at stake. I frequently discuss with clients the issue of lawyer solicitations on traffic and criminal matters and I agree with those clients who don’t appreciate being contacted without their consent and who consider solicitations to be in bad taste. I also remind clients that a secretary or paralegal CANNOT give legal advice in North Carolina. Even if you only have a speeding ticket, if your only contact is with an assistant, then you deserve better.

I also encourage potential clients to seek second opinions and to call the courthouse in the county where they have a matter to ask about me. I am proud that many of them call back and ask for my help.

For those charged with serious misdemeanors like DWI or felony matters, whether drug-related or violent, we are prepared to help with your defense right away. I love jury trials. I cannot say that I’ve tried more jury cases than any other criminal defense lawyer now practicing in northeastern North Carolina because I don’t know of anyone who keeps track of those numbers. However, I can say that the list of those who have tried more is very short. I cannot emphasize enough that if a prosecutor doesn’t know that you’ll take a case to trial before a jury then your client will suffer. I have a very good relationship with the prosecutors in this region but they know I will take a case to trial. My clients benefit from this knowledge.

Over the years I have also developed a niche criminal practice in the area of hunting and fishing violations. We are blessed to live in a region where great hunting and fishing are available. As an avid outdoorsman, I know both the pleasure of the outdoors and the risk of running afoul of a game warden or a fisheries officer. I have represented many people charged with hunting and fishing violations, both in State and Federal court, and I am proud to have represented several of the premier hunting clubs in the State. If you have such a violation anywhere east of Raleigh, I’d like to help you.

On the matter of fees, part of my vision is to convert to a purely flat fee system in almost every circumstance. Flat fees are great because they don’t change and they are not open-ended. Billing by the hour leaves a client with the question of “What will my bill be this month?” We will make every effort to quote you a fair flat fee in writing and I promise it will not change.

Central to the success of Michael P. Sanders, P.C. is Jackie Sanders. Jackie has many years of experience in the legal field and has been with the firm since Day 1. Her unwavering loyalty and commitment to the firm have been a key to its achievements. Our clients may never be lucky enough to meet Jackie but without her we wouldn’t be in business.

I am also pleased that Marshall Ellis joined the firm in 2025. Marshall is a native of Edenton and an experienced criminal lawyer in State and Federal court and has earned the distinction of being named an “expert” in both areas. Marshall fits into the firm’s culture and will continue the good work we do for our clients.