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Governor NC

Gus received a bachelor's degree from East Carolina University and a law degree from the University of North Carolina School of Law.

Gus previously worked as an assistant district attorney in Carteret Craven Pamlico County, a staff attorney for the North Carolina General Assembly, a special assistant United States attorney for the United States Attorney's Office for the Eastern District of North Carolina, and as an assistant public defender in Wake County. 

Augustus (Gus) Willis currently serves as the Superior Court Judge in Superior Court District 4. He was appointed in 2024.

As superior court judge, he oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.

As an assistant district attorney, he prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.

As an attorney, he researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in criminal law, controlled substances, firearms, wildlife resources, money laundering, gang activity, and ethics.

- As superior court judge, he oversees cases involving criminal felonies, the administration of wills and estates, evictions of renters, and divorce proceedings, and exercises authority to review and correct the rulings of lower courts.
- As an assistant district attorney, he prosecuted civil and criminal cases under state law on behalf of the district attorney’s office, supervised legal and clerical staff, and conducted interviews with victims and witnesses in ongoing cases.
- As an attorney, he researched, drafted, and filed legal documents, and provided defense and counsel to clients, specializing in criminal law, controlled substances, firearms, wildlife resources, money laundering, gang activity, and ethics.

Legal Experience

As of June 14, 2024, Augustus (Gus) Willis did not have a website or any information online.

Ethics & Conduct

Judicial Administration

Judicial Philosophy

Has held memberships to the Board of Trustees at Craven Community College and the Board of United Way of Coastal Carolina.

- Has held memberships to the Board of Trustees at Craven Community College and the Board of United Way of Coastal Carolina.

Community Involvement

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Augustus (Gus) Willis

- The Superior Court Judge hears both civil and criminal cases. Superior Court Judges try civil cases involving more than $10,000. Superior Court Judge hear appeals of misdemeanors and infraction cases that were first heard in the District Court,
- They make decisions on bail, meaning a Superior Court Judge could keep a non-dangerous person in jail before they are convicted by setting a high bail.
- In each district (except Wake County), the most senior judge in years of service is designated the senior resident superior court judge. They are responsible for various administrative duties, including appointing magistrates and some other court officials, and managing the scheduling of civil cases for trial.
- Superior court judges rotate among the districts within their divisions.  
- The Superior Court Judge is elected for 8-year terms. Elections are partisan.