The Chetson Firm, PLLC | Aggressive Raleigh Criminal Lawyer

Raleigh Criminal Lawyer, Raleigh DWI Lawyer, Trial Lawyer

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Our Practice & Clients

Raleigh criminal lawyer The Chetson Firm strives to provide high quality criminal defense in Raleigh, Cary, Apex and the rest of Wake County and North Carolina. Mr. Chetson works aggressively to defend against the most serious and complex state and federal criminal accusations, and the simplest misdemeanors.

The Firm's clients are frequently engineers, teachers, lawyers, students, construction workers, businessmen and women, husbands, wives, mothers, sons & daughters. People like you who may need vigorous and professional criminal defense.

Damon Chetson has defended people accused of rape, armed robbery, kidnapping, assaults, domestic violence, frauds and embezzlement, robbery, drug trafficking, conspiracies, trademark fraud, bank and wire fraud, thefts, and Driving While Impaired (DWI, DUI, Drunk Driving).

Call (919) 352-9411 for a free consultation.

Drunk Driving & DWI

Raleigh drunk driving A North Carolina DWI charge can lead to costly fines, a revoked license... even jail time of up to three years with fines of up to $10,000. In The Firm's experience, Wake County's District Attorney almost never reduces or dismisses a drunk driving charge. Read our free DWI E-Book.

In many cases, The Chetson Firm may be able to get you back on the road in as few as 10 days.

And then Mr. Chetson can work to build a case to defend you. He will look for mistakes the police made, challenge the State's use of the breathalyzer or blood results, and examine whether the Field Sobriety Tests were conducted properly. And, if the case calls for it, recommend the use of experts to help defend you in trial.

With experience as an aggressive criminal defense attorney in Damon Chetson, The Firm's goal is to achieve the best possible outcome. The Firm's goal is to win your case.

Call (919) 352-9411 for a free consultation.

Drug Crimes

Raleigh drug lawyer The Chetson Firm has defended clients in federal court accused of trafficking heroin and marijuana for major cartels. Mr. Chetson has defended clients accused of drug trafficking, drug possession, PWISD, possession of drug paraphernalia in state courts. He has worked with clients prior to arrest to avoid charges entirely.

In some cases Mr. Chetson has been able to win dismissals or deferral programs. In other cases, The Firm has reduced punishments. And in still other cases, he has suppressed evidence police have gathered through illegal searches. While each drug case is different, and no guarantees can be made, The Firm works hard to achieve excellent results.

Call (919) 352-9411 for a free consultation.

Federal Crimes

Raleigh federal lawyer Experienced criminal lawyers call the United States' government "the Big G".

When the federal government gets involved, the stakes are raised. The Chetson Firm has defended clients accused in federal drug trafficking cases. Mr. Chetson has defended clients in bank and wire fraud cases, and federal firearms cases. And Mr. Chetson has defended clients accused of serious child pornography violations.

Because the United States Sentencing Guidelines are so harsh, you may need a lawyer like Mr. Chetson who understands how to protect you at trial or sentencing.

(919) 352-9411 for a free consultation.

Sex Crimes

Raleigh sex offense lawyer Convictions involving crimes of sexual violence - rape, sexual battery, indecent liberties with a minor - are among the most terrifying. First Degree Rape in North Carolina involves a mandatory sentence of at least 25 years in prison.

Sex crimes often require sex offender registry for at least 10 years, and possibly even satellite based monitoring. Child pornography in the federal courts can mean decades in prison.

With experience in all these areas, The Chetson Firm is equipped to defend even when the allegations seem terrifying.

Call (919) 352-9411 for a free consultation.

Felonies, Misdemeanors & Traffic

Raleigh felony lawyer The Chetson Firm has successfully handled serious felonies, misdemeanors, and countless traffic infractions:

Property Crimes and Thefts
Drug Crimes
Crimes of Violence
Sex Crimes
Robberies, Burglaries & Kidnappings
Complex Frauds
Internet & Cybercrimes
Drunk Driving, Traffic, DWLR & DMV Hearings

Call (919) 352-9411 for a free consultation.

Tell Us About Your Case

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Your Issue or Case
No attorney-client relationship has been formed by your use of this form or this website.
Driving While Impaired (DWI, DUI, OUI) is a misdemeanor in North Carolina punishable by up to 3 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.

In addition, all DWI convictions require a revocation of a driver license for at least a year. DWIs are rarely dismissed. They must be won or lost at trial.

People caught drinking and driving underage may be charged with Driving After Consuming Under the Age of 21, a Class 2 misdemeanor.

Certain DWI-related crimes - Felony Death by Motor Vehicle and Felony Habitual DWI - are felony crimes in North Carolina with possible jail time.
A drug crime may include misdemeanor drug possession, misdemeanor possession of drug paraphernalia, or felony possession, felony sale, or drug trafficking. A conviction for a drug crime can result in fines and court costs (for misdemeanors), probation (for misdemeanors and felonies), or active jail time (for felonies).

In addition, drug trafficking in North Carolina requires a mandatory minimum prison time. The only way to avoid a mandatory minimum prison sentence is through cooperation, also known as "substantial assistance". A drug conviction can also result in loss of employment, and an inability to find a new job.

In some cases, drug diversion may be available where treatment and community service are offered instead of jail time. Drug diversion can result in a dismissal of all charges.
A federal crime is a crime prosecuted by the United States Government through a United States Attorney. Federal crimes usually have much higher penalties, and come to trial much more quickly than crimes prosecuted in the state courts. Federal crimes usually include high-end drug crimes - where a lot of drugs are involved - or child pornography crimes, or bank and wire-fraud cases.

Where trial is not an option, federal crimes can result in plea agreements where substantial assistance is given (5k1.1, 3553(e) and Rule 35) in exchange for a reduction in punishments.

Sometimes charges in state court "go federal" meaning that the federal government decides to prosecute. Sometimes crimes - especially felon in possession of a gun - are prosecuted on both the state and federal levels.
An assault is either an unlawful touching (that may or may not result in injury) or the show of force. There are a wide range of assaults in North Carolina law, from simple assault (Class 2 misdemeanor) to Assault With a Deadly Weapon with Intent to Kill Inflicting Serious Injury (a Class C felony).

There are possible defenses to an assault charge, including self defense. Certain assault charges can result in mandatory jail time.

Other assault charges can be resolved through a diversion program (deferral agreement) which includes anger management treatment in exchange for a possible dismissal.
Sex crimes include crimes of violence, or crimes of sexual assault upon minors or children. First and Second Degree Rape, Statutory Rape, and Indecent Liberties with a Minor are common sex crimes in North Carolina. The first three crimes require prison time, with First Degree Rape requiring a mandatory minimum of 25 years in prison.

Other sex crimes can include Felony Peeping, Misdemeanor Sexual Battery, and Misdemeanor Peeping.

In addition, most sex crimes are reportable offenses, which require an offender to be registered as a sex offender for at least 10 years. In certain cases, a person may be required to comply with Satellite Based Monitoring.
Pornography crimes involve child pornography. On the state level, these crimes are prosecuted as Sexual Exploitation of a Minor. On the federal level, these crimes are prosecuted as Possession (or Distribution) of Child Pornography.

In either case, these crimes usually involve sex offender registry, which in North Carolina carries with it a minimum term of 10 years after which the offender must petition the court for removal from the registry.

Child pornography cases usually involve complex issues around WiFi, peer-to-peer sharing, and internet-related concepts.
A theft crime may include larceny (which is what people commonly think of when they think of theft) or various types of embezzlement. Theft crimes can be misdemeanors, although embezzlement is always a felony.

Shoplifting is a form of theft that is sometimes prosecuted as a felony if the person removed an anti-theft device from the merchandise.

Theft crimes involving relatively small dollar amounts where the defendant has otherwise had a clean criminal record may qualify for a diversion program (felony or misdemeanor diversion).

Diversion requires restitution and community service of between 75 and 225 hours in either 6 months or a year.
First Degree Murder is punishable by death or by life in prison. Second Degree murder (with malice, but no premeditation) is a Class B2 felony requiring mandatory prison time. Manslaughter (voluntary or involuntary) is a felony.

Where a person was believed to have been impaired while driving, that person may be found guilty of Felony Death by Motor Vehicle.

In addition, misdemeanor death by motor vehicle is a Class A1 misdemeanor, where the victim died, and the defendant unintentionally killed the defendant usually by violating a traffic law.
Domestic Violence cases are usually handled in special courtrooms. In Wake County, domestic violence cases are handled in courtroom 4A. This courtroom is dedicated to the resolution of these cases.

Domestic violence cases may also involve civil orders - Domestic Violence Protective Orders.

Various crimes might be involved in a DV case, including simple assault, assault on a female, communicating threats, interfering with an emergency communication, injury to personal property, or child abuse.

These cases are often complex, and involve no contact orders, and implications for living arrangements and child custody issues.
Arson or house burnings may be punished as a Class D if the building was occupied, or a Class G if unoccupied.

In addition, where false reports are made for the purposes of insurance fraud, additional crimes may be charged.

Finally, bomb threats or threats of an incendiary device may be charged as felonies, even when hoaxes.
Burglary is the invasion of a residence with the intent to commit a felony or larceny therein. It is punishable as a Class D felony. Burglaries may be First Degree Burglary or Second Degree Burglary.

If a business or other establishment was entered, the crime might be charged as a Breaking & Entering, which can either be a felony or a misdemeanor.

Most District Attorney offices have policies against reducing charges where a residence is involved, even if the incident was merely a high school prank.

Felony B&E of a Motor Vehicle is also a crime - a Class H felony.
Child abuse can be punished as a misdemeanor or felony. In North Carolina, accusations of child abuse may also involve investigation by Child Protective Services.

CPS has the authority to potentially take away custody of children where they believe the children are in danger. Consequently, anyone facing child abuse charges ought to consult with a lawyer about the possible problems of cooperation with CPS given a criminal investigation. In some cases, child abuse charges may be resolved by a diversion program where a parent participates in parenting or anger management classes in exchange for a dismissal.

We also represent people accused of contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
A fraud is the use of deception to take or attempt to take something of value. In North Carolina, a fraud can include Obtaining Property by False Pretense (OPFP) which is punished as a Class H felony for anything under $100,000 of value and a Class C felony for anything of $100,000 of value or more.

Frauds can also include identity theft, credit card fraud, wire fraud, bank fraud, and mortgage fraud. These frauds may be prosecuted on the state or federal level.
We can handle any kind of criminal matter in North Carolina, or in federal courts of the Eastern District of North Carolina.

If you're being investigated, you should contact a lawyer before speaking with police.

We are a trial law firm. We also help people with misdemeanor appeals to Superior Court.

However, if you've been convicted in Superior Court and are in prison, we will refer you to another lawyer.

We also do not sue police departments for allegations of abuse.
A hit and run may occur where someone knew or should've known they had caused an accident, but failed to stop and give information or stop and wait for police.

Current law allows police to seize vehicles involved in certain fleeing to elude crimes under the "Run and You're Done" law.
Kidnapping involves the use of force or threats of force to physically move a person from one place to another. The distance may not be very great.

For instance, a robber who seeks to move victims from one part of a store to another in order to accomplish the robbery may be charged with kidnapping, in addition to the robbery.

First Degree Kidnapping is a Class C felony in North Carolina. Second Degree Kidnapping is a Class E felony.
Resisting a Public Officer - Resist, Delay, Obstruct - is an all-too-common crime in North Carolina. It may involve lying to an officer, or physically resisting the officer.

Where an officer has been hit or injured, a person might be charged with Assault on a Government Official, or Malicious Conduct by a Prisoner (a felony).

Many judges will impose stiff punishments, especially where an officer may have been injured in the line of duty from a defendant's actions.
Robbery involves the use of force or the threat of force to take or attempt to take something from another person. Common Law Robbery is a Class G felony in North Carolina. It does not require the State to prove the use of a weapon. It is also known as unarmed robbery.

Robbery with a Dangerous Weapon or Robbery with a Deadly Weapon (RWDW) is a Class D felony, punishable by mandatory jail time.

Robbery does not require that the person took items of value. Any item taken may be grounds to call the act a robbery.

Robberies may also be punished on the federal level, especially when they involve drugs or deaths.
Disclaimer: Every case is different. While we work to achieve the best possible result, no guarantees can be made about the outcome of your case. If you have any questions about a case, please contact a lawyer for proper legal advice.

Call (919) 352-9411 to speak with a lawyer at The Chetson Firm.

Meet Our People

Meet Damon Chetson

A graduate of the Ivy League University of Pennsylvania and UNC-Chapel Hill Law School, Attorney Damon Chetson has successfully defended people accused of major federal drug conspiracies, embezzlements, larcenies, cybercrimes, frauds, and trademark crimes and DWI charges. He is admitted to practice in both the state and federal courts of North Carolina. He has been profiled by MSNBC.

For more information about Mr. Chetson, view his Recent Successes and Client Reviews. To read his full biography, click here.

Meet Catherine Winter

Raleigh lawyer A former consultant at the Intel Corporation and a spinoff of Siemens Global, Catherine Winter is not a lawyer, but brings years of experience - at Intel and as a consultant - to her work at The Chetson Firm. She assists Mr. Chetson in his work as he helps clients navigate a scary and uncertain criminal process.

Ms. Winter brings a caring and understanding approach when talking to clients about their concerns. She knows how frightening a criminal charge can be. Ms. Winter has worked for the technology company Intel, and for a major international consultancy.

Proven Results

Raleigh criminal lawyer No lawyer can guarantee an outcome. But Mr. Chetson works hard to achieve positive results. Whether it's a dismissal of charges, a deferred prosecution program that avoids a conviction, or a vigorous defense at trial, The Chetson Firm gives you options. We work to restore your freedom, defend your rights, and protect your family.

What Clients Are Saying

[Damon Chetson] told me what we needed to do prior to the court date to help get the case dismissed and that is exactly what happened... Very efficient. Very professional!

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Experienced & Tested

Raleigh dwi lawyer The Chetson Firm has experience defending people in both state and federal courts.

Damon Chetson has defended clients accused of federal drug trafficking conspiracies, serious sex crimes, pornography crimes, robberies, kidnappings, and thefts.

What Clients Are Saying

We were able to resolve my problem and I walked out a free man... I would recommend him to anyone who needs a hand dealing with the law.

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Caring & Compassionate

Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyerr We'll be completely honest with you about the strengths and weaknesses of your case. We work to protect your confidentiality.

The criminal system is frightening. The Chetson Firm's compassionate lawyer can make the difference.

What Clients Are Saying

Mr. Chetson was able to calm me down, talk with me, get the details out of me as I was crying, and help me feel like there may be a light at the tunnel in the future.

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Experts to Help You

Raleigh DWI Lawyer We work with experts: to help explain your case to a jury, to provide you much needed treatment, or to repair troubled relationships. These trusted therapists, psychologists, drug abuse specialists, and experts can make the difference.

What Clients Are Saying

I can have my life back. I would recommend Mr. Chetson to anyone.

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Call in an Emergency

DWI Lawyer Raleigh When the police come knocking, you need a lawyer who can answer the call. With The Chetson Firm, you get a direct line to a lawyer. No middlemen or secretaries will keep you from reaching the lawyer you need.

If you are facing a crisis, call (919) 352-9411 for a free consultation. Day or night, weekdays or weekends.

What Clients Are Saying

To my surprise, on Saturday evening, Mr. Chetson answered the phone where he patiently and thoroughly listened to my situation. He was easy to talk to from the start and by the time we hung up the phone he had agreed to try and help... Wow! Who does this?

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Affordable Fees

DUI Lawyer Raleigh An aggressive criminal defense should not cost a fortune. The Chetson Firm offers flexible payment plans and a variety of payment methods. Doing this allows clients to hire high quality legal representation when it counts.

In most cases, we charge flat fees so you'll know from the start how much our services will cost. No surprise legal bills after your case if resolved. It all starts with a free consultation. Call (919) 352-9411.

What Clients Are Saying

I would also like to add that he didn't try to charge me an arm and a leg either like most others would do. We were able to resolve my problem and I walked out a free man.

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Convenient Location

Cary DWI lawyer The Chetson Firm's office is located in downtown Raleigh, convenient to the Wake County and federal courthouses. We are located near the corner of Hargett and Fayetteville streets at:

19 W. Hargett Street, Suite 920

Raleigh, NC 27601

(919) 352-9411

Mr. Chetson works mainly in the Research Triangle - Wake, Durham, Harnett, Chatham, Johnston, and Orange counties as well as the Eastern District of North Carolina. But we can travel anywhere in the state where you might need excellent legal defense.

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Disclaimer: Every case is different. While we work to achieve the best possible result, no guarantees can be made about the outcome of your case. If you have any questions about a case, please contact a lawyer for proper legal advice. Reviews on this website do not reflect all of the feedback received by the Firm, but only are selected examples. Results depend on the facts of each case, and simply because other cases have been resolved successfully does not guarantee that your case will be resolved in the same fashion. No attorney-client privilege has been formed by your use of this website. The information provided here is subject to change and should not be relied upon as an accurate statement of the current state of North Carolina law. Mr. Chetson is licensed to practice in North Carolina.

The Chetson Firm, PLLC
19 W. Hargett Street, Suite 920
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: (919) 352-9411
Fax: (919) 249-1396
info@chetson.com

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The Chetson Firm, PLLC - 19 West Hargett Street, Suite 920, Raleigh, NC 27601 Phone: (919) 352-9411