Ask an NC Criminal Lawyer | The Chetson Firm, PLLC – Aggressive Raleigh Criminal Lawyer

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Please fill out this form to tell us a little about the case or matter. Please do not reveal any confidential details. This form is not secure. If you have confidential details to share, please call us at (919) 352-9411 day or night.

Your Issue or Case
Driving While Impaired
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.
Drug Crimes
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.
Federal Crimes
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.
Sex Crimes
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 Crime
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.
Assault
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.
Theft Crime
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.
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 lawyer at The Chetson Firm.
Robbery
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.
Burglary or Breaking & Entering
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.
Fraud
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.
Child Abuse
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.
Domestic Violence
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.
Resisting Public Officers
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.
Hit and Run
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.
Homicide: Murder, Manslaughter
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.
Other Crimes
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.
Kidnapping
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.
Arson, Insurance Fraud, Bomb Threats
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.
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About

The Chetson Firm has defended people accused of major drug trafficking conspiracies, violent crimes, including sex assaults, robberies, and kidnappings, embezzlement, and thefts, and countless misdemeanors, including Driving While Impaired, drug possession, theft, and larceny charges.

Call our Raleigh Office: (919) 352-9411

19 W. Hargett Street
Suite 920
Raleigh, NC 27601

Email: info@chetson.com

Phone: (919) 352-9411
Fax: (919) 249-1396

The Right to Counsel of Your Choosing

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Meet Our People

Meet Damon Chetson

Attorney Damon Chetson has successfully defended people accused of major federal drug conspiracies and drug trafficking, violent kidnappings and robberies, burglaries, 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. A graduate of the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill School of Law, he works to achieve the best possible results for his clients.

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

Contact Mr. Chetson at (919) 352-9411 or damon@chetson.com.

Meet Catherine Winter

Catherine Winter is not a lawyer, but brings years of professional 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 also plans the firm's growth and expansion. Ms. Winter received her DBA while working for Banner Health Systems, a major health care network in the western United States. She subsequently worked for the technology company Intel, and for a major international consultancy.

Contact Ms. Winter at (919) 352-9411 or cwinter@chetson.com.

Proven Results

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!

Experienced & Tested

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.

Caring & Compassionate

North Carolina Lawyer 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.

Experts to Help You

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.

Call in an Emergency

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?

Affordable Fees

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.

Convenient Location

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.

Office Hours
Call (919) 352-9411 any time on weekdays, evenings, weekends or Holidays for a free consultation. An attorney will call you back promptly.

Lawyers can also travel to meet with clients at their homes or offices in locations within Wake, Durham, Orange, Chatham, Harnett, and Johnston Counties.

Monday: 8 am to 8 pm
Tuesday: 8 am to 8 pm
Wednesday: 8 am to 8 pm
Thursday: 8 am to 8 pm
Friday: 8 am to 8 pm
Saturday: 8 am to 8 pm
Sunday: 8 am to 8 pm

Available by phone at (919) 352-9411 on weekdays, evenings, weekends, or Holidays.
Office Location
19 W. Hargett St, Ste 920
Raleigh, NC 27601

The Chetson Firm is located on the 9th floor of the Commerce Building, also known as the Odd Fellows Building, on the corner of Salisbury and Hargett Streets in downtown Raleigh. Plenty of street and metered parking available.

Office: (919) 352-9411
Fax: (919) 249-1396
Email: info@chetson.com
Text Msg: 9193529411

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Criminal Charges
The Chetson Firm Defends:

Sex Offenses
Federal Crimes
Drug Offenses
Drug Trafficking
Larceny (Theft, Shoplifting)
Assaults
Robbery
Burglary/Breaking & Entering
Domestic Violence
DWI & Drunk Driving
Limited Driving Privileges
Careless and Reckless
Speeding
License Revocation
License Restoration
Driving While License Revoked

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.

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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