Preparing For Cross-Examination in State Court 
Arguing in Charlotte to a Federal Judge in the Largest RICO Prosecution in U.S. History
Learning that you or someone you love has been charged with a criminal offense is the scariest experience a person can face. Criminal allegations can result in the loss of freedom, shame and stigma in your community, and devastating consequences to your family, your friends, and your ability to earn a living.
With more than 10 years of experience in some of North Carolina’s most serious and notorious cases, we have a proven track-record of securing outstanding results for our clients.
In 2019 alone, Damon Chetson tried four jury trials, more trials than many criminal defense attorneys try in a lifetime. In each jury trial, he secured victories. Mr. Chetson saved one client from the death penalty in a Wake Forest triple homicide in Wake County Superior Court (profiled in The Washington Post) and avoided a firearms conviction in a federal trial in the Eastern District of North Carolina for a client who would have received 10 years in prison. Mr. Chetson avoided a first degree murder conviction in the 2014 shooting death at Club Bodi in Raleigh’s warehouse district (WRAL).
Mr. Chetson secured a rare “no contest” plea in another high-profile case involving a Mayor’s son who faced dozens of charges charges of child pornography; the client was sentenced to probation.
Also in 2019, Mr. Chetson won release on probation of his client originally charged with first degree murder (WRAL TV) when a Superior Court Judge granted Mr. Chetson’s request for “extraordinary mitigation,” the first time that judge handed down such a judgment in the judge’s 15 year judicial career. Another Chetson Firm client – originally facing a 10 year mandatory minimum – received a 40 month sentence in the Eastern District of North Carolina after pleading guilty to trafficking in more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine from Texas when a federal judge granted Mr. Chetson’s request for a “safety valve” reduction under 18 USC 3553(f).
And Mr. Chetson won dismissal of all charges and the release of a client accused of First Degree Kidnapping and Forcible Rape after a bond hearing in which Mr. Chetson and his investigator were able to show the Court that Raleigh police detectives had arrested (ABC11) an innocent person. The case has been expunged.
Whether you face a federal indictment, felony warrants in North Carolina state court, a misdemeanor citation, or an investigation by your employer, your university, or the local police, we have extensive experience in all aspects of the criminal process – from Grand Jury investigations, to pre-arrest inquiries from detectives, licensing boards, or audits by the IRS, North Carolina Department of Revenue.
As a trained pilot, Mr. Chetson has even represented clients facing regulatory review by the FAA. He represents people before licensing boards, USOC SafeSport tribunals, and in Title IX hearings.
Mr. Chetson, his paralegal Dena Reese-Booze, and their network of licensed investigators, mitigation specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and forensic experts stand ready to help you in your time of need.
Mr. Chetson is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and the North Carolina Bar Association.
Mr. Chetson provides compassionate, aggressive defense designed to secure you the best outcome possible in high pressure cases involving the highest stakes.
