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Ivy League-educated trial lawyer with 25+ jury trials, serving as a Raleigh criminal defense lawyer across Wake County, Durham, and Johnston County.
State and federal criminal defense throughout North Carolina
Murder, assault, drug crimes, DWI, theft, domestic violence. Experienced in Wake, Johnston, Durham, and surrounding counties.
All three NC federal districts and Fourth Circuit. CJA Panel lawyer. Defended in the largest federal RICO case in U.S. history.
Pre-charge representation. Grand jury defense and witness preparation. Multiple clients have avoided prosecution through early intervention.
Federal fraud, embezzlement, tax crimes, money laundering. 24-day sentence achieved in wire fraud case where co-defendants received years.
Defending athletes and coaches facing SafeSport investigations. Protecting careers from false accusations. Nationwide representation.
Rape, sexual assault, indecent liberties, statutory rape defense. Aggressive defense against serious charges. Confidential consultation.
Federal and state child pornography charges. CSAM defense. Confidential representation for serious allegations.
State Bar, Medical Board, Nursing Board proceedings. Protect your career from disciplinary action.
In 2022, Damon ran for Wake County District Attorney and earned 42% of the vote against a powerful incumbent—because he doesn't shy away from tough fights.
Licensed in 2009, Damon has tried 25+ jury trials with multiple "Not Guilty" verdicts and hung juries in state and federal courts. He's appointed to the federal CJA Panel, Capital Defender First Chair Roster, and Habeas Capital Roster for death penalty cases.
A University of Pennsylvania graduate and Board Certified Specialist since 2016—one of fewer than 12 in Wake County—Damon focuses on high-stakes cases: federal defense, murder, white collar fraud, sex offenses, and complex conspiracies.
Notable results: Won acquittal in the largest federal RICO case in U.S. history (82 defendants). Complete acquittal in Johnston County murder trial. Hung jury with 10 voting to acquit in Club Bodi murder case. Saved two clients from Death Penalty. Beat "shaken baby syndrome" charges.
In 2021, Damon exposed a Raleigh Police Detective who arrested 20+ Black men on fake drug charges—the City settled for $2 million. He also volunteers defending protesters for the NC NAACP/Moral Monday Campaign.
Damon established The Chetson Firm in 2009. He's married to Catherine and has three bulldogs: Pudge, Lilly, and Bernie.
Bachelor of Arts, 1994
Juris Doctor, 2009
Featured in major publications
Saved client from death penalty by presenting psychiatric testimony about mental illness.
Lead defense counsel. Jury acquitted on conspiracy charges after two days of deliberation.
Offered pro bono representation to arrested protesters defending First Amendment rights.
In-depth profile during his 2022 Wake County DA campaign.
Convinced DA to decline charges using surveillance video proving self-defense.
Expert legal analysis on the criminal justice system.
Recent articles on criminal defense and North Carolina law
The Fourth Circuit held in United States v. Straite that attempted armed bank robbery under 18 U.S.C. § 2113(d) is categorically…
The Supreme Court reversed a conviction where the trial court screened a child witness without making case-specific findings…
The Fourth Circuit affirmed a witness-murder conviction in United States v. Mosley, addressing joinder, Fourth Amendment…
The Fourth Circuit’s decision in United States v. Davis confirms a Section 3582(c)(2) reduction motion is not a resentencing—and…
The Fourth Circuit’s Ellis decision shows how little a judge must do to partially close a courtroom – and why the objection…
NC’s 2024 amendments brought AI-altered images within the sexual exploitation statutes. Here is what they reach, and what they…
Selected outcomes from state and federal courts
Four day trial. Dismissal on all charges at close of State's evidence.
Week-long trial. Vigorous cross-examination secured complete acquittal on all charges.
Presented mental health mitigators. Secured life sentence instead of death penalty.
Independent investigation proved innocence. All charges dismissed and expunged.
Exposed lead investigator's lies. Ten jurors voted to acquit, two for guilty.
Avoided mandatory 5-year consecutive sentences. Not guilty on all firearm counts.
Only attorney to win suppression motion in entire two-year case.
First time in 15 years judge granted extraordinary mitigation. Client went home on probation.
Achieved 24-day sentence in fraud case with nearly a dozen co-conspirators.
Real reviews from former clients
Some of the best legal professionals I have encountered. Very satisfied with the results.
Fantastic lawyer. Didn't sugar coat anything. I would recommend Mr. Chetson to anyone.
His guidance and determination changed my life and that of my family for the better.
All charges dropped and dismissed. If you need a real heavy hitter, call Damon.
Does what he says he will do. Positive outcome on each case. Come out a winner.
Turned a weak case into a strong one. You will not regret choosing him.
Confidential advice. In person, phone, or Zoom.
Call or Text (919) 352-9411Information provided on this website does not constitute legal advice. Damon Chetson is licensed to practice in the State of North Carolina and is admitted to practice before the federal district courts in the three districts in North Carolina and in the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. No attorney-client relationship has been formed by visiting this website. While we strive to provide accurate information, no guarantees can be made as to the accuracy of information on this website given the changing nature of the law, and because the law applies differently given factual circumstances. The listed case results do not represent the entire record of cases handled by The Chetson Firm. The outcome of a particular case cannot be guaranteed. Each case is different, and in other cases, clients of The Chetson Firm have incurred criminal punishment and convictions. This website constitutes an advertisement and is for informational purposes only.