THE CHETSON FIRMCriminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | info@chetson.com
Federal and Complex Criminal Defense in Charlotte and the WDNC
The Chetson Firm provides federal criminal defense and complex state criminal defense for clients in Charlotte and the Western District of North Carolina. Damon Chetson is a Board Certified Specialist with demonstrated experience in major federal cases — including the largest federal RICO prosecution in U.S. history, which was tried in Charlotte.
State & Federal Criminal Law
1 of fewer than 12 in Wake County
Jury Trials
Multiple Not Guilty Verdicts
Eastern District of NC
Court-Vetted Federal Counsel
Recognized Every Year
Since 2015
401 W. Trade Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
The primary federal courthouse for the Western District of North Carolina. Major federal criminal cases — RICO, drug trafficking, wire fraud, securities fraud — are prosecuted here by the WDNC U.S. Attorney's Office.
"The largest federal RICO prosecution in U.S. history — 82 defendants — was tried in Charlotte. Damon Chetson was the only defense attorney to win a suppression motion in that case. When Charlotte clients face major federal charges, they call a lawyer with that record."
Charlotte is a major financial center and has generated some of North Carolina's most complex RICO and financial conspiracy prosecutions. Federal RICO charges carry up to 20 years per count and mandatory forfeiture. Damon Chetson's experience defending in the largest RICO case ever prosecuted is unmatched in North Carolina.
Wire fraud, bank fraud, securities fraud, and money laundering cases in Charlotte frequently involve the FBI's financial crimes unit and the IRS Criminal Investigation Division. These cases require a defense attorney with deep knowledge of federal financial crime statutes and the Sentencing Guidelines.
Charlotte's location on major interstate corridors makes it a nexus for federal drug trafficking prosecutions. The WDNC U.S. Attorney's Office prosecutes large-scale drug cases aggressively. Mandatory minimum sentences, conspiracy liability, and Guidelines-driven sentencing require specialized federal defense.
If you have received a target letter, been contacted by federal agents, or know you are under federal investigation in Charlotte, contact The Chetson Firm before charges are filed. Pre-indictment representation often produces better outcomes than waiting for an indictment.
Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence in Charlotte courts.
Federal charges in the Eastern District of NC. CJA Panel attorney. RICO, drug trafficking, wire fraud.
Rape, sexual assault, indecent liberties, internet sex crimes. Protect against mandatory registration.
Embezzlement, wire fraud, tax crimes, money laundering. Discreet, strategic representation.
Nationwide SafeSport investigation defense for coaches, athletes, and administrators.
NC State Bar, Medical Board, Nursing Board, and teaching license proceedings.
82-Defendant Federal RICO Prosecution (Charlotte, 2019) — Largest federal RICO case in U.S. history. Damon Chetson was the only defense attorney to win a suppression motion in the entire two-year prosecution.
Damon Chetson is admitted to practice in all three federal districts in North Carolina — Eastern, Middle, and Western — as well as the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. He accepts federal cases from clients throughout North Carolina, including Charlotte and the surrounding WDNC region.
Yes, for federal cases and complex state criminal matters. Damon Chetson is admitted in the Western District of NC and has defended clients in federal court in Charlotte, including in the largest federal RICO prosecution in U.S. history. For standard state misdemeanor or DWI matters, he recommends retaining local counsel.
The WDNC is the federal judicial district covering the western portion of North Carolina, with the primary courthouse in Charlotte. Federal criminal cases arising from Mecklenburg County and surrounding areas are prosecuted by the WDNC U.S. Attorney's Office.
Call an attorney immediately — before you respond to investigators, before you appear before a grand jury, and before you speak to anyone connected to the investigation. A federal target letter means the U.S. Attorney's Office is seriously considering charging you. Early intervention by experienced defense counsel can sometimes prevent indictment entirely.
Get a free, confidential consultation with a Board Certified criminal defense specialist. Available by phone or text.
The Chetson Firm · 19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 · info@chetson.com
Results vary by case. Past outcomes do not guarantee future results. Information on this website does not constitute legal advice. Damon Chetson is licensed in North Carolina and admitted in the Eastern, Middle, and Western Districts of NC and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals. NC Bar RPC 7.2.