THE CHETSON FIRMCriminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | info@chetson.com
Experienced Defense in Durham Courts and the Eastern District
Damon Chetson represents clients facing criminal charges in Durham County District and Superior Court, as well as federal cases in the Eastern District of North Carolina arising from Durham. As a Board Certified Specialist in both State and Federal Criminal Law, he provides the full spectrum of criminal defense for Durham clients.
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
Durham County District and Superior Court are located at the Durham County Judicial Building in downtown Durham. The Chetson Firm's Raleigh office is approximately 30 minutes away.
District Court: Misdemeanors, DWI, domestic violence, initial felony appearances
Superior Court: Felony jury trials, felony sentencing, post-conviction matters
Durham County has one of the most active criminal court dockets in North Carolina. The Durham County DA's office is well-staffed, well-funded, and prosecutes violent crimes, drug trafficking, and DWI with significant resources. Case volumes are high and court dates move quickly — early representation is essential.
Durham County generates significant federal caseload in the Eastern District of NC. Drug trafficking, firearms, and conspiracy cases that originate in Durham frequently become federal prosecutions in Raleigh. A state charge with potential federal implications requires an attorney Board Certified in both state and federal law.
The Durham County DA's office has historically prioritized prosecution of violent crimes, repeat DWI offenders, and drug trafficking involving distribution quantities. Understanding the DA's prosecutorial priorities — and how they affect plea negotiations and trial strategy — comes from years of practice in these courts.
"Durham County prosecutors are experienced. The best outcome for a Durham client comes from an attorney who knows the local system, has tried cases in these courts, and cannot be bluffed at the negotiating table."
Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence in Durham 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.
Felony Stalking (Durham County Superior Court) — Dismissed after defense investigation. Evidence insufficient to proceed to trial.
Federal charges arising from Durham County are prosecuted in the Eastern District of North Carolina — the same federal district where Damon Chetson is a CJA Panel attorney and where he defended clients in the largest federal RICO case in U.S. history.
Yes. Damon Chetson represents clients in Durham County District and Superior Court. The Raleigh office is approximately 30 minutes from the Durham County Judicial Building. Free consultations are available by phone, text, or in person.
Yes. Law enforcement in Durham regularly coordinates with federal agencies on drug cases. If federal agencies (DEA, FBI, HSI) are involved in the investigation, a state charge can be adopted as a federal prosecution with mandatory minimum sentences. An attorney Board Certified in federal criminal law is essential in these situations.
Exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney. Do not answer questions from law enforcement without counsel present. Contact The Chetson Firm as soon as possible — ideally before your first court appearance. Early representation expands your options at every subsequent stage of the process.
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.