THE CHETSON FIRM
Criminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | info@chetson.com
When you face federal criminal charges, you need more than a good lawyer. You need an attorney who has successfully defended clients in federal courtrooms, understands the federal sentencing guidelines, and knows how to fight the full weight of the United States government.
State & Federal Criminal Law (2016-Present)
One of fewer than 12 in Wake County, 100 in NC
Eastern District of North Carolina
Federal Court Appointed Counsel
Only attorney to win suppression motion
82-defendant federal prosecution
Damon Chetson is a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law—one of fewer than 100 attorneys in North Carolina with this distinction, and one of only 12 in Wake County. He serves on the federal CJA Panel for the Eastern District of North Carolina and has defended clients in all three federal districts across the state.
"The federal system is different. The prosecutors are better funded, the investigators are more thorough, and the penalties are far more severe. You need someone who has been in these courtrooms and knows how to win."
Federal criminal cases differ fundamentally from state prosecutions. The FBI, DEA, IRS, ATF, and other federal agencies conduct extensive investigations—often for months or years—before charges are ever filed. By the time you learn of an indictment, the government has already built its case.
Federal prosecutors have vast resources and high conviction rates. The federal sentencing guidelines impose harsh mandatory minimums and calculated sentence ranges that can result in decades of imprisonment for offenses that might carry far lighter penalties in state court.
Damon Chetson has the experience, credentials, and track record to stand between you and the federal government:
The Chetson Firm defends clients facing the full spectrum of federal criminal charges throughout North Carolina:
Federal drug charges carry severe mandatory minimum sentences. A first-time offense for trafficking significant quantities can result in 10 years to life imprisonment. We have successfully defended clients facing charges including:
Gulf Cartel Cocaine Conspiracy (2020) — Client faced charges involving 15+ kilograms of cocaine. Negotiated bottom-of-mandatory-minimum sentence, saving our client years in federal prison.
Meth Trafficking (2019) — Client faced 10-year mandatory minimum. Secured 40-month sentence through Safety Valve provisions, avoiding the mandatory minimum entirely.
Federal fraud investigations often begin long before charges are filed. Early intervention can sometimes prevent indictment entirely. We handle:
Federal Wire Fraud Conspiracy (EDNC, 2021) — In a case with nearly a dozen co-conspirators, achieved a 24-day sentence for our client when others received years of imprisonment.
Russian Money Laundering (2018) — Client was involved in $150 million bribery scheme. Negotiated release from federal custody.
RICO (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations) prosecutions allow the government to charge defendants with crimes committed by others in an alleged criminal enterprise. These cases are extraordinarily complex and carry devastating penalties.
82-Defendant RICO Prosecution (Charlotte, 2019) — In the largest federal RICO case in United States history, Damon Chetson was the only defense attorney to successfully win a suppression motion during the two-year prosecution. This victory demonstrates the meticulous attention to detail and aggressive advocacy that can make the difference in complex federal cases.
Federal gun charges often carry mandatory consecutive sentences under 18 U.S.C. § 924(c). A single count can add 5-30 years to any underlying conviction. We have successfully beaten these charges at trial.
Federal Firearms Charges (EDNC, 2020) — NOT GUILTY on all firearm counts. Client avoided mandatory 5-year consecutive sentences that would have dramatically increased his total imprisonment.
Federal sex crime charges carry severe penalties and lifetime consequences including sex offender registration. We handle child pornography possession, distribution, and production; sex trafficking; interstate travel for illegal sexual activity; and online solicitation.
Child Pornography Distribution (2015) — Despite full confession by client, negotiated dismissal of distribution counts and achieved below-guidelines sentence.
Our federal practice also includes federal bank robbery, kidnapping, immigration crimes, environmental crimes, public corruption, and civil rights violations.
Federal Kidnapping Conspiracy (2018) — After reviewing millions of pages of discovery, jury found client NOT GUILTY of conspiracy charges. Case featured in The New York Times.
Understanding the federal system helps you make informed decisions about your defense:
Most federal cases begin with lengthy investigations by agencies like the FBI, DEA, IRS Criminal Investigation, or ATF. You may first learn of the investigation through:
If you receive any indication of federal investigation, contact a federal criminal defense attorney immediately. Early intervention can sometimes prevent charges from being filed.
Federal prosecutors use grand juries to investigate crimes and return indictments. If you receive a grand jury subpoena, you have rights—but also serious risks. We provide grand jury defense including witness preparation and, where appropriate, motions to quash.
Seafood Mislabeling Investigation (2019) — Five clients facing grand jury investigation. Successfully filed Motion to Quash subpoenas. None of the five clients were ever charged.
Federal sentences are calculated using the United States Sentencing Guidelines—a complex system that considers the offense level, criminal history, and specific offense characteristics. Key factors affecting federal sentences include:
An experienced federal defense attorney can identify mitigating factors, challenge sentencing enhancements, and argue for variances or departures from the guidelines range.
Damon Chetson is admitted to practice in all federal courts in North Carolina and the Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals:
44 counties from Raleigh to the coast. Courthouses in Raleigh, Greenville, Wilmington, Elizabeth City, and New Bern. CJA Panel member.
Central North Carolina including Greensboro, Durham, and Winston-Salem. Regular appearances for federal criminal matters.
Charlotte and mountain region. Defended client in 82-defendant RICO prosecution—largest in U.S. history.
Federal appellate court in Richmond covering NC, SC, VA, WV, and MD. Experience briefing and arguing federal appeals.
Results vary by case. These outcomes demonstrate our experience but do not guarantee similar results.
| Case | Result |
|---|---|
| 82-Defendant RICO Prosecution | Only attorney to win suppression motion |
| Federal Firearms Charges (924c) | NOT GUILTY — Avoided mandatory 5+ years |
| Federal Kidnapping Conspiracy | NOT GUILTY after millions of pages discovery |
| Federal Wire Fraud Conspiracy | 24-day sentence (co-defendants got years) |
| Gulf Cartel Cocaine (15+ kilos) | Bottom of mandatory minimum |
| Meth Trafficking (10-yr minimum) | 40 months via Safety Valve (avoided minimum) |
| Mexican Cartel Cocaine | 2 years (co-defendant got life) |
| Russian Money Laundering ($150M) | Released from federal custody |
| Grand Jury Investigation (5 clients) | Motion to Quash granted — None charged |
Federal charges are prosecuted by U.S. Attorneys with extensive resources. Investigations are typically more thorough, discovery is more voluminous, and sentencing follows the federal guidelines which often result in longer sentences than comparable state offenses. Federal prisons are also different—you may serve time far from home with limited visitation.
No. Politely decline to answer questions and immediately contact a federal criminal defense attorney. Anything you say can be used against you, and making false statements to federal agents is itself a federal crime (18 U.S.C. § 1001).
A target letter from the U.S. Attorney's Office indicates that you are the subject of a federal criminal investigation. Receiving a target letter is serious and requires immediate consultation with a federal defense attorney. Early intervention can sometimes prevent indictment.
Yes, though it is difficult. Charges can be dismissed due to constitutional violations (illegal searches, Miranda violations), insufficient evidence, prosecutorial misconduct, or successful suppression motions. We won the only suppression motion in the largest RICO case in U.S. history.
Mandatory minimums are sentences set by Congress that judges must impose regardless of individual circumstances. They are common in drug cases and firearm offenses. An experienced attorney can sometimes help clients qualify for exceptions like the Safety Valve or substantial assistance departures.
If you are under federal investigation, have received a target letter, or have been charged with a federal crime anywhere in North Carolina, contact The Chetson Firm immediately for a confidential consultation.
Free Confidential Consultation | Available for In-Person, Phone, or Video Meetings
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601
Information 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. 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.