THE CHETSON FIRMCriminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | info@chetson.com
Experienced Defense in Smithfield and Johnston County Courts
Damon Chetson regularly appears in Johnston County Superior and District Court on behalf of clients facing criminal charges. He is familiar with the Johnston County courts, the local prosecutors, and the specific programs and procedures — including Johnston County Drug Court — that can make the difference in your case.
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
All Johnston County criminal matters — District Court misdemeanors and DWI, and Superior Court felony jury trials — are heard at the courthouse in Smithfield. The Chetson Firm's Raleigh office is approximately 30 miles away.
District Court: Misdemeanors, DWI, initial felony appearances, bond hearings
Superior Court: Felony jury trials, felony sentencing, post-conviction
Johnston County operates a Drug Treatment Court program for eligible defendants facing drug-related charges. Drug court is an intensive, judicially supervised treatment program that, upon successful completion, can result in dismissal of criminal charges entirely. Not everyone qualifies — eligibility depends on the charge, the defendant's history, and acceptance by the DA's office — but for eligible clients, drug court is often the best possible outcome.
"Johnston County Drug Court has helped many clients avoid a criminal conviction while getting the treatment they actually need. Evaluating eligibility and navigating the application is one of the first things we do for eligible Johnston County clients."
US-70, I-95, and the US-301 corridor through Johnston County see significant DWI enforcement. Johnston County prosecutors handle DWI cases in District Court in Smithfield. The sentencing levels, civil revocation rules, and limited driving privilege requirements are the same as Wake County.
Johnston County borders the I-95 drug trafficking corridor, which generates a significant volume of drug possession, PWISD, and trafficking cases. Drug trafficking charges in Johnston County Superior Court carry mandatory minimums that require experienced trial counsel to contest effectively.
The Johnston County DA's office prosecutes all felony matters in Superior Court in Smithfield. Damon Chetson has obtained a complete not-guilty verdict in a Johnston County murder trial — one of the most significant results in the firm's history.
Murder — Complete Acquittal (Johnston County Superior Court, 2021) — Week-long trial. Vigorous cross-examination of key witnesses secured complete acquittal on all charges.
Felonies, misdemeanors, DWI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence in Johnston County 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.
The Chetson Firm represents clients throughout Johnston County, including Smithfield, Clayton, Selma, Benson, Four Oaks, Kenly, Princeton, and surrounding communities. Our Raleigh office is approximately 30 miles from the Johnston County Courthouse in Smithfield.
Yes. The Chetson Firm regularly represents clients in Johnston County Superior and District Court in Smithfield. The office is approximately 30 miles from the Johnston County Courthouse and handles all categories of criminal cases in Johnston County.
Johnston County Drug Court is a judicially supervised treatment program for defendants facing drug-related charges. Eligibility generally requires non-violent charges, no prior violent felony convictions, and acceptance by the DA's office. Successful completion can result in dismissal of criminal charges. Your attorney evaluates eligibility and guides the application process.
In Johnston County courts in Smithfield. All Johnston County criminal cases — regardless of where in the county the arrest occurred — are prosecuted by the Johnston County District Attorney's office and heard at the Johnston County Courthouse at 207 E. Johnston Street in Smithfield.
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.