THE CHETSON FIRMCriminal Defense Attorneys
19 W. Hargett St., Suite 400, Raleigh, NC 27601 | info@chetson.com
When you face serious criminal charges in Raleigh, your freedom, your future, and your reputation are on the line. You need a criminal defense attorney who has tried cases in Wake County courtrooms, knows the prosecutors and judges, and has a proven track record of winning at trial. Damon Chetson is a Board Certified Specialist with 25+ jury trials and multiple acquittals in serious felony cases.
Jury Trials
1 of 12 in Wake County
Years Experience
Clients Served
The Chetson Firm handles serious criminal cases throughout Wake County and the surrounding areas. We have the experience, resources, and courtroom skills to defend you against the most serious charges:
First-degree murder, second-degree murder, voluntary manslaughter, involuntary manslaughter. Death penalty qualified. Saved two clients from death row.
Assault with a deadly weapon, assault inflicting serious injury, assault on a female, domestic violence assault, assault on law enforcement.
Drug trafficking, possession with intent to sell, manufacturing, maintaining a dwelling. State and federal drug charges.
Armed robbery, common law robbery, first-degree burglary, breaking and entering, home invasion charges.
Possession of firearm by felon, carrying concealed weapon, discharging firearm, weapons on school grounds.
Felony larceny, embezzlement, obtaining property by false pretenses, identity theft, receiving stolen goods.
We also defend federal criminal charges, white collar crimes, and sex offense allegations throughout North Carolina.
People search for a "Raleigh criminal lawyer" for every kind of charge — not only the most serious felonies. The Chetson Firm represents clients across the full range of state criminal matters in Wake County District and Superior Court:
Driving while impaired, including high-BAC and refusal cases, habitual DWI, driving while license revoked, and serious traffic offenses. We have won DWI acquittals and reversed a DWI conviction on appeal.
Simple assault, larceny, possession of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, communicating threats, resisting an officer, and other misdemeanors heard in Wake County District Court.
Assault on a female, domestic criminal trespass, violation of a 50B protective order, and related charges — cases that carry firearm and immigration consequences beyond the courtroom.
Possession, possession with intent, sale and delivery, trafficking, and maintaining a dwelling — from misdemeanor possession through state trafficking and federal drug cases.
Violation hearings, motions to revoke, and absconding allegations where your suspended sentence — and your freedom — is on the line.
Already under investigation but not yet charged? Early representation during an investigation is often the best opportunity to avoid charges entirely.
Whether you are facing a first-time misdemeanor or a Class A felony, the same principles apply: protect your rights, scrutinize the State's evidence, and prepare every case as if it will go to trial.
Understanding the potential consequences of your charges is critical to making informed decisions about your defense:
| Class | Examples | Maximum Sentence |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | First-degree murder | Death or life without parole |
| Class B1 | First-degree rape, first-degree sexual offense | Life without parole |
| Class B2 | Second-degree murder | Up to life (484 months max) |
| Class C | Second-degree rape, armed robbery | Up to 231 months |
| Class D | Voluntary manslaughter, first-degree burglary | Up to 204 months |
| Class E | Involuntary manslaughter, AWDWIKISI | Up to 88 months |
| Class F | Assault inflicting serious bodily injury | Up to 59 months |
| Class G | Robbery with dangerous weapon | Up to 47 months |
| Class H | Felony larceny, habitual DWI | Up to 39 months |
| Class I | Breaking and entering, PWISD | Up to 24 months |
Actual sentences depend on prior record level. Higher prior record levels result in longer sentences.
Results vary by case. These outcomes demonstrate our experience but do not guarantee similar results. See more on our case results page.
Murder (Johnston County) — Complete acquittal in murder trial. Client walked free after jury deliberations.
Murder (Club Bodi Case, Wake County) — High-profile murder case. Hung jury with 10 jurors voting to acquit. Client avoided murder conviction.
Capital Murder (Multiple Cases) — Saved two clients from death penalty. Both received life sentences instead of execution.
Shaken Baby Syndrome — Successfully challenged medical testimony. Beat charges that typically result in lengthy prison sentences.
DWI (Multiple Cases) — Multiple DWI acquittals including .28 BAC case where we proved client wasn't driving and motorcycle DWI where we proved no impairment.
Counterfeit & Guns — Client faced 30+ years on 10 felony counts. Negotiated resolution under 2 years.
DWI Appeal (2018) — NC Court of Appeals reversed conviction based on trial judge error we identified.
Damon Chetson is one of fewer than 100 attorneys in North Carolina—and one of only 12 in Wake County—certified by the NC State Bar as a specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law. This certification requires demonstrated expertise, peer review, and continuing education specifically in criminal defense.
Many attorneys claim trial experience but rarely see the inside of a courtroom. Damon has tried 25+ jury trials to verdict with multiple acquittals in serious felony cases. Prosecutors know when a defense attorney is willing and able to go to trial—and that knowledge influences every negotiation.
We practice regularly in Wake County Superior Court, as well as Durham, Johnston, Orange, and surrounding counties. We know the judges, the prosecutors, and how each courtroom operates. This knowledge is invaluable in developing effective defense strategies.
Damon is appointed to the NC Capital Defender First Chair Roster, meaning he is qualified to serve as lead counsel in death penalty cases. Only attorneys with extensive trial experience and specialized training receive this appointment.
"Good defense attorneys counsel the whole client—not just the legal issue, but what behaviors, disorders, addictions, or relationships created the circumstances in which a crime could be charged."
Damon Chetson holds a 5.0-star rating across 47 client reviews. A few words from people he has represented in Wake County and across North Carolina:
"Some of the best legal professionals I have encountered. Very satisfied with the results."
★★★★★ — Robert B.
"All charges dropped and dismissed. If you need a real heavy hitter, call Damon."
★★★★★ — Channing P.
"His guidance and determination changed my life and that of my family for the better."
★★★★★ — Matthew C.
"Fantastic lawyer. Didn't sugar coat anything. I would recommend Mr. Chetson to anyone."
★★★★★ — Jessica R.
"Turned a weak case into a strong one. You will not regret choosing him."
★★★★★ — Catherine M.
"Does what he says he will do. Positive outcome on each case. Come out a winner."
★★★★★ — Brent R.
We regularly appear in courts throughout the Triangle and central North Carolina:
Most criminal cases in Raleigh are handled at the Wake County Justice Center in downtown Raleigh, which houses the county's criminal courtrooms, the District Attorney's office, and the Clerk of Superior Court. Understanding which court hears your case matters, because the two operate very differently:
Because a misdemeanor conviction in District Court can be appealed to Superior Court for a jury trial, you often have more leverage than you realize. Knowing how each Wake County courtroom — and each judge and prosecutor — operates is central to building the right strategy.
The criminal process can feel overwhelming. Here is the path most Wake County cases follow, and where an experienced Raleigh criminal defense lawyer makes the biggest difference at each stage:
At every step, the goal is the same: protect your constitutional rights, hold the State to its burden of proof, and pursue the best outcome the facts allow.
In North Carolina, misdemeanors are less serious crimes punishable by up to 150 days in jail, while felonies are more serious offenses that can result in state prison sentences ranging from months to life imprisonment or even the death penalty. Felonies are classified from Class A (most serious) to Class I (least serious).
Yes, in some cases. Through negotiation with prosecutors or preliminary hearing dismissals, felony charges can sometimes be reduced to misdemeanors. This depends on the specific facts, the strength of the evidence, and the defendant's criminal history. An experienced defense attorney can identify opportunities for charge reduction.
If arrested, remain silent except to request an attorney. Do not discuss your case with anyone, including cellmates or family members over jail phone lines (which are recorded). Do not consent to searches. Contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. What you say and do after arrest can significantly impact your case.
Criminal defense fees vary based on the complexity of the case, the charges involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Felony cases typically require more work than misdemeanors. We offer free consultations to discuss your specific situation and provide transparent fee information before you make any decisions.
North Carolina has expanded expungement eligibility in recent years. Some felony convictions can now be expunged after waiting periods, though violent felonies and certain sex offenses remain ineligible. Dismissed charges and not guilty verdicts can typically be expunged immediately.
It varies widely. A straightforward misdemeanor in Wake County District Court may resolve in a few court dates over a couple of months, while a serious felony in Superior Court can take a year or more from arrest to trial. Factors include the complexity of the evidence, lab backlogs, the court's calendar, and whether the case goes to trial. We keep clients informed at every setting rather than leaving them guessing.
Yes. Even an early court date can shape the rest of your case — conditions of release, scheduling, and how the prosecutor first views your file. Having a criminal defense attorney in place from the start means someone is protecting your interests before any decisions get locked in. The Chetson Firm offers a free, confidential consultation before your first appearance.
Politely decline to answer questions and speak with a lawyer first. Investigators are allowed to question you — and to mislead you — before any charge is filed, and what you say can be used to build a case against you. The period before charges are filed is often when a skilled defense lawyer can do the most good, sometimes preventing charges altogether.
Most cases are resolved short of trial through dismissals or negotiated pleas — but the cases that resolve on the best terms are usually the ones where the prosecutor knows the defense is fully prepared and willing to try the case. Damon Chetson has tried 25+ jury trials to verdict. That credibility shapes every negotiation, and when trial is the right choice, you have a lawyer who is genuinely ready for it.
Don't wait to get experienced legal help. The sooner you contact a criminal defense attorney, the more options you may have. Call now for a free, confidential consultation.
Free Confidential Consultation | Available for Emergencies
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 North Carolina and admitted to all NC state courts and federal courts. No attorney-client relationship is formed by visiting this website. Case results depend on specific facts and do not guarantee similar outcomes.