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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Durham, NC

Our Recommended Top 19

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Durham Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

180Reviewed

115Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

2818 Chapel Hill Rd Ste B, Durham, NC 27707

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
3.3 (4)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Edwards & Trenkle PLLC offers experienced criminal lawyers in Durham. The firm's attorneys are board-certified in state and federal law and are experienced at representing clients in cases such as assault, drug crimes, sex offenses, and theft. Counsel is also available to those who've been accused of driving while intoxicated. Attorney Robert C. Trenkle is admitted to practice in North Carolina and Florida and holds several professional memberships, including the North Carolina Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Edwards - PartnerActive35 yrs
Robert Trenkle - PartnerActive36 yrs

311 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (26)
Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Marcus E. Hill Attorney at Law offers criminal defense to clients in the Durham metropolitan area. This criminal lawyer in Durham takes on felony and misdemeanor cases, such as theft, murder, and assault, as well as traffic offenses and driving while intoxicated cases. Marcus E. Hill provides in-depth counsel and representation to his clients throughout the entire process. The firm was named one of the Top 3 DWI Lawyers in Durham in 2019 by Three Best Rated.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Marcus Hill - PrincipalActive40 yrs

4909 Waters Edge Dr Ste 209, Raleigh, NC 27606

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (146)
Google
4.9 (101)
Facebook
4.6 (52)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Raushanah F. Rodgers PLLC is a full-service law firm that provides its services to clients in the Durham area. It provides legal counsel and representation to individuals who've been charged with a crime, such as sexual assault, resisting arrest, larceny, drug possession or violation of a probation order. Representation is also available to those charged with driving while impaired. The firm has won several awards, including the 2019 Avvo Clients' Choice award.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Raushanah Rodgers - PrincipalActive16 yrs

100 E Parrish St Ste 350, Durham, NC 27701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (97)
Facebook
4.9 (97)
Yelp
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Frasier & Griffin PLLC has locations in Raleigh and Durham, both of which offer counsel and representation to clients in a variety of legal matters. The firm is experienced at handling criminal cases, including homicide, white-collar crimes, theft, and domestic violence. Other areas of practice include personal injury and family law. Ralph K. Frasier, esteemed among criminal defense attorneys in Durham, is admitted to practice in North Carolina and Ohio and is affiliated with several professional associations, including the North Carolina Association of Black Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Tamla Tymus - AssociateActive28 yrs
Ralph Frasier - PartnerActive28 yrs
Ralph Frasier - PartnerActive28 yrs
John Griffin - PartnerActive26 yrs

4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 1000, Raleigh, NC 27609

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (172)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of J.M. Kotzker, P.C., is a criminal defense firm that represents clients in Durham. It assists those being investigated or have been detained due to criminal charges involving drug crimes, weapon violations, property crimes, alcohol-related offenses, and traffic violations. The practice strives to develop defense strategies to prevent jail time, heavy fines, and damage to the client's reputation. The firm is headed by John Kotzker, who is licensed to practice law in Maryland, Florida, North Carolina, and the District of Columbia.

  • DWI/DUI

123 Main Street Ste. 225, Durham, NC 27701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (12)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Alex Charns Law Office represents individuals in and around Durham charged with serious felony offenses. The firm handles a wide range of criminal defense cases, including traffic violations, drug possession, malicious prosecution, physical assault, and misdemeanor crimes. Founder Alex Charns has litigated against district attorneys, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and police departments. He has dedicated his private practice to representing clients involved in serious felony and police misconduct cases for over 35 years.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

120 E Parrish St Ste 200, Durham, NC 27701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (16)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Edward J. Falcone and H. Wood Vann offers legal help to clients in Durham and its surrounding areas. It offers criminal defense to individuals who've been charged with misdemeanors or felonies, such as sex crimes, assault and battery, and homicide. H. Wood Vann, a seasoned criminal justice attorney in Durham, also provides his services to juveniles, as well as those who've been charged with driving under the influence or other traffic offenses.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Edward Falcone - PrincipalActive45 yrs

105 S. Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (164)
Facebook
5.0 (54)

Why choose this provider?

Tickle Law Office, PLLC, is a general practice firm that serves clients in Durham. It mitigates the impact of a criminal conviction on the educational and employment prospects of clients. Founding attorney Lawrence Tickle and partner Kaitlyn L. Tickle uphold the legal rights of individuals facing DWI, theft, drug, and sexual offense charges. They also take a practical approach to representing clients in the areas of personal injury, real estate, elder, business, and family law.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Expungement

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lawrence Tickle - PartnerActive11 yrs

208 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (34)
Yelp
4.0 (8)
Google
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, PLLC, represents individuals in and around Durham who have been accused of criminal activity. In addition to evaluating each case individually, the firm's legal team often interviews the law enforcement officer who arrested or charged the client. It frequently takes on cases involving alcohol-related offenses like underage drinking and Driving After Consuming; assault, fraud, drug crimes, and weapon violations. The firm also deals with criminal record expungement. Suczynski is a member of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice.

  • DWI/DUI

7306 Spring Vista Ct, Chapel Hill, NC 27516

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Lynn Norton-Ramirez is a criminal and traffic defense lawyer who serves clients throughout the Chapel Hill and Durham areas. She has more than 30 years of experience representing clients in criminal cases, including larceny, theft, assault, and narcotic sales. Her services are also available to juvenile clients, as well as those who've been charged with traffic violations. Lynn Norton-Ramirez was admitted to the North Carolina Bar in 2004 and previously served as the Durham County Assistant District Attorney.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Lynn Norton-Ramirez - PrincipalActive20 yrs

800 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC 27597

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (82)
Google
4.5 (34)

Why choose this provider?

E. Lee Turner, Jr. Attorney at Law has been serving defendants in Durham since 1994. It guides and represents individuals dealing with different types of criminal cases. The firm handles cases related to misdemeanor and felony charges. It also takes on DWI violations, helping at-fault drivers create strategies to recover their driving privileges. Principal partner E. Lee Turner, Jr. began his legal career working as an assistant attorney general at the North Carolina Attorney General's Office in 1992.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Everette lee Turner - PrincipalActive33 yrs

129 E. Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (18)
Facebook
4.6 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Coleman, Gledhill, Hargrave, Merritt & Rainsford, P.C., has been serving the residents of Durham and the surrounding areas since 1969. With more than 245 years of collective legal experience, its attorneys provide criminal defense services for a variety of felony and misdemeanor charges. Other practice areas of the firm include civil litigation, personal injury, and family law. Founding partner Alonzo B. Coleman, Jr. is a former District Court Judge and State Senator. He and his team can serve clients in English and Spanish.

  • Arraignment
  • DWI/DUI

113 Broadway St, Durham, NC 27701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (34)
Facebook
5.0 (13)
Avvo
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Nicholson Pham Law is an LGBT, family and criminal defense law firm that serves clients throughout the Durham metropolitan area. The firm proudly provides its services to women and members of the LGBT community and provides legal counsel in criminal cases, including drug crimes, theft, assault, and traffic offenses. Nicholson Pham Law holds membership in The LGBT Bar and practices in several other legal areas, including adoption, estate planning, and divorce.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Milan Pham - PartnerActive23 yrs
Meredith Nicholson - Partner/Founding MemberActive24 yrs

2402 S. Miami Blvd Suite 104, Durham, NC 27703

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (17)
Facebook
5.0 (14)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Eric M. Williams, PLLC, is a multi-practice firm that caters to clients in the Durham area. Its attorneys work on criminal defense cases. They are familiar with various facets of the criminal justice system and apply their knowledge and experience throughout the process. They provide counsel and representation for clients charged with theft, sex crimes, drug violations, and driving offenses. Representation in personal injury and family law cases is also offered. The firm's attorneys are fluent in Spanish.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

343 S. White Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (45)

Why choose this provider?

Warren Shackleford Thomas Attorneys P.L.L.C. is a general service firm providing counsel and representation in Durham. It defends the rights of individuals charged with a criminal offense, whether a felony or misdemeanor, giving them legal advice and representing them in the district and superior courts. Its lawyers also handle DWIs, speeding tickets, suspended licenses, and personal injury charges. In addition, they cover business laws, estate planning, real estate, and personal injury claims. The firm has been helping individuals and families for almost five decades.

  • DWI/DUI

417 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Perry & Brandt, Attorneys at Law, handles various types of cases in the Durham area. The firm takes on criminal defense matters, representing those dealing with traffic citations and more serious charges like theft, drug possession, assault, and domestic violence. It also assists minors seeking expunctions to help them avoid permanent and damaging effects of a conviction. One of the lawyers, Michael K. Perry, has over 35 years of experience working on civil and criminal law issues.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Perry - PartnerActive41 yrs

4030 Wake Forest Rd. Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27609

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (32)
Facebook
5.0 (29)

Why choose this provider?

The Jackson Law Center, PLLC, Attorneys at Law, provides services to people residing in and around Durham. It represents clients arrested for DUI, assault, larceny, probation violations, gun, and drug crimes. It also handles various personal injury claims such as wrongful death, slips and falls, premises liability, and car accidents. Asi B. Jackson, the firm's primary attorney, won a $30,000 settlement in one of her cases on behalf of a car accident victim who sustained back injuries in a rear-end collision.

  • Expungement
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Asi Jackson - PrincipalActive19 yrs

128 North Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (90)
Google
4.4 (61)
Facebook
4.4 (61)

Why choose this provider?

Jennifer Allen Law, PLLC, serves Durham clients. The law firm handles criminal defense lawsuits, providing individuals accused of a crime with caring and compassionate representation. Jennifer Allen has extensive experience working with judges, law enforcement, and district attorneys to help her clients avoid or reduce criminal penalties such as jail time, probation, and hefty fines. Allen received the North Carolina NAACP's Humanitarian of the Year Award in 2014 for her pro bono representation of Moral Monday arrestees.

  • DWI/DUI

104 Court St., Oxford, NC 27565

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (11)

Why choose this provider?

S. Quon Bridges Attorney at Law provides solutions for Durham-based clients who face criminal charges. With more than 30 years of experience in the legal field, the firm has defended individuals who have cases related to domestic abuse, battery, assault, misdemeanor, and felony. Additionally, the practice serves as a mediator for couples who want to go through a divorce. It handles other areas of family law, which include spousal support, child custody, and legal separation.

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Edwards & Trenkle, PLLC
2818 Chapel Hill Rd Ste B, Durham, NC 27707
Marcus E. Hill Attorney at Law
311 E Main St, Durham, NC 27701
Law Offices of Raushanah F.Rodgers, PLLC
4909 Waters Edge Dr Ste 209, Raleigh, NC 27606
Frasier & Griffin, PLLC
100 E Parrish St Ste 350, Durham, NC 27701
Law Offices of J.M. Kotzker, P.C.
4208 Six Forks Road, Suite 1000, Raleigh, NC 27609
Alex Charns Law Office
123 Main Street Ste. 225, Durham, NC 27701
The Law Offices of Edward J. Falcone and H. Wood Vann
120 E Parrish St Ste 200, Durham, NC 27701
Tickle Law Office, PLLC
105 S. Main Street, Louisburg, NC 27549
Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski, PLLC
208 N Columbia St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
The Law Offices of Lynn Norton-Ramirez PLLC
7306 Spring Vista Ct, Chapel Hill, NC 27516
E. Lee Turner, Jr. Attorney at Law
800 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC 27597
Coleman, Gledhill, Hargrave, Merritt & Rainsford, P.C.
129 E. Tryon Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278
NicholsonPham PLLC
113 Broadway St, Durham, NC 27701
The Law Offices of Eric M. Williams, PLLC
2402 S. Miami Blvd Suite 104, Durham, NC 27703
Warren Shackleford Thomas Attorneys P.L.L.C.
343 S. White Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Perry & Brandt Attorneys at Law
417 South Main Street, Wake Forest, NC 27587
Jackson Law Center, PLLC Attorneys at Law
4030 Wake Forest Rd. Suite 300, Raleigh, NC 27609
Jennifer Allen Law, PLLC
128 North Churton Street, Hillsborough, NC 27278
S. Quon Bridges Attorney At Law
104 Court St., Oxford, NC 27565

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Durham, North Carolina?

    For non-emergency concerns, call the Durham Police Department at (919) 560-4600.

  • Do you have to appear in court if you are facing criminal charges in Durham?

    You will most likely be asked to appear in court if you are facing criminal charges in Durham. But there are some crimes that are waivable, which means you are not required to show up in court., and your lawyer will let you know whether or not you should appear in court. If you live very far away or are traveling, it may be possible for you to move your court date to a more convenient time.

  • Can you remove a conviction from your record in Durham?

    You may be eligible to have a charge or conviction removed or “expunged” from your record in Durham, but you will have to petition a judge to do so. This is a complex process that may take some time. North Carolina Courts will sometimes allow you to expunge a conviction if you demonstrated “good moral character” since the time you were convicted. If you committed a misdemeanor, you’ll have to wait five years. For felonies, you have to wait ten years. An experienced criminal defense lawyer can help you with your petition.

  • Will your criminal defense lawyer take your case to trial in Durham?

    Your criminal defense lawyer in Durham may push for a trial if they deem that there is significant evidence that supports your innocence or if the prosecution does not have enough evidence to prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. This is why it is essential to discuss your case and potential strategies with your lawyer, as it allows you to understand their approach and whether they think taking your case to trial is a viable option.

  • Can you get a driver’s license in another state if yours was suspended in Durham?

    No. You can’t get a driver’s license in any other state if yours was suspended in Durham. You might think it would be sensible to just get a license in another state, but you may only be able to do so after your original license has been properly restored in North Carolina and if you have established a residence in another state. Moreover, if you have an international driver’s license or other state driver’s licenses, they all become invalid if North Carolina has suspended your right to drive.

  • Will you go to jail if you were found to be driving under the influence in Durham?

    If it is your first DUI offense and there are no other serious or grossly aggravating factors in your case, it is possible that you will not have to serve jail time. However, if it is your second offense within seven years and you are convicted, it is highly likely that you will be sentenced to jail. Depending on the judge’s discretion, jail time can be offset with inpatient treatment.