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2025

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Raleigh, NC

Our Recommended Best Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Raleigh 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.

292Reviewed

178Curated

9Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
19 W Hargett St Ste 508, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.7 (38)
Google
5.0 (3)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Chetson Firm is a full-service criminal defense law firm that has been taking cases on behalf of the residents of Raleigh for over a decade. The firm represents defendants in criminal cases involving sexual assault, drug possession and distribution, child abuse, and white-collar crimes. Its attorneys defend clients in court to determine their innocence and maintain their records. From 2015 to 2019, founding attorney Damon Chetson was honored by Thomson Reuters as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Federal Crimes
  • Violent Crimes
  • Drug Crimes
  • Sexual Assault

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
Raleigh, NC

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Raleigh? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
1027 U.S. Hwy 70 West, Suite 203, Garner, NC 27529

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (19)
Avvo
5.0 (4)
FindLaw
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Tim Fowler Law Firm, P.A., provides comprehensive criminal defense representation to people in Raleigh and the surrounding areas. Providing legal services to defendants throughout North Carolina, the firm addresses a wide spectrum of criminal cases, ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. These may involve offenses such as traffic violations, driving with a revoked license, breaking and entering, simple assault, domestic violence, or hit and run. Its attorney has more than 25 years of legal experience.

Timothy G. Fowler is a criminal defense lawyer whose professional experience includes defending individuals facing charges in both state and federal courts. He strives to lend a personalized approach to each case by prioritizing direct and transparent communication throughout every stage of the legal process.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
800 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC 27597

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (46)
Yelp
2.0 (4)
Google
2.3 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Turner Law Office was awarded by Martindale-Hubbell with a Distinguished designation in 2017. Representing defendants in Raleigh, the firm's legal team uses its insights about the North Carolina legal system to fight for the rights of its clients in the courtroom. Its practice areas cover license restoration, driving while intoxicated, traffic offenses, and other felonies and misdemeanors. The law firm practices criminal defense law in both district and superior courts and also represents individuals before the North Carolina DMV.

E. Lee Turner Jr. leverages more than 30 years of legal experience to defend his clients. Lee has had several positions at the Raleigh Police Department, such as patrol officer, master officer, field officer, and hostage negotiator. He also worked at a private practice, Hughes and Associates, eventually becoming a partner.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
421 Fayetteville St. Ste. 1100, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (46)
Facebook
4.8 (22)
Avvo
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Pruden Feldmann Law, PLLC, provides a variety of criminal defense solutions to people in Raleigh and across North Carolina who have been accused of a crime. He represents those arrested for carrying a concealed weapon and drug crimes. It also protects the rights of those charged with white-collar crimes like fraud, embezzlement, and money laundering. The legal practice is led by an attorney who was previously a member of the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Executive Protection Detail.

In addition to being a criminal defense attorney, William Christopher Wood Pruden also focuses his practice on asset forfeiture. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Campbell University and was the president of the Military Law Students Association. William is a military intelligence captain in the Army Reserves.

In addition to being a criminal defense attorney, William Christopher Wood Pruden also focuses his practice on asset forfeiture. He obtained his Juris Doctor from Campbell University and was the president of the Military Law Students Association. William is a military intelligence captain in the Army Reserves.

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
728 S Main St, Lillington, NC 27546

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (106)
Facebook
5.0 (16)
Avvo
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Led by Robert Buzzard, who has been part of the National Trial Lawyers' Top 100, Buzzard Law Firm offers criminal defense services to people in Raleigh, North Carolina. It provides legal assistance to clients with charges that include driving while intoxicated, serious felonies, drug offenses, and federal crimes. The firm helps defendants with minor traffic infractions avoid costly penalties imposed by the law through dedicated representation. It handles cases in both federal and state courts.

Robert A. Buzzard served as president and treasurer of the Harnett County Bar Association and is a past member of the North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers. He has been featured as a speaker for members of the North Carolina Advocates for Justice. Buzzard obtained his J.D. from the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law of Campbell University.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
127 West Hargett Street, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (159)
Avvo
4.9 (18)
Facebook
5.0 (17)

Why choose this provider?

Matheson & Associates PLLC is a full-service law firm that has been serving individuals in North Carolina since 2010. It represents people in Raleigh and nearby areas who are seeking assistance with their criminal cases. Its attorneys build criminal defense strategies for people dealing with DUI and drug charges. They also seek favorable outcomes for parties accused of breaking and entering, sexual battery, domestic violence, and embezzlement. Additionally, the team assists its clients in getting their criminal records expunged.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Drug Crimes
  • Expungement

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
401 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (132)
Google
5.0 (11)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

Minick Law employs a criminal defense team that includes a lawyer with more than 12 years of experience as a police officer. The law firm provides legal counseling and representation to people in Raleigh, North Carolina, who have been accused of theft or drug crimes. Its legal team educates its clients about their rights and develops a defense strategy aimed at reducing the consequences of their criminal charges. Those who need help with expunging their criminal records can also consult with the firm.

James Minick has been a managing partner at Minick Law for more than 14 years. He received his Juris Doctor from Charlotte School of Law and was part of its moot court team. James focuses on representing clients who are facing DWI charges.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Expungement
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Raleigh
421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1101, Raleigh, NC 27601

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (3277)
Facebook
5.0 (663)
Avvo
5.0 (342)

Why choose this provider?

The Cotten Law Firm, PLLC, is operated by a lawyer who has handled over 50,000 traffic tickets and criminal cases throughout the course of his career. The firm offers criminal defense solutions to those who have been charged, investigated, arrested, or falsely accused of criminal misdemeanors. Its team frequently handles cases involving drunk driving, simple possession of marijuana, disorderly conduct, and traffic violations. Founding attorney Jeremy Cotten and his team also take on underage drinking and other drug charges.

Jeremy Cotten has been in legal practice for more than a decade. He is the president of his own firm, which has two office locations across North Carolina. Prior to his legal career, he was in the banking and wealth management industry, where he held the Certified Financial Planner designation.

  • DWI/DUI

Compare Best Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
The Chetson Firm
19 W Hargett St Ste 508, Raleigh, NC 27601From $4500 | Free consultation
Tim Fowler Law Firm, P.A.
1027 U.S. Hwy 70 West, Suite 203, Garner, NC 27529
Turner Law Office
800 N Arendell Avenue, Zebulon, NC 27597
Pruden Feldmann Law, PLLC
421 Fayetteville St. Ste. 1100, Raleigh, NC 27601
Buzzard Law Firm
728 S Main St, Lillington, NC 27546
Matheson & Associates PLLC
127 West Hargett Street, Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27601
Minick Law
401 N Mangum St, Durham, NC 27701
Cotten Law Firm, PLLC
421 Fayetteville Street, Suite 1101, Raleigh, NC 27601

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.

Raleigh, NC Criminal Defense FAQs

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

    919-831-6311 is the non-emergency contact number of the local police station in Raleigh.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Raleigh, North Carolina?

    To obtain an incident report, email police.records@raleighnc.gov and provide your report number and contact number for communication purposes. The staff will send you the report via email. You can also contact 919-996-3325 and communicate with a staff member who can help you locate and email your report.

  • Why is it important to hire a criminal defense attorney in Raleigh if you have been charged with a crime?

    Being convicted of a crime can negatively impact your life in many ways, including limiting your job opportunities and affecting your ability to obtain housing and custody of your children. Hiring a Raleigh criminal defense attorney can help you navigate the legal system and potentially secure a better outcome for your case.

  • What types of crimes do criminal lawyers usually defend clients against in Raleigh?

    Raleigh criminal lawyers typically defend clients against various felony and misdemeanor crimes, including property crimes, violent crimes, white-collar crimes, sex crimes, drug crimes, DWI or DUI, and traffic violations. These lawyers also assist clients with the legal process, such as negotiating plea bargains, providing legal advice, and representing clients in court proceedings.

  • What is the punishment for a simple assault charge in Raleigh?

    If convicted of simple assault in Raleigh, a person may face a range of penalties, including fines, probation, community service, or any combination thereof, and a possible jail sentence of no more than 60 days. The severity of punishment will depend on several factors, such as the extent of the victim's injuries, the use of a weapon, and the defendant's criminal record history.

  • What should you do if you are arrested in Raleigh?

    If you're arrested in Raleigh, it's important to know your rights. Remain respectful and calm, do not resist arrest, and do not provide a statement to the police beyond the basic information needed for booking. Ask for a lawyer immediately and take mental notes of everything that happens. Contact an experienced North Carolina criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to negotiate on your behalf and get the legal advice you need.

  • What is the process for expunging a criminal record in Raleigh?

    The process to expunge a criminal record in Raleigh involves getting an affidavit notarized, completing an expungement petition, serving it to the district attorney, filing the petition with a fee, and waiting for a verdict that can take up to six months. North Carolina's recent changes to the expungement law make it easier for nonviolent misdemeanor and felony offenders to clear their records after five or ten years. However, some convictions, such as assault, sex offenses, and drug possession, are not eligible for expungement.