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Criminal Defense
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Personal Injury
Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer
Serving Wake County & Beyond
250+ Reviews and counting
Your rights and your future may be on the line. A confidential case review can help you understand your options and start building a strong defense strategy.
Take the first step. Click below to schedule your case review today.
One accusation. One arrest. One moment that can change your entire life.
If you’ve been charged with a crime in North Carolina, you’re facing a system that isn’t designed to protect you. Prosecutors have vast resources, law enforcement has already built their case, and the consequences of a conviction could follow you for decades—affecting your freedom, your family, your career, and your future.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, our Raleigh criminal defense attorneys understand what’s at stake. With more than 75 years of combined experience defending clients against criminal charges throughout North Carolina, we provide strategic defense when you need it most. Don’t wait another day. Your defense strategy needs to begin immediately.
When your freedom and future are on the line, experience and reputation matter. Our criminal defense team is led by attorneys recognized for excellence:
What sets our defense team apart:
We don’t just defend cases—we defend people, reputations, careers, and futures.
Our Raleigh criminal defense team represents clients facing a wide range of charges, including:
Understanding the criminal justice process is the first step in mounting an effective defense. Here’s what you can expect when facing criminal charges in North Carolina:
After arrest, you’ll appear before a magistrate who will:
This happens quickly, often within 24-48 hours of arrest, making immediate legal representation crucial.
In felony cases, you’ll have:
Our attorneys use these early hearings to evaluate the prosecution’s case, challenge evidence, and begin building your defense strategy.
During this critical phase, we:
This is where having former prosecutors on your defense team provides a significant advantage—we know what to look for and how to find weaknesses in the state’s case.
Based on our thorough case evaluation, we’ll advise you on:
If your case goes to trial, we provide aggressive courtroom representation, challenging the prosecution’s evidence and presenting your defense to judge or jury.
If convicted, we continue fighting for you by:
The impact of a criminal conviction extends far beyond any sentence imposed:
| Class | Prison Sentence | Examples of Crimes |
|---|---|---|
| Class A | Death or life without parole | First-degree murder |
| Class B1 | 144-483 months (12-40+ years) | Rape, sexual offense with a child |
| Class B2 | 94-393 months (8-32+ years) | Second-degree murder |
| Class C | 44-231 months (3.7-19+ years) | Armed robbery, kidnapping |
| Class D | 51-204 months (4.3-17 years) | First-degree burglary, voluntary manslaughter |
| Class E | 15-88 months (1.3-7.3 years) | Assault with deadly weapon, certain drug trafficking |
| Class F | 10-59 months (0.8-4.9 years) | Indecent liberties with a child, common law robbery |
| Class G | 8-47 months (0.7-3.9 years) | Possession of firearm by felon, second-degree burglary |
| Class H | 5-39 months (0.4-3.3 years) | Felony larceny, breaking and entering |
| Class I | 3-24 months (0.3-2 years) | Credit card theft, possession of stolen goods |
| Class | Maximum Jail Time | Examples of Crimes |
|---|---|---|
| Class A1 | 150 days | Assault on a female, sexual battery, domestic violence |
| Class 1 | 120 days | Larceny, possession of drug paraphernalia, shoplifting |
| Class 2 | 60 days | Simple assault, disorderly conduct, carrying concealed weapon |
| Class 3 | 20 days | Worthless check, minor shoplifting violations |
Note: Actual sentences depend on prior criminal record and aggravating or mitigating factors. Those with extensive criminal histories may receive sentences at the higher end of the ranges.
One mistake or false accusation shouldn’t define your entire future. Our goal is to prevent or minimize these consequences through strategic, aggressive defense.
The decisions you make immediately after being charged can determine the outcome of your case. Don’t give statements to police, don’t accept plea deals, and don’t navigate the system without experienced legal representation.
At DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall, we’ve defended thousands of clients against criminal charges throughout North Carolina. We understand what you’re going through, and we know how to fight for your rights, your freedom, and your future.
The consultation is completely confidential. Call us now or complete our online contact form to schedule your consultation. There’s a right way and a wrong way to handle criminal charges—let us help you protect everything that matters. Serving clients in Raleigh, Durham, Orange, Carteret, and Chatham Counties, and throughout North Carolina.
Wake County
Carteret County
Durham County
Orange County
Chatham County
Johnston County (Smithfield courthouse only)
No. Even if you believe you’ve done nothing wrong, speaking to law enforcement without an attorney present can be dangerous. Police officers are trained to gather evidence, not to help clear your name. Innocent statements can be misinterpreted or taken out of context. Always exercise your right to remain silent and your right to an attorney.
Yes, in many cases. Through strategic pre-trial motions, negotiations with prosecutors, and presentation of exculpatory evidence, charges can sometimes be reduced or dismissed before trial. Early intervention by an experienced criminal defense attorney significantly increases the chances of a favorable pre-trial resolution.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses typically punishable by up to 150 days in jail (for Class A1 misdemeanors). Felonies are more serious crimes carrying penalties ranging from a few months to life imprisonment or death. Felony convictions also result in the loss of certain civil rights and create more severe long-term consequences for employment and housing.
Case timelines vary widely depending on complexity, severity, court schedules, and defense strategy. Minor misdemeanors might resolve in weeks, while serious felonies can take a year or more. While we work efficiently, our primary focus is on achieving the best possible outcome, not the fastest resolution.
Yes. North Carolina has expanded expungement opportunities in recent years. We can evaluate your eligibility for expungement and guide you through the process of clearing eligible convictions from your record, helping you move forward without the burden of a criminal history.
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