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About Damon
Biography
With more than 10 years of experience in some of North Carolina’s most serious and notorious cases, we have a proven track-record of securing outstanding results for our clients.
In September 2020, Damon Chetson won three gun charges in one of the first major federal trials held in the Eastern District of North Carolina since the outbreak of COVID. His client was found not guilty of two counts of using a firearm "in furtherance" of a drug trafficking offense and of one count of possession of a firearm as a convicted felon. Mr. Chetson won a result better than any plea offered by the federal government, as the jury thoroughly rejected the Government's assertions about these firearms in closing.
In 2019 alone, Damon Chetson tried four jury trials, more trials than some criminal defense attorneys try in a lifetime. In each jury trial, he secured victories. He was the only lawyer out of 82 in the largest federal RICO prosecution in U.S. history to win at trial, beating a murder charge that would've sent his client away for life. Mr. Chetson saved one client from the death penalty in a Wake Forest triple homicide in Wake County Superior Court (profiled in The Washington Post) and avoided a firearms conviction in a federal trial in the Eastern District of North Carolina for a client who would have received 10 years in prison. Mr. Chetson avoided a first degree murder conviction in the 2014 shooting death at Club Bodi in Raleigh’s warehouse district (WRAL).
In other recent cases, Mr. Chetson secured a rare “no contest” plea in another high-profile case involving a Mayor’s son who faced dozens of charges of child pornography; the client was sentenced to probation.
Also in 2019, Mr. Chetson won release on probation of his client originally charged with first degree murder (WRAL TV) when a Superior Court Judge granted Mr. Chetson’s request for “extraordinary mitigation,” the first time that judge handed down such a judgment in the judge’s 15 year judicial career. Another Chetson Firm client – originally facing a 10 year mandatory minimum – received a 40 month sentence in the Eastern District of North Carolina after pleading guilty to trafficking in more than 10 pounds of methamphetamine from Texas when a federal judge granted Mr. Chetson’s request for a “safety valve” reduction under 18 USC 3553(f).
And Mr. Chetson won dismissal of all charges and the release of a client accused of First Degree Kidnapping and Forcible Rape after a bond hearing in which Mr. Chetson and his investigator were able to show the Court that Raleigh police detectives had arrested an innocent person. The case has been expunged.
In 2019, Mr. Chetson resolved a major drug trafficking case involving a cartel-related operation in which his client received the "safety valve" and a 3 year sentence. Mr. Chetson resolved two other murders in 2019 - one with a plea to probation in which the judge granted his client "extraordinary mitigation" after a two-hour sentencing hearing. In a second plea, his client received 7 years in the 2017 shotgun death of his wife who he was accused of assaulting and abusing for more than 15 years.
Mr. Chetson also was able to avoid prosecution in several child pornography cases in 2019 and 2018 by providing early assistance to his client. In another case, a client who hired the firm in a federal child pornography case was sentenced to half the time recommended in the probation Pre-Sentencing Report.
Whether you face a federal indictment, felony warrants in North Carolina state court, a misdemeanor citation, or an investigation by your employer, your university, or the local police, we have extensive experience in all aspects of the criminal process – from Grand Jury investigations to pre-arrest inquiries from detectives, licensing boards, or audits by the IRS, North Carolina Department of Revenue.
As a trained pilot, Mr. Chetson has even represented clients facing regulatory review by the FAA. He represents people before licensing boards, USOC SafeSport tribunals, and in Title IX hearings.
Mr. Chetson, his paralegal Dena Reese-Booze, and their network of licensed investigators, mitigation specialists, psychologists, psychiatrists, and forensic experts stand ready to help you in your time of need.
Mr. Chetson is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and the North Carolina Bar Association.
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 16 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
The Chetson Firm, PLLC
19 W. Hargett Street, Suite 508, NC, NC, 27601
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Damon John Chetson's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
41 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (26)
Advocacy (20)
Professionalism (19)
Recommendation (14)
Responsiveness (14)
Character & Conduct (11)
General Knowledge (11)
Communication Style (10)
Trustworthiness (9)
Cost of Services (8)
Practice Area Knowledge (6)
Compassion (5)
Punctuality (3)
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Free Consultations (1)
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Showing 1 - 5 of 16 reviews | Criminal Defense
Posted by anonymous | September 01, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Fantastic Attorney, Wonderful Team!
Recently I found myself in the type of bind that requires a professional criminal defense attorney. Through my research, I happened upon the Chetson Law Firm. I was skeptical at first but decided to take a chance and explained my situation. Damon understood my concerns and advised me of my options...
Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Not knowledgeable in cases not involving DUI
I hired Chetson for a criminal case that was not DUI. Within a week, he was advising me to sell everything I owned including my home and be prepared to serve jail time. At this point, I had only met with him 2 times (1st was consultation) but he forced me to pay him $6K for the meetings. I felt that ...
Damon Chetson
Replied last July 16, 2020I am sorry you feel the way you do. Obviously no one is "forced" to pay me money. You hired me in a case involving hundreds of dollars of loss to your employer. I'm glad that I was able to help you achieve the outcome you ultimately received. I'm glad my early intervention in your case in which I advised you to not make any further statements helped you get your very successful outcome. Having tried embezzlement cases, murders, robberies, and other similar cases, I'm thankful you did not need to go to trial in your case and risk your ability to remain free.
Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommend
I got into some legal trouble and found attorney Chetson through Google reviews. He is very knowledgeable and I felt comfortable with him representing me and guiding me through this process. Rest assure that he will handle your case professionally and will go over all your options, leaving you a peac...
Damon Chetson
Replied last July 16, 2020Thank you for putting your trust in us. We work hard to try to achieve the very best outcomes in all our cases - big or small.
Posted by Jon | July 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
I don’t know what I’d have done…
The legal system is a labyrinth on its best days and seems specifically designed to torture people on its worst. Mr Chetson has enough optimism to keep looking for the best path forward and cynicism to avoid unnecessary missteps. He’s prepared, respectful, and has good professional rapport with the j...
Posted by Shawn | February 28, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
A Reputation for Dilligence
I hired Damon after receiving a DWI charge last year in Garner. I remember the nerve-wrecking process of sorting through lawyers on Avvo. I'll be candid, (and you'll find Damon is also candid when doing business with him). His rate was slightly higher than the average. This made me apprehensive, but ...
Damon John Chetson's Lawyer Endorsements
"Damon and I have been colleagues in the Wake County defense bar for many years, and I can saw without reservation that he is an excellent attorney. His broad knowledge of state and federal law is impressive, and he works very hard to get the best possible results for his clients. If I had a friend who were in trouble, I would certainly recommend Damon to them."
"Damon is an extremely talented, intelligent and dedicated criminal defense lawyer. I endorse him wholeheartedly and without reservation for all criminal defense matters in both state and federal court."
"Damon is a student of the law who continues to develop a repertoire as an outstanding criminal trial lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. During my time as a District Attorney, he zealously advocated for his clients with passion and professionalism. He is a thorough and intelligent defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. I do not know him personally. I have heard good things about him as attorney from a trusted and capable NC attorney some years ago. And he appears to remain as a very capable attorney."
"Damon is as sharp and well prepared as they come. Regarded highly in Wake County's DA's office. Gets results."
"Mr. Chetson is a zealous advocate for each of his clients. His vast comprehension of criminal legal issues compliments his tenacity at trial."
"Damon Chetson is an intelligent and hard working professional. I refer clients to his practice without hesitation when I am unable to represent them because I know they will be well represented and treated with respect. His knowledge of North Carolina State & Federal law is extensive and I frequently seek his advice on complicated matters."
"Mr. Chetson is a friend and an accomplished attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"Damon Chetson is a fierce advocate for his clients. His knowledge of the court system and the law is excellent. I have seen Damon advocate on behalf of clients charged with DWI and he is a remarkable defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Damon knows his stuff and is a tireless advocates for his clients. If I was charged with DWI he'd be the first attorney I called."
"Mr. Chetson is extremely knowledgable in the law. Of equal importance, when you are seeking legal advice it is often at a time of crisis in your life. The last thing you want is to leave a message with an attorney and wonder if he or she will return your call. The Chetson Firm WILL be there for you in your time of need. I strongly recommend Mr. Chetson and The Chetson Firm."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I know for a fact that Damon Chetson answers his phone for his clients 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. I refer my clients with criminal matters to his firm and they have been uniformly pleased. I am extremely confident in his abilities and will continue to refer matters to his firm."
"Mr. Chetson is a top notch litigator that is highly respected in our community known for his zealous representation of clients."
"I endorse Damon. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Damon is an excellent attorney that works hard for his clients. I would recommend him to anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney and particularly those with DUI charges."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Board Certified Specialist - State and Federal Criminal Law, North Carolina State Bar Board of Legal Specialization
2020
Top Rated Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Top Rated Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2018
Top Rated Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2017
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2015
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2014
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
1994
Graduated with honors, University of Pennsylvania
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Criminal Defense and DWI Lawyer, The Chetson Firm, PLLC
2007 - 2009
Felony Law Clerk, Wake County Public Defender
Associations
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2012 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2012 - Present
Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial LawyersMember
2011 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Wake County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for JusticeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. BB
Dismissal
State v. AS
Hung Jury and Dismissal
State v. JM
Dismissal
State v. TP
Dismissal
State v. B
Dismissal
State v. L
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
State v. A.
Dismissal
First Degree Burglary
Dismissal
Domestic Violence
Successful Deferral
Drug Possession and Deferral
Dismissal
Drug Possession - Marijuana
No prosecution
Armed Robbery - Robbery with Dangerous Weapon
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
Counterfeit Trademark Goods
Plea Agreement
State v. MM
Plea Agreement - 7 Years
Education
2009
University of North Carolina Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1996
University of Virginia
MA - Masters
1994
University of Pennsylvania
BA
Speaking Engagements
2010
Law School Panel - UNC-Chapel Hill
Finding a Legal Job
2008
Oliver Wendell Holmes’ Liberalism
Legal Theory of Justice Oliver Wendell Holmes
2002
Law and the Spontaneous Order in F.A. Fayek
The Constitutional Theory of Friedrich Hayek
Publications
2012
2007
North Carolina Journal of Law and Technology
Perfect 10 and Contributory Liability: Can Search Engines Survive?
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Why is he in prison rather than jail and does his projected release date mean he will not be released early for PRS?
14 Dec 2015
Q&A
What are the odds of me getting my unsupervised probation dropped in order to join the military, and what are the steps I need t
13 Dec 2015
Q&A
If i violated my felony probation and absconded for 6 months will i still be eligible for the crv 90?
07 Jun 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
10 Ways to Beat a DUI
24 Dec 2011
Legal Guide
Top 10 North Carolina DWI Myths
24 Dec 2011
Legal Guide
Federal Sentencing and Relevant Conduct
24 Dec 2011