Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.8 /5.0
16 Client Reviews
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Russell W. Dement III
also known as Rusty DeMent | Raleigh DWI Lawyer, Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer, Russell W. DeMent III
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About Russell
Biography
Russell W. “Rusty” DeMent III is an experienced Raleigh criminal trial lawyer. He is dedicated to defending clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in North Carolina’ at the state and federal level.
Rusty began his career in the Wake County Prosecutor’s office. There he honed the skill and experience necessary to defend citizens accused of serious crimes like murder, assault, property crime, and drug-related charges. His reputation for success in defending charges of DWI and related traffic crime has been earned through decades of experience in this fast-paced environment. Confident and poised, Rusty has a commanding courtroom presence and resourcefully adapts to variables on the fly. He possesses negotiation tactics necessary to secure the best possible outcomes for those criminally accused.
He is recognized as an AV Preeminent Peer Rated Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell. Rusty is listed in Best Lawyers in America Criminal Defense Practice Section and in the DUI/DWI Defense Section where he was named Lawyer of the Year in 2021. He has been included year after year in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite and was listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers in 2020. Rusty is ethical, straightforward and aggressive in his defense and advocacy of his clients. He says, “I tell it like it is. I won’t hide the ball. If it’s bad, I’ll tell you. If there are some shots, we’ll take them. Everyone goes in with their eyes wide open.
Dedicated to defending clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges.
Rusty brings two decades of experience diminishing and successfully defending DWI cases in Raleigh.
While there are a dozen records that can be expunged, many folks are not eligible. We can help.
The power and knowledge of a former prosecutor on your side.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
29 years | 5,000 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
29 years | 5,000 cases
Expungement
25%
29 years | 1,000 cases
Violent Crime
25%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2015
Licenses
Licensed in North Carolina for 28 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
DeMent Askew & Johnson LLP
(919) 832-8287
Fax
333 Fayetteville St., Suite 1513, Raleigh, NC, 27601
dementaskew.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Russell online.
Russell W. Dement III's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | August 25, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Not guilty on 4 counts
I was charged with 2nd DUI, hit and run, drug paraphernalia and open container. Rusty fought tirelessly for me and I was found not guilty on all counts! He handled the entire process with professionalism, attention to every detail and his closing arguments were second to none. I HIGHLY recommend Rust...
Posted by Gary | May 26, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mr. DeMent – IS THE BEST OF THE BEST
In June 2020, I received my first infraction and was extremely concerned as to what my future may hold. After doing research to select a TOP attorney in Wake Forest, I contacted Mr. DeMent and discussed my situation. After a lengthy process working our way through the judicial system, Mr. Dement wa...
Posted by Jordan | June 6, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Couldn’t have asked for a better outcome
I went in knowing what my charges were and what the maximum sentencing could be. He did a great job at trying my case and I believe we got the best outcome possible considering my charges. I am able to leave everything behind me and to continue living my life as I was prior to having been charged. We...
Posted by Jeff | November 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
This is the guy you want..
So I was facing a DWI charge that would've seriously crippled my life. I was worried about the outcome for months on end, as the judicial process snailed along. Rusty took it to trial with just a little to work with and got the whole case dismissed. He is a class act and an absolute artist in the cou...
Posted by anonymous | November 23, 2015 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Truly thankful for such experienced and competent representation
The unfortunate series of events that led to the legal trouble in which I found myself finally took a turn for the better when I followed the advice of friends and family and hired Mr. Dement as my representation. The professional and courteous way he carries himself is only outdone by his truly impr...
Russell W. Dement III's Lawyer Endorsements
"Rusty is a very talented trial attorney. As a former prosecutor, I was opposing counsel on several matters that Rusty defended. Rusty was always well prepared and made excellent legal arguments. Rusty was a tough opponent, but he always exhibited the highest degree of professionalism. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great criminal and driving while impaired attorney."
"Rusty is an excellent lawyer. I have gone against him as a former district attorney and I've observed him as a fellow defense attorney. His knowledge of complex legal issues combined with a straightforward and persuasive advocacy for his clients make him a great attorney."
"Rusty is an outstanding attorney who fights extremely hard for his clients. If there is a defense to be found in a case, he will find it."
"I endorse Mr. DeMent as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in our community. As a former prosecutor with nine years of criminal trial experience, I had the opportunity to work directly with Mr. DeMent in both District and Superior Courts. Although we were adversaries by the very nature of our professions, Mr. DeMent always conducted himself with the utmost professionalism and integrity. He practices law with a zealous advocacy that is required to effectively represent each client and his work ethic has earned him the respect and admiration of his peers."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. Rusty is an effective, diligent hard working lawyer that I have know for over 16 years. He provides his clients with outstanding legal representation and I would not hesitate for a second in giving him my highest recommendation."
"I highly endorse Rusty Dement for any DUI or criminal defense case. Rusty is committed to his clients and has decades of experience that he brings to every criminal case. He knows the system, is a tough negotiator, and a great litigator. I highly recommend him."
Joseph Marshall
Criminal defense lawyer
Rashad Hauter
DUI and DWI lawyer
Phillip Liles
DUI and DWI lawyer
Berryman Fitzhugh
DUI and DWI lawyer
James Polk
Criminal defense lawyer
Steven Saad
Criminal defense lawyer
Jan Pritchett
Criminal defense lawyer
William Finn
DUI and DWI lawyer
Daphne Edwards
Divorce and separation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2026
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Legal elite, N.C. Business Journal
2023
Best Lawyer, General Criminal Defense Section, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Selected to North Carolina Super Lawyers, North Carolina Super Lawyers
2022
Best Lawyers, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Best Lawyers in America
2022
Best Lawyer - DUI/DWI Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Best Lawyer - DUI/DWI Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Legal Elite, N.C. Business Journal
2021
Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year - DUI/DWI Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2021
Best Lawyers Lawyer of the Year - DUI/DWI Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Best Lawyers, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Best Lawyers in America
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Best Lawyer - DUI/DWI Defense, Best Lawyers in America
2019
Legal Elite, N.C. Business Journal
2019
Best Lawyers, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Best Lawyers in America
2018
Best Lawyers, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Best Lawyers, Criminal Defense: General Practice, Best Lawyers in America
2017
Legal Elite, N.C. Business Journal
2016
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
Legal Elite, N.C. Business Journal
2015
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Top 100 DWI Attorneys, State of North Carolina, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense, LLC
2015
Legal Elite, N.C. Business Journal
2015
Premier 100, American Academy of Trial Attorneys
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 10 Attorney, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 DWI Attorneys, State of North Carolina, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense, LLC
2012
Legal Elite, N.C. Business Journal
N/A
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Partner, DeMent Askew, LLP
1900 - Present
Partner, DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall LLP
2000 - 2001
Associate, DeMent Askew Gammon & DeMent
1997 - 2000
Assistant District Attorney, Wake County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2022 - Present
The Litigation Counsel of America - Order of the CenturionsMember
2015 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMemeber
2014 - Present
American Association of Premier DUI AttorneysMember
North Carolina Advocates for Justice
Member
National College of DUI Defense
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Wake County Bar Association
Member
North Carolina Bar Association
Member
Sample of Legal Cases
Evidence Suppressed in DWI Case; Court Holds “No Reasonable and Articulable Suspicion” for Traffic Stop
Dismissed
Not Guilty, Refusal Revocation Rescinded; Willful Refusal to Take Breathalyzer Test
Not Guilty.
Education
1997
Wake Forest University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
Wake Forest University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How does a PJC work?
02 Mar 2017
Q&A
Will I get violated on my unsupervised probation
14 Jan 2017
Q&A
North Carolina Blood Test for Sispected DUI
03 Jan 2017