Timothy Vanderweert - Lawyer in Raleigh, NC

Timothy J. Vanderweert

DUI and DWI Attorney at Raleigh, NC

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Thank you!

Excellent Representation

About Timothy

Learn Timothy’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

90%

I have successfully represented clients charged with DWI/DUI in Wake, Durham, Johnston and Orange Counties in North Carolina since 1990. My practice is specialized in DWI/DUI defense, and I represented literally thousands of clients in my 24 years of practice.
... Read more
34 years, 5,000 cases
Speeding and traffic ticket

10%

I have successfully represented clients charged with traffic offenses in Wake, Durham, Johnston and Orange Counties in North Carolina since 1990.

34 years, 24,000 cases

I am a 1990 graduate of the School of Law of The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I attended as a Van Hecke Scholar. I have also earned degrees in the humanities from Duke University and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

I have practiced law since 1990. I devote my legal practice almost exclusively to DWI/DUI and traffic cases. Since 1990, I have represented more than 20,000 clients. These have included numerous DWI cases that presented challenging legal issues and significant obstacles, and I have successfully defended many clients who were advised by others to simply plead guilty.

Someone once said that "experience is the name that people give to their previous mistakes." It's true. Lawyers learn by doing. In learning their craft, they learn hard lessons, often at the expense of the people who hire them. The truth is this: I am a much better attorney after having practiced for 28 years than I was after 2, or 5, or 10, or 15 years. At this point in my career, after representing thousands of people like you, I've pretty much seen it all. I know what works....and what doesn't. I've learned that good, really good, DWI defense, is the result of dedication to the specific expertise required of DWI law coupled with the experience of having done it time and time again. So, when deciding who to entrust your DWI defense to, first ask yourself what specific experience does this attorney have in representing DWI defendants? How many years have they practiced? Do they specialize in DWI defense, or do they claim to do all sorts of different law? How many DWI cases have they tried? Finally, ask yourself this: do I want my defense to be a learning experience for my attorney, or should I entrust my defense to an experienced, competent attorney who won't be learning at my expense?

Photos and videos

Licensed for 32 years

State NC

Status Active

Acquired 1990

Updated 12/27/2022

Contact Timothy

Timothy J. Vanderweert

5 W Hargett St Rm 403

Raleigh, NC, 27601-1478

Message Get Directions

Reviews

Write A Review

4.9 / 5.0

53 customer reviews

4 Star

2 Star

Posted by Ashley | September 24, 2020

Thank you!

Tim and his team have been absolutely amazing helping me with my speeding tickets. Very quick replies, always kind and professional, and they get the job done as long as it’s doable. Thank you guys for saving my license!

Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2020

Excellent Representation

Mr. Vanderweert did a great job for me. He went above and beyond to make sure my kid wasn’t punished for his stupidity. As a parent I’m very grateful. As he said, kid’s screw up. It’s our job to make sure they learn from it without screwing up their life.

Posted by Shelby | December 18, 2018

Champion Lawyer!

A true champion among men! I was charged with DWI in August and, at the recommendation of some good friends, hired Mr. Vanderweert to represent me in an attempt to get it dismissed. After normal court proceedings of getting the trial date selected (about 3.5 months), Mr. Vanderweert successfully had the charges dismissed. I'm grateful to Donna for being so thorough getting me through the initial stages of dealing with the charges by quickly getting my temporary driving privileges and making sure that I was as prepared as possible for all potential outcomes of the case. I have trouble Not worrying about things, especially such momentous events that will affect my life for years to come, but thanks to Tim and Donna, the process was smooth and easy to understand and resulted in the best possible outcome. I'm extremely satisfied that I chose Mr. Vanderweert to represent me for this case and hope to not need his services again in the future.

Read less

Posted by VS | November 27, 2018

In Tim we trust ! - Your only stop for DWI

So this is my success story with Mr. Tim Vanderweert. Hope this inspires others to take the right decision and look no further. It brings me great pleasure to echo some of the fabulous reviews that have already been posted for Mr. Vanderweert . I was arrested for DWI in Aug 2018 and I got my case DISMISSED today. The last 3.5 months had been very stressful. But Mr. Vanderweert and Paralegal Donna were with me throughout this tough time and helped me to achieve this positive outcome. Since it was my first DWI - and will be my last too ;) , I was really worried especially after blowing a .12. I researched avvo.com , checked out atleast 4-5 attorneys in the area and when I came across Mr. Tim Vanderweert, that was it. The stats speak for themselves and he became my go-to person from that day for this case. I called his office the same weekend and he was kind and gracious to give me a personal appointment that same day. His depth of knowledge with law, vision of loopholes invisible to the normal eye, tons of experience with the Justice system was all evident from the very first day I met him and that encouraged me to take the next step forward without any second thought or hesitation since I was keen on getting this off my record that had been clean so far. Donna had also been very accommodative and responsive of all my questions during this period and made sure I had everything when I needed - starting from the Limited Driving Privilege to sharing the discovery , sharing my court appointment dates,and helping me with answers to random questions I used to get in my nervous breakdowns. My case was scheduled today and was dismissed. All thanks to Tim, who was able to dissect the case to a point where the stop by the officer had a legal issue and the remainder was not discussed . I wanted to share the good news as promptly as possible so that people who have their cases scheduled can go ahead and make their decision without any doubt or delay. For those who are already clients of Tim, and whose cases are yet to be heard in near future, I encourage you to come read these great reviews so your trust is reinforced and it helps you sleep assured. There are scriptures and religions that profess that "God appears in different forms and yet remains invisible" . All I can say is I have been fortunate in seeing "Him in Tim" through this unfortunate episode. In Tim we trust !

Read less

Posted by anonymous | June 30, 2018

The ONLY Lawyer to hire!

I received a DUI going through a check point. It was my one and only encounter with the police. I was so embarrassed! Tim met with me, he made me feel more at ease. We had many court dates. His paralegal Donna was amazing. She kept me informed every step of the way. He and Donna never allowed me to worry about details. I knew what to expect every step of the way. Tim is extremely knowledgeable and was able to get my case dismissed. Through out my ordeal I watched many DUI Attorneys and I feel that Tim is very respected by the court and the other Attorneys. I truly do not feel I would have had the positive outcome without his representation. I am forever grateful.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | May 18, 2018

DWI

I hired Tim vanderweert couple months a go today my case was dismissed Tim know what his doing highly recommended and don’t forget a big thanks to Donna she was great thanks again

Posted by Ryan | March 26, 2018

Hands Down the Best Attorney

Mr. Vanderweert represented me on a DUI charge. He is hands down the best DUI attorney practicing law in Wake County. He explained the process thoroughly during the consultation. He provided excellent support during a very stressful time, which really helped to mitigate the stress associated with being charged with a crime. He did an excellent job soliciting testimony from the arresting officer. His knowledge of DUI is exceptional. Mr. Vanderweert has a significant amount of criminal defense experience and this experience is invaluable in circumstances like this. Ultimately, his knowledge, experience, and thoroughness in witness examination combined to help me receive a dismissal of the DUI charges. I would highly recommend using Mr. Vanderweert if you are charged with a DUI. Mr. Vanderweert definitely knows what it takes to receive a favorable outcome.

Read less

Posted by Allan | January 24, 2018

I can't say enough: Hire Tim Vanderveert

I needed representation in Raleigh (Wake County) for something that was potentially a long shot case. I live out of state and needed someone that I could trust to navigate the local environment and find the best way to progress the case. I interviewed at least half a dozen different lawyers in the area. Both Tim and Donna were extremely knowledgeable, happy to share that information, and extremely easy to deal with. A flat fee gave me the visibility up front for what I was committing to and made it very easy to engage. We have just wrapped up a two year ordeal. Tim was active and engaged, gave great advice, stayed in touch and kept me up to date. This was my first time going through this, but I have now learned a lot. In particular, I got to see a lot of other lawyers in action while sitting in the courtroom. It made me even more confident in my selection - Tim was head an shoulders above the others. Tim's skillful navigation resulted in a dismissal, the best outcome I could have hoped for. While I hope to not need similar representation in the future, I would not hesitate to recommend Tim Vanderveert.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | July 25, 2017

Old DWI Charge

Mr. Vanderweert represented me in two different counties. He got the best ending he could for what I was dealing with. I recommend Mr. Vanderweert.

Posted by Sylvan | June 27, 2017

Amazing DUI/DWI Lawyer

Back in August 2016, I got pulled over and blew a 0.09. After months of continuance, professional advice and patience, Tim got my case dismissed! If you find yourself in this situation, don't hesitate, he is the best one in town!

Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2017

Saved My Reputation

I had never been in trouble before and Tim was able to get my DWI case dismissed! From the moment I called his office I was met with the best legal advisement and kind hospitality from Donna. I had no idea what to expect from my poor choice in judgement and Donna took the time to explain to me exactly what to expect during the whole process. Tim was very straight forward and honest about my situation from the first moment we spoke on the phone. I was pulled over for evading a check point and found driving while intoxicated and Tim won my case!

Read less

Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2017

Attorney who will fight for YOU.

When you find yourself in legal trouble, the most important decision you will make will be your Attorney. I had shopped around bigger and smaller firms, none of them gave me the confidence of being represented with my best interest in mind. Most larger firms put their big associates out front and then as your time goes on, you are pushed off onto the lower level new juniors who don’t have the legal knowledge or expertise of someone who has been doing this as long as Timothy Vanderweet, and his firm. Tim was instrumental in helping me through my case. I was wrongly accused of a serious driving infraction, and he stayed with me and the court”s rescheduling for nearly a year. I was pushed through the system for a long time, and when they would try and “squeeze me in” Tim would say no reschedule, because he knew the ins and outs for the best outcome. He ultimately got my case thrown out, through his professionalism and dedication. I would strongly recommend using Tim and his Paralegal Donna to get you through any issues you may need him for. He was a tremendous help, and always had answers to my questions. I will also say that there are a lot of lawyers out there who feel like they have no personal interest in your outcome, whereas Tim was not “just in it for the money.” He never pawned me off onto someone else to look after. He has a small team so you always have his full attention while responding in a timely manner, and knows the courts very well. This could have ben a major impact on my work and family life, had it not been handled correctly. Thank you again Tim, for all your hard work and dedication to my case.

Read less

Posted by Stephen | March 21, 2017

Excellent

Mr. Vanderweert is a GREAT DWI attorney. Period. I'm incredibly grateful to him and his office staff. He cared about my case and did an in credible job defending me against a DUI. Friendly and has a sense of humor, but a really fine attorney at trial. His cross examing of the police officer was amazing. Thank you Tim. And Donna, his paralegal was always helpful and kind to both me and my wife. Thank you.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2017

BEST ATTORNEY AROUND

My son was stopped for a DUI in January 2016. We did some research on attorneys and decided on Tim Vanderweert. It was the best decision we could have made. Mr. Vanderweert and his paralegal Donna are compassionate, hard working, honest, and extremely knowledgeable professionals. Both of them will go above and beyond to help you get thru this difficult time. Mr. Vanderweert took my son's case to trial and we were overjoyed when he was able to get it dismissed. During this time my son also received a speeding ticket which Mr. Vanderweert was able to get reduced to improper equipment. Mr. Vanderweert knows the DUI/traffic laws inside and out. Of course not all cases get dismissed but Tim will be honest with you upfront and let you know your options. Hopefully we are never in this situation again, but if we were there would be no hesitation in who we would call. If you are in this situation and need an attorney the best thing you can do is call Tim.

Read less

Posted by Kevin | March 1, 2017

Rock Star Attorney

My name is Kevin. I was charged with DWI, my first serious legal trouble. I hired Mr. Vanderweert to represent me in court. We were not successful, however he did a great job during the preparation of my case and in the court room. When the hearing was over, the judge made a point of telling me that Mr. Vanderweert had done an excellent job of representing me. The arresting officer and prosecuting attorney both shook his hand at the end. Wow! Mr. Vanderweert answered all of my questions and helped me focus on the elements of my case that would give us the best chance of a positive outcome. He helped me prepare for testifying in my own defense. He made me feel confident when I took the stand. I would be remiss if I didn't mention Donna Smith. Donna was always available to answer the hundreds of questions I had. Donna always took the time to keep me in the loop and make sure I was in the right place at the right time with everything I needed. Win or loose, I'm sure Mr. Vanderweert will do his best to represent you.

Read less

Posted by Elizabeth | February 2, 2017

Excellent attorney

Tim is the best attorney, I work with several clients some with addictions, Tim is reasonably priced, answered all questions, and does a great job. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND HIM!!!!

Posted by Robert | November 6, 2016

Great Dwi attorney

I was stopped for weaving in my lane and driving under the speed limit.Had a .09 breathalyzer. Being new to the area I found Tim online . After talking on the phone with him I was very comfortable hiring him. His fee is reasonable and his paralegal Donna was very helpful. After months of going through the court system,Tim was able to get me off on a reasonable suspicion motion. I would definitely recommend Tim Vanderweert.

Read less

Posted by Shaq | September 22, 2016

a true believer!

I found Mr Vanderweert online, being skeptical I combed the reviews. But Mr Vanderweert is the most experienced I could find in the area. He was upfront about costs and expectations, patiently the case came to trial date, and Mr Vanderweert fought hard for my rights and I was found not guilty with a 0.08 Very happy for the outcome, and the professionalism Much appreciation to him and his wonderful assistant Donna

Read less

Posted by anonymous | August 22, 2016

Awesome DWI Attorney with a Great Paralegal to support

My Vanderweert is an excellent and very knowledgeable DWI attorney who has an excellent paralegal 'Donna' to support you as a client. I blew a 0.26 in my DWI in June 2015 and my case was dismissed(Yes DISMISSED) this month. The only reason was because i hired the best in Tim. He is very professional and upfront on what to expect in each of the court dates and in my case i was lucky to have him. He not only knows the in's and out's of how the court dates work but also knows how to manuver any obstacles and get you in front of the right Judge and also in my case he played with the dates to extend my case to the last court date possible where he got it dismissed in front of the judge in just 5 mins. i would recommend him without any doubts as your DWI attorney. I felt in safe hands with him and now that my case got dismissed i can now move on to better things in my life and breath a sigh of relief!! THANKS TIM & DONNA!!!

Read less

Posted by Michael | February 4, 2016

I never felt like I was in the wrong hands...

Mr. Vanderweert represented me recently and I was extremely pleased with his work. I never felt like I was in the wrong hands. He was extremely well priced compared to others that I found. He was always extremely honest and straight forward. He never made any false promises, even in the beginning when I wasn't sure if I would chose him as my attorney. I would recommend him to anyone that finds themselves in a tough situation. He is on your team and knows how to make the correct calls to win the game.

Read less

View all reviews

View less reviews

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.9 (Superb)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1997.

Censure issued in NC, 1997
updated on 11/09/2013

This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.

Timothy's comment: “In 1996, I accepted a position in Law at the University of Amsterdam for year. I hired another attorney to manage my practice while away. After moving to Europe, the attorney I hired left my practice without notice. It took me one month to sever ties with University and move back to USA to deal with pending clients she had left high and dry. The attorney I hired has since been disciplined extensively and is, frankly, a complete nut. Lesson learned.”

Work Experience

Senior Attorney
Law Office Timothy Vanderweert
1990 - Present

Legal Intern
Yates, McLamb & Weyher, LLP
1989 - 1989

Legal Intern
Glaxo Smith Kline
1988 - 1988

Education

Duke University
MA - Masters
1998

University of North Carolina School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990

University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
MA - Masters
1986

Legal Cases

State v. JS
Charges Dismissed. No Reasonable Suspicion found for the stop of the defendant's vehicle

State v. BB, Wake County Superior Court
all charges dismissed by State

State v. TJ, Wake County Superior Court
Not Guilty Jury Verdict

View all legal cases

Associations

DUI Defense Lawyers Association
Member
2014 - Present

Wake County Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers
Member
2006 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2006 - Present

North Carolina Bar Association Foundation
Member
1990 - Present

North Carolina Bar
Licensed Attorney
1990 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

French

Awards

10 Best DWI Client Satisfaction Award
American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2014

100 Best DWI Attorneys
National Advocacy for DUI Defense LLC
2014

Highest Rated Lawyer, Raleigh, NC
lawyerratingz.com
2014

100 Best DWI Attorneys
National Advocacy for DUI Defense LLC
2013

Highest Rated Lawyer
LawyerRatingz.com
2013

Highest Rated Lawyer
LawyerRatingz.com
2012

Highest Rated Lawyer
LawyerRatingz.com
2011

Highest Rated Lawyer
LawyerRatingz.com
2010

Maurice T. Van Hecke Law Alumni Association Scholarship
Maurice T. Van Hecke Law Alumni Association
1987

View all awards

Publications

SPEOS Paris
Droit a l'Image in French civil and penal Law
2005

SPEOS Paris
Privacy Rights and Rights to One's Image
2004

Speaking Engagements

Justice For All
Free Legal Aid
2013

Ask a Lawyer Day
DWI Law
2012

University of North Carolina School of Law
Starting a Solo Law Practice
1996

Seminar, Amsterdam School of international Relations
American Criminal Law and Procedure
1996

University of North Carolina School of Law
Starting a Solo Law Practice
1995

University of North Carolina School of Law
Starting a Solo Law Practice
1994

class offering, Central Carolina Community College
Seminar on Basics of NC Law
1994

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (29)

Given (156)

Endorse Timothy

Jamil Khuja

DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Tim is recognized as one of the top DUI attorneys in the country. He leaves no stone unturned when defending against a DUI charge. Anybody being represented by him is in excellent hands."

Bobby Frederick

DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Timothy Vanderweert knows his stuff, and he is one of a small number of attorneys who has focused their practice on DWI defense. I recommend him to anyone who has been accused of DWI in North Carolina."

Derek Jacques

DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Vanderweert is an amazing advocate for those in need. I would not hesitate to send my own clients his way."

Amir Soleimanian

Unknown Attorney | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Judd Nemiro

Unknown Attorney | Apr 03
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer for always putting the clients needs first."

Mark Andrews

DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 19
Relationship: Other

"Tim is an excellent DUI attorney. I highly recommend Timothy Vanderweert."

Christopher Benevento

DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 16
Relationship: Other

"Mr. Vanderweert is a great attorney who stays ahead of trends in the law."

Richard Geller

Unknown Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse Timothy. Highly respected in the legal community with an outstanding reputation for client advocacy and dedication."

John O'Brien

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

Adam Smallow

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. If you are facing DUI/DWI charges, he is the attorney you want in court by your side."

Ada Ferrer

DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"An excellent attorney, Mr. Vanderweert is highly regarded in the legal community and in his area of practice."

David Dischley

DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an excellent DUI | DWI lawyer."

Brian Thoman

DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 20
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Tim is an excellent attorney with an even better reputation. If you choose to enlist him as your attorney you'll not regret your decision. His experience and talent are second to none."

Justin Lovely

DUI and DWI Attorney | Feb 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Peter Leehey

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.Tim has an outstanding reputation in his field."

Aaron Harper

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"He is outstanding DWI lawyer that knows how to aggressively defend DWI cases. He is an asset to the legal community."

Tiffany Russell

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Attorney Vanderweet. I have watched him in the courtroom and he is a fighter for his clients. I have endorsed him personally to clients and will continue to do so."

Emile Barton

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I am familiar with the work of Attorney Vanderweert. He is a very capable attorney with a very high work ethic; an attorney who provides pragmatic and thoughtful solutions to the legal needs of the local community. I recommend him without hesitation."