Jesse Grant Scharff
About Jesse
Biography
Defending clients against DWI charges and all types of criminal allegations. The opportunity to fight for the preservation of my clients rights under the law is an awesome privilege.
There was never any question in my mind as to which field of law I would practice. I knew I wanted to be a counselor and defender to those faced with criminal prosecution. Staring down government accusations of criminal wrongdoing is a frightening process for most people. Criminal defendants deserve to have an advocate who is sworn to champion their constitutional rights, and protect their liberty throughout the judicial process.
I was raised in a family that stressed the importance of service to those who didn't always have a recognized voice in the world. My parents were teachers, and my Grandmother retired as an instructor to children with special needs. She was the first person in my family to graduate from college, and her diploma and graduation photo are proudly on display in my office.
I received my trial training in one of the highest national crime centers in the country, as a Public Defender in Baltimore Maryland. It is a start that I am very proud to have experienced. I represented hundreds of clients during those four years, and did my best to provide them with as many options as possible as their cases progressed. I had dozens of bench trials, and conducted the defense of over 25 jury trials. Winning was important - it was a very important thing - but it wasn't always the only thing. I learned that my clients wanted an advocate that kept open a clear line of honest communication. It's this kind of interaction that over time, builds a solid foundation of trust. Trust is essential when clients are facing life changing decisions.
Whether it be a bond review, or a closing argument...I want my client's input. Criminal defendants have a lot on the line, and they deserve to be a part of the process. I bring a high level of expertise to a case, but certain decisions will ultimately rest with my client. For example, whether or not to testify, and whether or not to enter a plea or request a trial. My job is to open as many doors for my clients as possible, advise them of the best door to walk through - and when necessary...to go to battle to ensure their freedom.
Now a practicing lawyer in North Carolina in private practice, I am proud to have founded the Scharff Law Firm in Raleigh. I specialize in defending DWI charges, Domestic Violence, Drug Charges, and Theft Charges. It's been a fun and challenging experience making the transition from being a Maryland Public Defender to a defense attorney in private practice. I look forward to working diligently to defend a new group of clients across the state of North Carolina.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
22 years | 200 cases
22 years | 300 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Maryland for 22 years
State: Maryland
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in North Carolina for 17 years
State: North Carolina
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Jesse Grant Scharff
827 N. Bloodworth Street, Raleigh, NC, 27604
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Jesse Grant Scharff's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
71 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 15 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Tony | May 23, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Great Attorney (paralegals not so much)
Mr. Scharff represented me in an assault case. He was able to get the case dismissed. I was very impressed with his demeanor in the courtroom - very assertive. I hope I never need a criminal defense attorney again, but if I do, I know whom I will call. However, the paralegal staff at Roberts was u...
Jesse Scharff
Replied last May 23, 2014Thankful for this review, and as I stated in an earlier response...I'm no longer with the firm mentioned in older reviews with reference to paralegals and gatekeepers preventing my clients from contacting me. I'm happy to now have my own practice and work hard to provide direct access to my clients. scharfflawfirm.com
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2014 | Criminal Defense
The Best!
Jesse is the best! He is confident, knowledgeable and dependable. I hope to not need his services again, but there is no doubt that others should contact him for representation on criminal charges. Jesse will work to achieve the best possible outcome !
Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2014 | Drug Crime
Best in the business
Unfortunately Jesse had to defend my daughter for a second drug incident. It didn't look good on her end. However, Jesse was able to take the facts and speak with the DA. Once the court date rolled around Jesse was able to present a legitimate defense and the case was dismissed. Jesse is a seasoned p...
Posted by Trish | August 07, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Jesse Scharff is a lawyer who will fight on your behalf to the end!
Jesse handled my case with professionalism from beginning to end. The first meeting with him made me feel confident that he would do everything he could to help me win this case. He made me feel comfortable and always answered my questions in easy to understand answers. In my particular case, he f...
Posted by Hunter | January 24, 2013 | DUI & DWI
TRUE REPRESENTATION
In the wake of a DWI I quickly began to contact attorney's that specialized in such cases only to find most representation put the majority of their concern on their counsel fees and my response time for such charges. When I spoke with Jesse's desk they were initially interested in how I would like ...
Jesse Grant Scharff's Lawyer Endorsements
"Jesse Scharff is an attorney who views the practice of law as a higher calling to serve others. When interacting with clients, Jesse is a dedicated counselor and advisor who always shows a genuine interest in each client’s case. When building a defense for his clients, Jesse is a gifted legal thinker whose innovative methods of analyzing the law and constructing legal arguments always amaze me. As a zealous advocate, Jesse persuasively and passionately asserts his client’s positions in the courtroom. I am honored to have had the opportunity to learn from Jesse. It was a pleasure working with Jesse, and I look forward to working with him again."
"Mr. Schaeff has a unique reputation in the legal community. He is well respected for being both highly capable and highly personable. These traits rarely accompany the same attorney. In the years that I've worked with Mr. Scharff, he has been the consummate advocate for citizens' rights. Passionate and hard working. He gets the job done."
"I endorse this lawyer. I met Jesse at the Trial Lawyer's College. He is passionate about defending the rights of his clients and will stop at nothing to see that justice is done."
"Jesse is a great trial lawyer who is very knowledgeable and experienced. You're in good hands with Jesse."
"Stand up, top notch, no frills criminal defense attorney. Family man, dependable colleague and trusted friend. I would recommend his service to anyone facing criminal matters in North Carolina."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ive known Jesse a couple years and can say without a doubt he is the most knowledgeable DWI attorney in the City of Raleigh. His knowledge of DWI law, and his commanding courtroom presence had led to countless clients walking out of the courtroom as innocent. Call this attorney first if you are in trouble."
"I had a chance to see Jesse's skills in use and can say that he is a great attorney and zealous advocate for his clients. Highly recommended!"
"Jesse is a rock star. I endorse him without reservation. If you are in jam with the law - he is a go to attorney in Raleigh or anywhere in NC."
"I worked with Mr. Scharff in Baltimore, Maryland at the Office of the Public Defender. I know him to be a fearless trial lawyer that demonstrates the care he has for his clients by the tireless work he puts into every case that he handles. I would trust Mr. Scharff to represent my family members and closest friends in criminal matters because I know he would get them the best possible outcome."
"Jesse Scharff portrays the qualities that are inherent to success in the criminal law arena. Jesse has earned the reputation as a legal professional who is knowledgeable, prepared and maintains a high level of integrity. His years of experience and skill in litigation, coupled with his energetic and genuine personality are attributable to his success. However, his compassion for justice, sense of fairness and true advocacy for his clients provide the firm foundation upon which he stands. He is a true credit to the legal profession. Respectfully, Kristin H. Ruth"
"Jesse is a tireless and fearless advocate for his clients. I have seen Jesse in court and his work is quite impressive. He is committed to obtaining the best results for his clients and is relentless in his defense of their interests."
"Jesse is a great trial attorney! He is also a determined relentless advocate for his clients. I have seen his work first hand in Maryland, and I was very impressed by his courtroom skills. Without hesitation, I would recommend Jesse's services to a friend or loved one."
"I am a criminal defense attorney with 21 years experience. If I could ask for a brother criminal defense attorney to fight with me on a tough case, it would be Jesse Scharff. He is dedicated, smart, and innovative in getting the best results possible for those accused of a crime. Jesse will be there for you when you are at one of the toughest moments in your life, and he will fight by your side to save your freedom, your reputation, your life. He is one of the bravest warriors in our tribe. Semper Fi, Patrick McLain"
"Jesse is an experienced, creative and dedicated trial lawyer. He is also a very decent human being who cares for his clients. Jesse is honest, straight-shooting and in every sense of the word-- a winner!"
"I fully endorse Mr. Scharff as a tireless advocate and a friend. There were numerous occasions in which I was out of ideas on a case or was dealing with an unreasonable prosecutor, and Mr. Scharff was the one attorney I would ask for assistance. His pleasant and engaging personality belies the dogged nature in which he defends his clients and outworks his competitors. I struggle to limit my memories to one case in particular in which I was duly impressed, as it was simply commonplace for Mr. Scharff to dazzle his contemporaries with ingenious trial strategies, amazing cross-examinations and compelling closing arguments. He is an advocate of the highest sort."
"Here's what you need to know about Jesse: He's smart. He's tough. He fights hard and achieve great results for his clients. I've seen him do it. He has a real passion for criminal defense and DWI law. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"Jesse brings great intellect and experience to the table in every case he handles. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
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Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
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Experience
Honors
2015
10 Best Client Satisfaction, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2014
Lead Counsel Rated, Lead Counsel Review Board
2013
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
1998
Induction - History Honor Society, Phi Alpha Theta
1995
Induction - Liberal Arts Honor Society, Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Managing Partner, Scharff Law Firm
2009 - Present
Associate Attorney, Roberts Law Group
2003 - 2007
Assistant Public Defender, Maryland Office of the Public Defender
Associations
2009 - Present
North Carolina Advocates for JusticeMember
2009 - Present
North Carolina Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
Tenth Judicial Circuit Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
North Carolina State BarMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Education
2012
Litigation
2012
Jury Trial Advocacy
2012
2012
Criminal Defense
2001
Juris Doctorate
1998
Bachelor of Arts
1995
Associates
Speaking Engagements
2012
Balancing Religious faith and the Workplace
Publications
2018
2018
2018
2014
2013
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Is a shoplifting charge under $50 considered an infraction or misdemeanor in North Carolina?
01 Aug 2017
Can I file a criminal complaint of assault against a party while I am defending myself against a bogus charge this party made?
13 Feb 2017
My boyfriend is charged with 2 counts of 1st degree attempted murder, 2 counts of inflicting serious injury with the intent kill
11 Jan 2015