Damon Chetson
Raleigh, NC
N/A
Law Degree
Awards
Primary Practice Area
Criminal Defense
Language
English
About
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.
Practices Areas
Criminal Defense
Domestic Violence
White Collar Crime
Language
English
Contact
The Chetson Firm, PLLC19 W. Hargett StreetSuite 508NC, NC, 27601
Office: (919) 897-7329
Website: N/AReviews
Damon provided excellent representation for me in a matter that was quite important to me. He was knowledgeable and readily available to me for questions. He made me feel well-represented and as comfortable as one can feel in these circumstances.
Mr. Chetson started reviewing my case and talking to me about it over the weekend of the incident. Over the next few months, he provided solid representation through DMV trial as well as District Court. Eventually, the case led to jury trial where I was found "not guilty" due to the thorough research and arguments put forth by Mr. Chetson. Even before the trial, he walked me through the process and was very direct about discussing the end result (even if it might be negative). The best thing about Mr. Chetson is that he kept me well informed about his steps in tackling my case and kept me updated through the whole process even when I was out of the country for an extended period of time. He was very professional and very good with communicating via different modes (texts, emails, phone calls, etc.). Above all, he heard every word I had to say and did thorough research about the details in my case to have all the information that helped me get a successful verdict of "not guilty". I, definitely, recommend him for dealing with your adverse circumstance and am confident that he'll give his best to get a favorable outcome for his clients.
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 in a no nonsense matter-of-fact way, then outlined for me exactly what he could do to help me resolve my issues. Once a decision was made, Damon and his Para-legal Assistant Dena, got to work and got my situation handled immediately. I figured going to court would take awhile especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was truly dreading the experience and mentally preparing for a long tumultuous haul. However, the situation was resolved much quicker than I imagined. To say they exceeded my expectations would be an understatement! The Chetson Law Firm team earned my respect and my trust through their hard working and driven yet, professional, conduct. This team is highly skilled. I also found them to be motivated to help to the best of their ability both quickly and efficiently. I would recommend their services to anyone without hesitation.
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 judges and prosecutors. He cares not just about his clients’ cases, but how the consequences of their interaction with the legal system affects and reflects on us all.
Damon is probably the most honest, straightforward attorney I have worked with. My case was aviation related, he answered all my questions with great detail, and explained every option to me. I was able to make decisive choices based on his guidance. Thanks Damon!
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 peace of mind. From the beginning of not knowing what to do, through the end of assisting me to get my case exspunged...he is the attorney for you.
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 ultimately I found that Damon's commitment, skill, and professionalism were indispensable. It's a long process from your charge to your conviction, mine was approximately 10 months. I watched four other cases unfold in that period. There was never a question in my mind that I had the best lawyer. Damon was always on his game. Where I saw many other lawyers reply to the questions from the presiding judges and DA's with "um's" and "uh's," Damon had rehearsed answers with exact references to case precedent and procedure. My actual case lasted a little over two hours. When it was over, (ruling=not guilty) I heard the prosecuting DA mutter to a colleague "I wasn't expecting this case to go so long." It was clear this was due to Damon's familiarization with DWI charges. It's going to be a long road with any case in Wake country, and there are no guarantees, but Damon is someone you want in your corner. I told him before I even got the ruling that I would rate his services at 5/5 stars. He is known for bringing his A game.
There are no words that can express the gratitude for the effort, diligence, and determination to obtain the best possible outcome for my case. I was amazed by his, his team, and associates knowledge, understanding, and efforts to research and interpretatuon of the law to protect me as.their client.
helped me out in a legal bind put in a good word to the judge & wrote an awesome paper helping me out with my case. i would definitely recommend Damon to anyone who needs excellent legal advise.
Mr Chetson defended my son for a misdemeanor DWI and misdemeanor larceny charge. We feel the best possible outcome was achieved with the dismissal of the larceny charges. While he was convicted of the DWI he was not placed on probation, but instead Mr. Chetson reached an agreement with the DA and judge that my son would go into substance abuse treatment. I would highly recommend Mr. Chetson as an attorney.
Damon provided excellent representation for me in a matter that was quite important to me. He was knowledgeable and readily available to me for questions. He made me feel well-represented and as comfortable as one can feel in these circumstances.
Mr. Chetson started reviewing my case and talking to me about it over the weekend of the incident. Over the next few months, he provided solid representation through DMV trial as well as District Court. Eventually, the case led to jury trial where I was found "not guilty" due to the thorough research and arguments put forth by Mr. Chetson. Even before the trial, he walked me through the process and was very direct about discussing the end result (even if it might be negative). The best thing about Mr. Chetson is that he kept me well informed about his steps in tackling my case and kept me updated through the whole process even when I was out of the country for an extended period of time. He was very professional and very good with communicating via different modes (texts, emails, phone calls, etc.). Above all, he heard every word I had to say and did thorough research about the details in my case to have all the information that helped me get a successful verdict of "not guilty". I, definitely, recommend him for dealing with your adverse circumstance and am confident that he'll give his best to get a favorable outcome for his clients.
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 in a no nonsense matter-of-fact way, then outlined for me exactly what he could do to help me resolve my issues. Once a decision was made, Damon and his Para-legal Assistant Dena, got to work and got my situation handled immediately. I figured going to court would take awhile especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. I was truly dreading the experience and mentally preparing for a long tumultuous haul. However, the situation was resolved much quicker than I imagined. To say they exceeded my expectations would be an understatement! The Chetson Law Firm team earned my respect and my trust through their hard working and driven yet, professional, conduct. This team is highly skilled. I also found them to be motivated to help to the best of their ability both quickly and efficiently. I would recommend their services to anyone without hesitation.
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 judges and prosecutors. He cares not just about his clients’ cases, but how the consequences of their interaction with the legal system affects and reflects on us all.
Damon is probably the most honest, straightforward attorney I have worked with. My case was aviation related, he answered all my questions with great detail, and explained every option to me. I was able to make decisive choices based on his guidance. Thanks Damon!
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 peace of mind. From the beginning of not knowing what to do, through the end of assisting me to get my case exspunged...he is the attorney for you.
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 ultimately I found that Damon's commitment, skill, and professionalism were indispensable. It's a long process from your charge to your conviction, mine was approximately 10 months. I watched four other cases unfold in that period. There was never a question in my mind that I had the best lawyer. Damon was always on his game. Where I saw many other lawyers reply to the questions from the presiding judges and DA's with "um's" and "uh's," Damon had rehearsed answers with exact references to case precedent and procedure. My actual case lasted a little over two hours. When it was over, (ruling=not guilty) I heard the prosecuting DA mutter to a colleague "I wasn't expecting this case to go so long." It was clear this was due to Damon's familiarization with DWI charges. It's going to be a long road with any case in Wake country, and there are no guarantees, but Damon is someone you want in your corner. I told him before I even got the ruling that I would rate his services at 5/5 stars. He is known for bringing his A game.
There are no words that can express the gratitude for the effort, diligence, and determination to obtain the best possible outcome for my case. I was amazed by his, his team, and associates knowledge, understanding, and efforts to research and interpretatuon of the law to protect me as.their client.
helped me out in a legal bind put in a good word to the judge & wrote an awesome paper helping me out with my case. i would definitely recommend Damon to anyone who needs excellent legal advise.
Mr Chetson defended my son for a misdemeanor DWI and misdemeanor larceny charge. We feel the best possible outcome was achieved with the dismissal of the larceny charges. While he was convicted of the DWI he was not placed on probation, but instead Mr. Chetson reached an agreement with the DA and judge that my son would go into substance abuse treatment. I would highly recommend Mr. Chetson as an attorney.