Areas served: Durham, NC and surrounding Durham County
Durham's criminal defense landscape reflects the city's position as home to both Durham County Superior Court and District Court, handling cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felonies. The legal community here includes former prosecutors from the Durham County District Attorney's Office, public defenders with extensive trial experience, and private practitioners specializing in areas from DWI defense to white-collar crime. This directory provides detailed profiles of criminal defense attorneys serving Durham and surrounding Durham County.
Law Office of Douglas E. Portnoy, PLLC is a traffic and criminal defense firm in Raleigh with over 20 years of experience handling thousands of cases. Led by attorney Douglas E. Portnoy, they specialize in traffic violations, DUI/DUI defense, license revocation issues, and speeding tickets across Wake County and surrounding counties (Alamance, Chatham, Franklin, Granville, Harnett, Johnston, Orange, and Vance). The firm also handles bankruptcy, real estate, personal injury, and estate planning, offering free consultations and the convenience of phone-based representation so clients rarely need to appear in court.
Kenneth J. Duke is a traffic law attorney based in Durham, NC, with over 30 years of focused experience defending drivers against traffic citations throughout the Research Triangle. He personally handles every case—including speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, accident-related citations, and license suspensions—offering direct communication and clear explanations of clients' options and local court procedures. His deep familiarity with Durham, Orange, Wake, and Granville county courts allows him to provide practical, informed guidance tailored to how each jurisdiction typically handles traffic matters.
Dement Askew Johnson & Marshall, LLP is a full-service criminal defense and personal injury law firm based in Wake Forest with over 50 years of combined trial experience. The firm handles criminal charges (DUI/DWI, drug charges, domestic violence, sex crimes, property crimes), personal injury cases (car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall, pedestrian accidents), and provides 24/7 emergency availability. Led by experienced trial attorneys including former prosecutors, the firm limits its caseload to provide direct attorney involvement rather than shuffling clients between associates, with a focus on personalized strategy and courtroom results.
The Law Office of Kevin M. Kennedy PLLC provides criminal defense and traffic law representation to clients throughout the Chapel Hill and Triangle area. Attorney Kevin Kennedy specializes in DWI defense, alcohol and drug offenses, traffic violations, speeding tickets, and license revocation cases. The firm offers flat-rate pricing for traffic matters, free consultations, and 24-hour hiring availability, with a focus on straightforward, honest service and achieving dismissals, deferrals, or record expungements when possible.
Kissling Law is a criminal defense firm based in Raleigh, NC, serving clients throughout the region with aggressive representation in DUI/DWI cases, drug charges, felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile defense matters. Founded and led by experienced criminal defense attorneys, the firm focuses on protecting clients' rights and achieving the best possible outcomes in serious criminal charges. They offer free consultations and are available to discuss your case promptly.
Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC is a Durham-based criminal defense firm specializing in DWI/DUI defense with 20+ years of experience. They handle the full spectrum of criminal charges including felonies, misdemeanors, drug offenses, traffic violations, sexual assault, murder, and federal crimes, offering personalized defense strategies and free consultations. The firm is committed exclusively to criminal defense representation, providing compassionate advocacy both in and out of the courtroom for clients facing serious legal challenges.
Saad Law is a criminal defense firm in Raleigh led by Steven Saad, a former Wake County District Attorney with extensive experience prosecuting and defending criminal cases. The firm specializes in DWI defense, drug charges, felony defense, and misdemeanor charges across Wake County. With over 100,000 criminal cases handled and thousands of successful client outcomes, Saad Law combines trial expertise with compassionate client representation for individuals facing serious legal challenges.
The Law Office of Dewey P. Brinkley provides criminal defense representation in Raleigh, focusing on DUI/DWI cases, drug charges, and other criminal matters. With decades of experience, the firm handles misdemeanor and felony charges at the state and federal level, offering aggressive defense and strategic legal guidance for clients facing serious criminal charges.
Minick Law, P.C. is a Durham-based law firm providing comprehensive criminal defense, DUI/DWI representation, and personal injury services. The firm handles serious felonies, misdemeanors, drug charges, and traffic violations, with attorneys experienced in protecting clients' rights throughout North Carolina. They also represent injury victims in civil cases, offering free consultations and aggressive advocacy for clients facing both criminal charges and personal injury claims.
Cabrejas Law Firm P.A., founded in 2009 by attorney Alexander Cabrejas, specializes in criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases (workplace and auto accidents) with a focus on serving the Spanish-speaking and immigrant communities throughout the Research Triangle. All staff members are bilingual Spanish-English, and the firm provides written instructions and legal guidance in Spanish—a rare service in the region. With 15+ years of experience and deep knowledge of immigration law, Cabrejas Law Firm helps protect clients' legal rights and immigration status while handling complex criminal and family matters.
The Law Office of Christopher R. Detwiler, PLLC is a criminal defense firm in Raleigh representing clients facing DUI/DWI, felony, misdemeanor, and drug charge charges. Attorney Christopher R. Detwiler provides aggressive defense strategies tailored to each client's circumstances, with extensive experience navigating North Carolina's criminal justice system. The firm offers free consultations and is known for personalized representation and clear communication throughout the legal process.
Marcilliat & Mills PLLC is a criminal defense law firm in Raleigh representing clients charged with felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, and drug offenses. The firm focuses on protecting clients' rights and building strong defense strategies tailored to each case's unique circumstances. With deep roots in North Carolina law, they handle cases from arrest through trial and appeal.
Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh is a criminal defense law firm in Raleigh specializing in DUI/DWI, drug charges, felonies, and misdemeanors. The experienced attorneys focus on protecting clients' rights and building strong defenses tailored to each case's unique circumstances. They offer free consultations and are available to discuss your legal situation.
Law Offices of J. M. Kotzker, P.C. is a Raleigh-based criminal defense firm serving clients throughout North Carolina. Founded and led by attorney J. M. Kotzker, the firm specializes in defending individuals charged with DUI/DWI, felonies, misdemeanors, and drug-related offenses. Known for aggressive representation and personalized client attention, they offer free consultations and are available around the clock to discuss your case.
Law Office of Matthew Charles Suczynski is a criminal defense firm in Chapel Hill serving clients throughout North Carolina. Matthew Charles Suczynski provides experienced representation for individuals facing criminal charges, with a focus on protecting clients' rights and achieving the best possible outcomes. The firm handles cases ranging from misdemeanors to felonies across state and federal courts.
Coolidge Law Firm is a criminal defense firm in Raleigh specializing in DUI, drug charges, felony defense, and misdemeanor cases. Led by experienced attorneys, they provide aggressive representation for clients facing serious criminal charges in North Carolina. The firm offers free consultations and is known for their strategic approach to protecting clients' rights and minimizing legal consequences.
Granados Law Group, PLLC is a Wake County criminal defense firm led by attorney Lindsey Granados, handling traffic violations, misdemeanor and felony charges, DWI/DUI offenses, domestic violence cases, drug charges, sex crimes, and federal charges in the Eastern District of North Carolina. The firm also provides expungement services across all 100 counties in North Carolina and offers jury trial consulting services to other attorneys. With nearly two decades of criminal defense experience plus prior prosecution background, Granados Law Group combines legal expertise with personalized client service to protect clients' rights and minimize consequences.
The Law Office of John C. Fitzpatrick is a Durham-based criminal defense and personal injury firm led by attorney John Fitzpatrick. The firm specializes in DWI/DUI defense, traffic violations, criminal defense, and vehicle injury claims. With a 24/7 hotline and commitment to personalized, community-focused representation, Fitzpatrick provides aggressive defense strategies and compassionate legal guidance to protect clients' rights and pursue fair compensation.
Law Office of Brennon Morton, PLLC is a criminal defense firm in Durham, NC led by attorney Brennon Morton, an Eastern North Carolina native dedicated to serving his local community. The firm handles criminal defense, DWI/traffic violations, domestic law matters including divorce and protective orders, and criminal record expungement. Morton provides one-on-one representation rather than passing clients between attorneys, with extensive courtroom experience and availability for 24-hour consultations.
Frasier & Griffin, PLLC is a criminal defense law firm serving Durham, Raleigh, and surrounding areas with experienced attorneys specializing in state and federal criminal cases, DWI/DUI defense, drug charges, traffic violations, and personal injury claims. Named 2025 Super Lawyers #1 Criminal Defense Lawyers in Raleigh and Durham, the firm provides personalized legal representation focused on protecting clients' rights and achieving the best possible outcomes. With offices in both Durham and Raleigh, they handle cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony charges with a commitment to aggressive advocacy and client-centered service.
Dement Askew Johnson & Marshall, LLP is a full-service law firm based in Raleigh specializing in criminal defense, including DUI/DWI, felony charges, drug offenses, and misdemeanors. The firm also handles family law, estate planning, and personal injury cases, providing aggressive representation and strategic counsel for clients facing serious legal matters. With experienced attorneys and a strong track record, they serve the greater Triangle area and are available to discuss your case.
Young-Little Criminal Defense, a division of Harmon Law Offices, provides comprehensive criminal defense representation from their Raleigh office. The firm handles a full range of criminal matters including DUI/DWI, felony charges, misdemeanors, and drug offenses, with experienced attorneys dedicated to protecting clients' rights throughout the legal process. They offer personalized representation and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for their clients.
Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC is a criminal defense firm in Raleigh with over 20 years of experience defending clients against all types of criminal charges, from misdemeanors to felonies including DWI, drug offenses, assault, larceny, traffic violations, and murder. The firm takes a compassionate yet aggressive approach, offering free consultations and crafting personalized defense strategies tailored to each client's unique circumstances and life situation.
Law Offices of James Scott Farrin is a personal injury law firm with 60+ attorneys serving North and South Carolina. They handle auto accidents, workers' compensation, defective products, commercial truck accidents, motorcycle injuries, Social Security Disability, whistleblowing, and complex litigation. The firm has recovered over $2 billion for more than 78,000 clients since 1997 and works on contingency — meaning no attorney's fees unless they win your case.
Thomas Ferguson & Beskind, LLP is a nationally recognized criminal defense firm in Durham serving clients throughout North Carolina. The firm specializes in criminal defense, criminal appeals, eminent domain law, and student disciplinary proceedings, with multiple attorneys recognized in The Best Lawyers in America® and Super Lawyers lists. Led by experienced trial lawyers including William Thomas, Jay Ferguson, Emilia Beskind, and Kellie Mannette, the firm provides compassionate, strategic representation for individuals facing serious criminal charges, appeals, property rights disputes, and student conduct violations.
Kurtz & Blum, PLLC is a full-service law firm in Raleigh specializing in criminal defense, DUI/DWI cases, and traffic violations. With experienced attorneys handling misdemeanor and felony charges, the firm provides aggressive representation for clients facing serious legal consequences. They offer free consultations and are committed to protecting clients' rights through skilled courtroom advocacy.
The Law Office of Julian M. Hall is a criminal defense firm in Durham serving clients throughout central North Carolina. Julian M. Hall provides aggressive representation for DUI/DWI cases, drug charges, felonies, misdemeanors, and juvenile defense matters. With over a decade of experience, Hall combines thorough case preparation with personalized client advocacy to protect clients' rights and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Fanney Law Office, PLLC is a Raleigh-based criminal defense firm specializing in DUI/DWI cases, drug charges, and other serious criminal matters. Led by experienced attorneys, the firm provides aggressive representation for clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges, with a focus on protecting clients' rights and minimizing consequences. They offer free consultations and are available to discuss your case promptly.
Marcus E. Hill Attorney is a criminal defense lawyer based in Durham, NC, specializing in DUI/DWI defense, felony charges, misdemeanor offenses, and drug-related criminal matters. With extensive experience defending clients throughout the Durham area, Marcus E. Hill provides aggressive representation and strategic legal guidance for individuals facing serious criminal charges.
Tharrington Smith LLP is a full-service law firm based in Raleigh with deep expertise in family law, including divorce, child custody, prenuptial agreements, and mediation services. The firm represents clients throughout North Carolina in complex family matters, estate planning, business law, and litigation, combining experienced attorneys with a client-focused approach to achieve favorable outcomes.
The Roper Law Firm, P.A. is a Raleigh-based criminal defense practice specializing in DUI, drug charges, and felony defense. Led by experienced attorneys, the firm provides aggressive representation for clients facing serious criminal charges, with a focus on protecting rights and achieving favorable outcomes through thorough case preparation and courtroom advocacy.
Law Office of Douglas E. Portnoy, PLLC is the top-ranked criminal defense provider in the Durham area with a Lantern Score of 85.76/100 and 5★ rating from 953 reviews. With over 20 years of experience, they specialize in traffic violations, DUI/DUI charges, license revocation, and speeding tickets.
Kenneth J. Duke, ranked #2 with a Lantern Score of 85.47/100, is a Durham-based traffic law attorney with over 30 years of focused experience defending drivers. He specializes in speeding tickets, reckless driving charges, license suspension cases, and handles out-of-state drivers with NC citations.
Several top-ranked Durham firms handle DWI/DUI cases, including Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC (Lantern Score: 83.64/100) specializing in DWI/DUI defense with 20+ years of experience, Minick Law, P.C. (83.26/100), The Law Office of John C. Fitzpatrick (81.80/100), and The Law Office of Julian M. Hall (80.10/100).
Cabrejas Law Firm P.A. (Lantern Score: 83.15/100, 4.9★) specializes in serving Spanish-speaking clients and immigrant communities while handling criminal defense, family law, and personal injury cases. The firm was founded in 2009 and focuses on serving underrepresented populations.
None of the 31 criminal defense listings in Durham are open on weekends. All firms operate on standard weekday business hours, so you'll need to contact them during Monday-Friday hours for consultations or urgent matters.
Thomas Ferguson & Beskind, LLP (Lantern Score: 80.37/100, 4.8★) is a nationally recognized Durham firm specializing in criminal appeals and disciplinary proceedings. They also handle eminent domain cases and serve Duke and local university students facing institutional disciplinary matters.