Finding the Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Cary, North Carolina

Getting arrested can be scary. Even if you’re innocent, facing criminal charges is no joke. The stakes are high – we’re talking about your freedom here. So if you’ve been accused of a crime in Cary, NC, you need to find yourself a really good lawyer, pronto. But how do you know which criminal defense attorneys are the best?

Well, I’ve done some research on the top-rated criminal lawyers in Cary. I wanted to share what I learned, in case it helps anyone out there who’s looking for legal representation. Here’s my take on how to find the best criminal defense attorneys in Cary, NC.

Ask Around for Recommendations

Word-of-mouth can be super helpful when you’re looking for a good lawyer. Talk to friends, family members, coworkers – anyone who’s been through the criminal justice system themselves. Ask if they were happy with their lawyer and would recommend them. If you hear the same names coming up over and over, that’s usually a good sign.

You can also check online reviews of Cary criminal defense attorneys. Just keep in mind that some negative reviews could be from disgruntled clients who are just venting. Don’t write a lawyer off because of one or two bad reviews – look for patterns instead.

Research Their Experience and Focus

Once you’ve got a shortlist of potential lawyers, dig into their background a bit. The best criminal defense attorneys will have tons of relevant experience. Look for lawyers who focus specifically on criminal law, not someone who dabbles in a bunch of different areas.

Pay attention to how long they’ve been practicing law and how many criminal cases they’ve worked on. Experience matters, especially when your freedom’s on the line. You want someone who’s seen it all when it comes to criminal defense.

Meet with Them for a Consultation

Before hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Cary, set up a consultation to meet them in person. This is your chance to get a feel for how they communicate and if you’ll work well together. Come prepared with questions to ask them during the consultation.

For example, you’ll want to know about their track record with cases similar to yours. Don’t be afraid to ask for specifics – any lawyer worth their salt should be able to provide details about cases they’ve won in the past.

Pay attention to how well they listen and how clearly they explain legal concepts. Do they seem genuinely interested in helping you? Or do they come across as distracted and quick to move on? Go with your gut feeling here.

Understand How They Charge Fees

During a consultation, a criminal defense lawyer should explain how they calculate their fees and costs. Their fee structure may be hourly, flat-rate, or contingent on the outcome of your case. Get all of this in writing before moving forward.

Also ask if they provide payment plans or options for clients who can’t afford their full fees upfront. The best lawyers will work with you on finding an arrangement that’s fair and fits your budget.

Check That They’re in Good Standing

Any lawyer you consider should be licensed to practice law in North Carolina and a member of the North Carolina State Bar association. It only takes a quick search on the NC State Bar website to confirm if a lawyer’s license is active and in good standing.

Run a Google search on their name too, just to catch any public discipline or malpractice issues from their past. Even the best lawyers can make mistakes, but you’ll want to go in with eyes wide open.

Trust Your Gut

No amount of research can replace your own human intuition. Once you’ve vetted a few criminal lawyers in Cary, listen to your gut when deciding who to hire. You’re looking for someone who instills confidence and makes you feel like they’re the best person to tackle your case.

If a lawyer rubs you the wrong way or says something that sets off alarm bells, don’t second-guess that feeling. Keep looking until you find someone who clicks with you. The lawyer-client relationship is so important, so make sure it’s a good match.

Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Cary, NC

Okay, now that you know what to look for – who are the best criminal defense attorneys in Cary? Based on experience, focus, reputation, and professionalism, these lawyers stand out from the crowd:

1. Damon Chetson

With over 25 years of criminal law experience under his belt, Damon Chetson is consistently praised as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Cary. He’s handled over 10,000 criminal cases and tried over 300 cases in front of a jury.

Chetson Law Firm focuses solely on criminal defense, so you can trust you’ll have their complete attention. Damon Chetson himself is known for his relentless pursuit of justice and compassion for clients. Read more about his experience on the Chetson Law Firm website.

2. Joseph Zeszotarski

Joseph Zeszotarski is a former prosecutor who now puts his insider knowledge of the system to work defending clients. He’s been practicing criminal law since the 1990s and has an impeccable reputation around Cary.

Zeszotarski Law handles all types of criminal cases, from minor misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. Joe Zeszotarski is an expert in DUI and traffic cases and often lectures police on proper DUI procedures. Get in touch through the Zeszotarski Law website.

3. Amy Jackson

Amy Jackson stands out as one of the most successful female criminal defense attorneys in Cary, NC. She’s compassionate yet aggressive when fighting for her clients in the courtroom.

Jackson Law specializes in defending those accused of white collar crimes and sex offenses. Amy Jackson is known for her skill at negotiating with prosecutors and scrutinizing the opposition’s evidence. Reach out to set up a free case evaluation on the Jackson Law website.

4. David Smith

With over 20 years of criminal law expertise, attorney David Smith provides tenacious legal representation for clients in Cary and beyond.

Smith frequently handles high-profile homicide cases and crimes of violence. He’s known for his bold trial strategies and refusal to back down from a challenge. David Smith offers free consultations at his firm’s website.

5. Shalini Lakshmiratan

Backed by 18 years of criminal defense knowledge, Shalini Lakshmiratan commits to personalized attention for each client that walks through her doors.

Lakshmiratan Law handles all criminal charges and appeals. Shalini is experienced with alternative sentencing and getting charges reduced or dismissed through negotiations. Learn more about her approach on the Lakshmiratan Law website.