Fighting for Justice in Wake County Criminal Courts

Criminal Defense Attorney Raleigh NC

Coolidge Law Firm is a Raleigh criminal defense law firm representing clients facing misdemeanor, felony, and federal criminal charges throughout Wake County. Founded by David A. Coolidge Jr., the law office has served individuals facing criminal allegations since 2007. We provide experienced legal representation, thorough case preparation, and courtroom advocacy focused on protecting your constitutional rights.

Facing Criminal Charges in Raleigh?

Coolidge Law Firm represents clients facing criminal charges, DWI allegations, and traffic offenses throughout Raleigh and Wake County.

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Experienced Criminal Defense Attorneys In Raleigh

An arrest or criminal investigation can put your freedom, career, reputation, and family’s future at risk. Whether you’re innocent or made a mistake, you deserve legal counsel that takes your case seriously.

At Coolidge Law Firm, our criminal defense attorneys represent people accused of criminal offenses, with cases ranging from traffic violations to first-degree murder. We examine the evidence, challenge weaknesses in the Wake County prosecutor’s case, and explain your options for the best possible outcome.

Coolidge Law Firm’s Criminal Defense Practice Areas

Penalties in the criminal justice system vary depending on the offense, your criminal history, and the circumstances of the case. Our criminal law defense firm represents clients in state and federal criminal matters, including the following practice areas.

Traffic Offenses

Even a routine traffic ticket can affect your driving record and insurance rates. More serious violations, such as reckless driving or driving with a revoked license, may carry criminal penalties. Our traffic offense attorneys handle everything from speeding tickets to misdemeanor traffic charges, helping drivers understand their options and avoid unnecessary consequences.

Driving While Impaired (DWI)

A DWI conviction can affect your driving privileges, employment, and criminal record. Our DWI defense lawyers review traffic stops, probable cause, field sobriety tests, and chemical tests for grounds to challenge the evidence.

Alcohol-Related Criminal Charges

Our alcohol defense includes underage drinking, furnishing alcohol to minors, and other alcohol-related criminal allegations.

Theft and Property Crimes

Shoplifting, larceny, burglary, robbery, and criminal trespass can carry misdemeanor or felony penalties. Our theft and property crime attorneys examine disputed ownership, identification, intent, and other relevant evidence.

Firearm and Weapons Offenses

North Carolina has strict laws governing who can possess firearms and where people can carry weapons. If you’re accused of illegal possession, carrying a concealed weapon without proper authorization, or another firearms violation, our weapons offense lawyers will examine the circumstances of your arrest and the evidence supporting the charge.

Drug Charges

Drug charges can involve anything from possessing a small amount of a controlled substance to manufacturing, distribution, or drug trafficking. The potential penalties depend on the substance, quantity, and nature of the offense. Our drug crime defense attorneys will look closely at how evidence was obtained, whether searches were lawful, and what prosecutors can actually prove.

Domestic Violence Defense

Domestic violence cases often involve people who know each other well, and the circumstances aren’t always as straightforward as the police report suggests. Coolidge Law Firm’s domestic violence lawyers handle charges involving assault, threats, stalking, and violations of protective orders. We look at what happened, what each person reported, and whether the evidence supports the accusations.

Sexual Offenses

Sexual offense allegations are serious, and even being charged can affect your personal and professional life. Our attorneys represent individuals charged with sexually motivated crimes, including allegations of sexual assault, sexual battery, statutory offenses, and other sex crimes. We understand the sensitive nature of these cases and the importance of protecting your rights throughout the legal process.

Violent Crimes and Assault

A confrontation that turns physical can result in assault charges, but more serious allegations, including manslaughter or first-degree murder, carry much greater consequences. Our violent crime defense lawyers represent clients facing both misdemeanor and felony charges. We review the facts of each case, including whether someone acted in self-defense, what witnesses actually saw, and whether the prosecution can prove its allegations.

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Federal Criminal Defense Representation in Raleigh

Federal criminal cases may involve investigations by the FBI, DEA, ATF, and other federal agencies. Federal court prosecutions follow different procedures and sentencing rules than North Carolina state courts.

Coolidge Law Firm represents clients facing federal charges in the Eastern District of North Carolina, including drug, firearm, fraud, and other criminal allegations. Our trial attorneys evaluate the government’s evidence, explain the charges, and prepare clients for federal criminal proceedings.

Benefits of Working With Coolidge Law Firm

Finding the right criminal defense lawyer involves more than reviewing a list of legal services. Consider education, courtroom experience, specialized training, professional recognition, and client reputation.

David A. Coolidge Jr., Raleigh criminal defense attorney

Duke Law Honors and Criminal Trial Experience

Founding attorney David A. Coolidge Jr. is a Duke Law grad, ranking in the top 5% of his class. He was inducted into the Order of the Coif, a national legal honor society recognizing academic excellence.

Attorney Coolidge has proven experience providing court-appointed defense in misdemeanor and felony cases and private-practice defense for clients accused of serious criminal offenses.

Wake County Court Experience and Trial Representation

Attorney Coolidge’s familiarity with defending clients in Wake County criminal courts helps our firm prepare clients for hearings and evaluate their legal options. Some cases are resolved through dismissals or negotiated plea agreements with the district attorney, while others require a strong defense at trial.

We examine the prosecution’s evidence, identify weaknesses, and discuss possible outcomes with our clients. When a case goes to trial, we’re prepared to challenge the State’s evidence and hold prosecutors to their burden of proof.

A+ BBB Rating and Strong Attorney Reviews

Coolidge Law Firm holds an A+ Better Business Bureau rating. Attorney Coolidge also has a 4.9-star rating on Avvo.

Clients should also confirm that their lawyer is a member in good standing with the North Carolina State Bar. Attorney Coolidge holds North Carolina State Bar license number 37364.

Personalized Defense and Client Communication

Attorney Coolidge has built his practice around defending people accused of crimes. We take time to gain knowledge of each client’s circumstances, explain the evidence, and prepare a defense based on the facts.

Aggressive representation means challenging questionable evidence, holding prosecutors to their burden of proof, and protecting clients against wrongful convictions. Our goal is to pursue the best available outcome, whether through negotiations, dismissal motions, or trial.

Specialized Training and Professional Memberships

Attorney Coolidge has received extensive training in National Highway Traffic Safety Administration field sobriety testing, advanced DWI defense, expert witness testimony, and criminal trial and sentencing issues.

His professional affiliations include the North Carolina Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association, North Carolina Advocates for Justice, and Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers.

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Raleigh Criminal Defense FAQs

What Should I Do if I’m Arrested in Raleigh NC?
After an arrest in Raleigh, remain calm, avoid discussing the allegations with investigators without legal counsel, and pay attention to any release conditions or court dates. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible to understand your rights and what happens next.
Can Criminal Charges Be Dismissed Before Trial in North Carolina?
Criminal charges can sometimes be dismissed before trial because of insufficient evidence, legal defects, prosecutorial decisions, or successful defense motions. Dismissal is not guaranteed. An attorney can examine the evidence and determine whether there are grounds to challenge the charges.
What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in NC?
Misdemeanors are generally less serious offenses with lower sentencing exposure than felonies. However, both can result in incarceration and other consequences. North Carolina classifies offenses by severity, criminal history, and other statutory considerations that affect sentencing.
Can Police Question Me Without a Lawyer Present?
Police may ask questions during an investigation, but you have constitutional protections against compelled self-incrimination. If you are in custody and subject to interrogation, additional Miranda requirements may apply. You can clearly state that you wish to remain silent and want an attorney.
Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Before Charges Are Filed?
Yes. A criminal defense lawyer can provide advice when you’re under investigation but haven’t been formally charged. Early representation can help you understand your rights, respond appropriately to investigators, and avoid unnecessary statements that could affect your case.
Do All Criminal Cases in Wake County Go to Trial?
No. Many criminal cases are resolved without trial through dismissals, plea agreements, or other procedures. Whether a case should proceed to trial depends on the evidence, possible penalties, legal defenses, and the client’s decisions after receiving advice from counsel.
How Can I Verify a Raleigh Criminal Defense Attorney’s Credentials?
You can verify a Raleigh attorney’s license and eligibility to practice through the North Carolina State Bar’s online directory. The directory also provides access to applicable final disciplinary decisions. Review the lawyer’s criminal defense experience, qualifications, and approach to client communication before hiring.

Schedule a Free Consultation With a Raleigh Criminal Defense Attorney

Coolidge Law Firm represents clients throughout Raleigh, Cary, Apex, Garner, Wake Forest, Knightdale, Fuquay-Varina, Holly Springs, Wendell, Clayton, and surrounding cities. We also assist clients in the greater Triangle area, including Chapel Hill, with criminal matters.

Whether you’re under investigation or already facing criminal charges, our legal team will discuss your situation and explain your options.

Call (919) 239-8448 or fill out our contact form to schedule a FREE consultation.

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Our Office Location

Coolidge Law Firm
BB&T Building
434 Fayetteville St #2030
Raleigh, NC 27601
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434 Fayetteville St #2030
Raleigh, NC 27601

Client Testimonials

  • 5 stars
    Strong Representation is key when facing a judge and prosecutor. My young son recently needed proper excellent representation. We chose Attorney David Coolidge to represent him. Though we had seceral choices in choosing an attorney we definitely made the absolute best choice in selecting Attorney Coolidge. David Coolidge did an awesome job at handling our son's case. This amazing Attorney knows the law and the best avenue to take at resolving uncomfortable legal issues. He was professional, intelligent, uplifting, determined and kind. A coforting and sound professional providing the ut-most concern and care for our son's case. We highly recommend hiring Attorney Cooidge. He will be your best choice!
    - Sarah H.
  • 5 stars
    I can not say enough good about David Coolidge and the Law Firm! From the moment of our 1st interaction, I could tell that David TRULY cares and has a passion about the cases he takes on. I was anxious and nervous about my case from the beginning. David immediately showed his support and listened with an empathetic ear. From that moment on, I felt as though I knew I could trust him to put his whole heart into helping me with my case. He is intelligent, kind and completely nonjudgmental. He will listen to you and is so very supportive. I really felt, and still do, that he really cared about helping me. His passion for his work and in helping others shines. We VERY HAPPILY, had a GREAT outcome from the case and I could not be happier. As I told him when we left the court room that morning... “David, you have changed my life forever”. I would recommend David and this Law Firm to EVERYONE who is reading this review.
    - Brian L.
  • 5 stars
    David Coolidge is a wonderful attorney! I hired him twice for two different cases that I had which were only 2 months apart. He's very thorough and efficient. I was even able to reach him after hours through phone calls, texts, and email. Hopefully I never need his services again but if I am in a similar predicament I would most definitely hire David again.
    - Tiffany C.
  • 5 stars
    Excellent Customer Service. I had a Speeding ticket and they resolved it positively with no points on my Driver License. They represented me in Court and by midday on the Court date, they had updated me on the outcome. Very efficient service. I highly recommend them if you are in need of Legal Services.
    - Stephen O.
  • 5 stars
    I got a speeding ticket for going 17 over. They sent me a letter in the mail explaining that I could plead improper equipment and get no points on my insurance or license. They even gave me the fees straight out on the letter including court costs. They represented me and made the ticket go away.
    - David G.
  • 5 stars
    I cannot say enough about Attorney Coolidge and his staff. He’s handed several matters for me and in every instance he has exceeded my expectations. He even answered a frantic call from me on a Saturday night. I called in desperation not really expecting an answer. Mr. Coolidge delivered on all that he promised and more. I highly recommend.
    - Craig S.
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