Criminal Defense lawyers in Raleigh

Wake County criminal matters are handled at the Wake County Justice Center, 300 South Salisbury Street in Raleigh. The Wake County Courthouse at 316 Fayetteville Street Mall primarily handles civil matters. Confirm the location on the court notice because the two buildings serve different functions.

The Justice Center houses the criminal clerk, District Attorney, and Public Defender offices. The North Carolina Judicial Branch lists the criminal court contact number as (919) 792-4300 and the main clerk number as (919) 792-4000.

After an arrest, a judicial official generally conducts an initial appearance and considers release conditions. North Carolina law permits several forms of release, including an unsecured bond, supervised release, a secured bond, or electronic monitoring. The available options depend on the charge and individual circumstances.

Felony defendants are generally entitled to a first appearance before a District Court judge. A lawyer can explain the difference between the initial appearance, first appearance, and later hearings for the particular charge.

Use the North Carolina eCourts Portal or contact the clerk to verify a case number, hearing date, or disposition. Wake County also provides an online inmate inquiry for current detention information.

Expunction rules are narrow and depend on the disposition, offense, age, and waiting period. The Judicial Branch’s expunction page is the best starting point for official forms and general requirements.