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.
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.
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.

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.
Raleigh Criminal Defense FAQs
What Should I Do if I’m Arrested in Raleigh NC?
Can Criminal Charges Be Dismissed Before Trial in North Carolina?
What Is the Difference Between a Misdemeanor and a Felony in NC?
Can Police Question Me Without a Lawyer Present?
Can a Criminal Defense Lawyer Help Before Charges Are Filed?
Do All Criminal Cases in Wake County Go to Trial?
How Can I Verify a Raleigh Criminal Defense Attorney’s Credentials?
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.