Practice area
Raleigh DWI & Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys for Wake County Charges
With over 85 years of combined attorney experience - defending DWI, misdemeanor drug charges and other misdemeanors in Wake County
William VasquezFounder & CEO · Se habla españolHow we can help
Free & confidential · Se habla español · Mon-Fri 8am-7pm, Sat 9am-2pm (ET)
What we handle in Wake County: DWI, misdemeanor drug charges and other misdemeanors such as reckless driving, misdemeanor hit-and-run, shoplifting and simple assault. Consultations are by phone or video. We do not take felony charges in Wake County (felonies are handled only in Johnston and Harnett counties), and we do not take homicide or sex offense cases. Traffic tickets are handled on a flat-fee quote - see our Raleigh traffic ticket page.
Raleigh-Area DWI & Misdemeanor Defense Attorneys Fighting for Your Freedom
Being charged with DWI or a misdemeanor in Wake County is frightening - you can face jail time, a criminal record, and real consequences for your license, career and family. At Vasquez Law Firm, our experienced criminal defense lawyers represent Raleigh-area residents charged in Wake County with DWI, misdemeanor drug offenses and other misdemeanors, protecting your constitutional rights and fighting to minimize or dismiss charges. Consultations are free and take place by phone or video.
From DWI arrests and checkpoints to misdemeanor marijuana possession, reckless driving, shoplifting and simple assault, we investigate the evidence, challenge illegal stops and searches, negotiate with prosecutors, and fight for the best possible outcome. Felony charges are a different matter: we do not take them in Wake County.
Arrested in Wake County? Protect Your Rights NOW!
Police officers and Highway Patrol troopers are trained to get confessions.Don't talk without a lawyer!
- • Invoke your right to remain silent immediately
- • Request a criminal defense lawyer before answering questions
- • Do NOT consent to searches of your car, home, or phone
- • Be polite but firm: "I want to speak to my lawyer"
- • Contact us 24/7 for immediate legal help
Anything you say to law enforcement WILL be used against you in court.
Wake County Courts: Where Your Case Will Be Heard
Wake County District Court
District Court: DWI cases, misdemeanors and first appearances, decided by a judge
Superior Court: Appeals from District Court, heard as a new trial before a jury
We prepare every Wake County DWI and misdemeanor case as if it will be tried. That preparation is what gives us leverage to negotiate the best possible outcome, and your consultation happens by phone or video, so you do not need to travel to an office.
Criminal Defense Practice Areas - Wake County
DUI / DWI Lawyer
DWI defense for arrests in Wake County. We challenge breath tests, field sobriety tests, the reason for the stop, and checkpoint procedures.
- • First offense DWI
- • Provisional (under-21) DWI
- • DWI checkpoints
- • DWI with a breath or blood test refusal
Misdemeanor Drug Charges
Misdemeanor drug possession charges in Wake County. We challenge illegal searches and look for programs that can avoid a conviction.
- • Small-amount marijuana possession (still illegal in NC)
- • Misdemeanor drug possession
- • Drug paraphernalia
Simple Assault
Misdemeanor simple assault defense for charges in Wake County, including Raleigh, Cary and Garner.
- • Simple assault
- • Affray
- • Bar fight charges
Shoplifting & Misdemeanor Larceny
Shoplifting and misdemeanor larceny charges in Wake County. Larceny over $1,000 is a felony, which we do not take in Wake County.
- • Shoplifting
- • Misdemeanor larceny ($1,000 or less)
- • Injury to personal property
- • Trespass
College Student Charges
Alcohol-related charges that are not DWI, such as underage drinking, open container and a fake ID used to buy alcohol, are quoted by our staff as a flat fee. Misdemeanor drug possession gets a free consultation by phone or video.
- • Underage drinking (flat-fee quote)
- • Fake ID used to buy alcohol (flat-fee quote)
- • Open container (flat-fee quote)
- • Student drug possession (misdemeanor)
Other Misdemeanors
- • Reckless driving
- • Misdemeanor hit and run
- • Disorderly conduct
- • Other misdemeanor charges
- • Traffic tickets: flat-fee quote
What We Do Not Take in Wake County
We tell you upfront when a Wake County charge is outside what we handle:
- • Felonies, including drug trafficking and possession with intent to sell
- • Felony larceny, breaking and entering, and robbery
- • Habitual DWI (a felony)
- • Homicide cases
- • Sex offense cases
- • Felonies are handled only in Johnston and Harnett counties
How We Fight Back in Wake County DWI & Misdemeanor Cases
Prosecutors take DWI and misdemeanor charges seriously.They work with trained officers, lab analysts and established procedures, so you need a defense that tests every step.
But we know how to fight back:
- • Challenge illegal searches: Many arrests involve car searches or consent searches where clients didn't know they could refuse
- • Attack weak evidence: Breath test machines need proper maintenance, witnesses get things wrong, police reports contain errors
- • Negotiate from strength: We prepare every case for trial, which gives us leverage to negotiate better plea deals
Why Choose Vasquez Law for Your Criminal Defense?
Phone & Video Consultations
Talk to us from home or work - no trip to an office needed
24/7 Availability
Call anytime - we're here when you're arrested
85+ Years Combined Experience
We fight every charge and explore all defense strategies
Payment Plans Available
Flexible payment options for criminal cases
Straight Answers on Scope
We tell you on the first call whether we take your Wake County charge
Bilingual Services
Se habla español - serving the Hispanic community
Free Evaluation for DWI and Misdemeanor Charges in Wake County
Don't face prosecutors alone. Your freedom, record, and future are at stake. Contact us NOW for a free, confidential consultation by phone or video with an experienced criminal defense lawyer.
Arrested in Wake County?
Call NOW for immediate legal help with a Wake County DWI, misdemeanor drug charge or other misdemeanor. Available 24/7.
Free EvaluationCommon Wake County Charges We Defend
- • DWI / DUI
- • Misdemeanor drug possession
- • Drug paraphernalia
- • Simple assault
- • Shoplifting / misdemeanor larceny
- • Reckless driving
- • Misdemeanor hit and run
- • Trespass
Related Services
Wake County Courts
District Court:
Misdemeanors, DWI, first appearances
Superior Court:
Appeals from District Court (new trial before a jury)
Consultations:
By phone or video
Important Service Area Information
✓ Immigration Law Services
We serve clients nationwide in all 50 states. Immigration is federal law, and we are licensed to practice before USCIS, immigration courts, and federal agencies anywhere in the United States.
Other Legal Services (Personal Injury, Criminal Defense, Workers Comp, Traffic)
Available to clients in North Carolina only, where our attorneys are licensed to practice state law. These practice areas require state-specific bar admission.
Our attorneys maintain active licenses and good standing with all required state bars and federal agencies.
DWI and Misdemeanor Defense for Raleigh-Area Residents: Understanding Wake County Courts
Facing a DWI or misdemeanor charge in Wake County, North Carolina is a serious matter. Knowing how the case moves through District Court, what the state has to prove, and where the evidence is weak can make the difference between a dismissal and a conviction.
Wake County Court Structure
In Wake County, DWI and misdemeanor cases are heard in District Court, which also handles traffic offenses and first appearances. Judges sitting in District Court conduct bench trials; there are no jury trials at this level. A defendant convicted in District Court can appeal to Superior Court for a new trial before a jury. Felony cases are indicted to Superior Court, but we do not take felony cases in Wake County; felonies are handled only in Johnston and Harnett counties.
How the State Builds a DWI or Misdemeanor Case
The District Attorney's office prosecutes DWI and misdemeanor charges with the help of police officers, Highway Patrol troopers and lab analysts. A DWI case usually rests on the reason for the stop, the officer's observations, field sobriety tests and a breath or blood result. A misdemeanor drug case often turns on how the search was carried out. We review each piece the state relies on, challenge what does not hold up, and negotiate from a position of preparation.
Why Early Advice Matters
The sooner a lawyer reviews a DWI or misdemeanor charge, the more options you have. Video footage can be requested before it is overwritten, witnesses can be identified while memories are fresh, and license and court deadlines can be met. A free consultation by phone or video lets you understand the charge, the possible penalties and your options before your first court date, without taking time off to travel to an office.
Critical Steps After an Arrest in Wake County
After an arrest, the actions you take in the first 24 to 48 hours significantly affect your case outcome. First, invoke your right to remain silent - politely but firmly tell officers you will not answer questions without your attorney present. Second, do not consent to searches of your vehicle, home, phone, or person. Third, if you are held in custody, contact an attorney before your first court appearance. Vasquez Law Firm represents Raleigh-area residents charged in Wake County with DWI, misdemeanor drug charges and other misdemeanors, with consultations by phone or video. Call us 24/7 at 1-844-967-3536 for immediate assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if I'm arrested in Wake County?
If arrested: (1) Remain silent - do not answer questions without a lawyer, (2) Do not consent to searches, (3) Be polite but invoke your right to an attorney, (4) Contact a criminal defense lawyer immediately. Anything you say to law enforcement may be used against you in court.
Which charges do you take in Wake County?
DWI, misdemeanor drug charges such as possession of a small amount of marijuana or drug paraphernalia, and other misdemeanors such as reckless driving, misdemeanor hit-and-run, shoplifting and simple assault. We do not take felony charges in Wake County (felonies are handled only in Johnston and Harnett counties), and we do not take homicide or sex offense cases.
How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?
Fees depend on the charge and the work your case needs. The first consultation for a Wake County DWI or misdemeanor is free and takes place by phone or video, and we explain our fee before you decide. Payment plans are available.
Can I get a DWI reduced or dismissed in Wake County?
Sometimes. A DWI lawyer can challenge breath test calibration, field sobriety test procedures, the reason for the stop, or a lack of probable cause, and use any weaknesses in the state's case to negotiate. No outcome is guaranteed, but every case deserves a close review.
Can I meet you at your Raleigh office for a criminal case?
Criminal consultations for Wake County cases are held by phone or video. Our Raleigh office does not host criminal defense consultations.