This page was written, edited, reviewed & approved by Justin C. Olsinski following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. Justin C. Olsinski, the Founding Partner, has 16+ years of legal experience as an attorney.
When you are looking for a Raleigh criminal defense lawyer, you need a legal team that understands the local Wake County court system and the specific laws of North Carolina. The Olsinski Law Firm provides aggressive and strategic defense for individuals facing everything from minor traffic tickets to serious felony charges. Our attorneys work to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, negotiate for reduced charges, and stand up for your rights in the courtroom.
An arrest in the capital city can happen fast, leaving you with more questions than answers. We know how a criminal record can limit your job options and hurt your reputation in the community.
An arrest in the capital city can happen fast, leaving you with more questions than answers. Whether you were pulled over on I-40 or picked up by Raleigh Police, the steps you take next will determine your future.
A criminal charge is not something that stays in the courtroom; it follows you home and to your job. From the moment you enter the Wake County jail, your name is part of a public record that bosses and landlords can see. You might face an immediate license suspension for a traffic violation or find yourself served with protective orders that keep you away from your own house.
North Carolina prosecutors are trained to win, and they often have a multidisciplinary team of government agents assisting them in building a case. If you try to speak for yourself, you might miss a chance to point out that the police broke the law during your arrest. Our criminal defense attorneys use their trial skills to challenge the state's evidence and push for a jury verdict in your favor.
Knowing what to do during a police encounter can be the difference between going home and staying in a cell. Officers in Wake County often act friendly to get you to talk, but their goal is to gather evidence for a criminal investigation. You have the power to protect yourself by using the rights given to every person in this country.
You have the right to stay silent, and you should use it as soon as an officer starts asking questions. Under the law, you do not have to help the police build a case against you or consent to a search of your car without a warrant. Your most important right is the right to have a lawyer present before you say a single word to anyone in a uniform.
Keep your hands visible to the officer and remain as calm as possible. If you are stopped for a DWI law violation, you may be asked to take a breathalyzer test or walk in a straight line for field sobriety tests. While you must follow legal orders, you can politely tell the officer that you want to call the Olsinski Law Firm before answering questions about where you were or what you drank.
As soon as you can make a phone call, your priority is to find a criminal defense lawyer who knows the Raleigh court system. We offer an initial consultation to look at your charges and explain what might happen at your first hearing in front of a magistrate. Acting quickly gives us time to find video footage from the arrest or speak with witnesses while their memories are still fresh.
In North Carolina, criminal cases are split between the District Court and the Superior Court. Most misdemeanor law cases and traffic violations start and end in District Court, where a judge decides the outcome without a jury. If you are facing a more serious felony law matter, your case may eventually move to the Superior Court. This is where a jury trial takes place, and the stakes for your future become much higher.
Your case officially begins when an officer finds probable cause to make an arrest or issues a summons. Within 48 hours of an arrest, you will have an initial appearance where a magistrate or judge reviews your bond and confirms you have a lawyer.
For felony charges, the state must prove there is sufficient evidence to proceed, typically through a federal grand jury or a probable cause hearing. If a resolution is not reached during the discovery phase, your case will proceed to a trial where the prosecution must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
Every county in North Carolina has its own way of doing things, and Raleigh is no exception. The Wake County District Attorney’s office has specific units, such as a felony drug unit, that handle different types of crimes. We understand the local habits of prosecutors and judges because we work in these courtrooms every day. This local insight enables us to develop a stronger litigation strategy tailored to the Raleigh legal community.
The Olsinski Law Firm provides legal help for a wide range of charges within the North Carolina justice system. We handle everything from minor infractions to high-level felonies that carry significant prison time. Our team is ready to stand by you regardless of the specific allegations you are facing in Wake County.
If you are stopped for a first-offense DWI violation, you face immediate consequences, such as a license suspension under NCGS § 20-16.5. We help clients question evidence from the breathalyzer and look for errors in how officers conducted field sobriety tests.
Our lawyers also manage cases involving drug possession, manufacturing marijuana, and PWISD drugs (possession with intent to sell or deliver). For those facing the felony drug unit, we work hard to secure a favorable plea agreement or seek dismissal based on illegal searches.
Charges like first-degree murder or first-degree kidnapping are the most serious offenses under NCGS Chapter 14. We also provide a strong defense for those accused of a sex crime, such as first-degree rape or indecent liberties with a child under NCGS § 14-27.11.
These cases are often high-pressure and may involve a federal grand jury if they move to federal court. We investigate every detail to ensure the prosecution meets its burden of proof before a jury.
Our firm represents individuals accused of white-collar crimes and conspiracy to commit robbery with a deadly weapon. Financial crimes can result in a permanent criminal record that makes it difficult to find work later. We also help with juvenile crimes and guide families through the Superior Court process for younger defendants. If you have an old charge, we can check your eligibility for record sealing (expunction) under NCGS § 15A-145 to help you start fresh.
The law in North Carolina is very strict, but you have the right to a fair defense. The Olsinski Law Firm looks at every piece of evidence to find a way to help our clients. We work to deliver the best results so you can move on with your life.
Every case requires a plan that accounts for the specific facts and the local court rules in Raleigh. The Olsinski Law Firm does not believe in a one-size-fits-all method for protecting your future. We use our experience in the Wake County legal system to build a defense that targets the weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
A strong defense starts with a thorough review of the state's evidence. We look for procedural errors that could lead to a dismissal, such as a violation of your rights under Article I, Section 20 of the North Carolina Constitution, which protects against unreasonable or warrantless searches.
Our team often files a motion to suppress evidence when police fail to follow strict rules for obtaining a search warrant or for stopping a vehicle without reasonable suspicion. By showing that evidence was obtained illegally, we can often compel the state to drop the charges before trial.
When a case goes to trial, our attorneys use their trial skills to speak directly to the jury. We understand how to cross-examine witnesses to identify inconsistencies in their statements or to highlight where government agents failed to follow standard procedures. In cases involving scientific evidence, such as the breathalyzer result, we may engage experts to challenge the accuracy of the machines. Our goal is to raise reasonable doubt, ensuring the prosecution cannot meet its high burden of proof required by law.
From the initial consultation to the final jury verdict, we stand by you to ensure the system treats you fairly. We help you handle interactions with regulatory agencies and fight against unfair protective orders that may impact your daily life.
If a trial is not in your best interest, we use our reputation to negotiate a favorable plea agreement that minimizes your criminal record. We are committed to keeping you informed so you can make the right choices for your case and your family.
Many criminal defense firms, including ours, offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case.
DWI cases may be dismissed if the officer lacked reasonable suspicion for the stop. Other reasons include errors with the breathalyzer or violations of your constitutional rights.
The total cost of hiring acriminal defense lawyer depends on the facts of the case and whether the case goes to trial.
A case may be dismissed if the police performed an illegal search without a warrant. Failure to read Miranda rights during questioning may also lead to a dismissal.
Misdemeanors are less serious offenses that typically result in shorter jail terms. Felonies are major crimes, like first-degree murder, which carry much longer prison sentences and higher fines.
Yes, some charges can be removed through a process called record sealing or expunction. UnderNCGS § 15A-146, you may clear your record if the charges were dismissed.
If you are currently facing criminal charges, you do not have to move through the legal system alone. The Olsinski Law Firm is ready to help you protect your rights, review the state's evidence, and build a defense plan for the best possible result. Time is very important in criminal cases, and talking to a lawyer early can help you avoid more trouble.
Defending against the government is a hard and serious fight. At the Olsinski Law Firm, we understand the tactics used by federal prosecutors and local police to secure a conviction. We work hard to prove your innocence or find errors in the investigation to fight for your right to a fair jury trial. Contact us today for a free consultation to see how we can help you through this difficult process.
Mr. Olsinski founded his criminal defense practice in Charlotte, NC, in January 2010. He has successfully defended cases ranging from B1 Felony First Degree Sex Offenses/First Degree Murder to Misdemeanor marijuana charges.
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