Durham Criminal Defense/DWI Defense Lawyer

Your future is too important to risk. A criminal charge in Durham can have lasting effects on your life, career, and family. You need a defense team that understands what’s at stake and is committed to fighting for your rights. Don’t face this challenge alone—contact us today to protect your future.

Get a free consultation

20+

years of experience

100+

5-star reviews

100%

criminal defense

The right Durham criminal defense or DWI defense lawyer can make all the difference

call us today for a free consultation

We have worked hard to earn a reputation for both compassion and fierce advocacy for the accused. We recognize the intense stress associated with a criminal charge, which is why our approach to representation extends far beyond the courtroom.

Whether you’ve been charged with DWI, reckless driving, drug charges, larceny, assault, or anything other misdemeanor or felony charge – up to and including first degree murder – our Durham criminal defense lawyers have the experience and skill to defend you at every step of the way. We’ll evaluate every aspect of your case, listen carefully to your priorities, and begin crafting a robust, personalized defense strategy from day one.

Our Services

Being charged with a crime can be a terrifying experience, but we can help you navigate any criminal charge. Charges we can assist with include:

Being arrested for DWI in Durham jeopardizes your freedom and finances. Our DWI lawyers can build a strong defense and advocate on your behalf both in and out of the courtroom.

Misdemeanor death by vehicle or felony death by motor vehicle in Durham can result in significant penalties. You need a skilled attorney by your side.

Driving after consuming while under the age of 21 in Durham can have significant ramifications. You need an attorney for driving while consuming while under the age of 21 in Durham.

Reckless driving in Durham is not a traffic offense — it’s a criminal one. A reckless driving lawyer may be able to minimize the consequences.

Facing a fleeing and eluding sentence in Durham? Our flee-to-elude-arrest criminal lawyers can evaluate the evidence in your case, make recommendations for mitigation, and negotiate for the best outcome possible. If appropriate, we won’t hesitate to defend your case at trial.

Traffic violations in Durham can have more consequences than many realize. Our Durham traffic attorneys have helped countless clients secure reductions or dismissals of traffic violations of all kinds, and thereby avoiding the serious consequences to your driving record and insurance premiums. Our traffic attorneys know the law and the right steps to take to put you in the best position possible to achieve the best outcome available. We can never guarantee a particular outcome, but we will work hard to achieve the best possible result.

Under Durham drug possession laws, you could face jail time for having even a small amount of a substance. Penalties for drug possession in Durham are serious, and you need representation to match.

Under North Carolina’s laws for possession with intent to manufacture/sell/deliver drugs, you can face harsh penalties. You need an experienced drug defense lawyer in your corner from the outset of your case.

Drug trafficking charges in Durham can result in prison time — and even federal charges. A Durham drug trafficking lawyer can help.

Larceny by employee first offense is serious. Our larceny-by-employee lawyers may be able to help you avoid the consequences that come with a conviction.

Misdemeanor larceny and felony larceny in Durham both come with considerable penalties. Our team can create a strong defense.

In Durham, obtaining property by false pretenses is a serious crime. A Durham attorney for obtaining property by false pretenses may be able to negotiate charges down.

Possession of a firearm by a felon in Durham is a felony. The right possession-of-a-firearm attorney might be able to help you avoid another conviction, or drastically reduce the consequences you may face.

A sexual battery sentence can follow you for the rest of your life. A sexual battery attorney can give you the best chance of an acquittal.

Durham 1st-degree forcible rape is a serious felony, just one step below first degree murder under North Carolina law. If you’ve been charged with 1st degree rape, call right away.

Second-degree rape is one of the most serious sex offenses. Our second-degree rape defense attorneys can create a custom defense for you.

Facing embezzlement charges in Durham? Our embezzlement attorneys are here for you.

First-degree murder is a crime punishable by death or life in prison without parole. Finding a skilled Durham murder defense lawyer should be your top priority.

Felony federal charges are considerably different from state charges. Our federal attorneys in Durham have the legal experience these cases demand in the Middle District of North Carolina.

Need help with expungement in Durham? The Durham expungement lawyers at Hiltzheimer Law Office are here for you.

Criminal Defense

When you need a criminal defense attorney in Durham, quality representation matters. Even so-called “minor” criminal convictions can have lasting negative effects on your career, relationships, finances, and more — and serious convictions can potentially lead to decades in prison and hundreds of thousands of dollars in fines. Our Durham defense lawyers have the experience you need and the results to back it up. We take the time to get to know you and your case and craft a custom defense.

Learn more about Criminal Defense

Crime and violence concept with handcuffs

DWI

North Carolina is tough on anyone accused of DWI. Durham is no exception. Even if your case doesn’t result in jail time, you’ll still face license suspensions that can make it difficult to get to work, take your kids to school, and more. And of course, a DWI conviction carries a stigma that may follow you for life. If you’ve been charged, you need a Durham DWI attorney who understands the law and the court system. We take pride in our depth of knowledge with respect to the complex issues that can appear in DWI cases that may not be obvious without experience litigating some of the most complex DWI cases.

Learn more about DWI

Traffic Violation

Are you facing traffic violations? Durham might not put you in jail for a speeding ticket, but minor traffic violations can have a major impact on your life. North Carolina assigns you a set number of points for each traffic violation on your driving record. If you get enough of these violations in a given timeframe, your license can be suspended. And of course, even a single traffic violation can greatly increase your car insurance premiums. Our Durham traffic attorneys give you the best chance of having tickets dismissed.

Learn more about Traffic Violation

Woman taking a traffic ticket from the windshield

Larceny & Theft

In North Carolina, most crimes involving theft are classified as larceny. And while many people view theft crimes as minor, you only have to steal something worth more than $1,000 to be charged with felony larceny. If you’re an employee who steals from an employer, you can be charged with a felony regardless of the value of what you steal. Make no mistake — even misdemeanor larceny charges can impact your life. Our larceny lawyers are here to stand up for your rights.

Learn more about Larceny & Theft Crimes

Case Results

Hiltzheimer Law Office, PLLC brings a wealth of training and experience to a law practice dedicated to advocating on behalf of the people of North Carolina. Founder Ben Hiltzheimer was trained as a trial attorney by the nation’s preeminent public defender agency, the federally funded Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia.

Hiltzheimer brings his extensive litigation experience to bear on state and federal criminal cases throughout North Carolina. Hiltzheimer has devoted his career to advocating on behalf of individuals whose liberty has been threatened by the power of state and federal governments. The firm is committed to aggressive representation on behalf of every client. Our clients often come to us for guidance through one of the most difficult and stressful times in their lives, and we take that responsibility seriously in every case.

Not Guilty

DWI jury verdict superior court

Jury returned a Not Guilty verdict on a DWI charge following a successful challenge to the reliability of field sobriety tests and the Intox EC/IR II Breathalyzer.

Dismissed

9-count felony indictment superior court

Durham Superior Court judge dismissed a 9-count felony indictment, including Assault with a Deadly Weapon, following a legal challenge on procedural grounds. Case remanded for entry of judgment.

Not Guilty

DWI district court

Not Guilty verdict in DWI bench trial. State failed to establish that our client operated the vehicle, after client was found on the side of the road with a disabled vehicle with no one else in the vicinity.

*Each case is different and must be evaluated on its own facts and relevant law. We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in every case we take on, but past results in these sample cases are not a guarantee of future outcomes.

Fraud

You don’t have to be part of an elaborate scam to be charged with fraud. For example, if you lie on an application for SNAP or other government benefits, you have defrauded a government agency — which is a federal fraud offense. Using someone’s credit card without their permission, writing bad checks, and falsifying time sheets can also result in an arrest for fraud. When you’re facing charges, you need a strong, innovative state or federal fraud defense. Our Durham fraud lawyers can help.

Learn More About Fraud

Sexual Battery

In Durham, sexual battery is a misdemeanor offense. That might make you think that a conviction won’t affect your life in any significant way. However, because sexual battery is a sex offense, a conviction almost always means you have to register as a sex offender — often for 10 years or even longer. The stigma of any sex offense also follows you long after you’ve served your sentence. If you’ve been charged with this crime, having an experienced sexual battery attorney has never been more important.

Learn More About Sexual Battery

Drug Possession

Wondering how to get drug possession charges dropped? It may be harder to get these charges dismissed than many people realize. Many also mistakenly believe that any drug possession charge is a misdemeanor, but if you possess certain controlled substances, even a simple possession charge can result in a felony conviction. There’s no way to guarantee an acquittal if you’ve been charged, but our Durham drug possession lawyers can give you your best possible chance through negotiations with the District Attorney, or trial when needed.

Learn More about Drug Possession

Drug Trafficking

Not sure how to beat a drug trafficking charge in Durham? Trafficking charges are even harder to beat than a charge of possession with intent. The reason? In order to charge you with trafficking, the prosecution doesn’t have to prove you had any intent to transport or sell — they just have to prove you were in possession of a certain amount of a given substance. These charges can be challenging, but the right Durham drug trafficking lawyer can give you a fighting chance.

Learn more about Drug Trafficking

Federal Crimes

Misdemeanor or felony federal charges should be taken very seriously. Often — though not always — the penalties for a federal charge are greater than those for comparable state charges. Going up against even low-level federal charges can be intimidating, and the most important thing you can do for yourself if you’ve been arrested and charged is to retain an experienced criminal defense attorney. Our federal lawyers in Durham are here to advocate for you even if the odds seem stacked against you.

Learn more about Federal Crimes

Client Testimonial

Take a look at what our clients are saying about our services.

Read More Reviews

I was arrested and charged with DWI as well as ‘Refusal’ to submit to breathalyzer test at a Booze It & Lose It checkpoint in Wake County, NC. Needless to say, it was an extremely stressful situation to deal with as I was also undergoing chemotherapy treatment for terminal cancer at the time. The absolute last thing I needed was another major, life-altering situation. I immediately contacted Benjamin Hiltzheimer & was totally impressed by his straight-forward knowledge, professionalism, empathy and compassion. He treated me with respect and always made time address my questions & concerns, which went a very long way towards alleviating my anxiety so I could focus on the priority of my health. Ben’s integrity and diligence in proving the charges were false resulted in an outcome far beyond my expectations. Both charges were dismissed. I couldn’t be more pleased and want to convey my sincere thanks and gratitude for superb representation. If you’re in need of a lawyer who believes in justice and fights your fight like it was his own, I highly recommend Benjamin Hiltzheimer.

If anyone needs a criminal lawyer Ben is you who you want representing you. I was the victim of a domestic situation in which I found myself in a fight or flight position. This reaction resulted in numerous counts of felonies charges to include Assault with intent. These charges took a huge impact on my life and my career. I am happy to say that Ben was able to accept my case. During the initial consult he gave me his full attention, He listened to my side of the story and he demonstrated a caring genuine concern for the type of charges I had endure. He expressed his passion for justice, and in my case I had been dealt an unfair hand. Ben worked diligently on my case. His professionalism was amazingly outstanding, He always returned calls, he made himself accessible at all times. I was able to communicate with him round the clock ( 7/24) with every concern and questions. Considering the sensitivity of the severe charges I was given, Ben was able to successfully clear me 100% from all charges. Ben demonstrated his knowledge, experience and passion for justice through these results. I am eternally grateful for all the hard work he did on my behalf. I am now able to get back to my life and career. Thank You Ben Hiltzheimer.

After a low key New Year’s dinner, my worst nightmare happened. While driving home I was pulled and arrested for a DWI. Having never been arrested and having only a simple speeding ticket prior, to say the least I was having major concerns and stress over what next. I have never been in the legal system in my entire life. I researched online and contacted several attorneys. Most didn’t answer, some took messages, however Ben was back with me in 15 minutes. I had a lot of questions being the first time and he set up an appointment right away. After that initial interview, I knew I had my attorney. He was very detailed and supportive. He outlined clearly my next steps and spent hours working to get my case resolved. I truly felt he cared about my case. I cannot tell you enough how Ben’s persistence, patience, confidence and hard work saved me. He chipped away on the case until we finally got a break with evidence and errors. I truly believe that your understanding of the DUI trial process, dedication and the way you handled the case saved me from a conviction.

Contact Us Now

It’s easy to feel alone when you’re facing criminal charges, but we’ll stand by you when it seems no one will. If you need a defense lawyer who will tirelessly fight for you, call us!

Hiltzheimer Law Office

When it comes to choosing a defense attorney, you have options. That’s why we strive every day to go above and beyond. We’re here to be your advocates — but we’ll also offer you the compassionate support you need.