When you’re facing criminal charges, every attorney claims to be experienced. But how do you separate genuine expertise from marketing? In North Carolina, the Board of Legal Specialization offers a rigorous certification process that distinguishes lawyers who have proven their competence in specific practice areas.
I became a Board Certified Specialist in State and Federal Criminal Law in 2016, and I was recertified in 2021. This certification matters because it represents something concrete: demonstrated expertise verified by the North Carolina State Bar itself.
The Certification Requirements
Becoming board certified is not simply a matter of paying a fee or attending a seminar. The North Carolina State Bar requires attorneys to meet substantial criteria before granting this distinction. First, you must devote at least 25 percent of your practice time to criminal law. This ensures that certified specialists are actively practicing in the field, not merely dabbling occasionally.
Second, peers must confirm your ability. This means other attorneys, judges, and legal professionals vouch for your competence. In a profession where reputation matters enormously, this peer review component carries significant weight.
Third, you must pass a comprehensive six-hour examination covering state and federal criminal law. This test evaluates your knowledge of constitutional protections, evidentiary rules, sentencing guidelines, and procedural requirements.
Why This Matters for Your Case
In Wake County, fewer than twelve attorneys hold this certification. Statewide, fewer than one hundred lawyers have earned the designation in both state and federal criminal law. When you’re facing serious charges—whether it’s a state felony or a federal prosecution—you want someone who has invested in mastering the complexities of criminal practice.
Criminal defense is not a field where general knowledge suffices. The Federal Sentencing Guidelines alone fill hundreds of pages. North Carolina’s structured sentencing system operates under entirely different rules. A board certified specialist has demonstrated familiarity with both systems.
Beyond the Certificate
Certification alone does not make a great defense attorney. Trial experience matters enormously. In my career, I have tried more than 25 jury trials in both state and federal courts. I have secured acquittals in murder cases, beaten federal firearm charges, and convinced juries to reject government theories in complex conspiracy prosecutions.
The combination of certification, trial experience, and results creates the foundation for effective representation. When I meet with potential clients, I explain that board certification represents a baseline of competence—proof that I have met objective standards established by the State Bar.
If you’re facing criminal charges and want to learn more about how certification and experience translate into defense strategy, I invite you to contact The Chetson Firm for a confidential consultation.