
Russell W. DeMent III, Criminal Defense Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
AttorneyatDeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall LLP
Raleigh, NC
Practicing criminal defense in Raleigh since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 4.5 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Russell W. DeMent III?
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Quick answer
Russell W. DeMent III is an attorney based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Russell has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Raleigh, NC
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Raleigh, NC.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Russell W. DeMent III: Russell W. DeMent III is an attorney based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Russell has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Russell's practice areas in Raleigh
Russell concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, expungement, and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Russell handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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Expungement
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General
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Sex Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Russell takes criminal defense matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Russell takes drug crimes matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Russell takes dui/dwi matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
Expungement cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Russell takes expungement matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
General cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
Russell takes general matters in Raleigh, North Carolina. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Russell agrees to represent you.
Biography
Russell W. DeMent III, criminal defense attorney serving Raleigh
Russell W. DeMent III is an attorney based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. Russell has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall LLP. Rated 4.5 out of 5 from 1 client review. Russell works from Raleigh, North Carolina and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Russell W. “Rusty” DeMent III is an experienced Raleigh criminal trial lawyer. He is dedicated to defending clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in North Carolina’ at the state and federal level.
Rusty began his career in the Wake County Prosecutor’s office. There he honed the skill and experience necessary to defend citizens accused of serious crimes like murder, assault, property crime, and drug-related charges. His reputation for success in defending charges of DWI and related traffic crime has been earned through decades of experience in this fast-paced environment. Confident and poised, Rusty has a commanding courtroom presence and resourcefully adapts to variables on the fly. He possesses negotiation tactics necessary to secure the best possible outcomes for those criminally accused.
He is recognized as an AV Preeminent Peer Rated Lawyer by Martindale Hubbell. Rusty is listed in Best Lawyers in America Criminal Defense Practice Section and in the DUI/DWI Defense Section where he was named Lawyer of the Year in 2021. He has been included year after year in Business North Carolina’s Legal Elite and was listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers in 2020. Rusty is ethical, straightforward and aggressive in his defense and advocacy of his clients. He says, “I tell it like it is. I won’t hide the ball. If it’s bad, I’ll tell you. If there are some shots, we’ll take them. Everyone goes in with their eyes wide open.
Professional Recognition
Business North Carolina Magazine Legal Elite, 2009, 2011-12, 2014-16, 2019; Martindale Hubbell AV Preeminent Peer Rated Lawyer; Best Lawyers in America, General Practice: Criminal Defense section since 2017, as well as the DUI/DWI Defense section since 2020; Best Lawyers, Lawyer of the Year, 2021 in DUI/DWI Defense; Best Law Firms Criminal Defense: General Practice, Metro Tier 2, 2018, 2019 and Listed in North Carolina Super Lawyers, 2020.
How Russell handles criminal defense matters
Russell W. “Rusty” DeMent III is an experienced Raleigh criminal trial lawyer. He is dedicated to defending clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges in North Carolina’ at the state and federal level. Rusty began his career in the Wake County Prosecutor’s office. There he honed the skill and experience necessary to defend citizens accused of serious crimes like murder, assault, property…
The kind of cases Russell takes
Russell reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Russell studied and practices
Wake Forest University
J.D. · 1997
Wake Forest University
B.A. · 1994
Jurisdictions
Russell's state bar admissions
U.S. District Court,
1997 · ACTIVE
North Carolina State
1997 · ACTIVE
Russell studied at J.D. in Wake Forest University and B.A. in Wake Forest University.
Law school and academic background
Russell completed J.D. in Wake Forest University and B.A. in Wake Forest University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Russell runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Russell's legal honors and published work
Russell has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
Russell's professional memberships and bar associations
North Carolina State Bar 1997 U
membership
S
membership
District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina North Carolina Advocates for Justice National College of DUI Defense, Inc
membership
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Wake County Bar Association North Carolina Bar Association DUI Defense Lawyers Association American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys National Trial Lawyer Top 100 since 2014
membership
Locations
Russell W. DeMent III's office in Raleigh
Russell's primary office is at Capital Bank Plaza, Suite 1513, 333 Fayetteville Street, Raleigh, NC, 27601. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
DeMent Askew Johnson & Marshall LLP
Capital Bank Plaza, Suite 1513, 333 Fayetteville Street
Raleigh, NC 27601
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Russell W. DeMent III — 4.5/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Russell. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Raleigh.
4.5
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Russell W. DeMent III claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Russell W. DeMent III — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Russell usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Russell charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Russell's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Russell will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Russell
Russell discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Russell confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Russell's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Russell W. DeMent III
How much does it cost to hire Russell for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Russell walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Russell offer a free consultation?
Russell charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Russell's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Russell's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in North Carolina typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Russell gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Russell take my case if I'm outside Raleigh?
Russell is licensed in North Carolina. Matters governed by North Carolina law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Russell will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Russell?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Russell will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Russell accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Russell's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Raleigh, Charlotte and Durham in North Carolina
Russell handles criminal defense matters throughout North Carolina. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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