Howard Cummings, Attorney

When facing criminal charges, the stakes are incredibly high. The legal system can be complex and intimidating, and the outcome can significantly impact your future. For individuals across North Carolina who find themselves in such a challenging situation, securing the right legal representation is not just a choice, but a necessity. This is precisely where an attorney with the extensive experience and unique perspective of Howard Cummings becomes an invaluable asset.

Howard Cummings is a highly respected and tenured criminal litigator based in Raleigh, North Carolina. What truly sets Howard apart is his profound background: he served for nearly three decades as a Deputy Assistant District Attorney for Wake County. This remarkable tenure means he has been on the other side of the courtroom for thousands of criminal matters, granting him an unparalleled understanding of prosecutorial strategies, evidence presentation, and the inner workings of the criminal justice system from the state's perspective. For anyone in North Carolina accused of a crime, this insider knowledge is an immense advantage in building a robust defense.

During his long career as a prosecutor, Howard became known for his fairness and compassion, qualities he extended to both victims and offenders. Upon his retirement from the District Attorney's office, Governor Roy Cooper even honored him with a fellowship in the prestigious Order of the Long Leaf Pine, recognizing his exceptional service to the state. Now, channeling his vast experience into criminal defense, Howard brings a wealth of knowledge, resources, and insight to clients facing charges ranging from DUI/DWI and domestic violence to more serious offenses like drug crimes, sex crimes, and violent crimes. He is adept at handling criminal appeals, expungements, fraud, gun crimes, internet crimes, and theft.

Choosing a criminal defense attorney means entrusting someone with your freedom and your future. For those in North Carolina seeking a lawyer who combines extensive courtroom experience, a deep understanding of prosecutorial tactics, and a compassionate approach, Howard Cummings stands out as a highly competent and reliable advocate. His commitment to protecting the rights of the accused is unwavering, providing clients with peace of mind during one of the most challenging times of their lives.

When facing legal challenges, convenience and accessibility to your attorney are paramount. Howard Cummings’ office is strategically located in the heart of North Carolina’s vibrant capital city, Raleigh, ensuring easy access for clients from across the state. You can find his office at:

150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA

This prime downtown Raleigh address places the office within the prominent Wells Fargo Building on Fayetteville Street, a central and easily identifiable thoroughfare. For clients traveling from various parts of North Carolina—whether from major metropolitan areas like Charlotte and Greensboro, or from closer communities within the Triangle region such as Durham and Chapel Hill—the office provides a convenient and well-connected meeting point. Its central location also ensures proximity to state and federal courthouses, as well as various legal and governmental institutions, which can be advantageous for legal proceedings and related activities. The area around Fayetteville Street offers a variety of parking options, and Raleigh’s robust public transportation system also provides convenient access. This strategic and accessible location underscores Howard Cummings’ commitment to being readily available and responsive to the needs of his North Carolina clients.

Howard Cummings specializes in a comprehensive range of criminal defense services, leveraging his extensive experience as a former prosecutor to provide robust representation. His key areas of practice include:

• Criminal Defense: Providing zealous representation for individuals accused of various criminal offenses.
• DUI & DWI: Defending clients against charges related to driving under the influence or while impaired.
• Domestic Violence: Handling criminal defense cases involving domestic violence accusations and related restraining orders.
• Drug Crimes: Representing clients facing charges related to drug possession, distribution, manufacturing, and trafficking.
• Expungement: Assisting eligible individuals in clearing their criminal records to improve future opportunities.
• Fraud: Defending against allegations of fraud, including financial fraud, identity theft, and other white-collar crimes.
• Gun Crimes: Providing legal defense for charges involving firearms and weapons offenses.
• Internet Crimes: Addressing legal issues arising from internet-related offenses, including cybercrime and online fraud.
• Sex Crimes: Offering experienced defense for sensitive and complex sex crime allegations.
• Theft & Property Crimes: Representing clients accused of larceny, robbery, burglary, and other property-related offenses.
• Violent Crimes: Defending individuals facing charges for violent offenses such as assault, battery, and homicide.
• Criminal Appeals: Handling appeals of criminal convictions to seek new trials or overturn judgments.
• Traffic Matters: Addressing various traffic violations beyond DWI, including reckless driving and serious citations.
• Business Crimes Defense: Advising and representing individuals and businesses implicated in criminal matters related to commercial activities.

Howard Cummings’ distinguished career is marked by several significant features and highlights that underscore his expertise and unique qualifications as a leading criminal defense attorney in North Carolina:

• Nearly Three Decades as a Prosecutor: Served as Deputy Assistant District Attorney for Wake County for almost 30 years, providing an unparalleled insider's perspective on prosecutorial strategies, state procedures, and courthouse dynamics.
• Extensive Trial Experience: Handled thousands of criminal matters during his tenure as a prosecutor, making him a highly seasoned litigator with vast courtroom experience.
• Recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine: Awarded this prestigious honor by Governor Roy Cooper upon his retirement from the DA's office, recognizing his exceptional service to the State of North Carolina.
• Gilchrist Award Winner: Recipient of the 2016 Gilchrist Award from the North Carolina Bar Association, a significant recognition for his contributions to the legal profession and the criminal justice system.
• Fellow of the American College of Trial Attorneys: Inducted into this elite organization in 2017, a testament to his exemplary skills and reputation as a trial lawyer.
• Known for Fairness and Compassion: Throughout his career, he has been recognized for his balanced and empathetic approach to legal matters, benefiting both victims and offenders.
• Recognized by Best Lawyers: Consistently listed in The Best Lawyers in America® for Criminal Defense: General Practice (2021-2025), reflecting consistent peer recognition for his professional excellence.
• Active in Bar Associations: A member of the North Carolina Bar Association, Wake County Bar Association, and Pitt County Bar, and has served on the Wake County Bar Association Board of Directors for two terms.
• Involvement in Justice Center Design: Served on the design team for the Wake County Justice Center, offering practical insight into the facilities and operations of the local judicial system.

While specific, publicly advertised promotions or special offers are not consistently listed for Howard Cummings' practice, it is a common and highly beneficial practice within the legal profession for criminal defense attorneys to offer initial consultations. For individuals in North Carolina who are facing criminal charges, DUI/DWI accusations, domestic violence allegations, or other serious legal issues, it is highly recommended to contact his office directly to inquire about their consultation policies. A free or low-cost initial discussion can be an invaluable opportunity to outline the specifics of your case, gain preliminary insights into potential defense strategies, and determine how Howard Cummings’ extensive experience and unique background as a former prosecutor align with your immediate legal needs. This direct engagement allows for a personalized assessment of your situation before committing to full legal representation.

To connect with Howard Cummings and his legal team, you can utilize the following contact details:

• Address: 150 Fayetteville St #1900, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
• Phone: (919) 821-4711
• Mobile Phone: +1 919-821-4711

These direct contact points ensure that you can easily reach out to discuss your criminal defense needs. The team is prepared to assist you in scheduling a consultation or providing further information about their services, ensuring timely and effective communication during what can be a stressful time.

For individuals across North Carolina who are facing criminal charges, the need for skilled, insightful, and locally knowledgeable legal representation is paramount. Howard Cummings is exceptionally well-suited for locals due to his unparalleled experience within the North Carolina criminal justice system, his strategic location, and his reputation for both legal prowess and compassionate advocacy.

His nearly three decades as a Deputy Assistant District Attorney for Wake County provide an invaluable insider's perspective. For locals, this means having a defense attorney who intimately understands how prosecutors build their cases, what evidence they prioritize, and how local courts operate. This knowledge is not theoretical; it's born from direct, daily involvement in thousands of cases, giving his clients a distinct strategic advantage. Whether it’s navigating a DWI charge in Wake County or a more serious felony anywhere in North Carolina, his deep familiarity with the state’s criminal laws and judicial procedures is a crucial asset.

Furthermore, his office in the heart of downtown Raleigh offers unparalleled accessibility for clients throughout North Carolina. This central location ensures convenient in-person meetings and proximity to key legal institutions, including the very courthouses where he has spent decades working. Howard Cummings’ combination of extensive courtroom experience, a compassionate yet tenacious approach to defense, and a profound understanding of the North Carolina criminal justice system makes him an ideal choice for anyone in the region seeking robust and reliable legal representation to protect their rights and future.