We Go to Battle to
Protect Your Freedom

We focus on criminal law, domestic violence restraining orders, and LGBTQIA+ name and gender correction. Our Firm brings 10+ years of legal experience to you.

We believe everyone deserves equal treatment under the law. Our clients deserve special treatment and attention from their attorney.

We have defended thousands of clients in North Carolina with charges ranging from misdemeanors to more serious complex felonies.

Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyers

Facing Criminal Charges? You Don’t Have to Do It Alone.

Discovering that you or a loved one is under investigation or facing criminal charges can be overwhelming. The promise of “innocent until proven guilty” may feel distant when navigating the legal system.

At Scharff Law Firm, we provide steadfast and compassionate legal representation to protect your rights and ensure you receive fair treatment.

Beyond criminal defense, we are committed to domestic violence prevention and offer skilled legal support as a name change attorney for LGBTQIA+ individuals.

Experienced Advocacy in Raleigh and Beyond

We serve Raleigh, North Carolina, and surrounding areas, advocating for those facing criminal allegations. Our firm’s founder, Jesse Scharff (now retired), dedicated his legal career to defending the rights of those accused of crimes.

Attorney Amily McCool brings a unique perspective from her years as a Wake County prosecutor, using her deep understanding of the legal system to defend those facing charges. With two decades of experience in the anti-domestic violence field, she helps survivors seek protection and navigate legal challenges. Additionally, she is a dedicated name and gender marker change attorney, assisting clients across North Carolina.

Justice. Dignity. Relentless Advocacy.

No matter your situation, you deserve a legal team that fights tirelessly for your rights. At Scharff Law Firm, we are here to stand by your side.

we want you to know that there is a roadmap towards hope.

– Scharff Law Firm

Free Consultation

We provide free consultations both over the phone and in person. During the consultation we will discuss your case and goals, explain the court process in detail, and describe how we can support you.

Our Areas of Expertise

DWI/DUI

Name changes

Gender marker correction

Drug Crimes

Theft/Larceny

Drug DWI

Expunctions

Domestic Violence

Restraining orders

underage drinking

traffic law

Sworn to Protect Our Client’s Liberty

Kudos to Amily and the firm for the extra effort towards client care.

Scharff Law Firm and Amily McCool are the absolute best law firm and individual lawyer that I have ever encountered. The follow through and level of professionalism experienced are unmatched. From the first consultation to the final court date, Amily made me feel like a friend that she wanted to help. When you are in a vulnerable state and have to hire the services of a professional, it is refreshing to have someone treat you like a friend, not a case number.

Criminal Defense Client

I’m so glad I hired her! I’m sure I wouldn’t have gotten the same good results without her assistance.

Amily McCool was just wonderful in helping me get a permanent Domestic Violence Protective Order in Wake County. She answered the phone when I first called and arranged an office consultation the same day. She listened well to understand the situation, clearly explained the options, patiently answered my questions, promptly responded to my text messages, incorporated my suggestions in the draft order, and negotiated with the defendant to obtain terms that were fair, addressed my concerns, made me feel safe, and were agreed to by the defendant and approved by the judge.

Restraining Order/DVPO Client

Types of Cases We Handle

Misdemeanors and felonies. From simple shoplifting misdemeanors to felony drug charges, you’ll want legal representation that fights for you with the same passion every time. No charge is too simple or too complex. Our firm has experience with many diverse misdemeanors and felonies in Raleigh and the Wake County area.

As your legal representation, our defense firm can help you fight the charges. If you’re facing a conviction, that may be when you need our assistance most. We want to make sure anyone convicted of a misdemeanor or felony only receives punishment that is fair. Every case is different, and our personalized approach allows us to cater our defense strategy to our clients.

The types of cases we can help you with include,
but are not limited to:

  • Drug charges including possession, intent to distribute and trafficking
  • Traffic violations
  • DWI (Driving While Impaired)
  • Domestic violence
  • Expunctions
  • Campus/Title IX
  • Name & Gender Identity Marker Corrections
  • Theft
  • Restraining Orders

“Everyone deserves equal treatment under the law. Our clients deserve special treatment and attention from their attorney.”

– Amily McCool

Here to Help

If you have questions about how our practice can help you, call us today for a free consultation. While we cannot make any guarantees during the consultation, we can provide you with a better understanding of what you face. Remember that timing is often a key factor when developing a defense strategy.