“The knowledge, kindness, and professionalism that the attorneys and their office staff have consistently displayed are unprecedented in the field.”
DON'T LET ONE ACCUSATION CHANGE EVERYTHING.
An accusation is not a conviction — but what you do next can decide what happens to your record, your job, your gun rights, your family, and your freedom. Even a misunderstanding or a false claim can move fast. Don't face it alone.
It’s never just an accusation.
A domestic violence charge in North Carolina reaches into every corner of your life — often before your first court date. Every day without counsel is a day the State builds its case and your options narrow.
Your freedom & record
A conviction is permanent and surfaces on every background check — and some domestic violence charges are felonies.
Your gun rights
A domestic violence conviction or protective order can strip your right to own or possess firearms.
Your family & home
Protective orders (50B) can remove you from your home and restrict contact with your children before anything is proven.
What you may be facing.
North Carolina treats domestic violence allegations severely — and the penalties escalate quickly. These are some of the charges our defense team handles every week.
Assault by Strangulation
Felony · max 39 months in prison
Assault on a Female
Max 150 days in jail
Simple Assault
Max 60 days
Misdemeanor Crime of Domestic Violence
Up to 150 days
Communicating Threats
Max 120 days
Cyberstalking & Harassing Phone Calls
Max 60 days
Domestic Criminal Trespass
Max 120 days
Sexual Battery
Max 150 days · potential long-term consequences
Violation of a DVPO (Protective Order)
Max 150 days — even for a first violation
These cases often trigger added consequences — loss of gun rights, restrictive protective orders, and harsher penalties for repeat allegations.
SETH BLUM, FOUNDING ATTORNEY
Protecting your rights is the first move. Everything else follows.
Our domestic violence defense is led by trial attorneys focused on protecting your rights at every stage. We scrutinize the accusation, the evidence, and the procedure — and we don't take shortcuts. When you call, you speak with the people who will actually defend you. Seth A. Blum (Founding Attorney), Colby Berry, and Will Shuford handle these cases.
criminal courts
NC courtrooms
reviews
“Well-versed in the law, very thorough in preparation and know their way around the courthouse.”
HOW WE DEFEND.
Every case is different, but there are three places where we can take apart the case against you. At each stage, if the State can't prove its case — we win.
01
Step 1
Scrutinize the accusation.
Scrutinize the accusation.
Domestic violence accusations often arise amid divorce, custody, or breakup disputes — situations where there is real motive to exaggerate or fabricate.
We examine who's making the claim, why, and whether the story holds together.
02
Step 2
Investigate the evidence independently.
Investigate the evidence independently.
We obtain the evidence ourselves rather than accepting the State's version:
- Police reports and 911 recordings
- Photographs and medical records
- Text messages and digital communications
- Independent witness accounts
Then we expose the inconsistencies, gaps, and self-defense facts the State overlooks.
03
Step 3
Protect your rights and fight the protective order.
Protect your rights and fight the protective order.
We can defend you at the DVPO hearing, protect your gun rights and your contact with your kids, and push for dismissal or reduction at every stage.
If the State can't prove its case… we win.
Your rights come first — at every hearing.
Clients who were STRONGLY DEFENDED.
“I will never recommend anyone else as this firm could not have done a better job. If you were looking to find representation please do yourself and family a favor call Kurtz & Blum.”
“Thorough, diligent, and willing to give my defense her best effort. Her knowledge and experience in the courtroom were key factors in the outcome I received.”
“The knowledge, kindness, and professionalism that the attorneys and their office staff have consistently displayed are unprecedented in the field.”
“Well-versed in the law, very thorough in preparation and know their way around the courthouse. They kept me informed at every single step.”
“Thanks to their help, my case was handled efficiently and with a good outcome. I’m very grateful to the Kurtz & Blum team.”
“They explained every option honestly, answered my calls, and never made me feel judged. I finally felt like someone was in my corner.”
FROM YOUR CALL TO YOUR DEFENSE.
Talk to our defense team
Call or submit the form. We aim to respond quickly during working hours — confidentially and with no obligation.
Protect your rights
We respond to protective orders and court deadlines before the window closes.
Investigate & dismantle the case
We request discovery, gather independent evidence, and file the motions that matter.
Dismiss or try
We pursue the best outcome the evidence allows — fully prepared to take it to trial.
The sooner you act, the more we can protect.
Evidence fades. Protective-order deadlines don't. Early defense protects your record, your rights, and your family.
Meet Our Criminal Defense Attorneys
If you're facing criminal charges in Wake County or anywhere in North Carolina, our experienced Raleigh criminal law attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
Attorneys Focusing on Criminal Defense:
Frequently Asked Questions
If yours isn't here, ask when you speak with our defense team. We'll tell you what we honestly believe — not what's easiest to hear.
Should I just plead guilty to get it over with?
Rarely without review. An accusation isn't proof; the State must prove its case, and false or exaggerated domestic violence claims are common. Get the evidence reviewed first.
My accuser wants to drop the charges. Won't it just go away?
Not automatically. In North Carolina the State — not the accuser — decides whether to prosecute. Even an unwilling accuser doesn't end the case, which is exactly why you need counsel.
There's a protective order (50B) against me. What does that mean?
It can bar contact, remove you from your home, and affect custody and gun rights — before any criminal conviction. We represent you at the hearing and defend your rights.
Will I lose my gun rights?
A domestic violence conviction or an active protective order can. Protecting those rights is part of how we defend the case.
How soon do I need a lawyer?
Immediately. Footage and evidence can disappear, deadlines run fast, and early decisions shape everything that follows.
Will this follow me forever?
A conviction can — but a dismissed or reduced charge is a very different story, and North Carolina has expanded expungement eligibility. Early, strategic defense is how you protect your record.
Don’t wait for your court date.
Tell us what happened — as much as you're ready to share. A member of our Kurtz & Blum team will respond personally and get you on the phone with one of our skilled attorneys. The call is free, confidential, and we aim to respond within 15 minutes during working hours.