William D. Young IV, Criminal Defense Attorney in Raleigh, North Carolina
Over 35 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
PartneratHatch, Little & Bunn, L.L.P.
Raleigh, NC
Practicing criminal defense in Raleigh since 1991.
- 35+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 5 client reviews
- 1
- Bar admission
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Quick answer
William D. Young IV is a partner based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. William has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hatch, Little & Bunn, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
- Based in
- Raleigh, NC
- Experience
- over 35 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Raleigh, NC.
- Over 35 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About William D. Young IV: William D. Young IV is a partner based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. William has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hatch, Little & Bunn, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Areas of practice
Legal matters William takes on
William concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, litigation, and probation. Each area below outlines the kind of case William 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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Litigation
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Probation
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Traffic
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Criminal Defense cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
William 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 William agrees to represent you.
Drug Crimes cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
William 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 William agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
William 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 William agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
William takes litigation 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 William agrees to represent you.
Probation cases in Raleigh, North Carolina
William takes probation 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 William agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet William D. Young IV — criminal defense lawyer in Raleigh
William D. Young IV is a partner based in Raleigh, NC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. William has over 35 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hatch, Little & Bunn, L.L.P.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 5 client reviews.
Bill Young has defended clients in Wake County for more than 25 years against charges such as murder, drug trafficking, sexual assault, DWI, and a list of other felony and misdemeanor charges.
For the last quarter-century, Bill Young’s practice has been dedicated to the practice of criminal defense in both district and superior court. While experienced in the most egregious of cases, he regularly handles cases involving traffic violations, charges of driving while impaired, assault, battery, larceny, domestic violence, and drug offenses.
Bill Young is a former Wake County Magistrate Judge and graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law. While presiding as Magistrate Judge, Bill furthered his study of law through the night program at NCCU Law. Bill earned his juris doctorate from NCCU Law in 1991. Bill joined Hatch, Little & Bunn, LLP in 1993 as associate and was elevated to partner in 1996.
Prior to Law School, Bill attended North Carolina State University where his passion for defending American liberty and the US Constitution was ever-present. In addition to celebrating NCSU’s 1983 National Championship, Bill was active in peaceful demonstrations against cruel and unusual punishments and coordinating campus wide forums on liberty during our nation’s bicentennial. This commitment to jurisprudence was memorialized in the centerfold photograph the April, 1987 U.S. News and World Report magazine’s celebration of America’s bicentennial. Bill Young remains connected to his alma-maters often participating in campus events and assisting fellow alums when possible. Bill Young is a devoted NC State Wolfpack and NCCU Eagles fan.
Bill Young has served on the board of directors for Interact and was appointed by the Wake County Commissioners to the board of directors for the Juvenile Crime Prevention Council from 1999–2001. Bill Young has served on the steering committees of both the Criminal Justice Section of the North Carolina Bar Association and the Domestic Offenders Sentenced Education Program (DOSE), in addition to his work on the North Carolina Bar Association’s Domestic Violence Task Force and the North Carolina State University Social Work Advisory Council.
Bill Young is a member of the Wake County Bar, the 10th Judicial District Bar, the North Carolina Bar Association, the American Bar Association, and the Wake County Academy of Criminal Trial Lawyers. Business North Carolina Magazine again recently selected Bill Young as a 2025 Business North Carolina Legal Elite for Criminal Defense. Martindale-Hubbell has ranked Bill Young as “distinguished” for his high professional achievement and peer endorsements.
Recognition
- 2018, 2020-2025 Business North Carolina Legal Elite Criminal Lawyer
- 2020 Lawyers of Distinction Membership Selection
- 2019 and 2020 The National Trial Lawyers selection for Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer, North Carolina
- 2019 Nomination in the field of law for Who’s Who in America2019 Selection for “10 Best Attorneys” for North Carolina – American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
- 2017 - Best Of Downtowner Awards - Triangle Downtowner Magazine2017 INDY Week, Best of the Triangle – Attorney at Law
- 2014 Business North Carolina Legal Elite Criminal Lawyer2013 INDY Week, Best of the Triangle – Attorney at Law
Working with William on a criminal defense matter
Bill Young has defended clients in Wake County for more than 25 years against charges such as murder, drug trafficking, sexual assault, DWI, and a list of other felony and misdemeanor charges. For the last quarter-century, Bill Young’s practice has been dedicated to the practice of criminal defense in both district and superior court. While experienced in the most egregious of cases, he regularly…
Clients William works with
William reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Raleigh and the surrounding North Carolina area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
North Carolina Central University
J.D. · 1991
North Carolina State University
B.S.W. · 1985
Jurisdictions
William's state bar admissions
North Carolina
1991 · ACTIVE
William studied at J.D. in North Carolina Central University and B.S.W. in North Carolina State University.
Law school and academic background
William completed J.D. in North Carolina Central University and B.S.W. in North Carolina State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice William runs in North Carolina is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
William has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
William D. Young IV's office in Raleigh
William's primary office is at 2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550, Raleigh, NC, 27608. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Hatch, Little & Bunn, L.L.P.
2626 Glenwood Avenue, Suite 550
Raleigh, NC 27608
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of William D. Young IV — 5.0/5 rating from 5 verified client reviews
Every review below is from a verified client of William. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Raleigh.
5.0
5 client reviews
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once William D. Young IV claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire William D. Young IV — 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 William usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
William charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain William'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; William 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 William
William 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. William confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
William'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 William D. Young IV
How much does it cost to hire William for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. William walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does William offer a free consultation?
William charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain William's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check William'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. William gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can William take my case if I'm outside Raleigh?
William 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 — William 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 William?
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. William will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is William accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
William'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
William 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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