William F. Finn Jr.

Eastern District of North Carolina Federal Criminal Defense Attorney
Biography
Education
Professional Associations

Criminal Defense Lawyer in Raleigh

Bill Finn was raised in the Triangle and graduated from North Carolina State University in 1990. Following his graduation from NC State, Bill worked as an Adult Probation and Parole Officer in Wake County.

In 1996, Bill enrolled at the Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law at Campbell University. While at Campbell University, he was chosen by faculty representatives to compete on the six member National Trial Team and was a recipient of the prestigious Order of Old Kivett. Bill has been invited to teach at his Alma Mater as part of the Campbell University Continuing Legal Education program, and has been featured as a guest speaker at CLE program lectures.

In 1999, Bill graduated from law school and accepted a position as an Assistant District Attorney in Durham County. After a six month stay in Durham County, Bill returned to Wake County as an Assistant District Attorney. During his time in Wake County, he took on multiple roles which built his skills as a defense lawyer. This included handling thousands of DWI cases and misdemeanor offenses. He also gained experience as the Chief Prosecutor of the Domestic Violence courtroom and the sole prosecutor handling cases that involved appealing misdemeanor convictions in the Superior Court.

Bill was then promoted to Felony Prosecutor to take on serious, complex, and violent felony offenses. At the Wake County District Attorney’s office, Bill’s experience in jury trials included prosecuting murder, arson, and armed robbery cases, among others.

In 1998, Bill was hand-picked by the elected District Attorney to join a state-wide panel of experts to write and edit the North Carolina Prosecutors Guide to DWIs. The manual was distributed statewide to the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys and is still referred to in North Carolina by D.A.s while prosecuting DWIs.

In 2002, Bill joined Andrew Sandman in private practice, making the shift to defense attorney, where he represents those who are charged with serious criminal offenses in Wake County. He also is a federal criminal defense attorney, representing clients in the Eastern District of North Carolina.

If you have been arrested, trust Raleigh criminal defense attorney William F. Finn, Jr. Sandman, Finn & Fitzhugh can be reached at (919) 887-8040 to schedule a free initial consultation.

Education & Experience:

  • 1990 B.A. North Carolina State University
  • 1992 – 1996 Adult Probation Parole Officer
  • 1999 J.D. Campbell University
  • 1999 – 2000 Assistant District Attorney Durham County
  • 2000 – 2002 Assistant District Attorney Wake County
  • 2010 Named Legal Elite in Criminal Law by Business North Carolina Magazine
  • 2011 Named Legal Elite in Criminal Law by Business North Carolina Magazine

Member:

  • North Carolina Bar Association
  • North Carolina Academy of Trial Lawyers
  • National DWI Defense College
  • American Bar Association
  • Campbell University National Trial Team

William F. Finn Jr.'s Testimonials

“Thank you for everything you did for my case.” Where my case seemed to be an "Open and Shut" guilty case, Bill listened to the circumstance and developed a plan of attack. His willingness to assist was beyond appreciated!
by Daniel
“My ticket was reduced” Mr. Finn handled my speeding ticket quickly and easily. With just a quick phone call with him and then his office and a reasonable fee, my ticket was reduced to improper equipment without even going to court.
by Stephen
“He is outstanding!!!” Bill defended me in a DUI case and he took apart the arresting officers field sobriety test step by step. I will without hesitation recommend him to anyone that has a DUI charge. He is outstanding!!!
by Ed
“Bill Finn is an exceptional lawyer.” He works extremely hard to achieve your desired result. Just recently, we won a case that I thought had no shot. I would certainly recommend Bill Finn to anyone in the triangle. It was a pleasure to work with him and it was incredible to watch him win my case. He understands how to put his client in the best possible situation to achieve the desired result.
by Anonymous
“DUI charge was dismissed” First and foremost my recommendation for Attorney William Finn Jr. came from a gentleman that has worked closely with Mr. Finn in the courtroom and fully aware of his knowledge of the law, interactions with the public and court system. Before I met with Finn I was informed of his character and knew that my case would be taken care of in a timely and professional manner. My initial meeting in his office consisted of case data which involved a DUI/ failure to maintain lane. Mr. Finn explained the multiple outcomes with how my case could resolve and with each outcome, the resolve and solution as to what to do next. I never felt uncomfortable about any meeting or conversation. Mr. Finn always treated me with the utmost respect. My entire case from first meeting to court resolve was a total of 14 months. My DUI charge was dismissed but my failure to maintain lane change was not. If there is ever a need for a lawyer either with me (I hope I don't though :) ) or family/ friends Mr. Finn would be my first and only option.
by Anonymous

Our Team

Berryman J. Fitzhugh, III

Former Wake County Asst District Attorney

During his tenure at the District Attorney's Office in Raleigh, Trey prosecuted felonies, misdemeanors, DWI cases, and other criminal offenses.

Andrew K. Sandman

Former Wake County Asst District Attorney

Mr. Sandman has served as the Chief Prosecutor for all of the misdemeanor courtrooms for Wake County.