Howard J. Cummings - Raleigh, NC
Attorney at Tharrington Smith LLP
Criminal Defense Lawyers in Raleigh, NC
150 Fayetteville Street Suite 1900 Raleigh, NC 27601
Raleigh Criminal Defense Lawyer
Updated: 03/02/2026
Areas of Practice
- Criminal Defense
- DWI & Traffic Matters
- Drug Crimes
- Domestic Violence Offenses
- Criminal Law And Business Crimes Defense
- Larceny & Property Crimes
Attorney Information
Overview
Howard Cummings is a tenured criminal litigator who served as Deputy Assistant District Attorney for Wake County for nearly three decades. He brings a wealth of knowledge, resources, and insight to the criminal defense team at Tharrington Smith.
Licensed to practice in North Carolina in 1979, Howard was a private practice lawyer in Pitt for several years before moving to Raleigh and joining the DA’s office. During his tenure, he saw the DA’s office expand from 15 attorneys to several dozens. Through thousands of criminal matters, Howard has been known for fairness and compassion, which he displayed to victims and offenders alike. Upon his retirement from the District Attorney’s office in late 2018, Governor Roy Cooper bestowed to him fellowship in the Order of the Long Leaf Pine in recognition of his service to the state.
Howard is the winner of the 2016 Gilchrist Award from the North Carolina Bar Association. The prosecutorial companion to the Wade Smith Justice Award, it is given annually to one lawyer since 2008. Howard has enjoyed fellowship in the American College of Trial Attorneys since 2017.
Awards and Honors
Honors
- Order of the Long Leaf Pine, 2018
- Fellow, American College of Trial Attorneys, 2017
- Gilchrist Award, North Carolina Bar Association, 2016
Education
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Legal Education
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Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law,
Buies Creek,
North Carolina, 1979
J.D.
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Campbell University Norman Adrian Wiggins School of Law,
Buies Creek,
North Carolina, 1979
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Non Legal Education
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North Carolina State University,
Raleigh,
North Carolina, 1976
B.S., Bachelor of Science
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North Carolina State University,
Raleigh,
North Carolina, 1976
Current Employment Position(s)
-
Attorney
Past Positions
- Wake County District Attorney’s Office, Raleigh, NC, 1989-2018
- Private Practice, Pitt, County NC, 1983-1989
- Wake County Bar Association and Tenth Judicial Bar Board of Directors – 2 Terms
- Justice Complex Design Team Leader
Classes and Seminars
- N. C. Conference of District Attorney’s – Presenter at annual conference CLE training on substantive topics, ethics and mental health.
Pro Bono Activities
- NCSU University Club Board of Directors
- NCSU University Club Pool Committee
- NCSU University Club Audit Committee
- City of Greenville NC Board of Adjustments – Past Chairman
Other Affiliations
- North Carolina State Bar, 1999
- Wake County Bar Association, 1999
- 10th Judicial District Bar, 1999
- North Carolina Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section (Member)
- North Carolina Advocates for Justice
- American Bar Association
- American College of Trial Attorneys, 2017 - Present (Fellow)
Photo
Contact
150 Fayetteville Street
Suite 1900
Raleigh, NC 27601
Phone: 919-821-4711
Fax: 919-829-1583
Email: Send a message
Website: http://tharringtonsmith.com
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