Howard Cummings

Howard Cummings

  • Criminal Law, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence
  • North Carolina
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Claimed Lawyer Profile
Biography

Howard Cummings is a tenured criminal litigator who brings a wealth of knowledge, resources, and insight into the criminal defense team at Tharrington Smith.

Howard served as Deputy Assistant District Attorney for Wake County for nearly three decades. During his tenure at the DA’s office, he handled thousands of criminal matters and became 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 a member of the North Carolina Bar Association, and both Wake and Pitt County Bar. He has served two terms on the Wake County Bar Association Board of Directions and was on the design team for the Wake County Justice Center. Howard has enjoyed fellowship in the American College of Trial Attorneys since 2017 and is the winner of the 2016 Gilchrist Award from the North Carolina Bar Association. The prosecutorial companion to the Wade Smith Justice Award, given annually to one lawyer since 2008.

As an alumnus, Howard has remained active at North Carolina State University, serving on the Club Board of Directions, Club Pool Committee and Club Audit Committee.

Howard has been a frequent presenter at continuing education training conferences, sponsored by the North Carolina Conference of District Attorneys. He has presented on substantive topics, as well as ethics and mental health issues.

Howard is married and has two daughters.

Practice Areas
Criminal Law
Criminal Appeals, Drug Crimes, Expungement, Fraud, Gun Crimes, Internet Crimes, Sex Crimes, Theft, Violent Crimes
DUI & DWI
Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
Jurisdictions Admitted to Practice
North Carolina
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Professional Experience
Attorney
Wake County District Attorney's Office
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Attorney
Private Practice
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Attorney
Pitt County District Attorney’s Office
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Education
Campbell Law School
J.D. | Law
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North Carolina State University
B.S. | Civil Engineering
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Professional Associations
Wake County Bar Association,
Member
- Current
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10th Judicial District Bar
Member
- Current
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North Carolina State Bar
Member
- Current
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American Bar Association
Member
- Current
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Pitt County Bar,
Member
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Wake County Bar Association
Member
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10th Judicial District Bar
Member
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Websites & Blogs
Website
Tharrington Smith LLP
Contact & Map
Tharrington Smith LLP
150 Fayetteville Street Suite 1800
Raleigh, NC 27601
Toll-Free: (919) 821-4711
Telephone: (919) 821-4711