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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington DC

Our Recommended Top 11

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Washington DC Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

437Reviewed

266Curated

11Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1725 Desales Street Northwest Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (187)
Yelp
4.0 (36)
Avvo
4.6 (21)

Why choose this provider?

Antonoplos & Associates Attorneys At Law represents national corporations, small enterprises, and individuals in Washington, DC. The firm handles a variety of criminal charges, from traffic violations, burglary, and fraud to domestic violence, gun crimes, and sexual assault. Its team of attorneys brings over 20 years of collective industry experience in representing the wrongfully accused before the federal and state courts. They assist them in reinstating suspended licenses, expunging criminal records, and filing Interest of Justice and Actual Innocence Motions.

  • Federal Crime
  • Domestic Violence
  • Arraignment
  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Drug Crimes
  • Internet Crime
  • Expungement
  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Peter Antonoplos - Managing PartnerActive20 yrs

888 17th Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Amy Collins is an esteemed criminal defense lawyer serving clients in Washington, D.C. Since 2022, she has provided aggressive legal representation to people involved in complex and high-profile matters, such as fraud, corruption, money laundering, and tax evasion. During her stint as a trial attorney with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Money Laundering and Asset Recovery Section, she led, coordinated, and supported various notorious federal cases and investigations, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to her defense role. Collins belongs to several legal organizations, including the Women's White Collar Defense Association and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • Federal Crime

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Amy Collins - ownerActive2 yrs

Washingto, DC

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Need help contacting a Criminal Defense Attorney in Washingto? Call our Concierge team at 848-Book-Pro (848-266-5776 from 6 am - 4 pm PT | Mon - Fri). They are standing by to help you get the service you need.

419 7th Street, NW Suite 405, Washington, DC 20004

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (156)
Avvo
5.0 (16)
Facebook
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Rollins & Chan provides legal representation for clients charged with crimes in Washington DC and the nearby areas. Each partner of the firm holds over two decades of legal experience, handling a broad range of cases from simple traffic violations to felony drug charges. Likewise, the firm assists with the expungement of clients' records, which results in the deletion of any record that an arrest or criminal charge ever occurred. Attorneys Mark Rollins and Ada Chan are members of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

  • DWI/DUI

600 F St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (52)
Avvo
4.9 (35)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Scrofano Law PC is a criminal defense firm that has been providing services to individuals in Washington, D.C., and the surrounding metros since 2010. It defends clients who have been charged with a variety of misdemeanor and felony offenses in state and federal courts. The firm handles domestic violence, DUI, hit and run, solicitations, and sex crimes. The lawyers at Scrofano Law PC are also admitted to practice in Maryland and Virginia. Principal Joseph A. Scrofano has litigated over 300 cases in the District of Columbia Superior Court.

  • Federal Crime
  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Scrofano - Founder and Managing PartnerActive14 yrs

2121 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Suite 200, Washington, DC 20007

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (92)
Facebook
5.0 (9)
Avvo
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Liles Parker PLLC, which serves Washington DC, handles criminal defense and civil litigation cases. Its white-collar defense team actively represents corporations and individuals in connection with healthcare fraud, financial crimes, government audits, and investigations. It also assists health care providers and suppliers nationwide with regulatory issues, government audits, compliance-related investigations, and litigation. Additionally, it counsels foreign and domestic individuals and corporations involved in health care, commercial securities, corruption, and whistleblower cases, as well as tax disputes. Liles Parker's team of legal professionals includes former federal prosecutors and former legal counsel for the Department of Health and Human Services.

  • Federal Crime

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Robert Liles - Managing MemberActive23 yrs

409 7th St NW # 222, Washington, DC 20004

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (202)
Avvo
4.9 (65)
Facebook
4.6 (18)

Why choose this provider?

David Benowitz is an attorney who provides services to clients in the Washington, D.C., metro and the surrounding communities. He offers legal advice and representation in various criminal defense cases, such as aggravated assault, armed robbery, domestic violence, drug possession, reckless driving, and sexual abuse. He also works on DUI, expungement, fraud, identity theft, and prostitution claims. Benowitz is a Criminal Trial Advocate certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He is a member of the National College for DUI Defense.

  • Federal Crime

419 7th Street NW Suite 405, Washington, DC 20004

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (30)
Facebook
4.8 (28)
Avvo
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Hannah Akintoye Law, PLLC, represents clients within Washington, D.C., and those in the neighboring metros. It takes on matters concerning criminal defense cases such as assault, gun charges, theft, and drug offenses, as well as DUI infractions. It also caters to individuals seeking compensation for damages from personal injury, auto accidents, product liability, and instances of wrongful death. The firm's founding attorney, Hannah Akintoye, is a social justice speaker who contributes to the local community through her work in the public interest sector.

  • Drug Crimes

1629 K ST Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (61)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Wagner, PLLC is a criminal defense law firm serving the Washington, D.C. area. Its legal practitioner, Camille Wagner, represents individuals who have been charged with crimes such as arson, assault, drug possession, homicide, prostitution, and theft. She also helps drivers who have been arrested for DUI offenses avoid jail time and administrative license suspensions. Before starting her firm, Wagner worked as an assistant attorney general. She is also licensed to practice law in the states of Florida and Maryland.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Federal Crime

409 7th Street NW, #267, Washington, DC 20004

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (476)
Avvo
4.9 (65)
Justia
10.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Federal Criminal Practice Group of Price Benowitz LLP serves clients in Washington DC. Its attorneys represent individuals charged with federal and white-collar crimes. They handle cases involving cybercrime, gun charges, perjury, embezzlement, money laundering, and fraud. The founder, David Benowitz, has more than 25 years of experience in dealing with criminal defense cases in federal and local courts. He is certified as a Criminal Trial Advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He also practices in Virginia and Maryland.

  • Federal Crime

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Benowitz - FounderActive28 yrs

601 Pennsylvania Ave N.W., Washington, DC 20004

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (45)
Avvo
5.0 (31)
Facebook
5.0 (10)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Gregory Copeland is a Washington DC-based firm that fights for the rights of defendants arrested or accused of criminal violation of the law. Its attorney, Gregory Copeland, carries more than 20 years of courtroom and trial experience. He deals with various criminal cases such as assault and battery, DUI, reckless driving, alcohol and substance abuse, sexual solicitation, and expungement. Copeland handles both adult and juvenile criminal charges. He also helps clients with workers' compensation claims.

  • DWI/DUI

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Antonoplos & Associates Attorneys At Law
1725 Desales Street Northwest Suite 600, Washington, DC 20036Request a Consultation
The Law Office of Amy C. Collins
888 17th Street, NW, Suite 1200, Washington, DC 20006
Rollins & Chan
419 7th Street, NW Suite 405, Washington, DC 20004
Scrofano Law PC
600 F St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004
Liles Parker PLLC
2121 Wisconsin Ave. N.W. Suite 200, Washington, DC 20007
David Benowitz
409 7th St NW # 222, Washington, DC 20004
Hannah Akintoye Law PLLC
419 7th Street NW Suite 405, Washington, DC 20004
Wagner, PLLC
1629 K ST Suite 300, Washington, DC 20006
Federal Criminal Practice Group of Price Benowitz LLP
409 7th Street NW, #267, Washington, DC 20004
Law Offices of Gregory Copeland
601 Pennsylvania Ave N.W., Washington, DC 20004

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Washington DC Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Washington DC?

    The non-emergency contact number for the Police Department is (202) 727-9099.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Washington DC?

    You can get a copy of the incident or offense report by sending an email request to mpd.public-docs@dc.gov or a mail with a self-addressed, stamped envelope to:

    Metropolitan Police Department Public Documents Section ATTN: Accident/Incident Reports 300 Indiana Avenue NW, Room 3075 Washington, DC 20001

    You should provide information, including your full name, the incident date, location, and time, and the six-digit report number or CCN. You can also contact (202) 727-4357 for further inquiries.

  • What does being on probation mean in Washington DC?

    Probation is an alternative to jail time, wherein a judge in Washington DC sets several conditions that the offender must comply with. If a person was found guilty from of a jury verdict or if that person entered a guilty plea, the judge could sentence probation, jail time, or combination of both. Some of the probation conditions include:

    • not getting re-arrested
    • undergoing alcohol or drug tests and treatment
    • attending anger management classes
    • rendering community service
    • completing a domestic violence intervention program
  • Do you have a choice when a police officer in Washington DC wants to search you, your home, or your car?

    In Washington DC, you do not have a choice if the police officer holds a search warrant for you, your home, or your car. Otherwise, the search will be presumed illegal. If a police officer asks if your car can be searched during a traffic stop, you are not required to consent. They can still proceed with the search, but you can politely say that they don't have your permission. This will give your lawyer an opportunity to contest the legality of the search at a later time.

  • Can you possess a firearm in Washington DC if you received civil protection order from a different state?

    No, it is considered a felony to possess a firearm in Washington DC if a civil protection order (CPO) was obtained against you, even if it is from a different state. You could face a sentence of two to 10 years in prison or a fine of no more than $25,000 if you are convicted to have possessed a firearm after a CPO has been issued against you.

  • What is the statute of limitations for criminal offenses in Washington DC?

    In Washington DC, the statute of limitations varies, depending on the severity of the criminal offense. The legislature grants longer periods of time for more serious crimes. For example, the deadline for felonies is generally six years while there is no time limit for murder in first or second degree. The statute of limitations expires when an indictment, complaint, or information is filed.

  • What are the most common crimes reported in Washington DC?

    According to the Metropolitan Police Department's 2022 Crime Data, a total of 27,302 offenses were reflected in their records management system. This total comprises the following: 3,830 Violent Crimes

    • Robbery (2,082)
    • Assault with a dangerous weapon (1,387)
    • Homicide (203)
    • Sex abuse (158) 23,472 Property Crimes
    • Theft (10,832)
    • Theft from auto (7,825)
    • Motor vehicle theft (3,761)
    • Burglary (1,050)
    • Arson (4)