1. David Benowitz, Attorney at Law
Focus Area: Criminal defense with board certification and Harvard faculty position
Practice Areas: DUI, DWI, OWI, assault, drug crimes, sex offenses, federal crimes, white collar crimes, domestic violence, theft
Background: David Benowitz is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell and has earned a perfect 10 rating on AVVO. He is a member of the National College of DUI Defense and is the only Washington, DC-based criminal defense attorney who has been board-certified as a criminal advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Mr. Benowitz is also a faculty member at Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop. He handles cases in both DC Superior Court and federal court. The firm emphasizes that if contacted by law enforcement, you should not make any statements and should contact a defense attorney immediately.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: Available through website | https://criminallawdc.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
2. Scrofano Law, PC
Focus Area: Criminal defense exclusively since 2010
Practice Areas: Domestic violence, gun offenses, drug offenses, sex offenses, solicitation, prostitution, federal criminal defense, violent felonies, theft, fraud, protection orders
Background: Founded in 2010 by Managing Partner Joseph A. Scrofano, the firm believes in three core principles: honesty, commitment, and creativity. The firm exclusively focuses on DC criminal defense and has experience representing clients throughout the DMV area, including Alexandria, Arlington, Fairfax, Montgomery County, Prince George’s County, Prince William, Loudoun, Howard, Anne Arundel, Frederick, and the District of Columbia. The firm combines the highest quality legal representation with excellent customer service. Every criminal lawyer at the firm has experience defending charges ranging from domestic violence to federal criminal cases.
Location: Washington, DC (serves the entire DMV area)
Contact: Available through website | https://www.scrofanolaw.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
3. Rollins and Chan Law Firm
Focus Area: Criminal defense in DC and Maryland for over 20 years
Practice Areas: Misdemeanors, felonies, traffic offenses, DUI, white collar crimes, violent crimes, personal injury
Background: The Rollins and Chan Law Firm has been providing dedicated legal counsel in the District of Columbia and the State of Maryland for over two decades. The firm is licensed in the District of Columbia, the State of Maryland, and Federal Courts (DC and Maryland). Unlike traditional law firms, Rollins and Chan provides clients with 24-hour access to their case files so they know what is happening every step of the way. The firm performs detailed analysis of each case by speaking with clients, investigating situations, and reviewing prosecutor evidence to thoroughly analyze cases compared to the law.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: (202) 455-5610 | https://rollinsandchan.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with over 75 years combined experience
Practice Areas: Violent crimes (kidnapping, carjacking, arson, armed robbery, aggravated assault), domestic violence, drug crimes, white collar crimes, theft, sex crimes
Background: With over 75 years of combined experience, the attorney team of Stephen F. Brennwald and Frederick J. Brynn provides representation for serious criminal charges. Unlike many firms that delegate cases to paralegals, the attorneys at this firm remain directly involved with every case from start to finish. The firm takes swift, proactive steps with every case, diligently preparing as though headed to trial. The attorneys prioritize listening to clients and ensuring their rights are respected and protected throughout the criminal justice process.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: (202) 888-0953 | https://brynnlaw.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
5. Price Benowitz, LLP
Focus Area: Criminal defense with strong track record
Practice Areas: DUI, drug possession, gun possession, assault, sex offenses, domestic violence, burglary, theft, fraud, robbery, white collar crimes, federal offenses, appeals
Background: Price Benowitz provides comprehensive criminal defense representation in Washington, DC. The firm maintains personal contact with clients, provides regular updates, and continually seeks new avenues of defense. Attorneys have experience with arrest warrants, white collar crimes, federal offenses, and a variety of other charges. The firm handles cases in DC Superior Court and appeals at the appellate level. The firm also assists with record expungement for eligible clients, helping those whose cases were dismissed clean up their records and reduce potential for social and professional stigma.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: Available through website | https://washingtondccriminallawyer.net/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Washington, DC
Felony Classifications
Washington, DC does not use a formal letter or number classification system for felonies. Instead, each offense has specific statutory penalties:
Murder and Violent Felonies: First-degree murder carries 30 years to life imprisonment. Second-degree murder carries up to life imprisonment. Assault with intent to kill carries up to 15 years. Armed robbery carries up to 15 years (30 years with a firearm).
Drug Felonies: Distribution of controlled substances carries 5-30 years depending on the substance and quantity. Possession with intent to distribute carries significant prison terms.
Weapons Offenses: Carrying a pistol without a license (CPWL) is a felony carrying up to 5 years. Possession of an unregistered firearm carries up to 1 year (first offense) or 5 years (subsequent).
Property Crimes: First-degree theft (over $1,000) carries up to 10 years. Burglary carries 5-30 years depending on circumstances.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Misdemeanors in DC: Simple assault carries up to 180 days. Possession of an open container of alcohol carries up to 90 days. Unlawful entry carries up to 180 days. Prostitution carries up to 90 days (first offense). DUI/DWI carries up to 180 days (first offense).
Traffic-Alcohol Offenses: DC has three charges: DWI (BAC .08 or above), DUI (any BAC with evidence of impairment), and OWI (Operating While Impaired). First offense carries up to 180 days jail, $1,000 fine, and 6-month license revocation.
Record Clearing Options
DC allows sealing and expungement of criminal records:
Sealing Arrest Records: Arrests without conviction can be sealed 2 years after the case is terminated in favor of the defendant (dismissal, acquittal, no charges filed).
Sealing Misdemeanor Convictions: Most misdemeanors can be sealed 8 years after completion of sentence. Certain offenses have shorter waiting periods.
Sealing Felony Convictions: Certain non-violent felonies can be sealed 10 years after completion of sentence.
Ineligible Offenses: Sex offenses, intrafamily offenses (domestic violence), certain violent crimes, and crimes committed against minors generally cannot be sealed.
Actual Innocence: If you can prove actual innocence, records can be expunged (completely destroyed) regardless of waiting periods.
Decriminalized Offenses: Records related to marijuana possession (under 2 ounces, which has been decriminalized) can be sealed upon application.
Unique DC Considerations
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia is the largest in the nation with nearly 250 federal prosecutors. These prosecutors handle both federal crimes and cases that would normally be state crimes in other jurisdictions. This means many DC criminal cases, even those involving local offenses, are prosecuted by federal authorities with substantial resources.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is unique about criminal prosecution in Washington, DC?
Washington, DC has a unique prosecution structure. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, employing nearly 250 federal prosecutors, handles both federal crimes and local crimes that would normally be prosecuted by a state district attorney elsewhere. This means even local offenses like assault, theft, and drug possession are prosecuted by federal authorities with significant resources. The policies of this office are heavily influenced by the changing political landscape in Washington. This structure makes having an experienced DC defense attorney essential, as the prosecution has substantial resources and expertise. Additionally, federal sentencing guidelines may apply in some cases.
What is the difference between DUI, DWI, and OWI in Washington, DC?
DC has three distinct traffic-alcohol charges: DWI (Driving While Intoxicated) is a per se offense automatically triggered when a driver’s BAC test is .08 or above. DUI (Driving Under the Influence) can be charged with any BAC if there is evidence of impairment; there is no requirement that BAC be above .08. OWI (Operating While Impaired) applies when driving is impaired to any extent by alcohol or drugs. First offense for any of these charges carries up to 180 days in jail, fines up to $1,000, and 6-month license revocation. Enhanced penalties apply for high BAC, refusal to test, or presence of minors in the vehicle.
Can I get my criminal record sealed or expunged in Washington, DC?
DC allows sealing of many criminal records. Arrests without conviction can be sealed 2 years after the case is terminated in your favor (dismissal, acquittal, or no charges filed). Most misdemeanor convictions can be sealed 8 years after completing your sentence. Certain non-violent felony convictions can be sealed 10 years after completing your sentence. However, some offenses cannot be sealed, including sex offenses, domestic violence (intrafamily offenses), certain violent crimes, and crimes against minors. If you can prove actual innocence, records can be expunged completely regardless of waiting periods. An experienced DC attorney can advise on your eligibility and assist with the petition process.
What should I expect at my arraignment in DC Superior Court?
At arraignment in DC Superior Court, the judge will formally inform you of the charges against you, advise you of your constitutional rights, and ask you to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or nolo contendere). If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will determine eligibility for a public defender through the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. The judge will address conditions of release, which may include personal recognizance, supervised release, or secured bond. Depending on the charges, you may also receive a citation release with a future court date rather than being held. Most defense attorneys recommend pleading not guilty at arraignment to preserve all options.
What are the consequences of a federal conviction in DC beyond incarceration?
A federal conviction in Washington, DC carries significant consequences beyond prison time. You may lose the right to vote while incarcerated (DC restores voting rights upon release). You will lose the right to possess firearms or ammunition. Federal convictions can result in deportation for non-citizens. Employment in many fields, including government positions (which are abundant in DC), will be affected. Security clearances will be impacted or revoked. Professional licenses may be suspended or denied. Federal convictions are also more difficult to seal or expunge than local convictions. Additionally, federal supervised release (similar to probation) can be lengthy and restrictive.