CGM Local · Attorneys

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington, DC

Compare criminal defense lawyers in Washington, DC — ratings, reviews and contact details.

181 Criminal Law attorneysRatings and reviewsContact them directly

What do you need help with?

Show all attorneys

Criminal Law181

Arrests, DWI, drug and assault charges

Family Law130

Divorce, custody, child and spousal support

Personal Injury208

Car, truck and work accidents, malpractice

Get help from a criminal defense lawyer in Washington, DC

A criminal defense lawyer protects your rights from the moment you're questioned or arrested — reviewing the evidence, negotiating with prosecutors, and fighting the charge in court. The earlier you call one, the more options you usually have.

Questions to ask before you hire

Have you handled this exact charge in Washington, DC courts?
What could happen — fines, probation, jail, a record?
Can this be reduced, dismissed or kept off my record?
Is your fee flat or hourly, and what does it cover?
Who will be in court with me?

Free — no cost to youConfidentialUp to 4 attorneys contact you

Tell us about your case

Step 1 of 2

Free and confidential. Get contacted by criminal defense lawyers in Washington, DC.

What are you charged with?

181 attorneys in Washington, DC

Bail Bonds Private Investigators Driving Schools Mental Health Therapists

CGM Local in Washington, DC

Capsalis Bruce & Reaser

·Arlington, VA·Attorneys

District of Columbia Criminal Law guides

All law guides →

Plain-English guides to the law. General information, not legal advice.

Your Rights If Arrested in District of Columbia

Your federal constitutional rights apply if you're arrested in District of Columbia — Miranda, right to remain silent, right to counsel. Phone-call rule: Reasonable phone access.

Assault Charges in District of Columbia

District of Columbia assault charges: simple assault is typically Misdemeanor up to 180 days; aggravated forms can reach Felony up to 10 yrs (assault with significant bodily injury) / life (assault with intent to kill).

Criminal Appeals in District of Columbia

District of Columbia criminal defendants have a right to appeal — but appeals are limited to legal errors preserved at trial, run on tight deadlines (often 30 days), and reverse only ~10% of cases.

Cyber Crime Defense in District of Columbia

District of Columbia cyber-crime cases combine state computer-crime statutes with federal CFAA and other digital-crime laws. Federal prosecution is common for major cases.

Domestic Violence Charges in District of Columbia

District of Columbia domestic violence charges combine an underlying assault/battery offense with state-specific DV enhancements. No mandatory arrest on probable cause.

Drug Court Eligibility in District of Columbia

District of Columbia drug courts offer eligible defendants treatment-based alternatives to incarceration. Successful completion can result in dismissed charges or reduced sentences.

Drug Crime Penalties in District of Columbia

District of Columbia drug law: cannabis is legal for adult recreational use.

Expungement and Record Sealing in District of Columbia

District of Columbia's record-clearing process is called sealing. Reasonable but selective — many offenses are eligible, but certain categories (violent, sex, DUI in some states) are usually excluded.

Federal Criminal Charges in District of Columbia

District of Columbia federal criminal charges differ from state — federal sentencing guidelines, mandatory minimums, no parole, and 90%+ conviction rates. Specialized federal-experienced counsel essential.

Felonies vs Misdemeanors in District of Columbia

District of Columbia divides offenses into felonies (more serious) and misdemeanors (less serious). DC has no formal lettered classification but uses sentencing guidelines analogous to federal practice.

Gun Laws in District of Columbia

District of Columbia concealed carry: Shall-issue (post-Wrenn 2017). Open carry: Banned (concealed carry only with license). Red flag (ERPO) law: Yes — Extreme Risk Protective Order.

Hate Crime Laws in District of Columbia

District of Columbia hate crime laws enhance penalties for offenses motivated by bias against protected categories: Race, color, religion, and others.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I talk to the police before I have a lawyer?

You have the right to stay silent and to ask for a lawyer. Politely say you want to speak with an attorney before answering questions.

How soon should I hire a criminal defense lawyer in Washington, DC?

As soon as you're charged or know you're being investigated. Early help can affect bail, evidence and whether charges are filed at all.

Can a criminal charge be dismissed?

Sometimes — for weak evidence, an illegal stop or search, or through programs like pretrial diversion. A local defense lawyer can tell you what's realistic for your case.

How many criminal defense lawyers are listed in Washington, DC?

There are currently 181 criminal defense lawyers listed in Washington, DC on CGMIMM.

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington, DC

What do you need help with?

Get help from a criminal defense lawyer in Washington, DC

CGM Local in Washington, DC

Capsalis Bruce & Reaser

Papirmeister, James N CPA

Burcher, E Andrew

Womble Carlyle

Leiser Leiser & Hennessy

Marks & KATZ

More results from the web