1. David Benowitz, Attorney at Law
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI defense, drug crimes, federal crimes, assault, sex crimes, white collar crimes, traffic offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, assault, sex crimes, white collar crimes, fraud, traffic violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, motion practice, plea negotiations, grand jury representation, federal court defense
Background: David Benowitz holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10.0 rating on AVVO. He is a member of the National College for DUI Defense and serves as faculty at Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop. He 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. He is admitted to practice in the District of Columbia and federal courts.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: https://criminallawdc.com
Consultation: Consultation available
2. Lotze Mosley, PLLC
Practice Focus: DUI/DWI, drug crimes, fraud, gun-related charges, sex crimes, violent offenses, domestic violence, traffic violations
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, weapons charges, sex crimes, violent crimes, domestic violence, fraud, traffic violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, arraignment representation, preliminary hearings, appeals
Background: Monica “Nikki” Lotze has been representing clients in District of Columbia and Maryland criminal courts for a combined total of more than 25 years. The firm practices criminal defense exclusively in the Washington Metropolitan Area and has tried over 100 criminal cases across various practice areas. The attorneys focus on building strong attorney-client relationships based on trust and collaboration.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: https://lotzemosley.com
Consultation: Consultation available
3. Scrofano Law, PC
Practice Focus: Domestic violence, gun offenses, drug offenses, sex offenses, solicitation, federal criminal defense
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, domestic violence, weapons charges, drug offenses, sex crimes, prostitution/solicitation, federal crimes, protection order matters
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, protection order defense, administrative hearings
Background: Joseph A. Scrofano founded the firm in 2010. The firm practices criminal defense exclusively 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 emphasizes honesty, commitment, and creativity in its approach to criminal cases.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: https://www.scrofanolaw.com
Consultation: Consultation available
4. Law Offices of G. Allen Dale, PLLC
Practice Focus: Traffic offenses, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, serious felonies, federal crimes, appeals, expungement
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, drug offenses, traffic violations, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, expungement, motion practice, plea negotiations, case investigation
Background: G. Allen Dale has been recognized by Washingtonian Magazine as a “Top Lawyer” in 2004, 2007, 2017, 2018, 2022, and 2024. He holds an AV rating under Martindale-Hubbell’s peer review rating system and is a member of the Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers. The firm emphasizes thorough investigation, extensive case preparation, and pretrial negotiations.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: (202) 638-2900 | https://www.gallendale.com
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Burnham & Gorokhov, PLLC
Practice Focus: Federal criminal defense, white collar crimes, fraud, bribery, foreign corruption, espionage, controlled substance violations
Case Types Handled: Federal crimes, white collar crimes, fraud, bribery, FCPA violations, espionage, drug offenses in federal court
Legal Services: Federal trial defense, plea negotiations, federal appeals, grand jury representation, investigation defense, sentencing advocacy
Background: Charles Burnham and Eugene Gorokhov founded the firm after meeting in law school. Both partners have been recognized as top-rated Federal Criminal Defense lawyers in Washington DC, Maryland, and Virginia. The firm focuses exclusively on defending individuals accused of federal, white collar, and fraud crimes. Attorneys are admitted to practice in Washington, DC, Virginia, and federal courts throughout the region. The firm has achieved favorable outcomes including federal investigations resolved without charges, favorable plea agreements, and substantial downward departures at sentencing.
Location: Washington, DC
Contact: https://www.burnhamgorokhov.com
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in the District of Columbia
The District of Columbia Court of Appeals regulates the practice of law in DC. All attorneys must be admitted to the DC Bar and maintain active status to practice. The DC Bar provides attorney verification services for the public to confirm licensing status and check for disciplinary actions.
Criminal cases in Washington, DC are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, not a local prosecutor. Cases are heard in DC Superior Court by DC judges. Law enforcement agencies with jurisdiction in DC include the Metropolitan Police Department, United States Capitol Police, United States Park Police, and various federal agencies.
The District of Columbia Public Defender Service (PDS) provides representation to indigent defendants in criminal cases. PDS is an independent agency that provides defense services in DC Superior Court and handles approximately 12,000 cases annually. Eligibility is determined based on financial screening at initial court appearances.
DC criminal offenses are classified by severity, with specific penalties set by the DC Code. Felonies carry potential imprisonment of more than one year, while misdemeanors carry potential imprisonment of up to one year. DC abolished the death penalty and uses determinate sentencing for most offenses.
The District of Columbia has largely moved away from cash bail. Approximately 87% of defendants in DC are released pretrial without posting money. Instead, DC uses a pretrial services system that assesses defendants’ risk of flight and danger to the community. Judges may impose conditions of release such as electronic monitoring, drug testing, or periodic check-ins. DC has experienced high court appearance rates (approximately 89%) and low rearrest rates among pretrial releasees.
DC allows expungement of certain criminal records. Eligible records include arrests that did not result in conviction, acquittals, and certain convictions after waiting periods. The DC Code specifies which offenses may be sealed and the required waiting periods. Sealed records are not available to the public but may be accessed by law enforcement in certain circumstances.
DC attorneys must complete 60 hours of continuing legal education every two years, including 6 hours in ethics and 5 hours in practice management or access to justice. The DC Bar requires attorneys to report CLE compliance annually.
Attorney advertising in DC is governed by DC Rules of Professional Conduct Rule 7, which requires truthfulness and prohibits false or misleading communications about legal services.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How is DC Superior Court different from federal court in Washington?
A: DC Superior Court handles most criminal cases arising from violations of DC law, including street crimes, drug offenses, and DUI. Even though cases are prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, they are tried in DC Superior Court before DC judges. Federal court (U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia) handles violations of federal law, such as federal drug trafficking, RICO violations, public corruption, and crimes on federal property. Federal cases involve federal judges, federal sentencing guidelines, and different procedural rules.
Q: What should I expect at arraignment in DC Superior Court?
A: At arraignment in DC Superior Court, you will be formally advised of the charges against you, informed of your constitutional rights, and asked to enter a plea. Most defendants plead not guilty at this stage. The court will also address conditions of release, including whether you will be released on personal recognizance, released with conditions, or held pending trial. If you have not yet secured an attorney, you may request appointed counsel if you qualify financially. The court will set dates for future proceedings.
Q: How does the DC pretrial release system work without cash bail?
A: DC uses risk assessment and pretrial supervision instead of cash bail. At your initial appearance, a Pretrial Services Agency officer interviews you about your background, community ties, and criminal history. The agency provides a recommendation to the judge regarding release. Most defendants are released on personal recognizance or with conditions such as check-ins with pretrial services, drug testing, GPS monitoring, or no-contact orders. The judge makes the final determination based on risk of flight and danger to the community.
Q: Can I get my DC criminal record sealed or expunged?
A: DC allows sealing of certain criminal records. Non-conviction records (dismissals, not guilty verdicts, no-papered cases) may be sealed immediately after the case concludes. Misdemeanor convictions may be eligible for sealing after waiting periods ranging from 2 to 8 years depending on the offense. Certain felony convictions may be sealed after 8 to 10 years. Some offenses are not eligible for sealing, including crimes of violence, sex offenses requiring registration, and intrafamily offenses involving domestic violence. You must file a motion with the court and the prosecutor may contest the request.
Q: What are the penalties for DUI in Washington, DC?
A: A first DUI offense in DC is a misdemeanor carrying maximum penalties of 180 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Mandatory minimum sentences apply for higher BAC levels: 10 days for BAC of 0.20 to 0.25, and 15 days for BAC of 0.25 or higher. License revocation periods apply through the DC DMV. Repeat offenses carry enhanced penalties including longer mandatory minimums and increased fines. Defendants may be eligible for diversion programs that allow dismissal upon completion of treatment and community service requirements.