District of Columbia Criminal Defense Lawyers | Best Criminal Attorneys in DC

Lawyer Legion Criminal Defense Information Center of DC

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in District of Columbia
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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in District of Columbia

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in Washington, D.C. To rank the top attorneys, we used both objective and subjective criteria. Attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certifications.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished criminal defense lawyers currently practicing in Washington, D.C. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a statewide list of attorneys who are actually “the best” at practicing criminal law.

David Benowitz
David Benowitz
Washington, DC
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Nabeel Kibria
Ervin Kibria Law
Washington, DC
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Jason Kalafat
Jason Kalafat Attorney at Law
Washington, DC
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Joseph A. Scrofano
Scrofano Law PC
Washington, DC
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Paul H Zukerberg
Zukerberg Law Center, Pllc
Washington, DC
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More Noteworthy District of Columbia Attorneys

District of Columbia Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
District of Columbia Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

District of Columbia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (DCACDL) -

District of Columbia Government and Court Resources

District of Columbia Agencies
District of Columbia Chief Judge
District of Columbia Courts
Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia
Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia

District of Columbia Agencies

District of Columbia Agencies - The District of Columbia government oversees various services and functions crucial to its residents, including public safety, education, healthcare, and transportation. Governed by the Mayor and the D.C. Council, the government aims to enhance quality of life and ensure effective governance across all wards.

District of Columbia Chief Judge

District of Columbia Chief Judge - The Chief Judge of the District of Columbia oversees the administration of the court system, ensuring the efficient and fair operation of the courts. Responsibilities include managing court staff, assigning cases, and implementing policies to improve judicial processes. The Chief Judge represents the judiciary in interactions with other branches of government and the public.

District of Columbia Chief Judge
Phone: 202-354-3300

District of Columbia Courts

District of Columbia Courts - Established by Congress in 1970, the Superior Court of the District of Columbia serves as the trial court of general jurisdiction for the District. The court comprises a chief judge and 50 associate judges, supported by 26 magistrate judges and retired judges approved as senior judges.

District of Columbia Courts
Room 6680, 500 Indiana Avenue NW
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-879-1700

Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia

Office of the Attorney General for the District of Columbia - The Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is the primary legal authority for the District of Columbia. It enforces district laws, provides legal advice to government agencies, and protects the interests of residents. The OAG aims to become the most effective and respected public law office in the nation. Additionally, the office handles a variety of legal issues, including consumer protection, public safety, and civil rights enforcement. Through community outreach and education programs, the OAG strives to empower residents and promote justice throughout the District.

Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia

Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia - In 1960, the District of Columbia established the Public Defender Service (PDS), originally known as the Legal Aid Agency, to serve as a model public defender office. PDS quickly gained a reputation for high-quality, zealous advocacy. Our attorneys and professionals are among the best, working across various practice areas, including trial (adult and juvenile), appellate, parole and supervised release, mental health, reentry, and some civil matters, to meet our clients' needs.

Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia
400 6th Street Northwest
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-727-3400

Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington DC