Criminal Defense Lawyer in Washington, D.C., Washington DC
Washington, D.C. Criminal Law Statutes
Criminal offenses in Washington, D.C. are defined under D.C. Code Title 22 (Criminal Offenses and Penalties). The District’s unique status means local crimes are prosecuted by federal prosecutors from the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia (USAO-DC), not a local district attorney. All criminal proceedings occur at DC Superior Court at 500 Indiana Avenue NW.
Last verified: March 2026 | DC Superior Court | D.C. Code official website
Official Criminal Law Resources
For the complete text of Washington, D.C. criminal statutes, refer to the D.C. Code Title 22 (Criminal Offenses and Penalties) on the official DC Council website. Court procedures and forms are available through the DC Superior Court website.
DC Superior Court Criminal Process
DC Superior Court Criminal Division at 500 Indiana Avenue NW handles all local criminal cases. DC has a unique jurisdictional structure — it is a federal territory where the U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC prosecutes crimes under D.C. Code. The Pretrial Services Agency handles release decisions instead of traditional cash bail.
- Initial arrest and processing: You will be processed at a Metropolitan Police Department station. The Pretrial Services Agency will conduct a risk assessment to determine release conditions, as DC does not use traditional cash bail.
- First appearance at DC Superior Court: Your initial hearing will be at DC Superior Court at 500 Indiana Avenue NW. The U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC will present the charges.
- Case review and evidence discovery: Your attorney will request all evidence from the prosecutor. This includes police reports, witness statements, and any forensic evidence.
- Pre-trial motions and negotiations: File motions to suppress evidence or dismiss charges if constitutional violations occurred. Negotiate with the U.S. Attorney’s Office for reduced charges.
- Trial preparation and court proceedings: Prepare for trial if no acceptable plea agreement is reached. DC Superior Court trials follow federal procedural rules.
- Post-trial options and record sealing: If eligible, file a petition under D.C. Code § 16-803 to seal your criminal record after the required waiting period.
Washington, D.C. Criminal Penalties
In Washington, D.C., criminal offenses carry penalties ranging from 180 days to 10+ years incarceration depending on the specific charge and circumstances.
| Offense | Classification | Incarceration | Fine | License Impact | Additional Consequences |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Simple Assault | Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Criminal record |
| Assault with Dangerous Weapon | Felony | Up to 10 years | Court discretion | None | Enhanced penalties if against officer |
| Carrying Pistol Without License | Felony | Up to 5 years | Up to $12,500 | Firearms rights lost | Mandatory minimum for prior convictions |
| Theft 1st Degree (over $1,000) | Felony | Up to 10 years | Court discretion | None | Restitution required |
| Theft 2nd Degree | Misdemeanor | Up to 180 days | Up to $1,000 | None | Criminal record |
Results may vary. Case outcomes depend on specific facts, evidence, and legal arguments presented.
Criminal Defense Experience in Washington, D.C.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. was founded in 1997 by former prosecutor Mr. Sris. Our firm has over 120 years of combined legal experience handling criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions. We understand the unique challenges of DC’s federal-local hybrid court system where the U.S. Attorney’s Office prosecutes what would be state crimes elsewhere.
Washington, D.C. Criminal Case Results
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has 1 documented result in Washington, D.C.: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate). Our attorneys have successfully defended clients facing charges ranging from assault to theft in DC Superior Court.
Results may vary. Prior results do not aim for a similar outcome in your case.
Criminal Defense Lawyer Near Washington, D.C.
Our Arlington location is approximately 3 miles from DC Superior Court, accessible via I-395, I-66, and I-295. We serve clients throughout Washington, D.C. neighborhoods including Georgetown, Capitol Hill, Dupont Circle, Adams Morgan, Columbia Heights, U Street, Logan Circle, Foggy Bottom, Navy Yard, Petworth, Brookland, Anacostia, and surrounding communities.
24/7 phone consultations — (888) 437-7747 — meetings by appointment only.
Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C.
1655 Fort Myer Dr, Suite 700, Room No. 719
Arlington, VA 22209
Phone: (888) 437-7747
By appointment only
Frequently Asked Questions
Who prosecutes criminal cases in Washington, D.C.?
Criminal cases in DC are prosecuted by the United States Attorney’s Office for DC (USAO-DC), not a local DA. DC is federal territory where local crimes under D.C. Code are prosecuted by federal prosecutors. All cases heard at DC Superior Court (500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001). DC uses the Pretrial Services Agency instead of cash bail. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Does DC have cash bail?
No. DC uses the Pretrial Services Agency (a federal agency) to assess risk and recommend release conditions — not cash bail. Most defendants are released without posting money. Cases heard at DC Superior Court (500 Indiana Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20001). Expungement (record sealing) available under D.C. Code § 16-803. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Can I get my DC criminal record sealed?
Yes. DC allows record sealing under D.C. Code § 16-803 for acquittals, dismissals, and qualifying convictions after waiting periods. Marijuana offenses have expanded sealing eligibility. Petitions filed at DC Superior Court. 1 documented results: 1 dismissed/not guilty (100% favorable outcome rate)
Do I need a criminal defense lawyer in Washington, D.C., DC?
Yes. Criminal charges in Washington, D.C. carry serious consequences including jail time, fines, and a permanent record. Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. has former prosecutors on staff. Consultation by appointment — (888) 437-7747.
Related Legal Services
For other legal matters in Washington, D.C., consider our Washington, D.C. family law lawyer or Washington, D.C. immigration lawyer services. View our complete DC criminal defense lawyer hub page for more jurisdiction information.
Learn more about our criminal defense attorneys or visit our Arlington law location page for directions and contact details.
Last verified: March 2026. Information current as of verification date. Laws change — contact Law Offices Of SRIS, P.C. at (888) 437-7747 for current guidance.
An assaulting a federal officer case is one part of violent & property crimes work, and our page on carjacking lawyer Washington DC covers the wider process.