Washington DC Criminal Defense Lawyer

Being accused of a crime, investigated for involvement in criminal activity, or charged in a criminal case interrupts your life and can potentially change the course of your future. With legal representation from an experienced Washington, DC criminal defense lawyer, you can protect your rights and freedom. Criminal defense attorney Jason Kalafat is committed to providing superior legal services and aggressive defense against misdemeanor and felony criminal charges.

Facing the criminal justice system is an imposing endeavor. With qualified representation from a skilled criminal defense attorney, defendants enter the legal process with the peace of mind, knowing they are represented by a knowledgeable professional fighting for their best interests.

Practice Areas:

Jason Kalafat is well-qualified to handle a variety of criminal cases, including misdemeanor, felony, and federal criminal charges:

DUI/DWI

In 2012 the District of Columbia adopted stricter standards and more stringent penalties for driving under the influence. The minimum BAC level to be charged with driving while intoxicated is still .08, unless you are operating a commercial vehicle at the time of your arrest, then the BAC level to be charged is just .04. If you are convicted of driving under the influence, the penalty for a first time violation is a fine of $1,000 and a prison term of no longer than 180 days. The penalties increase as your BAC at the time of the arrest grows, with more serious penalties at BAC levels of .20 and .25.

Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated are criminal offenses, and a conviction results in legal penalties such as fines, jail time, and probation, as well as administrative penalties including driver’s license suspension. Furthermore, a DUI conviction carries personal ramifications such as restricted or revoked driving privileges, financial difficulties associated with higher insurance premiums, and a criminal record that can impact employment options, student status, and security clearance.

A lawyer who is dedicated to your defense, who is trained in the use of tools for prosecution, and who has a proven record of success is a vital ally in protecting yourself against DUI charges.

Drug Charges

From misdemeanor marijuana possession to felony drug distribution, there is a range of criminal drug offenses for which one may be prosecuted in Washington, DC. A case of first offense simple drug possession may be successfully negotiated to a diversion program, but more serious felony drug crimes such as drug distribution require more vigorous defense strategies. Jason Kalafat will examine every aspect of your arrest and charge to find the best possible defense for your unique case. From illegal search and seizure to insufficient evidence, a qualified drug lawyer explores every option to protect your rights and obtain the best possible result.

To be convicted of drug possession in the District of Columbia, prosecutors must prove three separate and important facts of your case: that you were in possession of a substance, that the substance is a controlled or illegal substance, and that your possession of that substance was intentional.

If you are found to be guilty of drug possession, you could face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or a 180-day prison term. The penalties for a conviction will increase if you have previous drug related convictions on your record, or if it can be shown that you had distributed the substance or had the intent to distribute it.

Assault

The common use of the term assault typically refers to a physical act of violence, but to be convicted under District of Columbia law, you need only to exhibit the threat of force on another person that causes them to believe that they are in immediate danger. If that threat is eventually followed through on and there is an actual act of violence committed, the penalties for assault increase dramatically. Simple assault, which is tried as a misdemeanor, includes intent-to-frighten, attempted battery and non-violent offensive touching. A conviction of any of these crimes could carry a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 180 days in prison.

If you are found guilty of assault with intent to kill, assault with a dangerous weapon, sexual assault or other forms of aggravated assault, you could be convicted of a felony. The penalties for this type of conviction include a maximum fine of $10,000 and/or a maximum prison term of 10 or longer.

Federal Crimes

Federal crimes, many of which are often referred to as “white collar” offenses, are violations of federal law. Common Federal charges include fraud, embezzlement, perjury, money laundering, identity theft, and even child pornography. If you are found to have committed one of these acts in violation of federal law, you could be charged and tried in a federal court as opposed to the Superior Courts of Washington DC. Jason Kalafat has experience representing clients against these types of charges and can help make sure that you get the best possible representation if you are headed to trial. Please contact us to find out how we may be able to help you and the services we are able to provide in this area of criminal defense.

If you have been charged with any criminal offense in Washington, DC, Jason Kalafat has the skill, experience, and knowledge to vigorously protect your interests in the face of prosecution.

What Can an Attorney Do For You?

Unfortunately, too many people think that hiring a defense attorney will make them appear guilty, in that if they hire a defense attorney, authorities will think they have something to hide. Having legal representation from an attorney is not an indication of guilt but rather a constitutional right. Attorneys not only strive to protect clients from unfair prosecution, they protect the legal rights and interests of defendants from arrest through prosecution and court proceedings.

If you have been accused of a crime, it is important to remember that you are being prosecuted by experienced lawyers determined to prove your guilt.

Washington, DC law enforcement officers build a case against you using the full force of government agencies. Having an experienced attorney on your side can help level the field.

It is important to find a DC criminal defense lawyer as early in your case as possible. Keep in mind the following:

1. Anything you say to law enforcement officials, police, or federal agents can and will be used against you to prosecute your case. Trying to “clear things up” without advice from a lawyer can lead to the manipulation of your words.
2. Most evidence used by the prosecution is gathered in the initial stages of a criminal investigation. A criminal lawyer in DC can protect your constitutional rights, preventing illegal search and seizure, during these early stages of investigation. Furthermore, as prosecutors gather evidence to mount a case against you, a lawyer can preserve evidence to support your defense.
3. Prosecutors and district attorneys often push for maximum sentencing. Attorney Jason Kalafat has proven successful at negotiating reduced charges and lighter sentencing, including probation over jail time. Where dismissal is impossible and fighting for acquittal is an unwise legal move in light of the evidence, skillful negotiation is imperative for the optimum result.

To protect your interests, you need an intelligent, motivated criminal defense team behind you. Criminal defense attorneys understand the urgency of criminal charges and will work diligently to ensure that your rights are preserved at every stage of a criminal proceeding.

Driving under the influence and driving while intoxicated are criminal offenses, conviction of which may lead to legal penalties such as fines, jail time, and probation, as well as administrative penalties including driver’s license suspension. Furthermore, a DUI conviction carries personal ramifications such as restricted or revoked driving privileges, financial difficulties associated with higher insurance premiums, and a criminal record that can impact employment options, student status, and security clearance.

A lawyer who is dedicated to your defense, who is trained in the use of tools for prosecution, and who has a proven record of success is a vital ally in protecting yourself against DUI charges.

From misdemeanor marijuana possession to felony drug distribution, there is a range of criminal drug offenses for which one may be prosecuted in Washington, DC. A case of first offense simple drug possession may be successfully negotiated to probation, but more serious felony drug crimes such as drug distribution require more vigorous defense strategies. Jason Kalafat will examine every angle of your arrest and charge to find the best possible defense for your unique case. From illegal search and seizure to insufficient evidence, a qualified drug lawyer explores every option to protect your rights and obtain the best possible result.

Washington DC Criminal Defense Attorney

If you have been charged with a criminal offense in Washington, DC, protect your rights and your freedom by hiring a lawyer dedicated to handling your case efficiently and professionally. Whether you are facing misdemeanor or felony charges, Jason Kalafat is in your corner to provide an assertive defense. Call (202) 552-0897 for a free consultation with experienced DC defense attorney Jason Kalafat.