Attorney David Benowitz

Washington, D.C. Criminal Lawyer

David Benowitz is an experienced attorney with a successful track record of fighting for his clients. As one of the top criminal defense lawyers in Washington, D.C., Mr. Benowitz is committed to providing the highest level criminal defense at affordable prices.

Mr. Benowitz is AV-rated by Martindale Hubbell, is rated a perfect 10 by AVVO, and is a member of the National College of DUI Defense. He is also the only Washington, D.C.-based attorney who has been board certified as a criminal advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Mr. Benowitz is also a faculty member at Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop, and a Professorial Lecturer in Law at the George Washington University School of Law.

Practice Areas

If you are contacted by any law enforcement agency, do not make any statements, even those denying involvement, as they will most likely be used to build a case against you later. Politely decline to comment and then contact a criminal defense attorney immediately. The sooner an experienced lawyer begins an investigation, the better your chance of defeating the government’s case.

Practice Areas:

Assault

There are three types of assault that you can be charged with in the District of Columbia: simple assault, assault with significant injury, and aggravated assault. Simple assault is charged as a misdemeanor and carries a maximum sentence of $1,000 and/or 180 days in prison. Assault with significant injury is charged when the injuries the victim suffers require hospitalization or immediate medical attention. The penalties for this crime are more significant, with a maximum prison sentence of three years, a fine of $3,000, or both. Aggravated assault is the most serious. Assault is considered “aggravated” if it causes substantial risk of death, obvious disfigurement, extreme physical pain, or unconsciousness. The maximum penalties for aggravated assault are 10 years in prison, a fine of up to $10,000, or both. Our assault lawyer page contains more information about the differences in these charges and where they are applied.

Drug Charges

It is illegal to knowingly or intentionally possess a controlled substance in the District of Columbia; the only exception is if a licensed physician operating within the realm of their professional practice prescribed that substance to you. Simple possession of a controlled substance carries a potential jail sentence of 180 days, a fine of $1,000, or both. The potential penalties increase dramatically if you are charged with distributing or possessing with intent to distribute a controlled substance. A conviction on either charge carries a potential maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and/or a fine of $500,000. Visit our drug lawyer page for more information about these laws and the penalties associated with a potential conviction.

Gun Charges

There are a number of laws that dictate when and where you are allowed to carry a firearm, but among the most serious is the law that mandates you have a license in order to carry a pistol. If you are found to be carrying a pistol without a license, you could potentially face maximum penalties of five years in prison, a $5,000 fine, or both. The laws defining what constitutes “carrying” or a “pistol” and what makes a firearm “unregistered” are complex, so please continue on to our gun lawyer page for more information about these laws. If you plan to own a firearm in the District of Columbia, it is important to understand these laws beforehand so that you avoid serious pitfalls.

DUI/DWI

A person may be charged with Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in the District of Columbia if they are found to have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of or over .08. A first-time violation of these laws could bring a maximum sentence of 180 days in jail and/or a $1,000 fine. If you are found to have a BAC of .20, you face a potential mandatory 10 days in jail. The penalties for a DUI, including the mandatory term of imprisonment, increase substantially as your BAC increases and if you accrue more than one DUI.

Operating While Impaired (OWI) is considered a less serious criminal offense, but the legal standard necessary to sustain a conviction on this charge is much lower. Please visit our DWI lawyer page for more information about those laws and the penalties.

Sex Crimes

There are five different levels of sex crimes that you can be charged with under District of Columbia law. The most lenient is charged as a misdemeanor, when a “sexual act” or “sexual contact” occurred and the person either knew or should have known that they did not have permission to do so. The most serious offense you can be charged with is First-Degree Sex Abuse, which includes violations committed with the use of force. Our sex crimes lawyer page has more information about the serious violations you can be charged with under the umbrella of sexual offense.

Federal Crimes

While many criminal offenses are tried in D.C. Superior Court, some crimes constitute a violation of federal law. These offenses are prosecuted by the United States government and, as a result, have the full force of a number of federal agencies supporting the prosecution. Agencies conducting investigations, undercover operations, and sting operations on behalf of the government include:

Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)
Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives (ATF)
Internal Revenue Service (IRS)
Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC)
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)
United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)

Any crime that occurs on federal property can be charged as a federal crime. In addition, white collar crimes, cybercrimes, and drug crimes are among the criminal offenses most frequently prosecuted as federal crimes. Internet sex crimes such as child pornography and online enticement of a minor are also vigorously prosecuted in federal court.

Federal criminal charges are serious, with conviction leading to stringent sentencing in federal prison without the possibility of parole. If you are investigated for a federal crime, it is crucial to seek legal counsel from an attorney and defense team experienced at handling federal cases. Potential evidence against you is gathered during lengthy investigations that may include wiretapping and other surveillance conducted by agents. Finding a federal criminal attorney with the resources to build a defense against charges is extremely important.

If you are certain you are being investigated for a federal offense or if you have been charged with a federal crime, getting legal counsel from an experienced attorney should be a priority in protecting your rights and building your defense.

Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, D.C.

If you are facing a criminal charge or believe that you are the target of a criminal investigation in Washington, D.C., your freedom is at stake. David Benowitz and his team are ready to help you. Call (202) 529-9374 to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.