Washington, D.C. · Updated October 2026
Three criminal defense firms that handle Washington, DC cases, compared on Google ratings, the charges they take on, the courts they appear in and what clients say. Lotze Mosley PLLC is listed first.
- ✓DUI
- ✓Federal charges
- ✓White-collar
- ✓Domestic violence
- ✓Gun & drug charges
At a glance
Washington, DC criminal defense firms compared
| Firm | Google rating | Reviews | Consultation | Hours (Google) | Courts handled | Spanish service |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1Lotze Mosley PLLC | ★★★★½ 4.7 | 53 | Free | 24 hours (per Google) | DC & Maryland | Call to ask |
| 2Capital Criminal & DUI Defense Group: David Benowitz | ★★★★½ 4.9 | 259 | Free, 24/7 | 24 hours (per Google) | DC Superior & federal | ✓ |
| 3MarcusBonsib, LLC | ★★★★★ 5.0 | 3 | Call to ask | Mon–Fri 9am–5pm | MD & DC, state & federal | Call to ask |
“Call to ask” means the firm does not publish this on its website.
Ratings and review counts from Google, checked October 26, 2026. Hours can change on holidays; call to confirm.
The list
Top 3 criminal defense attorneys in Washington, DC
Lotze Mosley PLLC
Charges handled
- DUI & suspended license
- Domestic violence & CPOs
- Assault & violent crimes
- Murder & homicide
- Gun charges
- Drug crimes
- Sex crimes
- Fraud, embezzlement & white-collar
- Title IX & university discipline
- Expungement
Lotze Mosley PLLC is a criminal defense firm in Penn Quarter, a short walk from DC Superior Court, led by trial attorney Monica “Nikki” Lotze. The firm says she has represented clients in DC and Maryland criminal courts since 1993 and has tried more than 100 criminal cases. Its practice is criminal defense only, covering misdemeanors through homicide, gun, drug, sex offense, DUI and domestic violence charges, plus white-collar matters such as fraud and embezzlement and university Title IX proceedings. The firm also handles Civil Protection Order cases and record expungement, and offers a free consultation.
What clients praise
- Reviewers say Nikki Lotze is straight with them from the first consultation and walks them through every step.
- One client retained her for two felony DUI charges in DC and says she secured a deal he didn’t think was possible.
- A domestic violence client facing a false accusation during a custody dispute says other DC defense lawyers pointed him to her.
- Clients mention her knowledge of both the DC and Maryland court systems and close attention to detail.
Worth knowing
- 53 Google reviews is a smaller sample than the other DC-based firm on this list.
- Fees are not published on the website, so ask about payment terms at the consultation.
- Mon–Sun Open 24 hours
Why it made the list: A criminal-defense-only trial practice one block from the Moultrie Courthouse, with DC and Maryland court experience.
📍 400 7th St NW, Suite 206, Washington, DC 20004
Capital Criminal & DUI Defense Group: David Benowitz
Charges handled
- DUI & DWI
- Federal offenses
- White-collar & fraud
- Drug charges
- Gun charges
- Assault & domestic violence
- Sex crimes
- Theft & identity theft
- Bond review hearings
- Expungement
- Student defense
Capital Criminal & DUI Defense Group: David Benowitz is the Washington, DC criminal defense practice of David Benowitz, a founding partner of Price Benowitz LLP. His website says he is AV-rated by Martindale-Hubbell, a member of the National College for DUI Defense, board-certified as a criminal trial advocate by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and on the faculty of Harvard Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop. The team handles DC Superior Court and federal matters, from DUI and drug charges to white-collar investigations, grand jury subpoenas and bond review hearings, and the site offers a Spanish-language version.
What clients praise
- Reviewers describe David Benowitz as responsive and say he explains each step and keeps them informed.
- A family member of a federal defendant in Baltimore singles out his communication and commitment.
- Clients who met with Jack McCoy call his consultation clear, strategic and transparent.
- One reviewer says Shawn Sukumar kept them calm and assured through a frightening case.
Worth knowing
- Many reviews name associate attorneys rather than David Benowitz, so confirm who will handle your case day to day.
- The practice shares intake with the larger Price Benowitz firm, which also runs a high-volume injury practice.
- Mon–Sun Open 24 hours
Why it made the list: The most-reviewed firm here, with federal and DUI depth and Spanish-language service.
📍 409 7th St NW, Suite 222, Washington, DC 20004
MarcusBonsib, LLC
Charges handled
- Drug possession & distribution
- Assault & murder
- Domestic violence
- Robbery, burglary & theft
- Sex crimes
- Fraud & embezzlement
- Political corruption
- DUI/DWI & reckless driving
- Vehicular homicide
MarcusBonsib, LLC is a criminal defense firm in Greenbelt, Maryland, that handles cases in the state and federal courts of Maryland and Washington, DC. The firm says Bruce L. Marcus has more than 35 years as a defense attorney, and Robert C. Bonsib served 15 years as a federal and state prosecutor before moving to defense work. Associates Megan E. Coleman and Sydney M. Patterson round out the team. The firm takes cases from misdemeanors to multi-month federal drug and fraud trials, represents organizations as well as individuals, and aims to return calls within 24 hours.
What clients praise
- A reviewer says Robert Bonsib represented him in two felony cases and all charges were dropped in both.
- The same client received probation before judgment in a related traffic case.
Worth knowing
- Only 3 Google reviews, so there is little public feedback to judge by.
- The office is in Greenbelt, Maryland, not in DC, and posts weekday hours only.
- Mon–Fri 9am–5pm
- Sat–Sun Closed
Why it made the list: Prosecutor-side experience and a Maryland base, useful when a case spans DC and Maryland or federal court.
📍 6411 Ivy Ln, Suite 116, Greenbelt, MD 20770
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Which DC criminal defense firm fits your case?
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Guide
How criminal cases work in Washington, DC
Two courts
Charges under the DC Code go to DC Superior Court at 500 Indiana Ave NW. Charges under federal law go to the U.S. District Court for DC at 333 Constitution Ave NW. The address on your charging papers tells you which one.
A federal prosecutor for local crimes
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for DC prosecutes all adult felonies and most adult misdemeanors, even under local DC law. It is the only U.S. Attorney’s Office that handles local as well as federal crimes.
The DC Attorney General’s role
The Office of the Attorney General prosecutes juvenile cases and a limited set of adult misdemeanors in Superior Court.
Maryland is a separate system
An arrest just across the line in Prince George’s or Montgomery County goes through Maryland courts, with different procedures and prosecutors. Ask whether a firm regularly appears there.
Before your first meeting
What to bring to a criminal defense consultation
0 of 8 ready
Methodology
How we chose these firms
We looked at criminal defense firms that take Washington, DC cases and compared their published practice areas, the courts they say they appear in, attorney background, consultation terms, posted hours and Google ratings and reviews. Praise and drawbacks come from real client reviews and each firm’s own website.
Lotze Mosley PLLC appears first. The order is for presentation and is not an independently measured ranking.
Ratings, review counts and hours were checked on October 26, 2026.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Which court will my Washington, DC criminal case be heard in?
Most cases under the DC Code are heard in DC Superior Court at 500 Indiana Ave NW. Federal charges go to the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia at 333 Constitution Ave NW. Your charging document shows which court has your case.
Who prosecutes criminal cases in DC?
The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia prosecutes all adult felonies and most adult misdemeanors. The DC Office of the Attorney General handles juvenile cases and a limited group of adult misdemeanors.
Do these firms offer free consultations?
Lotze Mosley PLLC offers a free consultation, and Capital Criminal & DUI Defense Group: David Benowitz offers free case evaluations around the clock. MarcusBonsib, LLC does not publish its consultation terms, so call to ask.
Is MarcusBonsib, LLC based in Washington, DC?
No. MarcusBonsib, LLC is in Greenbelt, Maryland. Its website says it handles cases in the state and federal courts of both Maryland and Washington, DC.
Should I talk to police before I speak with a lawyer?
Generally no. Anything you say, including a denial, can be used in the case. Politely decline to answer questions and speak with a criminal defense lawyer first.
Can a DC criminal record be sealed?
Some DC arrest and conviction records can be sealed, depending on the charge, how the case ended and how much time has passed. A defense lawyer can review your record and tell you whether you qualify.
Why is Lotze Mosley PLLC listed first?
The order on this page is for presentation. It is not an independently measured ranking, so compare each firm against your own charge and needs.
Local guide
Washington, DC criminal court local guide
Which courthouses sit closest to each firm’s office.
What is near each firm
Lotze Mosley PLLC
Penn Quarter
NEAREST COURTHOUSES
- DC Superior Court (Moultrie Courthouse)
500 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC0.2 mi - U.S. District Court for DC (E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse)
333 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC0.3 mi
Capital Criminal & DUI Defense Group: David Benowitz
Penn Quarter
NEAREST COURTHOUSES
- DC Superior Court (Moultrie Courthouse)
500 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC0.2 mi - U.S. District Court for DC (E. Barrett Prettyman Courthouse)
333 Constitution Ave NW, Washington, DC0.3 mi
MarcusBonsib, LLC
Greenbelt, MD
NEAREST COURTHOUSES
- U.S. District Court, Greenbelt Division
6500 Cherrywood Ln, Greenbelt, MD0.3 mi - DC Superior Court (Moultrie Courthouse)
500 Indiana Ave NW, Washington, DC10.3 mi
Distances are straight-line estimates.
Criminal courthouses in DC and nearby Maryland
Tips for a Washington, DC criminal case
- Stay quiet with police. Politely decline questions until you have spoken with a lawyer.
- Never miss a court date. A missed date can lead to a bench warrant and a new charge.
- Follow every release condition. Breaking a stay-away order or testing condition can put you back in custody.
- Stay off social media about the case. Posts and messages can be used as evidence.
- Ask who will handle your case. At larger firms, confirm which attorney will appear in court for you.
This page is general information, not legal advice. The order of firms is for presentation and is not an independently measured ranking. Ratings, reviews, hours and practice details were checked against Google and each firm’s website in October 2026 and may change.