Jason Kalafat, Esq.

For individuals in the District of Columbia facing criminal charges, the experience can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. The legal system, especially in a federal city like Washington, DC, is complex, and the consequences of a conviction can be life-altering. In such critical times, having a skilled, compassionate, and unwavering advocate by your side is not just beneficial, but absolutely essential. This is where Jason Kalafat, Esq., stands as a vital resource for those in need of robust criminal defense.

Jason Kalafat, Esq., is a highly experienced criminal defense attorney with over two decades of dedicated practice. He began his distinguished career as a Deputy Public Defender in Maricopa County, Arizona, where he gained extensive trial experience handling hundreds of cases, with a particular focus on DUI, extreme DUI, felony Aggravated DUI, and gun and drug offenses. After relocating to Washington, DC, in 2008, Mr. Kalafat further solidified his reputation by serving as a partner in two DC criminal defense law firms before establishing his solo practice in 2020. In 2025, he joined Scrofano Law PC as a Senior Trial Attorney, continuing his focus on criminal defense. Throughout his career in DC, he has represented hundreds of clients in the District of Columbia Superior Court and in federal courts in Washington, DC, and Maryland.

Mr. Kalafat is known for his commitment to providing superior legal services to clients facing misdemeanor and felony criminal charges. His peers, including prosecutors and judges, regard him highly, and he has routinely been handpicked by judges for serious felony appointments for indigent defendants. He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a perfect 10.0 rating by AVVO, and has been consistently selected as a Super Lawyer in recognition of his dedication and skills. Clients have described him as a "capable and unrelenting advocate" with "great knowledge of experience, understanding, and ability to communicate well." He embodies a legal philosophy that combines aggressive defense with compassion, holding clients accountable while fiercely defending their rights. This dedication makes him a formidable presence for anyone feeling "the world against you," as one client eloquently put it.

Jason Kalafat, Esq.'s office is conveniently located at 600 F St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004, USA. This address places him in the bustling heart of downtown Washington, DC, within the vibrant Penn Quarter neighborhood. The location offers excellent accessibility for clients across the District of Columbia and surrounding areas. The office is just a short walk from several Metro stations, including Metro Center (serving the Red, Orange, Silver, and Blue lines) and Gallery Place-Chinatown (serving the Red, Green, and Yellow lines). This ensures that individuals relying on public transportation can easily reach his office for consultations and meetings. The central position of 600 F St NW also makes it a recognizable landmark, simplifying navigation for those unfamiliar with the area. Its proximity to courthouses and other legal institutions further enhances the convenience for clients and streamlines legal processes. The professional setting of the building provides a discreet and supportive environment for clients during what can often be a challenging time.

Jason Kalafat, Esq., provides comprehensive criminal defense services, representing individuals accused of a wide array of criminal offenses in both District of Columbia Superior Court and federal courts. His extensive experience allows him to handle various types of cases effectively.

• DUI/DWI Defense: He offers aggressive defense for clients facing drunk driving charges, including DUI, DWI, and related traffic violations, understanding the nuances of breath test regulations and potential implications.

• Assault and Battery: Mr. Kalafat defends individuals accused of assault, battery, and other violent crimes, working to protect their rights and challenge allegations.

• Drug Charges: He represents clients facing various drug-related offenses, from possession to distribution, in both state and federal jurisdictions.

• Sex Crimes: He provides discreet and robust defense for sensitive cases involving sexual abuse and other sex-related charges, ensuring clients' rights are protected.

• Theft and Robbery: Mr. Kalafat handles cases involving theft, shoplifting, robbery, and burglary, building strong defenses against these property crimes.

• White Collar Crimes: He defends clients accused of white-collar offenses such as fraud, embezzlement, and other financial crimes.

• Gun and Weapon Charges: He represents individuals facing charges related to firearms and other weapons offenses.

• Federal Crimes: With experience in federal courts in DC and Maryland, he handles complex federal criminal cases.

• Appeals and Post-Conviction Relief: He has experience with appellate and post-conviction cases, providing avenues for challenging convictions.

• School Discipline and Underage Drinking: He also assists students with school discipline hearings and minors facing underage drinking charges.

• Expungement: Provides guidance on expungement processes for eligible criminal records.

Jason Kalafat, Esq. stands out as a criminal defense attorney in Washington, DC, due to several key features and highlights:

• Extensive Experience: With over 20 years of experience, including a significant period as a Deputy Public Defender and as a partner in prominent DC firms, Mr. Kalafat possesses a deep understanding of criminal law and court procedures.

• Highly Rated and Recognized: He holds an AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a perfect 10.0 rating on AVVO, and has been consistently selected as a Super Lawyer, reflecting high peer recognition and professional achievement.

• Compassionate and Client-Focused: Client testimonials, such as Jazmine Gibson's review, highlight his ability to keep clients hopeful, reassure them, and show dedication and humor even "behind bars." This speaks to his empathetic and supportive approach.

• Aggressive Trial Advocate: Described by clients and even former adversaries as an "unrelenting advocate" who "defends his clients aggressively," Mr. Kalafat is known for his tenacity and courtroom prowess.

• Diverse Case Experience: His background spans a wide range of criminal offenses, from DUIs and assaults to complex federal crimes, ensuring he can handle various challenging cases.

• Strategic Legal Mind: His ability to "hold clients accountable for their actions" while still fighting fiercely for them demonstrates a balanced and strategic approach to criminal defense.

• Well-Regarded by Judiciary and Prosecutors: Being routinely "handpicked by judges to accept serious felony appointments for indigent defendants" is a strong testament to his reputation and credibility within the legal community.

• Passion for Criminal Defense: After a promising commercial litigation practice, Mr. Kalafat chose to pursue his "passion for criminal law defense," indicating a genuine commitment to his chosen field.

As a seasoned criminal defense attorney, Jason Kalafat, Esq. typically offers a "Free Consultation" (often up to 60 minutes), which serves as a significant "special offer" for prospective clients. In the realm of legal services, especially for criminal defense, this initial consultation is invaluable. It provides individuals facing charges with an opportunity to discuss their specific situation, understand their legal options, and get a sense of Mr. Kalafat's approach and expertise without any financial commitment upfront. While he does not advertise traditional promotional discounts, his commitment to providing a thorough initial assessment ensures that clients can make an informed decision about their legal representation. His focus on providing "superior legal services" and his dedication to achieving the best possible outcomes for his clients are the core "value propositions," rather than short-term promotions.

For those in the District of Columbia requiring dedicated criminal defense counsel, Jason Kalafat, Esq., can be reached at:

Address: 600 F St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20004, USA

Phone: (202) 410-8061

Mobile Phone: +1 202-410-8061

For individuals in the District of Columbia facing criminal charges, Jason Kalafat, Esq., offers a uniquely suitable and highly valuable legal resource. His extensive experience, spanning over two decades in criminal defense, including significant time as a public defender and in prominent DC law firms, means he possesses an intimate understanding of both local and federal court systems in Washington, DC. This deep-seated knowledge is crucial for navigating the city's complex legal landscape.

The accessibility of his office at 600 F St NW, nestled in the well-connected Penn Quarter, ensures that clients across DC can easily reach him, which is a practical benefit during a stressful time. More profoundly, what makes him suitable for locals is the balance he strikes between aggressive legal advocacy and compassionate client care. As evidenced by client testimonials, he not only fights relentlessly for his clients' rights but also provides crucial emotional support, keeping them "hopeful and reassured" even in the face of daunting circumstances. This empathetic approach, coupled with his high ratings and peer recognition as a Super Lawyer, assures clients that they are receiving top-tier legal representation from an attorney who genuinely cares.

While a past review mentions a negative experience, the overall public sentiment and his continued professional accolades underscore a general pattern of strong, dedicated defense. In times of crisis, DC residents need an attorney who can be a formidable presence in the courtroom and a supportive guide through the legal process. Jason Kalafat, Esq., embodies this dual role, making him an excellent choice for anyone in the District of Columbia in need of robust criminal defense.