Law Office of Julie Swaney

Navigating the criminal justice system in Washington, D.C., can be an incredibly daunting and overwhelming experience. For individuals, and especially for young people, facing charges in D.C. Superior Court, having a dedicated, knowledgeable, and empathetic legal advocate is not just beneficial, but essential. In the heart of the District, the Law Office of Julie Swaney stands as a beacon of support, committed to protecting the constitutional rights and liberty interests of everyone who comes into contact with the criminal justice system.

Julie Swaney opened her own criminal defense law firm because of a deep-seated belief in fighting for those who often feel voiceless within the system. She understands that the criminal justice system, while intended to protect society, can sometimes disproportionately affect low-income and minority communities. Her vision is to make the process less scary, frustrating, and lonely for her clients. With extensive experience defending both juveniles and adults in D.C. Superior Court, Ms. Swaney brings a blend of legal acumen, practical experience, and genuine compassion to every case. For D.C. locals, this means having a fierce advocate by their side who is truly dedicated to protecting their rights and working tirelessly for the best possible outcome.

The Law Office of Julie Swaney is conveniently located at 503 D St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, USA. This central location in downtown Washington, D.C., places the firm in close proximity to the city's legal infrastructure, including the D.C. Superior Court, making it highly accessible for clients.

The office's placement on D Street NW offers excellent accessibility for individuals throughout the District. It is within comfortable walking distance of several major Metro stations, including Judiciary Square (Red Line) and Archives-Navy Memorial-Penn Quarter (Green, Yellow Lines). This provides a straightforward and efficient commute for clients utilizing D.C.'s extensive public transportation network, eliminating the need to contend with heavy traffic or the challenges of finding parking in a busy urban area. The professional setting of the office provides a discreet and supportive environment for discussing sensitive legal matters related to criminal charges. This strategic and easily reachable location underscores Ms. Swaney's commitment to being a readily available and convenient resource for the Washington, D.C. community, especially for those who may already be facing significant stressors.

The Law Office of Julie Swaney specializes in comprehensive criminal defense, providing dedicated representation for individuals in both the juvenile and adult criminal justice systems within the District of Columbia. Her practice covers a broad spectrum of criminal charges and related legal needs.

• Adult Criminal Defense: She represents adults in traffic offenses, misdemeanor cases, and felony charges in D.C. Superior Court. Her experience spans a wide range of crimes, from Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Simple Assault to more serious charges like Armed Robbery and Homicide.
• Juvenile Defense: Ms. Swaney is deeply committed to defending young people (ages 10-18) who are charged with crimes in D.C.'s Superior Court. Her background includes extensive work with incarcerated youth and advocacy for improvements in the juvenile justice system.
• Plea Negotiations: She handles plea negotiations effectively, working to secure reductions in charges or lighter sentences for her clients, often in exchange for an admission of guilt, when that is the best strategic path.
• Litigation: Ms. Swaney has experience litigating misdemeanor adult bench and jury trials, prepared to defend clients vigorously in court when necessary.
• Reentry Support: Beyond direct criminal defense, she assists "returning citizens" (individuals coming home from the federal prison system) in navigating the reentry process after serving their sentences. This crucial support helps individuals reintegrate into the community.
• IRAA Motions: She files motions for release under the Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA), a law passed by the D.C. Council that allows for sentence reductions for eligible individuals, including those sentenced for crimes committed up to age 25.
• Constitutional Rights Protection: At the core of her practice is a deep belief in protecting the constitutional rights and liberty interests of every client.

Ms. Swaney's practice includes both court-appointed and retained clients, demonstrating her commitment to ensuring legal representation for a diverse range of individuals in need.

The Law Office of Julie Swaney is distinguished by several key features and highlights that make her a compassionate and effective advocate for clients in Washington, D.C.:

• Deep Commitment to Constitutional Rights: Ms. Swaney founded her firm on the strong belief in protecting the fundamental rights and liberty of every individual who encounters the criminal justice system. This core philosophy drives her dedicated advocacy.
• Extensive Experience in Both Adult and Juvenile Defense: Her background includes representing clients across the spectrum of the criminal justice system, from young people in juvenile court to adults facing serious felony charges. This broad experience allows for a nuanced approach to diverse cases.
• Background in Youth Advocacy: Prior to opening her firm, Ms. Swaney served as Director of Youth Advocacy for a program assisting D.C. youth incarcerated in Maryland. In this role, she helped with reentry planning, supervised law student mentors, and advocated for systemic change in the juvenile justice system. This deep understanding of youth issues is invaluable for juvenile defense.
• Adjunct Professorial Lecturer at American University Washington College of Law: Ms. Swaney shares her expertise as an Adjunct Professorial Lecturer, contributing to the education of future legal professionals. This academic involvement keeps her at the forefront of legal developments and best practices.
• Active Bar Memberships: She is actively barred in both D.C. and Maryland, though her primary focus is on the Superior Court for the District of Columbia.
• Involvement in Legal Community Initiatives: Ms. Swaney is a member of the Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association and the Council for Court Excellence's Post-Disposition Working Group, demonstrating her commitment to improving the justice system from within. She also volunteered for Clemency Project 2014, representing federal inmates seeking clemency.
• Client-Centered and Empathetic Approach: Her firm's vision emphasizes making the process "less scary, frustrating, and lonely" for clients. This indicates a highly empathetic and supportive approach, which is crucial during stressful legal situations.
• Highly Qualified Background: Ms. Swaney graduated cum laude from American University's Washington College of Law (WCL) and The George Washington University, showcasing a strong academic foundation. She also gained invaluable experience as a student attorney in WCL's renowned Criminal Defense Clinic and as a law clerk for the Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia and the Prince George's County Office of the Public Defender.

The Law Office of Julie Swaney, as a dedicated criminal defense firm, understands the urgency and financial considerations often associated with legal needs. While they do not offer traditional retail-style "promotions," they do provide a highly valuable service that is critical for potential clients: a Free Consultation.

This complimentary initial consultation allows individuals in Washington, D.C., and their families to discuss the details of their case directly with Julie Swaney. It's an opportunity to understand the charges, explore potential legal strategies, and determine the best course of action without any upfront financial commitment. This free consultation is explicitly advertised on her website, reflecting her commitment to accessibility and ensuring that those who need legal assistance can seek immediate guidance. This offering is a significant benefit for D.C. locals who are facing legal challenges and need clear, compassionate advice from an experienced attorney. We strongly encourage anyone in need of criminal defense or related legal support to take advantage of this free consultation.

If you are in Washington, D.C., and require dedicated legal assistance for criminal defense, juvenile defense, or reentry support, you can reach the Law Office of Julie Swaney using the following details:

• Address: 503 D St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, USA
• Phone: (202) 681-4702
• Mobile Phone: +1 202-681-4702

For any general inquiries, it's best to call directly to schedule your free consultation and discuss your specific legal matter privately.

For residents of Washington, D.C., who find themselves or their loved ones entangled in the criminal justice system, the Law Office of Julie Swaney is an exceptionally suitable and highly supportive choice. Her office's convenient downtown location on D Street NW, just a short walk from multiple Metro stations and the D.C. Superior Court, ensures easy accessibility—a crucial factor when dealing with the stress and demands of legal proceedings.

What truly sets Julie Swaney apart for D.C. locals is her profound dedication to protecting constitutional rights and her empathetic, client-centered approach. Her extensive experience in both adult and juvenile defense, coupled with her background in youth advocacy and reentry support, provides a comprehensive and compassionate service that goes beyond just legal representation. She understands the unique challenges faced by individuals within the District’s criminal justice system, especially those from low-income and minority communities. Her commitment to making the legal process "less scary, frustrating, and lonely" is a testament to her genuine care for her clients' well-being. By offering a free consultation, she removes a common barrier to accessing vital legal advice, making her an invaluable and trustworthy advocate for anyone in the District of Columbia needing skilled and caring criminal defense.