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Jason M Kalafat

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Avvo Rating9.9
  • Washington, DC
  • Licensed for 19 years
  • Free consultation
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About Jason

Practice areas

Federal crimeWhite collar crimeDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 45%

    Jason Kalafat has practiced as a criminal defense attorney since 2002, first as a Deputy Public Defender in Maricopa County, Arizona, where Mr. Kalafat’s practice concentrated on felony cases at the trial level. Mr. Kalafat then joined the prestigious firm of Kimerer & Derrick where his practice broadened at the state and federal levels, including appellate and post-conviction cases as well as representing clients before various regulatory and administrative agencies.

    20 years, 500 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 40%

    19 years, 400 cases

  3. White collar crime: 10%

    16 years, 50 cases

  4. Federal crime: 5%

    17 years, 45 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

416613 1381259771

Contact

400 5th Street NW
address map

Jason Kalafat, Attorney at Law

400 5th Street NW
Suite 350
Washington, DC, 20001

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
DCActive 200910/14/2017
AZInactive 200103/04/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
AV Preeminent Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2011
AV Preeminent Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2010
Avvo's 2010 Top 50 Northeast Lawyers - Top 10 DUI AttorneyAcela Arrive Magazine2010
Graduate of the YearWest Virginia University - College of Arts & Sciences1997
Purinton Philosophy ScholarWest Virginia University1996
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerFarrelly Kalafat PC2017 - Present
PartnerPrice Benowitz, LLP2009 - 2017
Private Contract Attorney2008 - 2009
MemberKimerer & Derrick2005 - 2008
Deputy Public DefenderMaricopa County Public Defender's Office2002 - 2005
AssociateSnell & Wilmer L.L.P.2000 - 2002
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMemberN/A
American Bar AssociationMemberN/A
Sandra Day O'Connor Inn of CourtMemberN/A
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Vanderbilt Univesity School of LawJuris Doctorate2000
West Virginia UniversityBachelor of Arts1997
Carnegie Mellon UniversityN/AN/A
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Phoenix School of Law Career SymposiumPrivate Criminal Defense Practice2007
Arizona Public Defender's Association Annual ConferenceKeeping Out Rule 404(c) "Bad Acts" Evidence2005
Arizona State University Career SymposiumCareer Development and Public Interest Law2004
Annual Philosophy ConferenceThe Philosphy of Leibniz1997
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
United States v. TBNot guilty all counts
United States v. JPNot guilty
United States v. ARNot guilty all charges
United States v. AWNot guilty all charges
United States v. JJCase dismissed
United States v. DWNot guilty
United States v. MANot guilty all counts
District of Columbia v. YPNot guilty
United States v. JLJury trial - not guilty on all charges
United States v. JMNot guilty on all counts
United States v. GAJury trial - not guilty all charges (including lesser-included simple possession charge)
United States v. RWJury trial - not guilty on all counts
United States v. DLHung jury, misdemeanor plea
United States v. RJAcquitted of all felony counts
United States v. M.S.Case dismissed
United States v. DPNot guilty verdict at trial
District of Columbia v. KWNot guilty verdict at trial
United States v. NGNot guilty verdict at trial
United States v. DD et alNot guilty verdict at trial
United States v. WHNot guilty verdicts on all charges at jury trial
United States v. K.M.Client acquitted on all charges by jury.
United States v. C.T.Not guilty verdict at trial
United States v. STSdeferred sentencing - charges dismissed
State v. GJMNot guily verdict at jury trial
State v. RWRNot guilty verdict after jury trial
State v. ESWGuilty verdict dismissed; reduced plea obtained
State v. MFNot guilty verdict on all charges after jury trial

Reviews

(48)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%
Review Jason Kalafat

Extraordinary Attorney - The Best of the Best

Posted by

Jason was amazing both as our attorney and counselor in every sense of the word. He not only brought our case to the best resolution possible, but he was a pillar of support and calm throughout. He was responsive, attentive, patient, extremely knowledgeable and the only person you want in your legal corner when you have no idea what to do or where to turn. He explained everything simply and to the point, he followed up on everything he had to do and with us on everything we had to do, he counseled us flawlessly and was so amazingly personally involved that he gave us great comfort at every step. But, again, most importantly he led us to the best possible resolution and for that we are forever grateful. Anyone would be more than fortunate to have him be their attorney and most especially in their corner!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Client

Posted by

Jason was a god send, we got the best possible outcome. I would recommend him to anyone who needs representation in DC. Great lawyer and Great guy. I wish I could give him 10 stars!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Lawyer/ Great Outcome

Posted by

I used Mr. Kalafat's services about a year ago. I am very appreciative to Mr. Kalafat. He was very supportive, understanding, and patient throughout the entire process. He answered my many questions with patience. I felt confident going into the matter with Kalafat's expertise. 100% happy with the outcome.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Helpful, knowledgeable, and experienced

Posted by

Jason is highly experienced and knowledgeable, and maintains the utmost commitment to customer service.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great

Posted by

He helped me out a lot. He was timely and had everything figured out close and shut without a single hiccup.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellence

Posted by

Retaining Jason was one of the best decision I have made. He took the time explain the various complexities of my case. He was on top of my case from the time we initially spoke until the end. Excellent experience, I will definitely recommend him to my family and friends.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Cannot go wrong!

Posted by

I called in Sunday night and was given a consolation appointment the next day. Being the first time I needed such assistance Jason made the experience very easy and virtually stress free. He was able to prioritize my situation and thoroughly present my options. Communication and responsiveness to questions was amazing. Jason was a true partner in assisting me work through a tough time while providing a rather happy ending. A+!!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Attorney.

Posted by

Jason helped me get through a DUI charge, he was extremely informative and helpful throughout the process, he was also always available to answer any questions I had along the way. He was able to get me a Deferred Sentencing Agreement which is the best I could have hoped for in the situation. He did his part and I did mine and the case was dismissed. I am a satisfied client and would recommend Jason to anyone.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great Job on a DUI

Posted by

After being arrested for DUI in DC, I searched Avvo to find the best attorney and Jason Kalafat was at the top of the list. After working through the case, I understand why he has a top rating. He remained extremely professional throughout the process while reassuring us that he would fight for the best outcome possible. He negotiated with the prosecutor and worked out a Deferred Sentencing Agreement that is not easy but certainly fair. I would recommend Jason Kalafat without hesitation for anyone who needs a great attorney in Washington, DC.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great representation and support

Posted by

Jason listened well to our case and worked with the DA and judge to get a great outcome to a case that didn't initially look good for us. When probation went awry, he was there with us again to reach an outcome that was best for everyone. He was excellent dealing with us as stressed and anxious clients.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(21)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Mark Beller, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 22, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I fully endorse Mr. Kalafat. In addition to being an excellent attorney and a wealth of knowledge, he is among the most dedicated advocates I have had the pleasure to work with. Anyone would be well served to have Mr. Kalafat in their corner.

Jay Volquardsen, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 1, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Mr. Kalafat is a great lawyer. He does fantastic work for his clients. I endorse him whole-heartedly.

S. Koehler, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 16, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Although it is not often that I feel compelled to recommend a potential competitor, Mr. Kalafat is a first-rate criminal defense lawyer. With a J.D. from Vanderbilt and many years of trial experience, Mr. Kalafat is highly respected among judges and other lawyers at D.C. Superior Court. He is also an approachable and classy guy.

Kush Arora, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 23, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Howard Ankin, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 5, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Jason is a top-rate criminal defense lawyer. He spends the time to learn the facts better than the State and uses his deep knowledge of the law to out-maneuver his opponents.

Gal Pissetzky, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 4, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Jason is a great criminal lawyer. He understands how to defend his clients and fights really hard in court. If you want someone who will protect your interests, Jason is the attorney for you.

Woodrow Thompson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 25, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Best DC-area DUI and criminal defense lawyer.

Alex Lane, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 19, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

As a criminal defense lawyer myself, I have often been able to observe Jason work. In my opinion, he is an outstanding lawyer.

Ashley West, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 28, 2010
Relationship: Other

Jason is a brillant, empathetic, funny man. He's an exceptional lawyer with an attention to detail uncharacteristic of most criminal defense lawyers. I would hire him if I were in a pinch.

Tiffani Lucero, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 27, 2010
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Mr. Kalafat is an excellent attorney who diligently represents his clients in a very professional manner.

Marc Erpenbeck, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 5, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Jason is a very intelligent, talented, and personable lawyer. He does outstanding work.

Tom Anelli, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 21, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Jason has made a reputation for himself as one of Washington's finest criminal defense lawyers. His reputation comes from his untiring devotion to representing clients in a manner that demonstrates excellence. I recommend him to anyone needing serious criminal representation.

Jay Adleman, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 11, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Jason is an excellent attorney who has been practicing in the area of criminal law for several years. He is intelligent, hard-working, and very well respected within the legal community. His clients can rely on his expert legal advice and his ability to provide excellent legal services.

Margaret Lopez, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 11, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Jason is an extremely intelligent and overwhelmingly charming attorney, both of which serve his clients in the courtroom exceedingly well. Jason left a big firm environment in order to delve more deeply into the courtroom, and has pulled off some surprisingly big wins for defense cases (which, as we all know, frequently have the chips piled against them). Jason is very well connected within the west coast legal community, and is extremely sociable and pleasant. As a prosecutor I am frequently approached with requests for defense attorneys that I would recommend based upon my personal experiences, and Jason Kalafat is - hands down - on the top of my list. He manages to combine highly sought after elements in this profession - both charisma and intellect. He wins cases by smart legal maneuvering, never by underhanded sneaky techniques - which solidifies his reputation in this community.

Karla Momberger, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 10, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer's work. Jason M. Kalafat is an extremely competent, skillful attorney.

Jorge Castañeda, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 10, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer's work.

Burges McCowan, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 9, 2009
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

If I were ever accused of a crime, Jason would be the first person I called. He is intelligent and diligent. He knows what he is doing and he doesn't play games. You can rest assured that if Jason is on your case, you are getting first rate representation, and will receive the best possible outcome available.

Craig McPike, Litigation Attorney on Dec 9, 2009
Relationship: Friend

Jason is both a friend and former colleague of mine at Snell & Wilmer in Phoenix. He is not only smart, but also effective and practical in his approach to pursuing his clients' interests. And he has a personality that you just can't top.

Seth Price, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 9, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

i have worked closely with Jason and he is a master of his craft.

Jonathan Frank, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 9, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer's work. Jason and I worked together as lawyers at Snell & Wilmer L.L.P. in Phoenix. Jason is a hardworking, honest and very skilled attorney. I highly recommend Jason.

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