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Cheryl D Stein
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About Cheryl
Biography
I think that one of the most important functions of any lawyer is to keep clients informed and aware of all developments in their cases. I pride myself on being able to explain the most complicated legal concepts in a way that anyone can understand. I return calls promptly and keep my clients informed of all developments in their cases.
I fight hard for all my clients. Not all cases can be won, however, and not every defendant wants to fight the charges. In those cases I believe that it is most important to get to know each client as an individual and to convey that understanding to the judge. No one is defined by their worst acts. I make sure to present a complete and well-rounded picture of the client so that the judge sees a complete human being and not just someone that made a bad choice.
I teach Evidence at American University Law School and am an instructor at the Harvard Law School trial advocacy workshop.
Outside of work I have a lot of cultural interests. I am an avid theater-goer, attend the ballet and concerts, watch sports, and spend a lot of time with my dog.
I'll care about your case almost as much as you do. Call or message now.
Practice Areas
7
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
43 years
Contracts and Agreements
10%
43 years | 50 cases
Domestic Violence
10%
Drug Crime
10%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 450-550 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
Licenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 47 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1978
No misconduct found
Location
Cheryl D. Stein, Attorney at Law
1824 N. Capitol St, NW, Suite 1, Washington, DC, 20002
cdsteinlaw.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find Cheryl online.
Cheryl D Stein's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
15 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (15)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Cheryl Stein is superb.
As a senior attorney in non-criminal litigation, I recommended Cheryl Stein to assist one of my own clients in a potential criminal matter. Cheryl was superb. She knew the law, she negotiated a terrific outcome for my client, and counseled my client throughout the process with empathy and reassuranc...
Posted by Stephen | May 13, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best Lawyer in the City
Best Criminal Defense Attorney in the District hands down. Beat every case I ever had against me when I hired Mrs. Stein. This wonderful woman has been practicing for a long time and knows a lot of people in the court system which is a plus with her knowledge of the law. Not including she puts her al...
Posted by Chad | January 04, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Do not hesitate to contact Cheryl for your defense!
We had the pleasure of working with Cheryl, a feisty criminal defense lawyer with many years of courtroom experience. Cheryl is a no-nonsense, very matter-of-fact attorney who not only crafted a strategic approach tailored to our needs but also took the time to explain her reasoning behind her decisi...
Posted by Ralph | January 27, 2011 | Criminal Defense
One of the finest criminal defense lawyers in Washington, DC
I highly recommend attorney Cheryl Stein. Ms. Stein is an excellent criminal defense lawyer. She is smart, thorough, and is very knowledgeable about the intricacies of the District of Columbia Superior court system. I was extremely satisfied with the way in which she handled my case and represented m...
Posted by Jos | January 20, 2011 | Constitutional
A Must-See Defense Lawyer in Washington,D.C. for Criminal Lawsuits!
To Whom it may concern: Cheryl D. Stein, Esq. of Washington, D.C.has been representing me with my criminal and civil law suits since 2009. My ongoing experience with Cheryl is one of high professionalism. With Cheryl's extensive and expert knowledge of U.S. Federal laws, she is the definitive person...
Cheryl D Stein's Lawyer Endorsements
"The answes of Ms. Stein are consistently accurate, full of analysis and customized to the needs of the Avvo asker. These are exactly the qualities that every client would look for when hiring an attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Aggressive, knowledgeable, tenacious, able advocate with excellent judgment as to how to evaluate and present a criminal trial; great mastery of rules of evidence - knows how to tailor & present a defense, has superb writing skills and insight regarding appellate advocacy - especially with respect to evaluation and presentation of federal criminal appeals - briefs and arguments and superb insight and candor re the merits of ineffective assistance claims and skillful dogged pursuit of relief. Extensive trial experience both in federal courts in the Baltimore/Washington DC and nearby Virginia & local District of Colombia courts. Clearly in demand from nationwide clientele through renown for effective appellate advocacy."
"Cheryl is a good writer, an excellent trial attorney – and a quick study. Last year I referred her a prisoner who had filed a 2255 motion without the assistance of an attorney. The motion, which alleged that his previous attorney had been ineffective, was scheduled for a hearing within a few weeks. Cheryl was not only able to prepare for the hearing on short notice – but was able to win the 2255 motion. A testament to her skill as a trial advocate. Cheryl’s legal memorandums are well written, clear, and convincing"
"I strongly endorse Cheryl Stein as a capable and caring advocate, and a top-shelf lawyer. I have benefited from Cheryl's many thoughtful interactions with the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and she has often shared her vast trial knowledge and experience with me whenever I needed it. I'm lucky to know Cheryl, and clients will be too."
"I endorse this lawyer. Amazing attorney."
"Cheryl Stein is a regular and active voice on the listserv of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers with advice and suggestions to other criminal defense lawyers. Those who've worked with her have expressed high praise."
"I endorse this lawyer. Cheryl is a dedicated and hard-working criminal defense lawyer. She is an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and contributes often and regularly to the organization. She has assisted me in several cases, and I always welcome her input. I have referred client s to her, and will do so at every opportunity."
"Cheryl is highly intelligent, a devoted advocate and an excellent writer"
"Cheryl is a dedicated and hard-working defense attorney. She is an active member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and contributes often and regularly to the organization. I would not hesitate to refer someone to her, especially given the broad range of legal issues that she has handled in her career."
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Experience
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Adjunct Professor, American University School Of Law
2008 - Present
Instructor, Trial Advocacy Workshop, Harvard Law School
Associations
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Committee on Rules of ProcedureMember
1992 - Present
National Assn of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Education
1977
Yale Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1974
Yale College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Publications
2011
USA Today
In MLK's Honor, Let's Drop Race Labels
2011
law.com
Strip Search Case Reveals the Need for Another Female Justice
2010
Cultural Issues in Criminal Defense
Selective Prosecution
2010
"Careers in Criminal Law" , published by American Bar Assn.
Flying Solo and Fighting the Good Fight
2008
The Washington Times
The Exclusionary Rule's Crucial Role
2003
The Champion magazine
Don't Do That!
Languages
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How can I get my charge dropped for shoplifting
20 Mar 2026
Q&A
Can I find a lawyer in 4 days over the weekend or can I call the court and ask for a continuance?
20 Mar 2026
Q&A
If a jury trial was scheduled then continued why are they scheduling a status conference
20 Mar 2026