Jason M Kalafat

Jason M Kalafat

4.9
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 23 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Washington, DC
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, White Collar Crime, Federal Crime

600 F Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC

About Jason

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

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.

24 years | 500 cases

45%
DUI and DWI 40%

23 years | 400 cases

40%
White Collar Crime 10%

20 years | 50 cases

10%
Federal Crime 5%

21 years | 45 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in District of Columbia for 16 years

State: District of Columbia

Acquired: 2009

Good Standing

No misconduct found

Licensed in Arizona for 23 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 2001

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Jason Kalafat, Attorney at Law

600 F Street NW, Suite 300, Washington, DC, 20004

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Jason M Kalafat's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

51 Client Reviews

5 star (50)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Anthony | August 4, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney!

Attorney Kalafat is truly exceptional. He is professional, honest, and incredibly knowledgeable about the law. From start to finish, he fought tirelessly on my behalf and always made me feel supported throughout the process. I’m deeply grateful for his dedication and representation in my case. If I c...ould give him ten stars, I absolutely would!

Posted by Sri | July 7, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A criminal defense attorney par excellence

When searching for legal counsel in the face of criminal charges, one is often consumed by anxiety, uncertainty, and fear of the unknown. The stakes could not be higher—your freedom, reputation, and the fabric of your daily life hang in the balance. In these moments, what you need is not just a lawye...r, but an advocate—someone who stands by your side with unwavering commitment, expertise, and compassion. I am profoundly grateful to say that, in my experience, I found all of these qualities and more in Mr. Jason Kalafat, Senior Trial Attorney at Scrofano Law P.C. I was a pharmacist charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. So, needless to say, my career and life were on the line. But from our very first meeting, it was clear that Mr. Kalafat possesses a remarkable mastery of criminal law. His knowledge was not only encyclopedic but also practical—translating dense legal codes and precedents into clear, actionable strategies. Every question I posed was met with thoughtful, well-reasoned answers, and I never once felt lost in jargon or left out of the process. I was especially struck by Mr. Kalafat’s tenacity during the discovery process. He relentlessly pursued every document and piece of information that could strengthen my case. And his attention to detail is extraordinary; nothing escapes his discerning eye. But no amount of legal expertise can substitute for genuine empathy, and it is here that Mr. Kalafat truly excelled. He never minimized my fears or frustrations; instead, he listened with compassion and responded with reassurance rooted in both experience and sincerity. When I was overwhelmed, he offered not just legal counsel but human kindness, reminding me that no matter how dark the moment, I was not alone. This human touch made all the difference, helping me maintain hope and dignity throughout the ordeal. Mr. Kalafat took the time to understand my background, my family, and the circumstances that brought me to this vulnerable point. And I felt comfortable enough to start addressing him as “Jason”. He was accessible, approachable, and responsive—returning calls and emails promptly, even outside of regular business hours when urgency demanded it. He saw me not just as another file or docket number, but as a human being whose life hung in the balance. So, in every way, Jason advocated for me—not only in the eyes of the law but also in the broader context of my life and reputation. Ultimately, the results of my case were a testament to Mr. Kalafat's extraordinary abilities. Against considerable odds, I was sentenced to 3 years of probation and my pharmacist license got re-instated. So, the verdict delivered not only legal vindication but also restored my faith in fairness and the possibility of redemption. Attorney-client relationships usually fade at this point. But even after the conclusion of my case, Jason continued to check in, offering support and guidance as I rebuilt my life. So, if you find yourself in the daunting position of facing criminal charges, I cannot recommend Mr. Kalafat highly enough. He possess a rare blend of legal acumen, strategic insight, and heartfelt compassion. And choosing Jason Kalafat at Scrofano Law P.C. as your advocate means securing not only a formidable legal defense but also a steadfast ally who will stand by you at every turn.

Posted by anonymous | June 11, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

You lost

Jason lost my case. He told me he was a pitbull in court but every morning he would talk and laugh it up with the prosecutor. There is not enough space in here to explain how much he messed up. I lost everything. Then I foolishly hired him for the appeal. He also lost the appeal. Jason wouldn't call ...my wife back or answer emails. Then he disappeared. Neither him or his firm would explain anything to me.

Posted by anonymous | November 27, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Extraordinary Attorney - The Best of the Best

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!

Posted by Ivory | February 6, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client

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!

See All Client Reviews

Jason M Kalafat's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jason
Mark Beller headshot
Mark Beller

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 22

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 S Volquardsen headshot
Jay Volquardsen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

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

S. Jamison Koehler headshot
S. Koehler

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 16

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 headshot
Kush Arora

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Howard Hamilton Ankin headshot
Howard Ankin

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 05

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 headshot
Gal Pissetzky

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 04

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 C Thompson headshot
Woodrow Thompson

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Best DC-area DUI and criminal defense lawyer."

Alex H Lane headshot
Alex Lane

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 19

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 Lynne West headshot
Ashley West

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 28

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 E Lucero headshot
Tiffani Lucero

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

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

Marc Allen Erpenbeck headshot
Marc Erpenbeck

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Tom Anelli headshot
Tom Anelli

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 21

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 Ryan Adleman headshot
Jay Adleman

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 11

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 headshot
Margaret Lopez

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 11

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 Linn Momberger headshot
Karla Momberger

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

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

Jorge Castañeda headshot
Jorge Castañeda

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Burges N. McCowan headshot
Burges McCowan

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 09

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 Royer McPike headshot
Craig McPike

Litigation lawyer | Dec 09

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 J Price headshot
Seth Price

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Jonathan E Frank headshot
Jonathan Frank

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 09

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."

View All Endorsements
Wesley Dean Merillat headshot
Wesley Merillat

Unknown lawyer

Leah Oney Michael headshot
Leah Michael

Unknown lawyer

Meredith Smith Jimmerson headshot
Meredith Jimmerson

Unknown lawyer

Elizabeth-Ann Smith Thompson headshot
Elizabeth-Ann Thompson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Oliver Manfred Krischik headshot
Oliver Krischik

Unknown lawyer

Mary Margret Nerino headshot
Mary Nerino

Criminal defense lawyer

Koria Brooke Stanton headshot
Koria Stanton

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew M Davey headshot
Matthew Davey

Personal injury lawyer

Kerri M Castellini headshot
Kerri Castellini

Estate planning lawyer

Farral Ashley Haber headshot
Farral Haber

Criminal defense lawyer

Lona Lee Feldman headshot
Lona Feldman

Estate planning lawyer

David Scott Porter headshot
David Porter

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael A Kiely headshot
Michael Kiely

Criminal defense lawyer

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Joel Nied

Mergers and acquisitions lawyer

Angela Beth Dipietro headshot
Angela Dipietro

Criminal defense lawyer

Seyed Kaveh Naser Miremadi headshot
Seyed Miremadi

White collar crime lawyer

Terry Eaton headshot
Terry Eaton

White collar crime lawyer

Patrick Rooney headshot
Patrick Rooney

Personal injury lawyer

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David Stander

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April Cockerham

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.8 (Superb)

Honors

2011

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Avvo's 2010 Top 50 Northeast Lawyers - Top 10 DUI Attorney, Acela Arrive Magazine

1997

Graduate of the Year, West Virginia University - College of Arts & Sciences

1996

Purinton Philosophy Scholar, West Virginia University

Work Experience

2017 - Present

Partner, Farrelly Kalafat PC

2009 - 2017

Partner, Price Benowitz, LLP

2008 - 2009

, Private Contract Attorney

2005 - 2008

Member, Kimerer & Derrick

2002 - 2005

Deputy Public Defender, Maricopa County Public Defender's Office

2000 - 2002

Associate, Snell & Wilmer L.L.P.

Associations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

American Bar Association

Member

Sandra Day O'Connor Inn of Court

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. TB

Not guilty all counts

United States v. JP

Not guilty

United States v. AR

Not guilty all charges

United States v. AW

Not guilty all charges

United States v. JJ

Case dismissed

United States v. DW

Not guilty

United States v. MA

Not guilty all counts

District of Columbia v. YP

Not guilty

United States v. JL

Jury trial - not guilty on all charges

United States v. JM

Not guilty on all counts

United States v. GA

Jury trial - not guilty all charges (including lesser-included simple possession charge)

United States v. RW

Jury trial - not guilty on all counts

United States v. DL

Hung jury, misdemeanor plea

United States v. RJ

Acquitted of all felony counts

United States v. M.S.

Case dismissed

United States v. DP

Not guilty verdict at trial

District of Columbia v. KW

Not guilty verdict at trial

United States v. NG

Not guilty verdict at trial

United States v. DD et al

Not guilty verdict at trial

United States v. WH

Not 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. STS

deferred sentencing - charges dismissed

State v. GJM

Not guily verdict at jury trial

State v. RWR

Not guilty verdict after jury trial

State v. ESW

Guilty verdict dismissed; reduced plea obtained

State v. MF

Not guilty verdict on all charges after jury trial

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Vanderbilt Univesity School of Law

Juris Doctorate

1997

West Virginia University

Bachelor of Arts

N/A

Carnegie Mellon University

Speaking Engagements

2007

Phoenix School of Law Career Symposium

Private Criminal Defense Practice

2005

Arizona Public Defender's Association Annual Conference

Keeping Out Rule 404(c) "Bad Acts" Evidence

2004

Arizona State University Career Symposium

Career Development and Public Interest Law

1997

Annual Philosophy Conference

The Philosphy of Leibniz

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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