Jason M Kalafat

Jason M Kalafat

4.9
Rating: 9.8

Licensed for 24 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.

25 years | 500 cases

45%
DUI and DWI 40%

24 years | 400 cases

40%
White Collar Crime 10%

21 years | 50 cases

10%
Federal Crime 5%

22 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 24 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

Filter Avvo Reviews (51) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 31 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by Doug | January 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Jason M Kalafat

Having worked with Jason Kalafat for almost two years in representing me on a criminal charge, I have found him to be the consummate legal defense attorney. From the beginning Jason's representation demonstrated his professional abilities. From understanding and explaining the legal landscape to me ...concerning the charges brought against me, to providing me with the detailed legal defense he would provide, Jason did same with compassion and focus. Jason was, indeed, the very best legal representative I could have selected to assure a strong legal defense that leads to the best possible outcome. I highly recommend Jason to anyone with a criminal justice question/matter.

Posted by anonymous | November 26, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

The best there is

I had a case at the Criminal court of DC and did not know what to do as the case was a very serious one. Thanks to Jason the results were unbelievable. It is very clear that Jason know what he is doing and he is very knowledgeable. At the end of the case I got the best outcome possible and I am very ...happy about it. If you are looking for a very intelligent and responsible attorney Jason is your guy!

Posted by anonymous | November 04, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

I could not have asked for better representation

DC is not a friendly or fair jurisdiction when it comes to out of state, lawful gun owners who find themselves visiting, passing through, or doing business in the District. Something as simple a single spent shell case can have the entire weight of the DC/Fed. Government come crashing down on you wit...hout mercy. For someone without any prior record, I suddenly found myself facing heavy charges that were potentially life-changing in the worst way imaginable. My back was against the wall and my ability to retain employment in my field would be affected decades after this case was settled. Understandably feeling overwhelmed by the totality of circumstances I found Jason Kalafat through an internet search. Fast Forward from the initial phone consultation to 6 weeks later I'm walking out of the court still a free-person with the best possible outcome for my record, my career, and my principles was the silver lining to the whole ordeal. >Simply put: I would not have gotten that outcome without Jason's hard work, knowledge of the law and the inner-workings of the DC court. >Jason was able to lobby the court for quick-turnaround hearings on my behalf due to my job-related and time-sensitive considerations. >He was open and accessible during the entire process (and after) and never over-promised >His office set up a reasonable payment plan since "no one plans on this type of thing happening to them"

Posted by Chris | June 15, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Great attorney

Plainly stated, Jason was a great attorney for me. He's very friendly, but didn't pretend to be my lifelong friend. He's very professional, but he isn't stodgy or clinical. I can't imagine that any attorney could be more knowledgable about the process and possible outcomes. The only promise Jason... ever made me was that he'd work as hard as possible to get me the best possible result - and I'm confident that's what he did. I ended up resolving my case with an outcome that was well beyond my wildest hopes, and there is no possible way I could have done that without a lawyer like Jason. There were times in between my court dates that I had to ask Jason for information or updates because I hadn't heard anything for a few weeks. In retrospect, that's because there was nothing new on my case. I would have appreciated hearing that from time to time, but a lawyer as good as Jason is probably pretty busy most of the time. Now that my case is resolved, he is still answering my questions and providing me with advice on my resolution. Perhaps the best endorsement I can give is this: if I ever find myself in trouble with the law again, my first phone call will be to Jason.

Posted by DUI Client | June 03, 2015 | Criminal Defense

I highly recommend Jason Kalafat

Jason worked extremely hard and was proactive in getting my charges dismissed during a pretrial hearing. My case involved many different factors and witnesses that aren't typical in DUI cases, but he helped me every step of the way. The combination of his knowledge, experience, relationships with the... prosecution, and resources from his law firm provides every advantage you need to fight your case. As I stated in the title for this review, I highly recommend Jason Kalafat.

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

Joel Richard Nied headshot
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

David Joel Stander headshot
David Stander

Consumer protection lawyer

April A Cockerham headshot
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

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