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 12 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | April 18, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Great to Work With

First time around I had a Court appointment attorney and the case was dismissed but later reopened. At the time the case was reopened I had a little more money in my pocket and decided to hire a private attorney. I did a search online and actually consulted a few criminal defense attorneys and finall...y spoke with attorney Jason Kalafat at the law office of Price Benowitz, LLP. After speaking with him I felt very comfortable with information he provided. Standard rates that I had been hearing were consistent but he was very competitive and flexible with what he offered. I decided to hire and I’m very happy he took my thoughts and request into consideration and did not settle. He was very communicative and was prepared along the way, he was always a professional. We were able to read that the government’s plea offer was not what we wanted and we actually managed to get the DUI case dismissed with prejudice meaning that they could not re-file the charges. I definitely praise his work and has been great to work with and would absolutely recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2013 | Criminal Defense

Life Saver

Four months after visiting some family in DC, I was notified of very serious allegations made against me. I had just moved to a new city and didn’t know who to turn to, but I knew I needed a skilled criminal defense attorney. I started my search online and came across Jason Kalafat’s profile. The rev...iews were very solid so I did research through other attorneys, who confirmed that his credentials were impeccable. I called for a consultation and after speaking with Jason right away he provided me everything I needed to take the next steps in my case with his representation. I was all alone and scared but Jason calmed the waters, making me feel comfortable knowing what the next steps were. He spoke to me as a friend and explained things in a way I could understand so I always felt secure about my case. Even when I thought things might not go my way at trial, he was there for me and his skills shined through. He nailed his closing argument and the judge ended up ruling in my favor. I was found not guilty on all charges and I couldn’t have done it without Jason. My freedom is worth any amount, but with the service I got from Jason I feel like I got a deal.

Posted by Jeff | December 14, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Thank you Jason!

I was first charged with felony assault, which was then reduced to two counts of misdemeanor assault and then finally was found not guilty of both charges. As with any matter where you will need an attorney, you should choose wisely. I not only called close friends and spoke to close family members a...bout any personal suggestions and came up with a short list of people to talk to. I called about 8 attorneys, spoke at length with about 5 of them, met with three of them and then finally selected Jason. Jason was quick on his toes and his trial experience was very apparent when it came down to the different testimonies - Jason was quick on his toes with insightful and quick remarks that seemed innocent but were strong blows to prosecution's arguments. Jason's rate's were certainly competitive but he is certainly not a second tier attorney. His office is littered with awards and distinctions but he does not boast about them nor his winning streak (of over 14 or so wins/favorable outcomes at the time of my case and was still counting). I will certainly keep Jason on my contact list in case anyone I know needs any of his services. Jason was more than accommodating to work with my tight work schedule and agreed to meet in convenient locations outside of his office since it was much easier for me and then I did not have to take off from work excessively. My case lasted for months and I must have appeared in court about 12 times or so. Jason was patient and didn't try to rush anything, even though the longer it drew out the more time he had to spend. Thanks Jason!

Posted by anonymous | December 08, 2011 | Criminal Defense

My Career is Safe

I have worked for over 20 years as an electrician and I recently was charged with a felony in Washington, DC. My job requires numerous clearances for government projects and if I was convicted, my career would have been OVER. I went with Jason because he was recommended and because he made feel comf...ortable. Jason had to really fight me and my case. The prosecutors kept saying no to his requests, but he kept fighting and finally one night he called me to tell me the prosecutors had reduced the charges. I called my entire family I was so excited. With Jason's help my career is safe.

Posted by anonymous | April 28, 2011 | DUI & DWI

Comforting and Knowledgeable

I had a DUI charge and I initially wanted to fight it a certain way, but Jason knew his stuff and convinced me to fight it a better way. From the first meeting, Jason's demeanor was really comforting - he exuded a certain confidence and knowledge of the system. Plus he had a great relationship with t...he prosecutors and with everyone: he knew everyone! The outcome of the case was exceptional! Jason pulled strings to get me in and out of there real quick. I never had to wait long I just walked in there, had everything Jason told me to have, and everything was dismissed!

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

Avvo Rating

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