Skip to main content

Kelsey Penna

DUI and DWI Attorney at Washington, DC

5.0   16 reviews
  • Licensed for 5 years
    State DC
    Acquired 2017
    Status
    Good Standing No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Kelsey

Learn Kelsey’s areas of practice.

Kelsey Penna is a litigation attorney specializing in criminal defense and family law matters. Her client-centered approach ensures she focuses on obtaining the best outcome for her clients. As an associate at Bruckheim & Patel, Ms. Penna represents clients at D.C. Superior Court and the DC DMV. Her practice areas include: civil protection orders (CPOs), expungment/sealing cases, traffic and other criminal offenses, and divorce and family law matters. Additionally, she specializes in misdemeanor and felony criminal appellate work for the District of Columbia Court of Appeals. 

Prior to joining her current firm, Ms. Penna had the honor of clerking in Magistrate Judges Chambers at D.C. Superior Court. This clerkship gave her a unique understanding and invaluable insight into the law and litigation techniques from the judge's perspective. As the Criminal Division law clerk, Ms. Penna supported judges assigned to multiple criminal calendars including: arraignments, preliminary hearings, domestic violence, and traffic. When Ms. Penna was an attorney for the Washington College of Law Women in the Law Clinic, she successfully represented clients in obtaining CPOs, custody, and divorce agreements.   

Ms. Penna graduated from the Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Arts in Broadcast Journalism and English. She went on to earn her Juris Doctor from American University Washington College of Law. She is barred in the District of Columbia.

When Ms. Penna has free time, she enjoys practicing hot yoga and exploring the many wineries and hiking trails in the DMV area. 

 

Photos and videos

Contact Kelsey

Similar lawyers nearby

Bruckheim & Patel - Washington, DC
1100 H St NW
#830
Washington, DC, 20005
Bruckheim & Patel - Rockville, MD
401 E Jefferson St
#201b
Rockville, MD, 20850
Hide locations

Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  16 customer reviews
5 Star
 
100%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
0%
Posted by Sarah | April 7, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Quick and Attentive
Kelsey seemed to always be on and ready to go. Whenever I had a question, or needed any sort of help - she was there. During my case, she was confident, cool, and collected which put me and my nerves at ease. I can't thank her enough or recommend her enough!
Posted by Boubacar | May 8, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
My experience with this firm was exceptional. My attorney Kelsey Penna was phenomenal. She came well equipped and ready to help me win my Civil Protection Order. Kelsey was professional, relentless, and made light work of the matter. I’m grateful to have had worked with such a skilled attorney, definitely would recommend to anyone facing similar issues in D.C.
Read less
Posted by Greg | April 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great experience with Kelsey Penna
Very big thanks to Kelsey Penna for clearing my name where I can continue to drive in DC! I'm very happy and grateful for her great efforts to resolve my past issue in DC! Greg
Posted by Brandon | January 28, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expunged and Sealed
Kelsey Penna is a rock star! No question she went above and beyond without having to ask. She gave me the confidence I needed to rest easy and have faith all will work out in my favor. I can’t thank her enough. Thank you kindly Kelsey, you are appreciated!
Posted by Vincent | November 23, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Top-notch legal professional
Kelsey was part of the team in my DUI case and did a fantastic job. She's professional, exceptionally knowledgeable, and very responsive. You know you're in hands with Kelsey and the rest of the team. I can't recommend her highly enough.
Posted by anonymous | October 30, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Title IX and CPO
I was represented for a Civil Protection Order and Title IX Investigation in DC. She was extremely helpful, professional and supportive through entire process. Highly recommend!
Posted by anonymous | October 16, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Expungement/Sealing in DC
Kelsey provided a first class service - efficient, knowledgeable, and reassuring. Strongly recommended.
Posted by Larry | September 8, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Sealing Record
Kelsey recently handled the process to have an arrest record sealed having to do with a DUI. Though charges had been dismissed and my record indicated as such, it was still in the public records. She was very responsive, explained the process to me, was clear about what documents would be required, etc. She made it a very simple process for me and it was all done electronically. I didn’t have to appear. She took care of everything and let me know the outcome—which was the record has been sealed—as soon as the judge decided. More than pleased with her representation and definitely recommend her.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | August 2, 2020
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Civil Protection Order
Kelsey did a great job providing advise and case strategy for a hearing I had to provide some testimony. She was very helpful in answering all of my questions and gave me all the time I needed to feel comfortable with the hearing process.
Posted by anonymous | August 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thanks for the help
Ms. Kelsey Penna represented me in my court case in a very professional way. Before coming to her for my case I was so much worried but she guided me in a such a professional way that it reduced level of my anxiety. She was so kind to follow up with me on email and text messages. She used to give me reminder call one day before the court date which was super helpful. In the court, she used to be on time and was very friendly with me. I would appreciate her for going out of the way and requesting the honorable judge to give me another date as I was not ready for the hearing that day. I am feeling so relieved after dismissal of my case and the credit goes to Ms. Kelsey Penna. She is strongly recommended for criminal cases. Thanks Ms Penna for being so kind and helpful
Read less
Posted by Yohannes | July 30, 2019
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
Best lawyer in Washington Dc
She is help full best lawyer in Washington DC thank you very much for everything you helped me a lot any way I hope i will see you next time when I starting my new case I wish all the best for you Kelsey God bless you
Posted by anonymous | May 15, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Kelsey Penna
It has been great working with Ms. Penna. She handled my issues with intelligence and thought. She is very quick to respond to questions and kept me fully informed of the process and outcome. Moreover, she was able to obtain the desired outcome. What a relief to have her on my side.
Posted by anonymous | May 5, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Effective, no-impact resolution
Kelsey was a wonder at resolving my issues with a potential license revocation and speeding ticket in DC, attending both hearings on my behalf so my schedule wasn’t impacted and, more importantly, getting both issues dismissed without incident or impact. She communicated clearly both before and after each hearing so I knew what to expect or if anything else would be needed from me. Highly recommended!
Read less
Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best
Kelsey Penna is a great lawyer. I would definitely like to thank Kelsey Penna and her team for working hard to fight for me in my case. I also appreciate how quickly they responded to answer any questions that I had and also keeping me updated about my case. I thank them for believing in me and doing their absolute best to make sure everything was going to be okay.
Read less
Posted by Jean | March 3, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hearing help
Kelsey got me through a DMV hearing with calm professionalism. I was nervous about possibly losing my license. She carefully explained the proceeding and layed out what could happen. She was very responsive. (My license was not revoked).
Posted by Enrique | February 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Always Available, Very Courteous, Extremely Professional
Kelsey assisted me with my criminal procedures and I was extremely satisfied. I was initially apprehensive due to the the level of service I was used to receiving from Sweta Patel (another great attorney), but was very surprised to find another diamond in the rough (if you've met with multiple attorneys you understand what I mean.) She handled all communication in a timely manner, and was very professional. What really put this review over the top is the fact of her availability to answer questions! Obviously there are no guarantees in how proceedings end; mine ended positively, and I would 100% recommend her to all family and friends.
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

Rates
  • Retainer Always
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.8 (Excellent)

Work Experience

  • Associate
  • Bruckheim & Patel, LLC
  • 2018 - Present
  • Criminal Division Law Clerk
  • D.C. Superior Court, Magistrate Chambers
  • 2016 - 2018
  • Student Attorney
  • Washington College of Law, Women in the Law Clinic
  • 2015 - 2016
  • Dean's Fellow
  • Washington College of Law, Domestic Violence Clinic
  • 2015 - 2015
View all work experience

Education

  • American University, Washington College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 2016
  • Pennsylvania State University
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts - Broadcast Journalism and English
  • 2012

Associations

  • American Bar Association
  • 2017 - Present

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • Rising Star
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2020
  • Client's Choice
  • Avvo
  • 2019

Attorney endorsements

Received (10)
Given (1)
Endorse Kelsey
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this attorney. Ms. Penna knows her way around the courthouse and is a zealous advocate for her clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I recently trusted Kelsey to assist me with a case. She was responsive, prepared, and obtained a good result for the client. She knows her stuff, and I wholeheartedly endorse her."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"An excellent, organized and timely attorney. I have worked with Ms. Penna in past cases and have always been happy with the results."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 25
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Kelsey Penna is a rising star in the criminal defense community. She is smart, tenacious, and cares about her clients. She has a very bright future and I unequivocally endorse her!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kelsey has handled matters on behalf of my clients in front of the Department of Motor Vehicles and obtained fantastic results. Her expertise on these matters is invaluable. I strongly recommend anyone facing traffic/criminal charges in DC to hire her."
Expungement Attorney | Mar 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I worked with Attorney Penna on a case and found her to be knowledgeable, efficient and competent-a true professional. I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Kelsey Penna is a Rising Star in the DC Legal Community. My firm has referred several matters for her to handle and she always achieves excellent results. I wholeheartedly endorse and recommend her as an outstanding attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. She is knowledgeable, and her experience working for the DC Courts has given her insight into how the system works that she uses to her clients' advantage. I highly recommend her!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 29
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
"Ms. Penna is a zealous advocate for her client! She is intelligent, articulate, and knows the system. She uses her connections to find solutions for her clients effectively. You want Ms. Penna on your side."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 10
Relationship: Co-worker
"I endorse this lawyer. Kelsey has been an outstanding addition to our firm!"
View more endorsements
Criminal defense

Avvo Contributions

1 Legal Answers 0 Legal Guides
Washington DUI and DWI Lawyer Kelsey Penna
Kelsey Penna
DUI and DWI Attorney
Washington, DC
Licensed for 5 years