Jonathan L Katz

Criminal defense Attorney at Fairfax, VA

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Review for Jon

Knowledgeable. Experienced. Relentless.

If Jon Katz is your defense lawyer, you will get all three of these characteristics fighting on your behalf. He knows the law, so he will provide you expert advice and collaboratively develop your most effective defense strategy. Over 3 decades of experience, Jon will use his trial, negotiation, and relationship skills to produce the best results for you. Facing multiple charges ranging from a 2nd DWI/DUI within 5 years, as well as several other misdemeanors, Jon was able to aggressively negotiate and get the DWI/DUI case reduced to reckless driving with the other misdemeanors either dismissed or mitigated favorably. Hiring Jon was one of the best decisions I could have made both personally and professionally. Highly recommend Jon for your Defense Attorney.

About Jonathan

Learn Jonathan’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

Criminal defense

45%

Northern Virginia criminal lawyer Jon Katz has successfully defended thousands of criminal defense clients, taking cases to trial when they will not favorably, often obtaining favorable trial results, settlements, and case dispositions.
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32 years, 3,000 cases
DUI and DWI

45%

Northern Virginia DUI lawyer Jon Katz has successfully defended hundreds of clients charged with DUI/DWI. A DUI conviction threatens not only one's liberty, but also one's driving privileges, and sometimes livelihood and immigration status.
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32 years
Federal crime

5%

Northern Virginia criminal defense attorney Jon Katz has been defending clients in federal criminal court since 1999. He handles felony, misdemeanor and DUI/DWI defense in the Alexandria and other federal courts.
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24 years
White collar crime

5%

Northern Virginia criminal defense lawyer Jon Katz has been defending white collar criminal clients for years. In fact, Jon's pre-law school background is in the white collar business world, having worked on Wall Street for a year before law school.
... Read more
24 years

CALL FOR YOUR FREE ACTION PLAN AND CONFIDENTIAL CONSULTATION. PURSUING YOUR BEST DEFENSE IN CRIMINAL & DWI DEFENSE SINCE 1991. YOU WILL LEAVE YOUR INITIAL CONSULTATION WITH JON KATZ MORE KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT YOUR CASE AND BETTER PREPARED FOR VICTORY THAN EVER. JON LOOKS FORWARD TO ASSISTING YOU.

Call for your free action plan and initial confidential consultation with seasoned criminal defense / DWI lawyer Jon Katz.

Jon Katz is a battle-tested three-decade criminal defense/ DWI defense lawyer who goes to court with trial-ready strength and preparedness. Jon thrives on pursuing the best possible results in court for each of his clients.

Criminal defense is war, requiring being armed to the teeth, and progressing the proverbial fighting as needed from checking before hurting, hurting before maiming, and maiming before destroying. Criminal defense is also about lessons from martial arts, using fearless cunning and strategy over brute force, and drawing from my daily martial arts practice. The stakes are often high, and the battle should be treated as a one-chance-only affair.

Jon defends in Northern Virginia and beyond, including Fairfax County, Arlington, Alexandria, Prince William and Loudoun Counties. He spends virtually his entire time defending criminal defense and DUI clients, fighting for the best possible results for his clients, and repeatedly going to trial when needed. He has successfully defended over 3000 clients in criminal court since 1991, and has taken hundreds of cases to trial. Many of Jon's trial highlights are at .

My staff and I will be delighted to arrange a free consultation time for you to meet with me if you seek a criminal defense or DWI lawyer.

More about my law practice and experience is at and at my blog at .

Photos and videos

Licensed for 33 years

State VA

Status Active

Acquired 1997

Updated 12/27/2022

State DC

Status Good Standing

Acquired 1990

Updated 06/08/2022

State MD

Status Active

Acquired 1989

Updated 12/03/2022

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

Contact Jonathan

Fairfax Main Office- One block from the courthouse.

(703) 997-4410 Office

10509 Judicial Drive

#101

Fairfax, VA, 22030

katzjustice.com

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Arlington, Virginia, meeting location. Main office is in Fairfax.

(703) 997-4410 Office

2111 Wilson Blvd., Suite 700

Four blocks from the Arlington courthouse.

Arlington, VA, 22201

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Reviews

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5.0 / 5.0

281 customer reviews

3 Star

1 Star

Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2023

Review for Jon

Jon was an amazing lawyer. He really knows what he's doing when it comes to law. I recommend Jon, he will fight for you. It was my first time going to court and was nervous but Jon made me feel comfortable.

Posted by Holmes | February 26, 2023

Knowledgeable. Experienced. Relentless.

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Response from Jonathan Katz February 26, 2023

My clients' satisfaction is key. I am delighted that we avoided a conviction that would have gotten you mandatory minimum jail time (if convicted of a second DWI within five years) and that we were able to reduce DWI to reckless. Thank you for posting your review. Jon Katz

Posted by anonymous | February 17, 2023

Impossible DWI case

Jon has represented me for my 2nd DWI charge with accident and BAC over 0.20, which seemed impossible to get out of. The case was reduced to a reckless driving. From consultation to case closure, Jon was detailed in every step of the way, and made sure I was aware of every single possible outcome. He will go all out for you, you just have to trust his work and do what he asks. I mentally prepared for the worst case scenario because my case seemed unsolvable. As I am writing this, I still can't believe how Jon was able to attain this result. I will forever be grateful for Jon and his team for literally giving me a new life. Thank you, Jon, from the bottom of my heart.

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Response from Jonathan Katz February 26, 2023

A criminal defense case that at first seems full of hurdles can still transcend the hurdles. Thank you for posting your review. Jon Katz

Posted by anonymous | November 28, 2022

Over and Beyond

I've used Jon for two cases now and he's never disappointed. Extremely knowledgeable, professional, well connected and goes over and beyond!

Response from Jonathan Katz November 30, 2022

Going over and beyond can bring a lawyer closer to victory. Thank you for the opportunity to defend you.

Posted by anonymous | February 4, 2023

Savior sent from God.

Mr. Jon Katz replaced my previous lawyer who was not providing proper services. The moment we signed the contract, unlike my previous lawyer he started to gather every small details about my 5 Cases (4 felonies and 1 misdemeanor) and even before requesting for a discovery he started preparing a defense strategy. He finally got me a ‘nolle prose-cue’ decision by the common wealth for all those cases. Although, I was innocent in the first place, Mr. Katz was like a savior sent from god to legally help me get a result that I deserved. I am a religious person so the way I would phrase my message to people looking for a Fairfax criminal lawyer is that ‘ Trust God first and Jon Katz after, for any criminal case that God forbidden you might face’.

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Response from Jonathan Katz February 6, 2023

To this day, I am still taken by how much of an impact my work has on my clients' lives. Thanks for taking the time to let other people know about your great outcome with me. Jon Katz

Posted by Ivan sejas | January 28, 2023

Dui

Jon katz represent me on a Dui charge he is a wonderful professional great skills he got my charge dropped to a reckless driving cant thank you enough jon kats he is the best in what he does

Response from Jonathan Katz January 30, 2023

Obtaining a reckless driving disposition from a DWI charge can make an incredible difference for many defendants., Thank you for the honor of defending you. Jon Katz

Posted by Poonam | January 18, 2023

Great Lawyer

Jon was introduced to us by a family friend, he is one of the top Criminal Defense lawyers in Fairfax, Virginia. From our first meeting with him, we could tell he was an expert in his field and during a challenging time he provided us with guidance and a comforting environment to work on my son's case. When we had questions or needed his assistance Jon was always a phone call away. He worked diligently to support us through the complex process of defending our case and was able to secure a settlement for my son. I couldn't have asked for better representation while we navigated a challenging time for our family with the added hardship of the initial Covid-19 lockdown. He fought to move our case along when resources were limited. I am grateful for the honesty and integrity he maintained throughout our conversations. You can count on him to take on difficult criminal cases and provide a winning solution. Our family will be forever thankful for his help.

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Response from Jonathan Katz January 19, 2023

Providing a winning solution is the way to go in criminal defense, which with me is always coupled with my being hands-on and very responsive with my clients and their defense. Thank you for taking the time to post your review.

Posted by Brent | December 29, 2022

Jon came through as always

Jon represented me for an assualt charge during COVID. The case was reduced to disorderly conduct do to his excellent maneuvering during trial. I very highly recommend Jon for an attorney.

Response from Jonathan Katz January 19, 2023

An acquittal or dismissal is great, but a disorderly conduct disposition looks better than an assault conviction. I am pleased that you are satisfied with what we achieved in court. Jon Katz

Posted by anonymous | December 9, 2022

Dismissal of a complex case

Mr. Jon Katz demonstrated the breadth of his legal expertise and knowledge when I hired him to represent me in a particularly complex case. He explained the legal process in a manner easily understood by a layperson but was not at all condescending. Mr. Katz also adequately prepared me for my deposition to prevent me from becoming flustered in a setting where opposing counsel posed seemingly confrontational questions at a rapid-fire pace. He was also adept in questioning the opposing witnesses to where the judge dismissed the case. Mr. Katz was also very helpful in expunging my case. With his impeccable credentials, I highly recommend Mr. Katz if you seek legal representation.

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Response from Jonathan Katz December 9, 2022

Preparation is essential on the road to trial victory, added to creativity, devotion to winning, and relevant experience. I share your delight in our trial success. Thank you for the opportunity to have defended you. Jon

Posted by JM | December 1, 2022

Excellent Criminal Defense Attorney

Excellent criminal defense attorney in Fairfax. Jon represented me on 3 very unfair misdemeanor charges the County was insistent on pursuing, including assault. In court Jon was able to get 2 of the charges dropped and a not guilty verdict on the assault charge without even having to put me on the stand (which helps for any potential parallel civil matters). His staff was a pleasure to work with and incredibly professional and responsive. Jon's direct style and approach is efficient and I was very thankful for it when I received a refund at the end that I wasn't expecting! Very glad that I chose him.

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Response from Jonathan Katz December 4, 2022

Always being trial-ready means not relying on settling the case, but having trial-readiness empower settlement negotiations. Thank you for the opportunity to have achieved this great trial victory with you.

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Cost

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AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Owner / Criminal Defense Lawyer
Jon Katz, P.C.
2008 - Present

Criminal Defense partner
Marks & Katz, LLC
1998 - 2008

Trial lawyer
Chaikin & Sherman, P.C.
1996 - 1998

Assistant Public Defender - Trial attorney
Maryland Public Defender's Office
1991 - 1996

Associate attorney
Weiner, McCaffrey, Brodsky & Kaplan
1989 - 1991

View all work experience

Education

Trial Lawyers College- Dubois, Wyoming
Four-week intensive program.
1995

Trial Practice Institute ("Macon") - National Criminal Defense College
Intensive two-week program
1994

George Washington University National Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1989

Tufts University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1985

View all education

Legal Cases

Converting 3 prostitution cases to disorderly conduct with suspended jail
Converted three prostitution cases to disorderly conduct with suspended sentences

Winning A DWI Trial By Putting Our Own Traffic Stop Witness On The Stand
Acquittal

Winning a DWI trial by challenging the opposing toxicologist.
Acquittal.

View all legal cases

Associations

Helping Individual Prostitutes Survive
Treasurer
2002 - 2005

Free Speech Coalition of DC, MD and VA
Founding President
2001 - 2003

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Champion Magazine Advisory Board
1995 - 2011

American Civil Liberties Union - National Capital Area
Board Member
1992 - 1995

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Languages Spoken

Spanish

French

English

Honors and Awards

AV-rated
Martindale Hubbell
2022

Super Lawyers-listed
Super Lawyers
2014

Top 800 Lawyers
Washingtonian Magazine
2007

Publications

Underdog Blog
Various daily articles
2020

Maryland Criminal Defense Attorneys Association Newsletter
Persuading Through Storytelling
2008

Maryland Crim. Def. Atty. Assoc. Newsletter
Immigration Law and Criminal Court: Fertile ground for fatal collisions.
2007

Speaking Engagements

Heroes & Icons
Maintaining Calm in the Eye of the Law Practice Storm
2020

WDVM 25 News
Local News Interviews Jon Katz On Marijuana Medicinal Extract Law
2018

NoVa NORML meeting
Weed & You- Your Liberty in the Balance
2016

Fox 45 Baltimore
Interviewed on criminalizing upskirting videos
2015

Voice of America television
Voice of America interview about the FIFA prosecution.
2015

George Washington U. Human Sexuality graduate school class
Talk at GWU Human Sexuality class
2015

RT Television
RT television interview on searching cellphones.
2014

Justice With Judge Jeanine Show
Fox News
2013

GW Human Sexuality class
Sex crime defense and psychology.
2013

Speaking on the benefit of mindfulness for criminal defense practice
Finding True Refuge
2012

NBC Nightly News
NBC Interview on overkill suspension of public school student for her writing on the Newtown massacre.
2012

Know Your Rights
Know Your Rights With the Police
2010

Criminal Suspects' Rights
Asserting your rights with the police.
2007

Successful Strategies for Circuit Court Criminal Cases
Trial techniques
2006

Your rights and 420
Standing up the police searching for marijuana.
2006

Virginia Court-Appointed Lawyer Training
PRETRIAL PREPARATION IN VIRGINIA MISDEMEANOR AND FELONY CASES
2005

National Lawyers Guild- Student Orientation
Keeping your values while in law school.
2004

National Lawyers Guild Mid-Atlantic Meeting
Animal Rights
2003

Burton Wechsler National First Amendment Moot Court Competition
Moot Court Judge
2002

Annual Meeting
First Amendment Rights with Adult Entertainment
2001

National Academies panel on children's online access to erotic material.
Federal obscenity laws.
2000

Legally Speaking
Weekly legal radio call-in show
1999

Moot Court - George Washington University Law School
Moot Court Judge
1998

Moot Court- University of Maryland Law School
Moot Court Judge
1996

Fox 45 Baltimore
Interviewed on criminalizing upskirting videos
N/A

NoVa NORML
Marijuana reform and criminal defense
N/A

News interviews.
Interviews on criminal and Constitutional defense.
N/A

GW Human Sexuality Class
Sex crime defense and human sexuality.
N/A

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (80)

Given (203)

Endorse Jonathan

Erin Smith

DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jon is an exceptionally skilled attorney with extensive understanding of the law. I have watched him in action on numerous occasions, winning trials for criminal offenses and DWI offenses for his clients. He is always polite and cordial with colleagues, and gracious and understanding with his clients, but a bull dog in the court room. I full endorse Jon and his knowledge and experience in criminal and traffic defense."

Nicholas Mugge

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 05
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked for Jon Katz for several years prior to becoming a lawyer, and I had the privilege of learning and observing a true legal expert in the criminal defense world. I had the privilege of witnessing an attorney who truly went to war for his clients. Jon works tirelessly for both clients and potential clients, before they even walk through his doors for an initial consultation. From DUI/DWI or drug cases to assault or battery cases, Jon knows the law inside and out, knows how to guide his clients through the criminal defense system from start to finish, and knows how to truly counsel his clients and obtain results. I would refer any of my friends or family to Jon in a heartbeat."

Sweta Patel

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John has taken care of many of our clients. We always know they are in great hands. He is personable, well-respected in the community, and always gets the results that many think are sometimes impossible. I would recommend Ms. Katz for anyone looking for a great criminal defense or DUI attorney in the Virginia area."

Sangeeta Darji

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Katz is one of the most knowledgeable practitioners I know. I was fortunate enough to meet him when I was a young attorney in Northern Virginia. Now that I am a practitioner in the Richmond area, I refer him all my NOVA criminal matters since I know every client will be treated with dignity and will get the best representation. I highly recommend Mr. Katz."

Stephen Pfeiffer

DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jon is a lawyer’s lawyer. What I mean by that is he is so good at his craft that other lawyers seek to emulate him and come to him for help on novel issues. Whereas most lawyers would not openly share information, Jon is always eager to help because he is a master of his craft. He is my go-to in Northern Virginia whenever I have a friend or client in need."

Joshua Schiffer

DUI and DWI Attorney | Oct 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jon remains a perennial leader as a lawyer, teacher and thought leader in protecting citizens from government overreach. At the same time he is a true gentleman scholar as a counselor for clients during their more difficult hardships. A career advocate for when everything matters, he has my highest confidence and endorsement as an attorney."

Victoria Washington

DUI and DWI Attorney | May 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I recently had the privilege to attend a continuing legal education training with Jonathan. I can assure you that the attorneys in the room were committed to DUI Defense. From his business cards that show his dedication to this area of law to his experience as a co-graduate from the Trial Lawyer's College, I without a doubt recommend Jon to any person in the Fairfax area and surrounding communities. I'm confident you'd be in great hands!"

Thomas Carter

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jon never gives in. He keeps at it until he gets the best results for his clients. Sometimes, that means going to trial. Other times, it means persuading the prosecutor to drop or reduce charges. Always has client's best interests dictate his approach."

Daniel Izquierdo

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I recently had the pleasure of meeting Jon Katz and was extremely impressed with his passion and dedication to his craft. He's a true criminal defense lawyer through and through. He's always up for the fight and willing to do what is right for his clients. As many lawyers would tell you, the ultimate compliment that a lawyer can give you is to either refer someone to you or hire you themselves; that's exactly what I can say about Jon. I wouldn't hesitate to refer should the need arise."

Andrew Cornick

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 07
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jon is fully committed to helping his clients. He follows through and seemingly never rests."

Danielle Brown

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan Katz cares about achieving the best results for his clients. He works tirelessly and creatively, exploring each legal issue to protect his clients' rights. Mr. Katz is thorough, passionate, and brilliant. I highly endorse him as a fellow practitioner of criminal defense."

Thomas Soldan

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I readily endorse Jon Katz. He is a skilled attorney, a tireless advocate, and brings creative solutions that he tailors to his clients' individual needs. He definitely goes the extra mile to achieve the best results possible."

Matthew Crowley

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jon is a smart attorney and a sincere guy who always fights hard for his clients. I endorse him."

James Abrenio

DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jon is a hard worker, cares about his clients, and is well known for his willingness to push prosecutors for just results. He's also not afraid to try a case. If I were charged, I'd be lucky to have him on my side!"

Christopher Holley

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"What can I say about Mr. Katz that hasn't already been said by other attorneys? Not much. So I apologize if I repeat something you have read about Mr. Katz before. Mr. Katz is a tenacious fighter and defender of your civil rights and liberties. Sure he is extremely knowledgeable about the law, but it’s the way he defends others with his level of commitment, enthusiasm and creativity that sets him apart. He is respected by the legal community. He shares ideas and defenses to help other attorneys which is a bigger deal than one might suspect. He will stick his neck out time and time again to voice an unpopular position if he firmly believes in it. Accordingly, he has my utmost respect and endorsement. Chris"

Johnine Clark

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Jon. As an experienced attorney Jon brings a wealth of knowledge to his cases. He always provides sound and balanced advice, putting the interests of his clients' first."

Justin Stivers

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jon is a true professional who goes the extra mile for his clients. Highly recommend!"

Brandon Osterbind

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jon is an excellent lawyer. He not only represents his clients well but he inspires fellow lawyers in the community like me. There is no doubt that Jon will take every case seriously and he has the experience and the knowledge to win. Our community is lucky to have him. Kudos Jon!"

Michael Monteforte

Litigation Attorney | Oct 27
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jonathan is a great litigator and an even better person. He has the rare ability to stay calm and collected the face of tough litigation and adversity. He's definitely someone you want on your side at a trial!"

Anthony Conte

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jon is pure defense, always looking for best outcome. Unafraid to rage against the establishment for his client's best interest. I refer my client routinely to Jon for Virginia matters. Suffice, they all are pleased with the representation."

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