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Makan Shirafkan
About Makan
Biography
My family migrated to United States while I was very young. As a young immigrant I was accused of a crime that I did not commit. I was arrested, handcuffed, and questioned. I understand the burden of being charged with a crime. I have been a defendant and a client myself. I know how it feels when your constitutional rights are violated. I know what it means to be innocent and yet accused of doing something wrong. I know what it means when the Judicial System seems to be deaf and blind.
Also growing up in an immigrant family has help me understand that an Immigration status is not just a status; it is a change in a family's life.
Prior to becoming an attorney I managed a company with an annual budget of over 25 million dollars and 300 employees. For 15 years I hired attorneys who represented our business in various disputes. I know how it feels to rely on your attorney to protect the business that you worked so hard to build.
I earned my bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from James Madison University and graduated Summa Cum Laude. I earned my Juris Doctoral degree among the top tier of my class from Howard University School of Law.
I am a member of Phi Alpha Delta law fraternity, Beta Gamma Sigma business fraternity, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, The American Association for Justice, American Immigration Lawyers Association, Fairfax Bar Association, Northern Virginia Black Lawyers Association, and several other organizations. I was selected and enlisted as an Attorney in 2009 edition of Who's Who in Black Washington D.C. I also served on the board of directors of D.C. Police Foundation. I am barred in D.C. and Virginia.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
63%
18 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
30%
18 years | 1,500 cases
Immigration
5%
18 years | 2,000 cases
Administrative Law
2%
18 years | 600 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Virginia for 14 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 16 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Shirafkan
1750 Tysons Blvd, Suite 1500, Mclean, VA, 22102
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Makan Shirafkan's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 24 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by M | October 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional and reliable
Mr. Sharif Khan is an elite and experienced attorney. His professionalism and strategy made our case successful. Highly recommended.
Posted by Anupam | September 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Makan is a super attorney
highly recommend Makan Shirafkan for anyone facing a traffic charge in Virginia. He successfully got my reckless driving charge (§ 46.2-861.1, failure to yield to an emergency vehicle) dismissed in Loudoun County General District Court on September 25, 2025. Thanks to his expertise, I avoided a crimi...
Posted by anonymous | August 20, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing
One of my very close friend recommended Mr Makan for a misdemeanor charge. He was very easy to work with and offered multiple solutions to get out of the grave situation I was in, considering my non-immigrant status. I have given all my friends family his contact and will continue to work with him in...
Posted by anonymous | June 6, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Excelent attorney, thank you Makan
Makan is a very caring , supper energetic and aggressive, he really thinks about all aspects of your case before taking an action, highly highly recommended.
Posted by Arezoo | March 30, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hi is very hellpful .
God sends angels in different form,Makan was one of them.Makan is great lawyer ,professional and an awesome person.Thank you Mr.Shirafkan for all you did for me.
Makan Shirafkan's Lawyer Endorsements
"I give Mr. Shirafkan my highest endorsement. Makan is a one of a kind talent, that obtains absolutely fantastic results for his clients. He is a tenacious fighter. In case after case, I have seen Makan argue, negotiate, persuade, and do whatever it takes to get the job done for his client. He truly is a champion for he clients. I give him my highest endorsement."
"Makan is a great lawyer. He has helped many of my clients achieve the best possible outcome for their criminal issues."
"I'm pleased to endorse Makan. He is a top-notch immigration lawyer and a zealous advocate for his clients. A highly recommended attorney."
"I know him from years ago when i started working in a firm where he was on elf the associate attorneys. He is more than competent in Criminal Cases and DUI/DWI cases. I know he is awarded top ten DUI/DWI attorneys in the Fairfax County. He is highly recommended for any Criminal And DWI/UI cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Makan, is a very talented and hardworking lawyer. You will be very luck to have him in your corner."
"I endorse this lawyer.Makan is a very good attorney. He always works hard for his clients."
"Makan Shirafkan goes above and beyond for all of his clients. He thinks outside the box and has his clients best intentions in mind. I endorse this lawyer."
"I studied law with Makan. His focus and his commitment to doing excellent work has followed him from law school into his private practice. I refer people who contact me seeing criminal defense work to him regularly."
"I endorse this lawyer because Mr. Shirafkan has displayed exceptional skills as a lawyer. He is regarded as one of the most capable lawyer in his discipline."
"Makan is a highly skilled criminal attorney and well respected in the legal community. I endorse this lawyer!"
"Attorney Shirafkan is professional, confident and will fight tirelessly for his clients. He would be my first call should I ever be in a position to require representation."
"Attorney Shirafkan is a hard working lawyer who fights for his clients! I highly endorse Makan."
G. "Rex" Flynn
Criminal defense lawyer
Jonathan Phillips
Criminal defense lawyer
Dontae Bugg
Criminal defense lawyer
Susan Fremit
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2019
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2018
Top 10 Attorneys, American Jurist Institute
2018
Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Founder & Principal, Law Office of Shirafkan
2008 - 2011
General Counsel, Park Place Inc
2006 - 2008
Intern, Public Defender Office
2003 - 2008
General Manager, Okie Dokie Inc
Associations
2011 - Present
Northern Virginia Black Attorneys AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Fairfax Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
American Association for JusticeMember
2010 - Present
American Immigration Lawyers AssociationMember
2009 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Defrauding Garagekeeper
Case dropped
DWI
Case dropped
Malicious wounding
Case Dismissed
Sexual Assault
Not guilty
Distribution of Schedule I Drug
Client was found guilty on 1 count and sentenced to 1 year of active jail. This sentence also ran concurrent with 6 months that he was serving for another violation.
Education
2008
Howard School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
James Madison University
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2019
Protective oder and strategies
Protective order law
2014
Legal obligations and rights
DWI in DC and VA; security and bartender responsibilities
2014
Be aware, be informed, be cautious
Criminal law, Constitutional rights & Immigration
2013
Migration to U.S. and pitfalls in immigration laws
Migration to U.S. and not losing status
2013
Legal Obligations and rights
DWI in DC and VA; security and bartender responsibilities
2013
Be responsible
DWI in DC and VA
Publications
2015
Washington Post
Marion Barry's Son declines plea offer
2015
Washington Post
Marion Barry's Son Charged with Destruction of Property
2015
Washington Post
Prosecutor Offers Marion Barry's Son a plea deal
2014
Washington Post
Prosecutor dismisses charges against DC nightclub owner
2014
ElevationDC media
Washington Firehouse Approved
2011
Washington Post
Club's attorney says free liquor went to DC inspector's friends
2010
Washington Times
ABC Board Stalls Sale of Club Love
Languages
Farsi
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
How long an a 14 year old go to jail for?
14 Nov 2019
Q&A
If a police officer is conducting an open air K9 search with no probable cause, are they allowed to open the vehicle for the K9?
07 Nov 2019
Q&A
Can i get a food to drive thru fast food restaurant to my restricted area before and after work?
14 Oct 2019