Professional Criminal Defense Services

Anyone searching for a DC criminal defense lawyer is encouraged to contact our team at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. We know that criminal defense cases can be extremely difficult for individuals — and their families — who have been charged with a serious crime. We also know that many defendants are wrongly accused or deserve to receive lighter sentences due to mitigating factors.

A lot of attorneys overlook the importance of listening to their clients, but we prioritize it. Unlike many firms that delegate cases to paralegals, our team remains directly involved. Our firm is made up of a dedicated team of skilled advocates who stay with you every step of the way, from start to finish.

With over 25 years of experience, we take swift, proactive steps with every case, diligently preparing as though we’re headed to trial. When you work with us, you can feel confident that your rights are respected and protected. Contact our DC firm today to enlist the strong defense support you deserve.

Violent Crimes

Criminal defense charges classified as “violent crimes” can be very diverse in nature. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we excel at providing legal counsel and representation for individuals who have been charged with violent crimes such as kidnapping, carjacking, arson, armed robbery, aggravated assault, and more.

As a criminal defense lawyer should know, these types of criminal charges can involve many various factors, individuals, and motives. It’s common, in violent crime cases, for defendants to face charges because of mistaken identity, self defense, or simply being in the wrong place at the wrong time.

Sexual Solicitation And Other Sex Crimes

At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we know that these types of criminal cases can be very complex and may involve a great deal of sensitive information. The victims of sexual assault, rape, and other sex-related offenses deserve to bring their cases to court without shame. When an individual is wrongly accused of committing a sex crime, this person deserves to have equal protection under the law. The consequences of a sex crime conviction can carry life-long punishments and ramifications.

Drug Crimes

After the country’s “War on Drugs,” drug-related crimes have traditionally resulted in harsh sentences that may include jail or prison time, fines, and possibly even years of probation. However, DC is a fairly progressive city, and we understand the attitudes on drug-related offenses are changing. Quite simply, many local authorities, politicians, and courts have realized that there are better ways of helping an individual who has a substance abuse problem. Whether your case involves a one-time mistake, or whether it is the result of a years-long substance abuse battle, a criminal defense lawyer can fight for your wellbeing.

DUI/DWI

Mistakes happen, and as any seasoned criminal defense lawyer, we’ve seen the consequences for those mistakes include charges of driving while intoxicated (DWI) or driving under the influence (DUI). Although many people believe that these charges are open-and-shut cases, it may still be possible for a talented legal team to get the charges dropped or reduced.

White Collar Crimes

These types of crimes are typically non-violent but are still taken quite seriously. Crimes of this nature are generally found in government, businesses, and corporations. They include the likes of:

  • Tax Evasion – The deliberate underpaying of taxes or misrepresenting incomes.
  • Fraud – This could be for credit card fraud or other types of fraud such as mail or bank accounts.
  • Identity Theft – When someone’s identity is in question and charges may be brought about for misrepresenting yourself as someone else or stealing their identity. 

Your criminal defense lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can help you to fight charges of this nature. These crimes are taken seriously by prosecutors and charges range in these types of cases. Our lawyers have the experience and skill it takes to fight these cases. Consult with us today to begin building your criminal defense strategy.

Your Rights In The Event Of An Arrest

If you are arrested and charged with a crime, you still have certain rights. The law of the United States is clear that a person accused of a crime is considered innocent until proven guilty. This means that, if and when your case goes to trial, it is not up to you to prove that you didn’t do what you are accused of. Rather, it means that the prosecution has to provide evidence to convince the court that you did.

The Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the United States protect you from unreasonable arrests and self-incrimination, respectively. This means that authorities cannot arrest you without a reason, called probable cause, and you do not have to admit guilt or say anything that is against your own interests.

Here is an overview of the legal rights you have if arrested. Some of them may sound familiar if you watch crime dramas on television. These are called Miranda rights after a Supreme Court case, and they are included in fiction in the interest of authenticity, yet television and movie writers sometimes take some artistic license with the real procedures.

Right To A Phone Call

Upon being taken into custody, i.e., held by police, you have the right to make one phone call to a local number. You can call anyone you want, such as a family member or an attorney. In most cases, the police will listen in during your phone call. However, if you call a lawyer, the police are not allowed to listen.

Right To Remain Silent

Once the police start questioning you, you have the right to avoid self-incrimination under the Fifth Amendment. Before questioning, you should be informed of your right to remain silent and avoid saying anything that may incriminate you. However, ironically, you have to make a statement of some sort to the police invoking your right to remain silent. 

Otherwise, your silence may be used against you in court.

You can also choose to give up the right to remain silent and talk to the police. If you do so after being informed of your rights, anything you say is admissible in court. Police should explain this to you before questioning.

Right To An Attorney

You have the right to have an attorney present during questioning by the police. An attorney can advise you not to answer questions that are self-incriminating or that police do not have the authority to ask.

Ways A Criminal Defense Lawyer Can Help You

  • Investigate Your Case

You can’t always count on the police to thoroughly investigate a crime. They may miss critical evidence, fail to talk to witnesses or make mistakes in their investigation. Our DC criminal defense lawyer will search for any evidence that could prove that someone else committed the crime, that you couldn’t have committed the crime or that establishes a reasonable doubt about whether you committed the crime. Additionally, your attorney will search for weaknesses in the prosecution’s case.

  • Prevent Your Rights From Being Violated

Many private citizens are not familiar with their rights or with how the law works. Our criminal defense attorneys will know the rights you are entitled to and work to make sure those rights are not violated. 

  • Represent You At Trial

If your case goes to court, your attorney at The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. will participate in selecting the jury, cross-examining the prosecution’s witnesses, objecting to improper testimony or evidence and making your case to the jury. Because your attorney is more familiar with the law and how the courtroom works than you are, your case is more likely to be successful than if you tried to represent yourself.

  • Communicate With Your Family

Your criminal charges don’t just affect you, they also affect your family. At The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., we will communicate with your family about what is happening with you and your case. 

  • Investigate The Police’s Conduct

If the police violated your rights while collecting evidence, that evidence may not be admissible in court. Your attorney will investigate the police’s actions to determine if any rights violations occurred and file a motion to suppress any unlawfully obtained evidence.

  • Build Your Defense

Your attorney will help you determine what the best defense to go with is. There is often more than one defensive strategy available. It is up to your attorney to choose which is the most likely to be successful. 

  • Help You Make Decisions About Your Case

You may be asked to make important decisions, such as whether to accept a plea agreement or take your chances with a trial. Your attorney can advise you which choice to make based on the facts of your case and experience with similar cases. You do not have to take your lawyer’s advice; however, it is best to at least listen before making up your mind.

DC Criminal Defense Infographic

3 Reasons to Hire an Attorney

Criminal Defense Statistics

According to Pew Research Center, only 2 percent of the almost 80,000 defendants charged with federal crimes actually go to trial. Almost 90 percent of those cases are resolved with a guilty plea by the defendant, while just under 10 percent are dismissed.

At our firm, we understand the pressure defendants face to accept plea deals, and we’re committed to exploring every option, preparing meticulously, and advocating vigorously to protect your rights and pursue the best possible outcome in your case.

FAQs

Do I Need A Criminal Defense Lawyer?

Some may wonder if hiring a criminal defense lawyer is all that useful. The answer to that question is that these types of lawyers are especially useful. With their years of experience, skills, and knowledge they can help their clients to different benefits. These benefits include having their charges dropped, negotiating for a lighter sentence, and giving their client a fair shot at a fair trial. 

Our defense lawyers understand the different nuances within these types of cases and are ready to represent you as your criminal defense legal counsel. We believe that we can help you with your case and get you the results you desire in your circumstance. Contact us today for a consultation and to begin building your case strategy.

What Does A Criminal Defense Lawyer Do?

A criminal defense lawyer is skilled in fighting for their client’s rights and challenging evidence that may be presented against them. Some of the other things they specialize in and can work with are:

  • Negotiate with prosecutors – This can be quite useful in different scenarios to help negotiate a lighter sentence, reducing bail, having charges dropped, and more.
  • Research the case and facts – It’s crucial that you have your criminal defense lawyer review your case and all the specific details within that case. The facts must be understood and articulated in the courtroom in order to build a strong defense.
  • Interpret the evidence against their client – When evidence is presented against someone in a criminal defense trial this can be a sensitive moment. Your lawyer can help to interpret that evidence and may even be able to use it to your advantage in refuting it.

These are just a few of the things that your lawyer from The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C. can help you out with. Along with building a strong strategy and defense, our DC defense lawyers can also guide you through the process and help you to understand how the prosecutors will build their own case. We are ready to assist you with your criminal defense just as we have helped numerous others with their cases.

What Is an Arraignment?

The arraignment is a critical part of your criminal case. It will usually happen within 72 hours of your arrest or indictment. At this proceeding, the court will formally advise you of the charges brought before you. It is during this occasion where the judge will ask you to enter a plea. You can plead guilty, not guilty or no contest. If you plead not guilty, a court date will be set for your trial. This could be weeks or even months down the road.

The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, P.C., DC Criminal Defense Lawyer

922 Pennsylvania Avenue SE, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20003

Contact Our Defense Team Today

For more information about the legal services provided by The Law Firm of Frederick J. Brynn, contact our Washington DC office today by calling (202) 888-0953. With over 25 years of combined legal experience, our team is proud to provide each client with a respected and competent criminal defense lawyer has to offer.

Client Review

“Mr Brynn did a good job but i was told my case would stay open because a bill was paid out of my settlement that shouldnt have been paid. But he did such a good job that once again I’m using his services”
Sharon Douglas
Client Review