Criminal Defense (Federal & State)

Hecht and Associates specializes in defending clients charged with violating State and Federal criminal offenses. Because the list below is non-exhaustive, please contact us directly should you have specialized or extraordinary legal needs in the area of criminal defense.

Serious Felony Offenses

  • Murder and Manslaughter
    Unlawful killing of another human being without legal justification. Includes attempt and conspiracy charges. The most serious of all criminal offenses carrying penalties from 20 years to Life.
  • Sex Crimes
    Federal and State offenses, including sexual assault, child sex abuse, and internet related sex crimes. From rape to internet pornography, these offenses are extremely serious (especially in the Federal system), Carrying penalties from 5 years to Life.
  • Espionage
    Unauthorized retention and/or transmission of classified information. These are federal offenses which are treated very seriously with penalties ranging from 5 years to Life.
  • Robbery and Carjacking
    Taking property (or vehicle) of another through violence or intimidation. These cases are taken very seriously, especially when a firearm is present. Penalties typically range from probation to 25 years.
  • Drug Offenses
    Federal and State offenses relating to the possession, distribution, conspiracy to distribute, and manufacturing of controlled dangerous substances such as crack, cocaine, heroine, marijuana, and PCP. Penalties for these offenses typically range from probation to 20 years.
  • Firearm Offenses
    Federal and State offenses relating to the use, possession, and distribution of firearms. These offenses are extremely serious, especially when combined with narcotics or violent felonies. Penalties for these offenses typically range from probation to 20 years.
  • Aggravated Assault
    Causing serious bodily injury, typically with a firearm or other dangerous weapon. Penalties for these offenses typically range from probation to 20 years.
  • Major Theft and Fraud
    Federal and States offenses including identify theft, bank fraud, credit card fraud, Theft over $500.00, and burglary. Includes attempted and conspiracy charges. Penalties typically range from probation to 15 years.

Misdemeanor

  • Simple Assault
    Unlawful threatening to inflict bodily harm, or inflicting bodily harm, usually absent the presence of a dangerous weapons. Penalties typically range from probation to 10 years
  • Drug Offenses
    State and Federal Offenses relating to the possession of controlled dangerous substances such as crack, cocaine, heroine, marijuana, and PCP. Penalties for these offenses typically range from probation to 5 years.
  • Theft
    Taking of property without consent or authorization; this is also referred to a “petty theft” and typically includes property valued under $500.00. Penalties typically range from probation to 18 months.
  • Solicitation
    Offering money or something else of value to engage in sexual intercourse with another. This offense is taken extremely seriously in the District of Columbia and can result in jail time for up to 12 months.
  • Destruction of Property
    Intentionally causing damage or destruction to another’s property. Penalties typically range from probation to 18 months.

DWI and Serious Traffic Offenses

  • Driving While Intoxicated
    Includes lesser charges, such as Driving Under the Influence, Driving While Impaired, and Driving While Intoxicated. Penalties typically range from probation before judgment to 2 years depending on the number of convictions.
  • Reckless Driving
    Driving on the roadways without due regard for the safety of other motorists. This offense is taken extremely seriously especially when combined with alcohol offenses.
  • License Suspension and Revocation Offenses
    Driving on the roadway without proper and valid identification, registration, tags, or insurance. Penalties typically range from probation before judgment to 1 year pending on the number of convictions.