
D.C. Criminal Offenses
What constitutes a criminal offense in the District is spelled out in the D.C. Code. Generally, a criminal offense will require both an act (or an omission to act) and a mental state – or mens rea. In other words, it is not enough that the government proves beyond a reasonable doubt that the defendant committed some act that is prohibited by law. Generally speaking, the government must also prove that the defendant had the required criminal intent.
Crimes in D.C. are divided into misdemeanors and felonies depending on the maximum penalty associated with the offense. Felonies have a maximum penalty of greater than a year of incarceration. Offenses with maximum penalties equal to or less than a year are misdemeanors. Defendants charged with an offense punishable by a maximum period of incarceration of 6 months or greater are eligible for a jury trial. All other cases will be tried before a judge, with a judge serving as both finder of fact and finder of law.
Because of D.C.’s unique status as a federal district, there are two different prosecuting bodies in the city. The Office of the Attorney General handles traffic matters, juvenile offenses, and violations of the D.C. municipal code. All other offenses are handled by the U.S. Attorney’s Office, which is a federal entity.
Below is additional information on common criminal offenses in D.C.
OFFENSES TO THE PERSON
Aggravated Assault
Assault on a Police Officer
Assault with a Dangerous Weapon
Assault with Significant Bodily Injury (Felony Assault)
Civil Protection Order (CPO) Violation
Cruelty to Children
Disorderly Conduct
Lewd, Indecent or Obscene Acts
Misdemeanor Sexual Abuse
Non-Consensual Pornography
Prostitution/Sexual Solicitation
Sexual Abuse
Simple Assault
Stalking
Threats
OFFENSES TO PROPERTY
Burglary
Destruction of Property
Fraud
Receiving Stolen Property
Theft I and Theft II
Trafficking in Stolen Property
Unlawful Entry
Unlawful Use of Motor Vehicle
DRUG OFFENSES
Drug Distribution/Possession with Intent to Deliver
Drug Possession
Possession of Drug Paraphernalia
DUI/TRAFFIC OFFENSES
Chemical Test Refusals
Driving Under the Influence/Operating While Impaired
Fleeing Law Enforcement Officer in Motor Vehicle
Ignition Interlock Devices
Leaving After Colliding/Hit-and-Run
Operating After Suspension/Revocation
Reckless Driving
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests
FIREARMS/WEAPONS
Carrying a Dangerous Weapon
Carrying a Pistol Without a License
Failure to Conceal Pistol/Handgun
Felon in Possession of Firearm
Possession of Prohibited Weapon
Possession of Unregistered Ammunition
Possession of Unregistered Firearm
Unlawful Discharge of a Firearm
OTHER OFFENSES
Accessory After the Fact
Bail Reform Act (BRA) Violation
Criminal Contempt of Court
Cruelty to Animals
Escape
Failure to Register as Sex Offender
Fake ID/Misrepresentation of Age
Obstruction of Justice
Perjury/False Statements
Possession of Open Container of Alcohol (POCA)
Tampering With Physical Evidence
For a list of the maximum penalties for criminal offenses in D.C., please click here.