Christopher Cestaro, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
focused on Criminal Defense and White Collar
Washington, DC
Trusted criminal defense attorney serving Washington.
Practices in
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Quick answer
Christopher Cestaro is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
- Based in
- Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
- Experience
- attorney
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · White Collar
- Handles Criminal Defense and White Collar matters from Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.
- Recognized with Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026).
About Christopher Cestaro: Christopher Cestaro is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Areas of practice
Legal matters Christopher takes on
Christopher concentrates on criminal defense and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case Christopher handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Christopher takes criminal defense matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
White Collar cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Christopher takes white collar matters in Washington, District of Columbia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Christopher agrees to represent you.
Biography
Meet Christopher Cestaro — criminal defense lawyer in Washington
Christopher Cestaro is an attorney based in Washington, DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and White Collar.
Christopher Cestaro is a partner in the firm's White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice. Mr. Cestaro’s practice focuses on white-collar criminal matters, government enforcement actions, internal corporate investigations, due diligence reviews and compliance counseling. Mr. Cestaro’s unique experience includes more than eight years as a federal prosecutor focused on white-collar cases, three years working as a compliance counsel for a multinational oil services company and five years working as a litigation associate at an international law firm. He has overseen and led matters involving conduct in Africa, Asia, Australia, Europe, North America and South America, and involving every major industry sector. Prior to joining the firm in 2021, Mr. Cestaro served as the Chief of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Unit of the US Department of Justice (DOJ).
Working with Christopher on a criminal defense matter
Christopher Cestaro is a partner in the firm's White Collar Defense and Investigations Practice. Mr. Cestaro’s practice focuses on white-collar criminal matters, government enforcement actions, internal corporate investigations, due diligence reviews and compliance counseling. Mr. Cestaro’s unique experience includes more than eight years as a federal prosecutor focused on white-collar cases,…
Clients Christopher works with
Christopher reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and white collar matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
University of Virginia
J.D. · 2004
Christopher studied at J.D. in University of Virginia.
Law school and academic background
Christopher completed J.D. in University of Virginia. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Christopher runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
Christopher has received 3 formal recognitions from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice:
2026
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice
2026
Legal awards and honors
Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: White-Collar (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Additional Areas of Practice: (2026). Best Lawyers in America — Criminal Defense: General Practice (2026).
Locations
Christopher Cestaro's office in Washington
Christopher's primary office is at 2100 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, District of Columbia, 20037. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Christopher Cestaro
Christopher has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
No reviews yet
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Christopher Cestaro — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Christopher usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Christopher charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Christopher will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Christopher
Christopher discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Christopher confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Christopher's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Christopher Cestaro
How much does it cost to hire Christopher for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Christopher walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Christopher offer a free consultation?
Christopher charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Christopher's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Christopher's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Christopher gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Christopher take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Christopher is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Christopher will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Christopher?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Christopher will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Christopher accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Christopher's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia
Christopher handles criminal defense matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
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