David Austin Tapp, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 33 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, and General
Cir.J.
Washington, DC
Practicing criminal defense in Washington since 1993.
- 33+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
David Austin Tapp is a cir.j. based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, and General. David has over 33 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 33 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Federal Crimes · General
- Handles Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, and General matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 33 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About David Austin Tapp: David Austin Tapp is a cir.j. based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, and General. David has over 33 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by David Austin Tapp
David concentrates on criminal defense, federal crimes, general, and government. Each area below outlines the kind of case David handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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Federal Crimes
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General
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Government
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Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David 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 David agrees to represent you.
Federal Crimes cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes federal crimes 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 David agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes general 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 David agrees to represent you.
Government cases in Washington, District of Columbia
David takes government 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 David agrees to represent you.
Biography
About David Austin Tapp — Over 33 years of District of Columbia criminal defense experience
David Austin Tapp is a cir.j. based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Federal Crimes, and General. David has over 33 years of legal experience.
David Austin Tapp is a lawyer practicing federal criminal litigation, state criminal litigation, election law and 1 other area of law. David received a M.S. degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1990, and has been licensed for 33 years. David practices in Washington, DC.
Working with David on a criminal defense matter
David Austin Tapp is a lawyer practicing federal criminal litigation, state criminal litigation, election law and 1 other area of law. David received a M.S. degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu in 1990, and has been licensed for 33 years. David practices in Washington, DC.
Clients David works with
David reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, federal crimes, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
David Austin Tapp's legal education and bar admissions
University of Louisville
J.D. · 1993
Chaminade University of Honolulu
M.S. Criminal · 1990
Jurisdictions
David's state bar admissions
U.S. Court of Appeal
1997 · ACTIVE
U.S. Court of Appeal
1996 · ACTIVE
Kentucky
1993 · ACTIVE
David studied at J.D. in University of Louisville and M.S. Criminal in Chaminade University of Honolulu.
Law school and academic background
David completed J.D. in University of Louisville and M.S. Criminal in Chaminade University of Honolulu. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice David runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
David Austin Tapp's office in Washington
David's primary office is at 717 Madison Pl NW, Washington, DC, 20005-7700. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of David Austin Tapp
David has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire David Austin Tapp — 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 David usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
David charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain David'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; David 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 David
David 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. David confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
David'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 David Austin Tapp
How much does it cost to hire David for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. David walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does David offer a free consultation?
David charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain David's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check David'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. David gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can David take my case if I'm outside Washington?
David 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 — David 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 David?
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. David will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is David accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
David'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
David 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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