How much does it cost to hire L. for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. L. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does L. offer a free consultation?

L. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain L.'s office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check L.'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. L. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can L. take my case if I'm outside Washington?

L. 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 — L. 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 L.?

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. L. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is L. accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

L.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

L. Cleaves Manning, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 74 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Expungement, and General

PrincipalatRecord Absolutions

Washington, DC

Practicing criminal defense in Washington since 1952.

74+: Years practicing
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense Expungement General Litigation White Collar

Are you L. Cleaves Manning?

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Quick answer

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 74 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Expungement · General

Handles Criminal Defense, Expungement, and General matters from Washington, DC.
Over 74 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

L.'s practice areas in Washington

L. concentrates on criminal defense, expungement, general, litigation, and white collar. Each area below outlines the kind of case L. handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia

L. 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 L. agrees to represent you.

Expungement cases in Washington, District of Columbia

L. takes expungement 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 L. agrees to represent you.

General cases in Washington, District of Columbia

L. 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 L. agrees to represent you.

Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

L. takes litigation 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 L. agrees to represent you.

White Collar cases in Washington, District of Columbia

L. 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 L. agrees to represent you.

Biography

L. Cleaves Manning, criminal defense attorney serving Washington

L. Cleaves Manning is a principal based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Expungement, and General. L. has over 74 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Record Absolutions. L. works from Washington, District of Columbia and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.

L. Cleaves Manning is a lawyer practicing visas, white collar crime, expungement and 2 other areas of law. L. received a B.A. degree from George Washington University in 2005, and has been licensed for 74 years. L. practices at Record Absolutions in Washington, DC.

L.'s approach to criminal defense cases

The kind of cases L. takes

L. reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, expungement, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where L. studied and practices

Washington & Lee University
J.D. · 2008
George Washington University
B.A. · 2005

Jurisdictions

L.'s state bar admissions

Maryland
2014 · ACTIVE
District of Columbia
2009 · ACTIVE
Virginia
1952 · ACTIVE

L. studied at J.D. in Washington & Lee University and B.A. in George Washington University.

Law school and academic background

L. completed J.D. in Washington & Lee University and B.A. in George Washington University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice L. runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Affiliations

L.'s professional memberships and bar associations

Virginia State Bar The District of Columbia Bar
membership

Locations

L. Cleaves Manning's office in Washington

L.'s primary office is at 1629 K St., NW, Ste. 300, Washington, DC, 20006. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Record Absolutions

1629 K St., NW, Ste. 300

Washington, DC 20006

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Client feedback

Client reviews of L. Cleaves Manning

L. 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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Hiring guide

How to hire L. Cleaves Manning — 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 L. usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

L. charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain L.'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; L. 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 L.

L. 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. L. confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

L.'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 L. Cleaves Manning

How much does it cost to hire L. for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. L. walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does L. offer a free consultation?
L. charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain L.'s office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check L.'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. L. gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can L. take my case if I'm outside Washington?
L. 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 — L. 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 L.?
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. L. will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is L. accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
L.'s intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by District of Columbia residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like L. Cleaves Manning. Each link opens the full answer thread.

How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts
How do I find a good criminal defense attorney in Arizona?
I’m facing drug possession charges in Phoenix, AZ, and I have no idea how to choose the right defense attorney. I need someone who understands the laws here and has a track record
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Arizona

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

L. 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.

More counsel

If L.'s intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Washington handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.