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Scott D. Michel
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Scott D. Michel, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, International Tax, and IRS · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Member, Washington, D.C.atCaplin And Drysdale Chartered

Washington, DC

Practicing criminal defense in Washington since 1981.

45+
Years practicing
5.0 ★
1 client review
2
Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal DefenseInternational TaxIRSTaxTax LitigationWhite Collar

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Quick answer

Scott D. Michel is a member, washington, d.c. based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, International Tax, and IRS. Scott has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Caplin And Drysdale Chartered. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in
Washington, DC
Experience
over 45 years
Known for
Criminal Defense · International Tax · IRS
  • Handles Criminal Defense, International Tax, and IRS matters from Washington, DC.
  • Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
  • Recognized with AV Preeminent.

About Scott D. Michel: Scott D. Michel is a member, washington, d.c. based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, International Tax, and IRS. Scott has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Caplin And Drysdale Chartered. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by Scott D. Michel

Scott concentrates on criminal defense, international tax, irs, tax, and tax litigation. Each area below outlines the kind of case Scott handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Scott 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

International Tax cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Scott takes international tax 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

IRS cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Scott takes irs 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

Tax cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Scott takes tax 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

Tax Litigation cases in Washington, District of Columbia

Scott takes tax 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 Scott agrees to represent you.

Biography

About Scott D. Michel — Over 45 years of District of Columbia criminal defense experience

Scott D. Michel is a member, washington, d.c. based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, International Tax, and IRS. Scott has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Caplin And Drysdale Chartered. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Scott D. Michel is a lawyer practicing tax controversies, tax crimes, tax litigation and 4 other areas of law. Scott received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. Scott practices at Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered in Washington, DC.

Scott's approach to criminal defense cases

Scott D. Michel is a lawyer practicing tax controversies, tax crimes, tax litigation and 4 other areas of law. Scott received a B.S. degree from Northwestern University in 1977, and has been licensed for 45 years. Scott practices at Caplin & Drysdale, Chartered in Washington, DC.

Clients Scott works with

Scott reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, international tax, and irs matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Scott D. Michel's legal education and bar admissions

  • University of Virginia School of Law

    J.D. Order · 1980

  • Northwestern University

    B.S. · 1977

Jurisdictions

Scott's state bar admissions

  • New York U.S. Distri

    1993 · ACTIVE

  • District of Columbia

    1981 · ACTIVE

Scott studied at J.D. Order in University of Virginia School of Law and B.S. in Northwestern University.

Law school and academic background

Scott completed J.D. Order in University of Virginia School of Law and B.S. in Northwestern University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Scott runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of Scott D. Michel

Scott has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

  • AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

Scott's professional memberships and bar associations

  • Mentor, American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative Member, International Fiscal Association Professional Activities Mr

    membership

  • Michel has been active in the American Bar Association's Section of Taxation his entire career, most recently as the Vice-Chair for Committee Operations of the American Bar Association Section of Taxation from 2016-2018

    membership

  • He previously served as a Section Council Director and as the Chair of the Section's Committees on Civil and Criminal Tax Penalties and the Standards of Tax Practice

    membership

  • He is also an Adjunct Professor of Law at the University of Miami School of Law Graduate Program in Taxation, the Regent for the Federal Circuit for the American College of Tax Counsel, and a member of the International Fiscal Association

    IFA · membership

  • Mr

    membership

  • Michel also served as a Mentor in the American Bar Association Rule of Law Initiative (ROLI), advising government officials responsible for tax enforcement in the Croatian Ministry of Finance

    membership

  • For his work in this regard, and that of his colleagues Cono Namorato and Mark Matthews, Caplin & Drysdale received the 2018 Pro Bono Award from ROLI

    membership

  • Mr

    membership

  • Michel previously performed a similar role in connection with ROLI's predecessor organization in Poland in 1992

    membership

  • He is also a co-founder and Director of Buildable Hours, Inc

    membership

  • a Washington, D

    membership

  • C

    membership

  • nonprofit group that coordinates contributions and volunteer activities between law firms nationwide and local Habitat for Humanity organizations

    membership

  • American College of Tax Counsel and American Bar Foundation Director, Buildable Hours, Inc. Member, American Citizens Abroad, Professional Tax Advisory Council

    bar_fellowship

Locations

Scott D. Michel's office in Washington

Scott's primary office is at One Thomas Circle NW, Suite 1100, Washington, DC, 20005. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Caplin And Drysdale Chartered

One Thomas Circle NW, Suite 1100

Washington, DC 20005

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Scott D. Michel — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Scott. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Washington.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Scott D. Michel claims this profile.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Scott D. Michel — 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 Scott usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

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

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

Payment methods and payment plans

Scott'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 Scott D. Michel

  • How much does it cost to hire Scott for a criminal defense case?

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

  • Does Scott offer a free consultation?

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

  • Can Scott take my case if I'm outside Washington?

    Scott 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 — Scott 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 Scott?

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

  • Is Scott accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

    Scott'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

Scott 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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If Scott'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.

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