Law Office of Julie Swaney

For residents of Washington, D.C., encountering the criminal justice system can be an incredibly intimidating and life-altering experience. Whether you're a young person facing juvenile charges or an adult dealing with misdemeanor or felony accusations, the need for skilled, compassionate, and unwavering legal representation is paramount. This article introduces you to the Law Office of Julie Swaney, a local D.C. firm singularly focused on providing robust criminal defense services to protect the rights and liberty interests of individuals across the District.

The Law Office of Julie Swaney operates with a deep-seated belief in the constitutional rights of every individual who interacts with the criminal justice system. Attorney Julie Swaney has dedicated her practice to defending clients in both the juvenile and adult criminal courts of the District of Columbia. Her extensive experience, developed through roles in public defense and advocacy for incarcerated youth, provides her with a unique perspective and a profound understanding of the challenges her clients face. She understands that the system can often feel overwhelming, and her firm is committed to being a steadfast advocate, fighting tirelessly for the best possible outcome in every case.

This overview will detail the firm's convenient location in Washington, D.C., the comprehensive range of criminal defense services they offer, the distinctive features that highlight their commitment to clients, and how you can easily make contact for a consultation. Our goal is to provide you, as a local D.C. resident, with the essential information needed to make an informed decision when seeking professional and dedicated criminal defense counsel, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the legal process.

The Law Office of Julie Swaney is conveniently located at 503 D St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, USA. This central D.C. address places the firm within the vibrant legal and judicial heart of the city, offering exceptional accessibility for clients from all quadrants of the District and even those commuting from nearby Maryland and Virginia.

The firm's location on D Street NW is particularly advantageous due to its close proximity to the Superior Court for the District of Columbia and numerous federal agencies. Furthermore, it boasts excellent access to Washington, D.C.'s efficient public transportation system. The office is typically within easy walking distance of several key Metro stations, including Judiciary Square (Red Line), Gallery Place-Chinatown (Red, Green, Yellow Lines), and Metro Center (Red, Orange, Blue, Silver Lines). This extensive Metro access is a significant benefit, providing a convenient and often preferred method of travel for clients, especially those who may be dealing with the stress of legal proceedings. While street parking in downtown D.C. can be limited, there are usually multiple public parking garages available in the surrounding blocks for those who choose to drive. The strategic and well-connected location of the Law Office of Julie Swaney underscores its commitment to being readily available and easily accessible to the D.C. community, ensuring that seeking vital criminal defense legal advice is as straightforward as possible.

• Adult Criminal Defense: Providing robust legal representation for adults facing a wide range of criminal charges in D.C. Superior Court. This includes:
  • Traffic Offenses: Defending against various traffic violations.
  • Misdemeanor Cases: Handling less severe criminal charges such as simple assault, theft, and minor drug offenses, including bench and jury trials.
  • Felony Cases: Representing clients accused of serious crimes, ranging from gun and drug cases to armed robbery and homicide.
  • Plea Negotiations: Skillfully negotiating with prosecutors to achieve favorable plea agreements when appropriate.
  • Trial Representation: Vigorously defending clients in adult criminal court trials.
• Juvenile Criminal Defense: Dedicated to defending young people (ages 10-18) charged with crimes in D.C.'s Superior Court (Family Court, Juvenile Branch). This includes:
  • Representation Throughout Proceedings: Guiding juveniles and their families through every stage of the legal process, from initial charges to disposition.
  • Advocacy for Youth: Ensuring the constitutional rights and liberty interests of young clients are protected within the juvenile justice system.
  • Reentry Planning: Assisting youth with planning for their successful return to the community after incarceration.
• Reentry Support: Helping "returning citizens" (individuals coming home from the federal prison system) navigate the complex reentry process after serving their sentences, providing guidance and support to facilitate a smooth transition back into society.
• Incarceration Reduction Amendment Act (IRAA) Motions: Filing motions for release under the IRAA, a significant D.C. law passed in 2016 and expanded in 2021, which allows for the resentencing of individuals sentenced for crimes committed up to age 25 that resulted in life sentences or significant terms of years.
• Constitutional Rights Protection: A foundational aspect of her practice, ensuring clients' constitutional rights are upheld throughout all interactions with the criminal justice system.

• Sole Focus on Criminal Defense: The Law Office of Julie Swaney is singularly dedicated to criminal defense for both juveniles and adults. This specialization means Attorney Swaney possesses deep expertise and up-to-date knowledge of D.C.'s criminal laws, court procedures, and the nuances of defending various charges, from misdemeanors to serious felonies.
• Extensive Experience within the D.C. Justice System: Ms. Swaney's background includes significant roles at the Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia, the Prince George's County Office of the Public Defender, and an internship with a D.C. Superior Court Associate Judge handling felony cases. This extensive practical experience provides her with invaluable insight into the local courts and prosecution strategies.
• Commitment to Protecting Constitutional Rights: A core philosophy of the firm is the unwavering belief in protecting the constitutional rights and liberty interests of every client. This fundamental commitment drives her advocacy and ensures diligent representation.
• Juvenile Justice Advocacy: Ms. Swaney has a strong passion and expertise in juvenile defense, having previously served as Director of Youth Advocacy for a program assisting incarcerated D.C. youth. This specific focus provides empathetic and effective representation for young people facing charges.
• Addressing Systemic Issues: The firm acknowledges the "contradictions" within the criminal justice system, particularly its impact on low-income and minority communities. This awareness informs a dedicated approach to fighting for justice and challenging systemic imbalances.
• Comprehensive Support for Clients: Beyond courtroom defense, the firm also assists with crucial aspects like reentry support and filing IRAA motions, demonstrating a holistic approach to clients' long-term well-being and freedom.
• Accessible and Dedicated Counsel: The firm offers free consultations, making initial legal advice accessible. Ms. Swaney emphasizes being a "knowledgeable, hardworking, and dedicated defense attorney" who makes the process "less scary, frustrating, and lonely."
• Local D.C. Insight: Having lived in the D.C. area for most of her adult life and actively barred in D.C. (with most work in D.C. Superior Court), Ms. Swaney brings a strong local perspective and understanding to every case.

The Law Office of Julie Swaney offers a crucial benefit to potential clients: free consultations. This means that individuals in Washington, D.C., facing criminal charges, or their families, can initiate a discussion about their legal situation without any upfront financial commitment. During this initial consultation, Attorney Julie Swaney can assess the specifics of the case, explain potential legal pathways, and outline how her firm can provide assistance. For criminal defense matters, legal fees typically vary based on the complexity of the case, the severity of the charges, and the anticipated time and resources required. While specific fee structures (e.g., flat fees for certain types of cases, hourly rates for more complex litigation) are not detailed in the provided information, the offer of a free consultation ensures transparency and allows clients to understand the financial implications of representation before making a commitment. It is always recommended to discuss the fee agreement thoroughly during this initial meeting to ensure clarity on all costs involved. This offer makes vital legal assistance more accessible to the D.C. community.

For residents of Washington, D.C., who require professional, dedicated, and compassionate criminal defense representation for adult or juvenile charges, or assistance with reentry and IRAA motions, you can reach out to the Law Office of Julie Swaney using the following contact details:

Address: 503 D St NW Suite 300, Washington, DC 20001, USA

Phone: (202) 681-4702

Mobile Phone: +1 202-681-4702

Email: jswaneylaw@gmail.com (Note: Do not provide detailed case information in initial emails; submit contact info and a short message for privacy).

For individuals in Washington, D.C., who find themselves entangled in the criminal justice system, the Law Office of Julie Swaney offers a uniquely suitable and deeply dedicated option for legal representation. What makes this firm particularly ideal for locals is its singular and unwavering focus on criminal defense within the D.C. judicial landscape, coupled with Attorney Julie Swaney's profound commitment to protecting constitutional rights and her extensive experience within the District's specific legal ecosystem. When facing charges, whether as an adult or a juvenile, you need a lawyer who not only understands the law but also the local courts, prosecutors, and the unique challenges faced by D.C. residents. Ms. Swaney’s background, including her work with the Public Defender Service and her intimate knowledge of D.C. Superior Court, positions her as a highly effective advocate for locals.

The firm’s compassionate approach is also a significant factor for suitability. Criminal charges are inherently stressful and often isolating. Ms. Swaney's commitment to making the process "less scary, frustrating, and lonely" speaks directly to the emotional toll such situations can take. Her dedication to fighting the system, protecting rights, and working for the best possible outcome provides crucial reassurance for clients and their families. Furthermore, her specialized expertise in juvenile defense, including a history of advocating for incarcerated youth and assisting with reentry, makes her an invaluable resource for D.C. families navigating the complexities of the juvenile justice system. The ability to file crucial IRAA motions also highlights her deep understanding of D.C.-specific laws designed to offer pathways to release for qualifying individuals.

Practically, the Law Office of Julie Swaney’s central location at 503 D St NW is a major benefit for D.C. residents. Its proximity to the D.C. Superior Court and major Metro stations ensures exceptional accessibility, easing the burden of travel for clients who may be under immense stress. This local presence means that D.C. clients can easily access their legal counsel for meetings, court appearances, and ongoing communication. In essence, for any D.C. local requiring a tenacious, experienced, and empathetic criminal defense attorney who truly understands the nuances of the District's legal system, the Law Office of Julie Swaney is an outstanding choice, committed to standing by your side and fighting for your liberty.