Criminal Section
The Criminal Section prosecutes adults who commit certain misdemeanor offenses in the District. We also participate in two Treatment Courts—Drug Court and the Mental Health Community Court.
Criminal Jurisdiction
The Criminal Section prosecutes five primary categories of criminal offenses:
Criminal Traffic Offenses
- Impaired Driving Offenses
- Reckless Driving, Speed in Excess of 30 mph over the Posted Limit
- Leaving After Colliding
- Operating After Suspension/Operating After Revocation
- No Permit
Certain Weapons Offenses
- Unregistered Firearms
- Unlawful Possession of Ammunition
- Possession of a BB Gun
- Possession of a Destructive Device
- Concealed Carry Violations
Quality of Life Offenses
- Possession of an Open Container of Alcohol
- Disorderly Conduct
- Indecent Exposure
- False Report to the Police
- Drinking in Public
- Illegal Dumping
Regulatory Offenses
- Housing Code Violations
- Professional License Violations
- Unauthorized Practice Violations
- Counterfeit Vehicle Tags
Treatment Courts
- Drug Court: Drug Court is designed to help eligible defendants with substance abuse disorders achieve sobriety through intensive judicial supervision and treatment. OAG regularly refers traffic cases to Drug Court, these referrals make up the majority of all Drug Court participants.
- Mental Health Community Court (MHCC): MHCC is designed to help individuals in need of mental health treatment address their underlying mental health condition that may contribute to the commission of the underlying criminal offenses.
Useful Resources
OAG Victim Services
Traffic Safety Resources
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA)
- DC Department of Transportation (DDOT)
- DC Department of Motor Vehicles
- Governors’ Highway Safety Association State Child Passenger Safety Laws
Impaired Driving Prevention Resources
- Washington Regional Alcohol Program (WRAP)
- Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)
- Century Council
- Family Medical Counseling Services (Substance Abuse Counseling)
- Marijuana and Impaired Driving
Law Enforcement Resources
- Metropolitan Police Department
- United States Capitol Police
- United States Park Police
- Metro Transit Police
Firearm Safety and Registration Resources
Other Useful Resources