Joseph Francis Winterscheid, Criminal Defense Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PartneratMcdermott Will And Emery Llp
Washington, DC
Practicing criminal defense in Washington since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
Are you Joseph Francis Winterscheid?
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Quick answer
Joseph Francis Winterscheid is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Joseph has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Washington, DC
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General · Health Care
- Handles Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care matters from Washington, DC.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About Joseph Francis Winterscheid: Joseph Francis Winterscheid is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Joseph has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Practice areas handled by Joseph Francis Winterscheid
Joseph concentrates on criminal defense, general, health care, international, and m&a. Each area below outlines the kind of case Joseph handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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General
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Health Care
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International
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M&A
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Criminal Defense cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
General cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joseph 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Health Care cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joseph takes health care 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
International cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joseph takes international 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
M&A cases in Washington, District of Columbia
Joseph takes m&a 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 Joseph agrees to represent you.
Biography
About Joseph Francis Winterscheid — Over 48 years of District of Columbia criminal defense experience
Joseph Francis Winterscheid is a partner based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, General, and Health Care. Joseph has over 48 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Mr. Joseph Francis Winterscheid is a lawyer practicing international law, health care, alcohol regulatory & distribution and 5 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Joseph practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Washington, DC.
How Joseph handles criminal defense matters
Mr. Joseph Francis Winterscheid is a lawyer practicing international law, health care, alcohol regulatory & distribution and 5 other areas of law. Joseph received a B.A. degree from University of Notre Dame in 1975, and has been licensed for 48 years. Joseph practices at McDermott Will & Emery LLP in Washington, DC.
Who Joseph represents
Joseph reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, general, and health care matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.
Credentials
Joseph Francis Winterscheid's legal education and bar admissions
University of Notre Dame Law School
J.D. · 1978
University of Notre Dame
B.A. · 1975
Jurisdictions
Joseph's state bar admissions
District of Columbia
1998 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1978 · ACTIVE
Joseph studied at J.D. in University of Notre Dame Law School and B.A. in University of Notre Dame.
Law school and academic background
Joseph completed J.D. in University of Notre Dame Law School and B.A. in University of Notre Dame. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Joseph runs in District of Columbia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Awards, publications, and recognition of Joseph Francis Winterscheid
Joseph has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
Joseph Francis Winterscheid's office in Washington
Joseph's primary office is at The McDermott Bldg., 500 N. Capitol St., N. W., Washington, DC, 20001. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Mcdermott Will And Emery Llp
The McDermott Bldg., 500 N. Capitol St., N. W.
Washington, DC 20001
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Joseph Francis Winterscheid — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Joseph. 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 Joseph Francis Winterscheid claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Joseph Francis Winterscheid — 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 Joseph usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Joseph charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph'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; Joseph 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 Joseph
Joseph 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. Joseph confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Joseph'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 Joseph Francis Winterscheid
How much does it cost to hire Joseph for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Joseph walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Joseph offer a free consultation?
Joseph charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Joseph's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Joseph'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. Joseph gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Joseph take my case if I'm outside Washington?
Joseph 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 — Joseph 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 Joseph?
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. Joseph will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Joseph accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Joseph'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
Joseph 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
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in District of Columbia
If Joseph'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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