Charles Burnham

Charles Burnham is a Washington, D.C. criminal defense attorney whose practice focuses on government investigations and criminal defense. He handles white-collar criminal defense, federal investigations and grand jury proceedings, federal sentencing, criminal appeals, congressional investigations, and professional-license defense. Charles has significant first-chair jury trial experience and represents clients in matters that can involve political sensitivity, media attention, professional discipline, and parallel civil or investigative proceedings.

Charles earned a J.D. from George Mason University School of Law, where he served as Associate Editor of the Federal Circuit Bar Journal. He received a B.S. from Virginia Tech with a major in Accounting. His education supports a practice centered on federal criminal procedure, constitutional issues, evidence, investigations, sentencing, and appellate advocacy. This foundation complements his courtroom work and helps him evaluate complex legal questions, prepare litigation strategy, and address matters involving investigative agencies, trial courts, appellate courts, Congress, and professional disciplinary bodies.

Charles has represented senior government figures and other clients in congressional investigations, criminal investigations, professional-discipline matters, and civil litigation. His recent appellate work includes reversals in the D.C. Circuit and Fourth Circuit involving sentencing and speedy-trial issues. He has also challenged disciplinary subpoenas and represented clients in special-counsel and grand-jury investigations. His matters frequently require managing legal strategy alongside confidentiality, public attention, and the risks created by overlapping proceedings.

Charles Burnham is admitted in Virginia and the District of Columbia and before multiple federal district and appellate courts. His practice combines trial work, appellate advocacy, investigation defense, and experience handling sensitive matters that receive public scrutiny. He helps clients respond to government inquiries, evaluate exposure, prepare for hearings or trial, and pursue appellate relief when needed. His background supports representation in complex federal criminal and investigative matters where strategy, discretion, and courtroom readiness are central.

Law Office Affiliations

• Attorney, Burnham & Gorokhov
• Member, Virginia State Bar
• Member, District of Columbia Bar
• Member, District of Maryland Criminal Justice Act Panel
• Member, Eastern District of Virginia Criminal Justice Act Panel
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• President, DC Ancient Order of Hibernians (2025-Present)
• Board Member, Commodore Barry Trust Charitable Fund (2025-Present)
• Board Member, Father Rosensteel Clubhouse Association (2019-2020)
• Member, Ancient Order of Hibernians Monsignor Wells Division (2015 – Present)
• Member, Knights of Columbus, Council # 2169 (2015 – Present)

Licensed State

• Virginia
• District of Columbia

Education

• George Mason University School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• Virginia Tech
  Bachelor of Science (BS)

Awards & Badges