Pat Cresta Savage is an accomplished attorney with extensive experience in Criminal and Employment Law. Since 1998, she has successfully handled numerous trials and hearings at both the State and Federal levels. Pat has served as a panel attorney in the District of Columbia, Maryland, and New Hampshire, showcasing her expertise in these regions. Having held prominent positions in various legal associations, Pat is highly regarded in her field. She has served as the former president of the District of Columbia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as a board member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL). Currently, she holds the position of Chair of the Corrections Committee for NACDL, where she collaborates with committee members to develop policy and training programs that benefit both the Defense Bar and Clients dealing with the Prison system. Her dedication to civil rights advocacy is evident in her involvement in litigation concerning Prisoner civil rights violations. Pat Cresta Savage's exceptional legal skills have been demonstrated in high-profile cases. As co-counsel in the case of Doe v. MD Department of Public Safety and Corrections, she played a significant role in the Maryland Court of Appeals' decision. The court concluded that the application of Maryland's sex offender registration law to John Doe, based on the 2009 and 2010 amendments, violated Art. 17 of the Maryland Declaration of Rights. Her contributions in this case underscore her commitment to justice and protecting individual rights. In addition to her criminal law work, Pat serves on the D.C. Appellate panel and is actively involved in cases related to the denial of Compassionate Release. Within her employment law practice, she represents clients before courts and administrative agencies, excelling in settlement negotiation and mediation. Her expertise in this field is recognized by her membership in the National Association of Employment Lawyers (NELA).
Most recently, in August 2024, Pat was awarded the "Champion of Justice" award for her work as chair of the Corrections Committee as a member of NACDL. Her work involves a review of the State and Federal Prison systems including Access to Counsel, navigating the system from classification to release. Pat has also been involved with the planning and follow up of NACDL sponsored trainings on the subject.
With her impressive legal background, Pat Cresta Savage has held leadership positions in esteemed legal associations. She served as Vice President of the DC Superior Court Trial Lawyers Association and contributed as a committee member of the DC Bar Criminal Law and Individual Rights Section and on the Board of NACDL. These roles highlight her commitment to the legal profession and her dedication to promoting justice and individual rights.
