1. Black & Askerov, PLLC
Practice Focus: Federal crimes, white collar defense, drug crimes, homicide, assault, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft and robbery, firearms offenses
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, federal crimes, drug offenses, violent crimes, white collar crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, theft crimes, weapons charges, pre-charge investigations, protection orders, appeals, post-conviction relief
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, plea negotiations, pre-trial investigation, motion practice, bail hearings, administrative hearings, forfeiture issues
Background: Chris Black has devoted his entire career to criminal defense since 2001. He is a Past President of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Tim Askerov joined the firm and together they have over 40 years of combined experience. Both attorneys are admitted to Federal Bar for Western and Eastern Districts of Washington, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, and District of Columbia. The firm focuses exclusively on criminal defense and has handled cases at both trial and appellate levels throughout Washington.
Location: 705 2nd Avenue, Suite 1111, Seattle, WA 98104
Contact: (206) 623-1604 | [email protected] | https://www.blacklawseattle.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available, virtual appointments offered, credit cards accepted
2. Lewis & Laws, PLLC
Practice Focus: DUI defense, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft crimes, general criminal defense
Case Types Handled: DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug offenses, theft crimes, assault, misdemeanors, felonies
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion to suppress, record expungement, warrant recalls, probation violation hearings
Background: The firm has more than 45 years of combined experience. Jonathan Lewis serves as Managing Partner, with partners Christine Baker and Jason Schwisow. The attorneys are former prosecutors who understand both sides of criminal cases. They practice in courtrooms throughout King County and the greater Seattle area on a weekly basis and have handled hundreds of criminal cases.
Location: 1818 Westlake Avenue N., Suite 228, Seattle, WA 98109
Contact: (206) 209-0608 | https://www.seattlecriminaldefenselawfirm.com
Consultation: Free case review available, 24/7 availability
3. Marshall & Saunders
Practice Focus: Sex crimes defense, child abuse allegations, domestic violence, protection order defense
Case Types Handled: Sex crimes involving adults and children, child abuse accusations, domestic violence charges, protection order matters, criminal defense in state and federal courts
Legal Services: Trial defense, appeals, post-conviction relief, protection order defense hearings, expert witness coordination, mitigation package preparation
Background: The firm has been providing representation since 1997. David S. Marshall leads the firm with attorneys including Joshua R. Saunders (NYU School of Law graduate with over 5,000 criminal cases handled), Kristina L. Selset (28 years experience, former Governor of Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers), and Sam Sommerman (admitted to federal court and state courts). The attorneys are regularly consulted by other lawyers on complex criminal cases.
Location: 901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800, Seattle, WA 98164
Contact: (206) 222-2747 | https://www.marshallandsaunders.com
Consultation: Consultation available, virtual consultations via Zoom offered
4. Vindicate Criminal Law Group
Practice Focus: Sex crimes, domestic violence, white collar crimes, theft, DUI, drug offenses, violent crimes
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes, domestic violence, drug crimes, DUI/DWI, theft offenses, assault, weapons charges, federal crimes
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, pre-trial investigation, expert consultation, motion practice, sentencing advocacy
Background: The firm has over 50 years of combined experience among its attorneys. Timothy L. Healy graduated from Seattle University School of Law in 1995 and is admitted to U.S. District Court Western District of Washington. Connor Jepson has been recognized as a Super Lawyers Rising Star. Carrie Fulton-Brown handles criminal defense and military/veterans law. The firm has obtained dismissals, acquittals, and not guilty verdicts in cases involving serious crimes.
Location: 600 University Street, Suite 3010, Seattle, WA 98101
Contact: (855) 898-2542 | https://www.vindicatelaw.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation, 24/7 availability for emergencies, jail visits available
5. Guadagno Law, PLLC
Practice Focus: DUI defense, domestic violence, drug offenses, violent crimes, theft, sex crimes, traffic violations
Case Types Handled: Felonies, misdemeanors, DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, theft, sex offenses, traffic violations
Legal Services: Trial defense, plea negotiations, motion practice, bail hearings, case investigation, probation violation defense
Background: Attorney Albert Guadagno is a former prosecutor with over 17 years of experience. Having worked on both sides of the courtroom, he brings prosecutorial insight to defense strategy. The firm maintains a selective caseload to provide personalized attention to each client rather than operating as a high-volume practice.
Location: Seattle, WA (specific address available upon contact)
Contact: (206) 895-6800 | https://www.guadagnolawpllc.com
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Regulations in Washington
Washington State regulates the practice of criminal defense through the Washington State Bar Association (WSBA) and the Washington Supreme Court. All attorneys must be licensed and in good standing with the WSBA to practice law in the state. The WSBA Legal Directory provides public access to verify attorney licensing status, including practice areas, license type, and disciplinary history.
Washington uses the Uniform Bar Exam (UBE) for attorney licensure, with a minimum passing score of 266 as of 2024. Alternative pathways to licensure were adopted by the Washington Supreme Court in March 2024, including graduate apprenticeship programs and law school experiential pathways.
The Washington State Office of Public Defense (OPD) coordinates indigent defense services statewide. Public defender eligibility is determined by financial screening, with services available to defendants who cannot afford private counsel. The Washington Supreme Court issued new indigent defense standards in June 2025, reducing public defender caseload limits to 47 felony cases or 120 misdemeanor cases per year, phased in over 10 years beginning January 1, 2026.
Washington does not have a specialty certification program for criminal law; however, attorneys may indicate practice area concentrations in the WSBA Legal Directory. The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) provides continuing education and advocacy for criminal defense practitioners.
Attorney advertising in Washington is governed by the Rules of Professional Conduct (RPC), which require truthfulness in advertising and prohibit misleading claims about case outcomes or qualifications.
Washington uses a Class A, B, and C felony classification system. Class A felonies carry maximum penalties of life imprisonment and $50,000 fines. Class B felonies carry up to 10 years imprisonment and $20,000 fines. Class C felonies carry up to 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fines. Washington repealed the death penalty in 2018.
Bail and pretrial release in Washington follow Criminal Rule 3.2, which creates a presumption of release for non-capital offenses. Courts must consider the defendant’s financial condition when setting bail. Many jurisdictions use pretrial services programs as alternatives to cash bail.
Washington’s New Hope Act governs vacating criminal convictions. Misdemeanor convictions may be vacated after waiting periods that begin upon completion of sentence. Class C felonies require a 5-year waiting period after discharge. Class B felonies require a 10-year waiting period. DUI convictions and certain violent or sexual offenses cannot be vacated. Mandatory continuing legal education (MCLE) requirements include 45 credits every three years, with at least 6 credits in ethics and professional responsibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens at arraignment in King County Superior Court?
A: In King County, arraignment must occur within 14 days of the filing of charges for in-custody defendants. At arraignment, the court formally notifies you of the charges, you enter a plea (typically not guilty on advice of counsel), and the court addresses bail conditions. The court may maintain, reduce, or modify bail set at the preliminary appearance. Following arraignment, the court schedules a series of omnibus hearings to track case progress toward trial or resolution.
Q: What are the speedy trial rights in Washington State?
A: Washington law requires that defendants be brought to trial within 60 days if held in custody or 90 days if released pending trial. These time limits run from the date of arraignment. However, continuances may extend these deadlines, and defendants may waive speedy trial rights to allow additional time for case preparation. Court congestion and complexity of cases often result in actual case timelines extending several months.
Q: How does the King County Drug Diversion Court work?
A: The King County Drug Diversion Court (KCDDC) is a pre-adjudication program available to eligible defendants charged with felony drug and property crimes. Participants must attend treatment sessions, undergo random urinalysis, and appear regularly before the KCDDC judge. The program has four phases, and defendants who successfully complete all phases graduate with their charges dismissed. Defendants who fail to make progress may have their cases returned to traditional criminal court processing.
Q: Can I get a DUI conviction vacated in Washington?
A: No. DUI convictions are specifically excluded from vacating eligibility under Washington law. This applies to all DUI convictions regardless of when they occurred or whether it was a first offense. However, a DUI attorney may be able to help challenge the conviction through other legal avenues, such as appealing based on procedural errors or constitutional violations.
Q: What are the fees for public defender services in Washington?
A: Public defender services in Washington are available at no cost to defendants who qualify based on income. However, courts may assess recoupment of defense costs against defendants who are later determined to have the ability to pay. These costs become a legal financial obligation (LFO) that may be collected through the judicial collection system. Courts must consider a defendant’s ability to pay before imposing such obligations.