Top Seattle Criminal Defense Attorneys

Criminal defense lawyers in Seattle handle a steady stream of DUI and domestic violence cases. Other clients face drug charges, theft, assault, sex offenses, or federal fraud investigations. Once hired, an attorney reviews the police report, interviews witnesses, challenges weak evidence, and takes the case to trial when needed. The attorneys below defend these cases in courts across King County.

Listed Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers are ranked by one score, applied the same way to every firm. It draws on public signals, including:

  • Client satisfaction and overall online reputation
  • The volume and consistency of client feedback
  • How established the firm is
  • Peer recognition within the legal community and across the web

Ranked listings are ordered by our independent score. Featured listings are paid placements shown separately. See how we rank law firms.

Leading Seattle Criminal Lawyers for DUI, Felony & Federal Charges

Screenshot of the DUI Heroes Website
3400 188th St SW #420, Lynnwood, WA 98037, USA

Drunk driving cases are the only work DUI Heroes takes on. The Lynnwood firm reports that an average of 95% of first offenses since 2009 ended in reduced or dismissed charges. Two of its attorneys once worked as prosecutors, one for a city and one for Snohomish County.

Founding attorney Jonathan Dichter is faculty and a state delegate for the National College for DUI Defense. He also wrote a DUI survival guide for Washington drivers. The team defends repeat and felony DUIs, vehicular assault, and commercial driver cases.

Attorneys take calls 24/7, and interpreters are available in several languages. A good fit for drivers who want a DUI specialist rather than a general practice.

Screenshot of the Will & Will, PLLC Website
701 5th Ave #3510, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Will & Will is a husband-and-wife team of Seattle criminal defense lawyers. Court and Michelle Will bring more than 45 years of combined experience from California to Washington. They work together on every case, so each client has two attorneys planning the defense.

The firm keeps its caseload small to stay in close contact with clients. It handles cases such as:

  • Sex crimes and online sting charges
  • Domestic violence and stalking
  • Theft, drug crimes, and DUI
  • Vacating past convictions

The Wills also represent people seeking or fighting civil protection orders. Clients across King, Snohomish, and Pierce counties can start with a free consultation.

Screenshot of the Black & Askerov, PLLC Website
705 2nd Ave #1111, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Black & Askerov, PLLC takes on serious criminal cases in state, federal, and appellate courts across Washington. Its Seattle criminal defense attorneys, Chris Black and Tim Askerov, have practiced only criminal defense for more than 20 years. The firm is rated by Super Lawyers, and both partners hold top Avvo ratings.

Federal charges and white-collar crime make up a large share of the work, including fraud and money laundering. The lawyers also defend homicide, sex offense, and gun cases. Pre-charge investigations, asset forfeiture, and post-conviction appeals round out the practice. Phones are answered around the clock.

Screenshot of the Newton & Hall Attorneys at Law PLLC Website

Lead attorney Keith Hall made the 2018 Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers list. The American Society of Legal Advocates gave the honor. His firm, Newton & Hall, runs offices in Kent and Bellevue and serves the greater Puget Sound area.

The team regularly goes to trial in King and Pierce counties, plus Thurston, Kitsap, and Snohomish. Adult and juvenile clients get help with sex offenses, vehicular homicide, drug charges, and weapons violations.

Speed is central to the approach. In an emergency, an attorney will meet a client at the office at 3:30 a.m. The firm can also help arrange bail after an arrest.

Screenshot of the Powers Law Group PLLC Website
309 Pine St, Mount Vernon, WA 98273, USA

Powers Law Group is a boutique criminal defense practice in Mount Vernon, WA. Jason Powers has practiced law since 2001 and once served as a deputy prosecuting attorney. The firm accepts only a limited number of clients to maintain close contact.

Cases range from DUIs and domestic disputes to vehicular homicide and major drug trafficking. The team appears in Skagit, Island, and Whatcom County courts and has a second office in Bellingham. Staff speaks Spanish, and the firm also helps restore firearm rights.

Screenshot of the Lewis & Laws, PLLC Website
1818 Westlake Ave N # 228, Seattle, WA 98109, USA

Two attorneys work on every case at Lewis & Laws, PLLC. The lawyers used to work on the prosecution side, and that view shapes how they build each defense. Together, they have more than 45 years of courtroom experience.

This Seattle DUI and criminal defense firm also handles theft, drug, and assault charges. It represents drivers at Department of Licensing hearings after an arrest. An attorney is available at any hour, and a second office serves Everett.

Screenshot of the Law Office of Steve Graham Website

The Law Office of Steve Graham is a Spokane criminal defense firm with a strong trial record. In 1998, Graham became the youngest elected prosecuting attorney in Washington. As a defense lawyer, he has won as many as seven felony trials in a row.

His high-profile cases have appeared on ESPN, the BBC, and in Rolling Stone. The firm defends DUI, assault, theft, and drug charges in Spokane, Pullman, and Stevens County. Spokane Living rated him one of the city's top five criminal lawyers.

Screenshot of the Beckwith Criminal Law Website
101 Yesler Wy #603, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Over 95% of cases defended by Beckwith Criminal Law end in a dismissal or a lesser charge. Ex-prosecutor Cristine Beckwith leads the firm, with attorney Nadine Bertman on the team.

The firm has locations in Seattle and Tacoma and operates in five Puget Sound counties. Common cases include DUI, assault, theft, and criminal record sealing. Phone consultations are free on any day of the week, including evenings.

Screenshot of the Milios Defense Website
1326 Fifth Avenue #427, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Milios Defense is a Seattle DUI law firm that defends impaired driving charges statewide. Tim Milios has defended Washington drivers since 1993. He has personally resolved well over a thousand DUI cases.

Milios is a member of the NCDD. The firm also takes reckless driving, hit-and-run, and vehicular assault cases. The office answers calls and texts 24 hours a day.

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Screenshot of the Marshall & Saunders, PLLC Website
901 5th Ave Suite 2800, Seattle, WA 98164, USA

Marshall & Saunders is a Seattle defense firm focused on sex crime allegations. Since 1997, its lawyers have defended more than 1,000 clients and conducted over 250 criminal trials. The team also takes child abuse, CPS investigation, and domestic violence cases.

Partner David Marshall lectures other attorneys on trial advocacy. Defense work often relies on close cross-examination and expert witness testimony.

Screenshot of the Stewart MacNichols Harmell Inc PS Website
655 W Smith St, Suite 210, Kent, WA 98032, USA

In business since 1992, Stewart MacNichols Harmell Inc. P.S. has represented thousands of people charged with crimes. The Kent firm takes misdemeanor and felony cases in every court in King and Pierce counties. Its lawyers have tried cases ranging from minor offenses to high-profile cases.

Close to 100 five-star online reviews support its reputation. The first meeting comes with no obligation to hire.

Screenshot of the Thorley Defense Law Website
155 NE 100th St Ste. 210, Seattle, WA 98125, USA

Rebecca Thorley trained at one of London's leading criminal defense firms before opening her Seattle practice. Thorley Defense Law represents clients from Washington as well as England and Wales. The firm works with private investigators when a case calls for it.

Thorley also handles immigration and personal injury matters. As an immigrant herself, she relates well to clients building a life in the US. Clients can call or text anytime, including weekends.

Screenshot of the Glisson Legal Website
104 Tremont St Suite 240, Port Orchard, WA 98366, USA

Serving Kitsap County from Port Orchard, Glisson Legal defends clients across Western Washington. Attorney Stan Glisson brings more than 20 years of trial experience. He handles DUIs, drug crimes, theft, and cybercrimes. The firm also works on warrants, appeals, and expungements.

Screenshot of the Skellenger Bender, PS Website
520 Pike St Unit 1001, Seattle, WA 98101, USA

Skellenger Bender, P.S. is a Seattle law firm with a government investigations and criminal law practice. It also covers family law, appeals, and estates. Twelve of its lawyers appear in The Best Lawyers in America.

Screenshot of the Stein, Lotzkar & Starr, P.S. Website
2840 Northup Way # 140, Bellevue, WA 98004, USA

Stein, Lotzkar & Starr, P.S. is a Bellevue criminal defense firm serving the Eastside since 2006. Its team includes former prosecutors and pro tem judges with over a century of combined experience. A social worker on staff supports clients.

Screenshot of the Sheed Law Offices, PLLC Website
1833 N 105th St suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133, USA

Former public defenders run Sheed Law Offices, PLLC in Seattle. Daniel Sheed and his team defend DUI, theft, traffic, and assault charges. The firm has a winning trial record and takes calls day or night.

Screenshot of the SQ Attorneys Website
10740 Meridian Ave N #107, Seattle, WA 98133, USA

A former Marine Corps judge advocate, Greg Schwesinger leads SQ Attorneys with Saad Qadri. The firm has served 5,000+ clients from Seattle and Redmond offices. Military service members are a focus, and clients have left hundreds of 5-star reviews.

Screenshot of the Burg Criminal Defense Website
720 3rd Ave #2015A, Seattle, WA 98104, USA

Burg Criminal Defense is a Seattle firm with more than 40 years of combined experience. Geoffrey Burg and Jason Lantz defend clients across the Puget Sound region. Recent results include a jury acquittal on four felony counts.

Screenshot of the Law Firm of David N Jolly Website
218 W Champion St, Bellingham, WA 98225, USA

The Law Firm of David N. Jolly is a Bellingham DUI practice with a second office in Mount Vernon. Jolly has handled thousands of cases in Whatcom, Skagit, Snohomish, and Island counties. Payment plans and free DUI handbooks are available.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost in Seattle?

It depends on the charge. Many Seattle defense lawyers quote a flat fee for misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases. Felony and federal cases usually cost more and may be billed hourly. Ask whether the quoted fee covers a trial.

What is the statute of limitations for criminal charges in Washington?

One to three years for most crimes. Prosecutors have one year to file a misdemeanor charge and two years to file a gross misdemeanor charge, such as DUI. Most felonies must be charged within three years. Murder and certain other offenses involving a death have no time limit.

How long does a criminal case take in King County?

Weeks to more than a year. Washington court rules call for trial within 60 days of arraignment if you are in jail, or 90 days if released. Continuances are common, so many cases run longer. Felony cases in King County Superior Court usually take the most time.

What should I do after a DUI arrest in Seattle?

Act within seven days. You must request a Department of Licensing hearing within 7 days of the arrest to contest the license suspension. Without that request, the suspension starts 30 days after the arrest. The licensing hearing runs separately from the criminal case.

When does a DUI become a felony in Washington?

After three prior offenses. Since January 1, 2026, a DUI is a class B felony if you have three or more prior offenses within 15 years. The old lookback window was 10 years. A past impaired vehicular homicide or vehicular assault conviction can also lead to a felony charge.

Can I clear an old conviction in Washington?

Often, but not always. Many misdemeanors can be vacated three years after the sentence ends. Class C felonies generally require a five-year wait, and class B felonies require ten. DUI convictions cannot be vacated.

Do I qualify for a public defender in Seattle?

Only if you cannot afford a lawyer. The court reviews your income and expenses to decide eligibility. In King County, the Department of Public Defense handles appointed cases. You can still hire a private criminal attorney at any point.

Types of Criminal Cases in Seattle, WA

DUI and Physical Control. Most DUI charges are gross misdemeanors filed in Seattle Municipal Court or King County District Court. A first offense carries at least 24 hours in jail or 15 days of electronic home monitoring. Physical control charges can apply to an impaired person sitting in a parked car.

Domestic Violence. Washington law requires police to arrest in certain domestic violence situations. Judges often issue no-contact orders at the first court appearance. A conviction can cost a person their firearm rights.

Drug Crimes. Simple possession has been a gross misdemeanor since 2023. Delivery and manufacturing remain felonies. Large trafficking cases may be filed in federal court.

Theft and Property Crimes. Washington grades theft by the value of what was taken. Third-degree theft is a gross misdemeanor, while first- and second-degree theft are felonies. Burglary and trespass charges often come alongside theft.

Assault and Violent Crime. Fourth-degree assault is a gross misdemeanor. First- through third-degree assault are felonies with possible prison time. Self-defense is one of the most common criminal defenses in these cases.

Sex Offenses. These charges carry long sentences and often require sex offender registration. Defense work usually involves forensic interviews, digital evidence, and expert review.

White-Collar and Federal Charges. Federal fraud, money laundering, and drug cases go to the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington in Seattle. Federal sentencing follows its own guidelines, separate from state law.

Juvenile Cases. Charges against minors go through King County Juvenile Court, where rehabilitation is the focus. Some serious offenses can be moved to adult court.

How to Choose a Criminal Lawyer in Seattle

Match the lawyer to the charge. A DUI case turns on breath tests and the traffic stop. A federal fraud case turns on documents and sentencing guidelines. Pick someone who often handles your type of case.

Ask which courts they appear in. Seattle Municipal Court, King County District Court, and King County Superior Court each follow their own local procedures. Regular courtroom time in the right court helps with scheduling and plea talks.

Ask about jury trials. Most cases settle, but prosecutors notice which lawyers are willing to try a case. Ask how many jury trials the attorney has handled.

Find out who does the work. At some firms, a junior associate covers most court dates. Ask who will appear for you and how fast calls get returned.

Get the fee agreement in writing. Confirm whether the fee covers motions, the DOL hearing, and trial. Ask how any unused retainer is handled.

Possible Outcomes in Seattle Criminal Cases

Results depend on the charge, the evidence, and your criminal history. Many cases end in a dismissal, a reduced charge, or a diversion agreement. Washington felony sentences follow a grid that weighs the seriousness of the crime against your offender score. People charged with DUI who need treatment may qualify for deferred prosecution, which includes two years of treatment. A Seattle defense attorney can review the discovery and explain which outcome is realistic.

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