Top best Criminal Defense Lawyers in ZIP 98004 | 28 available

The Nahajski Firm was established in 1996 by partners Lennard A. Nahajski and Rayne J. Nelson with the primary goal of providing aggressive, effective and discreet representation to those facing criminal prosecution. Since that time, the firm has continued to practice exclusively criminal defense and established itself as one of the premier criminal defense firms in the region.. With more than forty years of combined criminal defense experience, we recognize that good people occasionally face difficult allegations that will have a significant impact on themselves, their families, reputation, finances and careers. Being aware of the impact of facing criminal prosecution, the firm aggressively, thoroughly and attentively defends our clients while minimizing the inevitable stress related to any criminal case.. Whether you have been accused of any crime: ranging from misdemeanors such as DUI, domestic violence or shoplifting, to the most serious violent, narcotic, weapon or sex related felonies, The Nahajski Firm’s highly attentive and experienced attorneys will provide the most effective and attentive representation available.. In addition to the immediate consequences of a criminal conviction such as jail time and fines, many other serious consequences can result including: no contact orders; loss of your right own firearms or vote; losing your driver’s license; high-risk automobile insurance; years of expensive court ordered counseling for everything from alcohol/drug abuse to domestic violence, sexual deviancy or mental health. Other less obvious consequences also exist such as being prevented from entering Canada or difficulty renting apartments, obtaining federally funded student loans or future employment.. The Nahajski Firm is available for cases in any Washington State Superior, District or Municipal Court, in addition to United States District Court. These courts include: King County Superior Court and Snohomish County Superior Courts, Juvenile Court, and district courts located in Seattle, Bellevue, Burien, Issaquah, Auburn, Redmond, Kent, Shoreline, Renton, Regional Justice Center (RJC), Lynnwood (South District Court), Monroe (Evergreen District Court), Arlington (Cascade District Court) and Everett District Court. Municipalities where we regular appear include: Seattle, Mercer Island, Kirkland, Lake Forest Park, Newcastle, Clyde Hill, Kenmore, Shoreline, Hunts Point, Bothell, Issaquah, Renton, Des Moines, Sea-Tac, Normandy Park, Tukwila, Federal Way, Sammamish, Woodinville, North Bend, Snoqualmie, Fall City, Duvall, Lynnwood, Edmonds, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Monroe, Snohomish, Marysville, Lake Stevens.. Our established reputation for success is known throughout the area. Our knowledge of criminal law is trusted by judges, prosecutors, and other attorneys who regularly refer clients to us. We want to show you how we earned our reputation – we want to protect and defend your rights through the legal minefield. We encourage you to contact us immediately to discuss the details of your case and take the first steps in mounting the best defense available.

The more we do something, the better we get at it. As of 2024, I've been an attorney for 30 years and I know my way around the courtroom.. I've been taking care of hundreds clients in the King County and greater Puget Sound courts over three decades now.. I know how to deal with other attorneys, prosecutors, and how to talk with judges to get decisions that favor my clients.. I work to protect my clients rights and deliver the best results possible. I am confident that I can improve my client's situation significantly.. A  percentage of my practice is devoted to special assault and abuse cases.  I also enjoy representing juveniles and young adults in educational, juvenile court and criminal court cases.. I am  a parent and fully understand the impact a pending criminal charge, protection order or investigation can have on a family whether the case is against a parent or a child. The whole family is affected.. After over 30 years of criminal defense and related proceedings, I can identify and develop strong defenses in cases involving false accusations, retaliatory complaints, misuse of the legal system.  In cases where the allegation may be true, my clients can trust that I offer no judgment, I understand that sometimes things just go wrong and people make mistakes. My job is then to develop mitigation and seek avenues for leniency and best outcomes.. There are many reasons why someone can find themselves accused of wrongdoing. Regardless of those reasons, my goals are always the same -dismissal, reduction and avoiding the loss of job, house, family,education, liberty or good name.. I commit to getting this done expeditiously, with strong leadership and sensitivity.  I make myself available to my clients when they need me.  I use the respect I have earned from the court, prosecutors and other lawyers to my clients benefit.  I treat my clients as I would treat a family member or friend in trouble.  I am care about the professional service I provide and the positive changes I make to legal problems.  I am 100% confident that I can improve my client's situation significantly.

Pat Kozu grew up in Redmond, Washington graduating from Lake Washington High School. He attended Central Washington University, earning his undergraduate degree in Criminology. He went on to attend Gonzaga University School of Law, graduating in May of 2005. While attending Gonzaga, he received the “Computer Assisted Legal Instruction (CALI) Award for Excellence in the Future” in criminal law. During his time in law school, Pat was also an intern for the Spokane County Public Defenders office where he worked on a number of felony cases.. After graduating from law school, Pat returned to the Seattle area to pursue his legal career. In June of 2007, he began working at the law firm of Stein, Lotzkar and Starr PS in Bellevue. His primary focus is defending people charged with misdemeanor criminal offenses, and traffic infractions. Pat represents people who have been charged with Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/Drugs, Driving While License Suspended, Minor in Possession of Alcohol, Possession of Drugs/Paraphernalia, Shoplifting and many other criminal matters. He also represents clients who want to contest traffic infractions. He has successfully contested traffic infractions in courts through out King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Contesting traffic infractions is a large part of his practice.. Pat currently lives in Seattle with his wife and they both enjoy taking advantage of the city life. Together they regularly attend the theater, sporting events, concerts, and many of the restaurants and watering holes that the city has to offer. On his own Pat has been found in casinos playing poker, playing sports, camping, hiking or just enjoying a quiet evening.

My practice focuses on family law and divorce.  I worked as a prosecutor for a major metropolitan area in southern California before working as a prosecutor in King County Washington.  I have experience with accounting and businesses practices, having prosecuted many financial fraud cases.   I have years of courtroom experience trying complicated high profile criminal cases.  This trial experience and background with complicated financial cases compliment and benefit my family law practice.  My 25 years of experience, combined with my knowledge of family law means you will get the best representation possible.. My criminal background is also provides clients an advantage in  family law matters where there are allegations of domestic violence, criminal behavior or a protection order is being requested.. Although I am more than qualified and competent to present your case in court, I know the value of settling cases out of court.   I have settled hundreds of cases directly with the other party, the other attorney or through the use of mediators and try to reach fair settlements wherever possible.  If we cannot reach a fair agreement or settlement and a court appearance or trial is necessary, my courtroom experience is invaluable.

Mr. Hayne has practiced criminal law for over 30 years and for over 20 years has limited his practice to defense of DUI's and serious traffic offenses.  He offers personal attention, sincere compassion, and extraordinary experience to clients facing the devastating impact of a DUI charge.. In 2003, Mr. Hayne was awarded the highest honor accorded by the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers; The William O. Douglas Award "For extraordinary courage and dedication to the practice of criminal law."  He has been named of of "Seattle's Best Lawyers" by Seattle Magazine, one of the state's "Ten Best Trial Lawyers" by the Washington Law Journal, and a "Super Lawyer" every year since inception by Washington Law & Politics.  His cases of significance include lead counsel/of counsel in State v. Straka, State v. Brayman, State v. Scott, State v. Ford, State v. Granco, Seattle v. Box and Seattle v. Allison.. Mr. Hayne is a past President of WACDL and has chaired the Criminal Law Sections of WSBA, WSTLA and KCBA.  He has taught triap practice at the University of Washington and Seattle University Schools of Law, the National Institute of Trial Advocacy and the Trial Masters Program.   He has been a feautred speaker at over 80 Continuing LegalEducation programs in the U.S. and Canada and has published articles in the Bar News, Trial News, Defense and Overruled magazines.  Mr. Hayne is also a founding member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National College of DUI Defense, and the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice.*. *From the Washington State Bar Association "Best of the Best" continuing legal education seminar

I started practicing law prosecuting misdemeanor and felony cases in Douglas County, OR.  I then opened my practice in Jackson Hole, WY where we focused on civil litigation and criminal defense.  Following our relocation to King County, WA, we have decided to focus on criminal defense (primarily DUI and Drug Possession/Distribution).  Our passion is providing our clients with the best defense available to them at a fair price.

I am a compassionate yet zealous advocate for individuals and businesses experiencing legal concerns in a variety of areas. The areas of law I represent my clients in include family law, immigration, special education, bankruptcy, debt defense, real estate, estate planning, employment, and general civil litigation. I also assist small businesses in legal entity formation and litigation. I particularly enjoy helping those impacted by disabilities, whether in the education, employment, or estate planning arena. I am licensed in both Washington state and British Columbia, B.C., and I speak Spanish and some Portuguese and Hindi.

Founded in 1960, by Alfred J. Bianchi, The Bianchi Law Firm first began emphasizing DUI defense.  George joined in 1985 and has become recognized as an innovator in the defense of DUI and other alcohol/drug-related crimes. George has lectured at numerous CLE programs throughout the United States concerning DUI defense and has been lead counsel in a number of cases resolving significant criminal law issues.  He is a member of the Washington State Association for Justice [formerly Washington State Trial Lawyers Association], Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and former president of Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice.  In 1999, Martindale-Hubbell awarded him with their highest accolade, an AV rating in the legal profession, which he currently maintains. George is a Founding Member, graduate, and guest lecturer of The National College for DUI Defense.  He was elected to the position of Regent with The National College for DUI Defense in July of 2000, elected Dean in 2010, and currently is a Fellow to The National College for DUI Defense.  He has been named to the “Super Lawyers” list by Washington Law & Politics annually since 2000, annually named one of the Top 25 in Criminal Defense on the Washington Super Lawyers List since 2006 and annually named one of Seattle’s Top Criminal Defense Lawyers by Seattle Met Magazine since 2010.  In 1999, the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice presented him with an Award for Creative Advocacy.  In 2003, he was presented with the Dean’s Service Award “In Recognition of His Tireless Dedication, Generosity, and Efforts on behalf of the National College for DUI Defense.”  In 2012, George was presented with a Certificate of Appreciation from the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers “In Recognition of and Appreciation for Distinguished Service to the Organization and Its Goals,” and in 2013, this same organization presented him with the President’s Award “For Your Distinguished Service to the Highest Traditions of the Criminal Defense Bar.”  On December 13, 2013, George was presented with an award for his "Tireless Leadership, Courage, Integrity, and Command of the Law" from the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice.

For more than two decades, Attorney Cara Starr has focused her legal career on criminal defense and domestic violence cases. She handles felonies, misdemeanors, and appeals. Cara has successfully and compassionately litigated numerous domestic violence jury and bench trial for both defendants and alleged victims of domestic violence. She also offers help in obtaining domestic violence protection orders and no contact orders. Cara mentors the firm’s associate defense attorneys, and assists with interviews, trial preparations, and case conflicts or overloads.

25 years in Criminal Law, Legal Scholarship, Supervising Prosecutor in Seattle, Legal Instructor at the University of Washington, Expert Witness on American and Washington Law in a Canadian Murder Trial.. I grew up in the Los Angeles Basin, went to UCLA as an undergraduate on academic scholarship, majored in english literature, and graduated with academic honors. I attended The Southwestern School of Law on academic scholarship and attended the "SCALE" Program, an accelerated method which completes law school in less than two years in lieu of the standard three.. I moved to Seattle in 1991 and worked as an intern at the Seattle City Prosecutor's Office and was hired as a prosecutor that year. I rose into management and helped develop the "High Impact Offender Program,"  a specialized unit that focused  on high profile and high volume individuals in the criminal justice system. Over my eight years at the prosecutor's office, I was able to research, investigate, and prosecute a wide variety of criminal activity. I also trained prosecutors, paralegals, and law enfocement officers in investigation and evidence gathering, trial practice, the rules of evidence, and other disciplines related to criminal litigation. Throughout the HIOP Program, I gave presentations to City Council, other elected officials, and worked with groups of judges. I also sat on city roundtables to discuss economic and program impact. Throughout, I was also able to get a unique inside look into the political and economic workings that, more than evidence and law, can drive a prosecutor's office to make case decisions.. I have now had my own private law practice for over a decade and focus exclusively on criminal defense. I have taught criminal Procedure and the Rules of Evidence at the University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing.  I enjoy the academic challenge of law and continue to find that good criminal defense work takes many of  the same elements that came from the prosecutors office without all the political wardrobe - good investigation, good skepticism, an excellent command of the evidence and legal rules, finding and prosecuting the true wrongdoer, and a good amount of imagination.. I have also come to know that the most important element in any client relationship is, once again, the same thing that drives my success with any prosecutor or judge -  trust and respect.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Bellevue and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Bellevue and surrounding areas.

Experienced Criminal Defense attorney serving clients in Bellevue and surrounding areas.