Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Seattle | 159 available

Compassionate and knowledgeable advocate.

Cashton L. Sessler is a prominent Seattle attorney with over 30 years of comprehensive experience in criminal defense and personal injury law. He began his legal career in 1986 at a small personal injury firm and subsequently gained trial experience as a Deputy Prosecutor for Whatcom County. Following a stint at an insurance defense firm, Mr. Sessler established Cashton L. Sessler, P.S. in 1991, where he has focused on representing clients in complex criminal and personal injury cases.. Mr. Sessler’s diverse experience, including roles as a prosecutor, insurance defense attorney, and personal injury advocate, provides him with a comprehensive understanding of the legal system. This background allows him to effectively evaluate and address each case's strengths and weaknesses, preparing every case as if it will go to trial.. He is recognized for his professional achievements as a Fellow of the American Bar Foundation, a member of the National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Attorneys, and a recipient of the America’s Top 100 Attorneys Lifetime Achievement Award. Additionally, Mr. Sessler has been honored by Martindale-Hubbell and America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys and is an experienced speaker on legal topics.

Black & Askerov, PLLC is a criminal defense firm based in Seattle that was founded by its principal attorney, Christopher Black, in 2009. The firm's defense lawyers have a combined experience of over three decades defending clients in criminal cases - in both state and federal courts - and administrative proceedings in Seattle and throughout Washington. We represent individuals at the trial, appeal, and post-conviction stages. Our criminal defense firm helps clients in such areas as: drug crimes, white collar/fraud, federal crimes, violent crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, DUI defense, theft, pre-charge investigations, forfeitures, protection orders, and appeals and post-conviction relief.

Attorney Rebecca Thorley began her legal career at one of London’s leading criminal defense firms, where she gained valuable trial experience working on serious felonies, such as Murder, Fraud, Drug Crimes, and Robbery. She then focused on juvenile law for several years and gained media recognition for defending children with antisocial behavior disorders.Rebecca moved to Washington State in 2010. After passing the state bar exam, she worked with two criminal defense forms that specialized in DUI cases. In 2013, she founded Thorley Defense Law and handles misdemeanor and felony criminal charges, as well as immigration, crimmigration, and personal injury matters.

Attorney Michael Kolker is an experienced criminal defense attorney in Seattle WA.. He defends those accused of a wide array of felonies including sex crimes, drug offenses, DUI, violent crimes, and aggravated murder in the First Degree.. He has been lead counsel in more than 70 criminal jury trials in State, Federal and Municipal courts in Washington State.. His mission is to guide his clients through the legal maze while protecting and asserting his client’s legal rights.

Attorney Jason T. Schwisow provides representation for a variety of legal matters including DUI cases, theft crimes, general property crimes and various other criminal offenses. Contact Seattle criminal defense lawyer Jason T. Schwisow for legal advice today.

At Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, an attorney will provide you with the support you need. Attorney Baker focuses her attention on felony crimes, DUI, and assault. She is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and was formerly in the United States Army. Attorney Lewis earned his Juris Doctorate at the Seattle University School of Law and is a member of the Washington Defenders Association. Attorney Schwisow was formerly a deputy prosecutor and focuses on felony crimes, DUI, and assault cases. Attorney Virant earned her Juris Doctorate at the Thomas M. Cooley Law School, and she is a member of the Pierce County Bar Association. Attorney Guadagno is a member of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, as well as the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Attorney Laws earned his Juris Doctorate at the University of Montana School of Law. He is a member of the Snohomish County Bar Association. Contact a lawyer at this law office to secure the help you need!

As the Managing Partner of Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC, Attorney Jonathan J. Lewis is responsible for a large portion of the criminal defense and cases of plaintiff representation that are currently handled by the firm. The Seattle criminal defense attorney is originally from Wisconsin, and has resided in the state of Washington for more than 15 years. Jon graduated from the University of Wisconsin in 1991, at which time he accepted a position working on the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. In 1995, however, the attorney’s focus changed direction and he instead concentrated his attention to fulfilling the role of legal research assistant for a prosperous civil litigation firm in the area. In 2001, Jon was accepted into the Seattle University School of Law where he graduated three years later.. Upon graduating from law school in 2004, John took up a position with the Yakima County Prosecutor’s Office where his job description included the prosecution of misdemeanor cases of the office’s District Court Division. Shortly after beginning his work here, Jon was promoted to the felony division where he prosecuted juvenile offenders in the Yakima County Superior Court. The practicing attorney also spent time working as a public defender for the city of Yakima and as a civil litigator in Seattle. Today, Jon is recognized as a founding attorney of Baker, Lewis, Schwisow & Laws, PLLC. A firm believer in following your instincts and establishing reasonable goals, the attorney has been successful in a number of his professional endeavors. To date, Attorney Lewis holds membership in the Washington State Bar Association, the Snohomish County Bar Association, and the Washington Defenders Association.

As a Washington personal injury lawyer and criminal defense attorney for more than forty years, I’ve had the opportunity to represent clients in a wide range of cases. While some of my personal injury cases have resulted in large settlements and awards, my focus has never been about the dollars – it’s been about helping people get what is fair.. In serious personal injury cases, the defendants and their insurance companies are often represented by teams of lawyers. Insurance companies aren’t interested in doing the right thing – they care only about paying out as little as possible, as late as possible. To help them avoid paying what they (or their clients) legitimately owe, they often hire high-priced lawyers to fight for them. While only one or two lawyers may appear in court, often there are many more lawyers behind the scenes.

As a litigator and a trial attorney, Hans brings a wide breadth of experience.  Hans has successfully litigated both simple and complex trust and estate disputes, real property suits, catastrophic injury claims, major private and public construction claims, and a wide variety of commercial lawsuits.  Hans excels at presenting complex legal issues to his clients in a way that allows them to make decisions that support their objectives.. Hans enjoys building relationships with his clients and working collaboratively to craft case strategies as if each matter is going to trial, while striving to reach sensible and creative solutions to avoid litigation at every step.  All things being equal, the better prepared party in litigation is going to achieve the better result.  If it is not possible to settle your case by agreement, Hans will tirelessly prepare your case and put you in a superior position to prevail at trial or arbitration, and present your case in the most compelling way possible to a judge, jury, or arbitrator.

As a former prosecutor for King County, I have years of experience in the courtroom and trying difficult cases. I believe in keeping you informed about all facets involving your case and fighting tirelessly for my clients.  I provide a free 30 minute consultation.

Anne Bremner is a graduate of Stanford University (B.A. with honors, 1980) and University of Puget Sound School of Law (J.D., 1982) (accelerated program) (Moot Court Honor Board).. Among other professional activities, Anne Bremner is a member of the American, Washington State, and Seattle-King County Bar Associations, and is past Membership Chair and Trustee for the Washington Defense Trial Lawyers Association as well as the King County Councils of Law.  Ms. Bremner is a local and national faculty member for the National Institute for Trial Advocacy through the University of Notre Dame Law School since 1988.. Anne Bremner is the former Director of Media and Public Relations for Washington Women Lawyers.  She is a graduate of the National College of District Attorneys and the Jerry Spence Western Trial Advocacy College, Laramie, Wyoming.  She was a semi-finalist to be the United States Attorney for the Western District of Washington.  Ms. Bremner is a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, is a Fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers (the top 1% of trial lawyers in North America) and was chosen to deliver the Inductee Response nationally in March, 2003.  In 2008 Ms. Bremner was inducted as a fellow the prestigious International Academy of Trial Lawyers.  Academy membership, limited to 500 Fellows from the U.S., is by invitation only.  A comprehensive screening process identifies the most distinguished members of the trial bar by means of both peer and their trial courts' judicial review.  Ms. Bremner, the only female lawyer from Washington State to be inducted, is one of only 14 Washington Lawyers to be honored with fellowship.

Ann Carey has devoted her career to advocating for youth and families in the juvenile justice system. She is a talented litigator and defender for the accused: both adult and juvenile.. Ann has litigated hundreds of felony, misdemeanor, and dependency cases in King County and the State of Washington. In addition to her work in juvenile justice, Ann represents youth and families in school district cases.. She is committed to the needs and interests of youth. Ann currently serves as president of the Board of Directors for TeamChild, a nonprofit organization that provides civil legal services to court-involved youth.

Aggressive, experienced, and effective representation – Our practice focuses on criminal defense and personal injury cases. Our criminal practice includes representation of those accused of crimes against others (sex offenses and crimes of violence). Our personal injury practice includes representation of those injures through the negligence and criminal acts of others. Negligence claims include car accidents and injuries on property or construction sites. Representation of victims of crimes include those injures by an assault, DUI, or sexual assault of others. The combined practice of criminal defense and personal injury works to benefit both groups of clients, as both practice field is benefited by negotiation, investigation, and experience being in court before judges and jurors.. We represent clients in the state courts of Washington and California and federal District Courts in Washington.. I received my undergraduate degree from the University of Washington in June 2009 and law degree from Whittier Law School in Costa Mesa, California in December 2011. I graduated a semester early from law school because I was dedicated to the practice of law and ready to be an aggressive advocate for our clients. I have always been practical, focused, and goal orientated, all of which greatly benefit my clients.. I have worked in the legal field for over 14 years. I started as a paralegal and was inspired to become an attorney thanks to my law partner and father, Robert Perez. Together, we have fought hard to win spectacular victories for our clients. We enjoy challenging the government and governmental agencies, insurance companies, and others and advocating for our clients.. As an attorney, I successfully completed the National Criminal Defense College's Trial Practice Institute. The Trial Institute extensively covers jury selection, direct and cross examination, impeachment and closing arguments through daily assignments under the supervision of a member of the nationally recognized faculty. I routinely earned top marks for participation and form by our nationally recognized faculty members.. I was a Legal Intern in federal court for the Honorable Judge Ricardo Martinez of the Western District of Washington. This invaluable experience translates into a great benefit for my clients as I have a unique understanding of the day-to-day workings of the federal courts as well as existing relationships with the staff and judges of the Western District.. As a member of the Trial Advocacy Honors Board in law school, I reached the semi-finals of a National Trial Advocacy Competition. Earning this achievement has taught me vital skills as a trial lawyer and as a member of a trial team, and I am very confident and comfortable in the courtroom. Being confident in front of a jury helps all of my clients because the threat to go to trial and win is the biggest currency lawyers have.. I enjoy being an advocate for my clients and being effective. Our clients appreciate candor and respect. I’m effective and passionate in the representation of our clients.

After starting out as a counselor in my home state of Michigan I moved to Seattle, decided a career path was in order, and enrolled in law school.  My first job as an intern lawyer was in a legal clinic in the inner city of Detroit.  After my second year of school I switched sides and interned at the King County Prosecutor's Office.  I accepted a job there in 1980 as a deputy prosecutor after graduating from law school and passing the bar.  After six years at the prosecutor's office I accepted a position with the Attorney General directing investigation and prosecutions of white collar, fraud and other, high impact, crimes occuring throughout Washington State.  In 1996 I began my private practice.  I have focused on criminal defense and civil actions against city, county and state agencies.  All tolled, I have handled over 200 jury trials.  Along the way, I taught a number of courses for 16 years at the University of Washington, including one involving forensic sciences that was a particular favorite.. There are a number of means for measuring a lawyer's effectivness.  Client's typically don't understand the law, how it operates, or even what is about to happen to them.  Nor do client's normally have the knowledge necessary to make judgments on who to trust.  The one opportunity a client does have is to talk to a lawyer being considered for representation.  Does the lawyer take the time to talk; do they listen, can they explain in ways that make sense what is happening, why it is happening, and what is likely to happen.  Can the lawyer teach the client what the client needs to know before making decisions that will alter the course of their life.. Working with juries, teaching them about the law and what they need to know to arrive at a just verdict in my client's favor, is the essence of a lawyer's work in trial.  In one way or another, from the time I practiced therapy to my work with victims, witnesses and clients, and on to my time teaching at UW, I have been a teacher.. My job - either as a prosecutor, defense attorney or civil practioner representing people harmed by the government - has been to help people.  My job is not to ask my client's for their help - and I have resisted the requests of marketing gurus to solicit "testimonials" from my previous clients.  It simply strikes me as unprofessional and a line I won't cross.  The marketing gurus have advised that someone needs to vouch for me in my profile, so I have chosen to reach out to a few friends in the business to offer their opinions to you- the consumer.. But don't take their word for anything.  Call me; talk to me about your case.  It's free - and it will give you the chance to make a decision for yourself if I am the attorney to help you through the crisis you now face.

After becoming one of the youngest graduates of Brooklyn Law School and the managing editor of her law school journal, Michelle Will began her legal career in civil law, conducting corporate mergers and acquisitions, and corporate restructuring under Chapter 11.. Ms. Will then turned her focus to criminal law and became a Deputy District Attorney for the County of San Bernardino. In this role, she prosecuted dozens of criminal trials, and successfully argued many different types of evidentiary hearings such as motions to dismiss, motions to suppress, felony preliminary hearings, etc… In addition, Michelle was effective in settling thousands of cases in their pre-trial stages. Michelle's caseload as a prosecutor covered a broad spectrum from misdemeanors to more serious felony matters. On a daily basis, Michelle's duties brought her in contact with other prosecutors and defense attorneys, judges, local police agencies, the Highway Patrol, investigators, criminalists, and many others involved in the criminal justice system. She earned a reputation as a fair, but tough trial prosecutor, with a high success rate in criminal jury trials to verdict.. Once she left the District Attorney's office, Ms. Will began using the winning skills she developed as a prosecutor towards developing a thriving criminal defense practice alongside her husband, Court Will. Ms. Will has been dedicated to understanding her clients' needs, defending and fighting for their rights for over 16 years now.  She successfully defends against all types of misdemeanor and felony cases running the gamut from her focus on Domestic Violence accusations and Assaults to DUI's, Drug Cases and Simple Thefts to more serious crimes such as Aggravated Assaults, Weapons Related charges, Sex Crimes, Murder, and much more.  Michelle Will is a top advocate for her clients.

Adam Heyman has dedicated nearly his entire two-decade legal career to successfully defending people accused of every type of serious crime as a renowned criminal defense attorney. From 2017-2024, Adam became the longest consistently serving Class A qualified felony public defender at the prestigious King County Department of Public Defense’s Associated Counsel for the Accused Division in Seattle, Washington, where he excelled in earning acquittals and dismissals in a variety of difficult cases. There, he led multiple trial teams, helped train new attorneys entering criminal defense practice, and advocated to reform caseload standards for public defenders in the State of Washington.. Prior to that, Adam was a pioneering public defender at the historic Legal Aid Society’s Criminal Defense Practice in Brooklyn, New York, from 2005-2017, where he successfully earned not guilty verdicts and dismissals in rape, manslaughter, attempted murder, arson, possession of a weapon, assault, domestic violence, drug sale and drug possession, DUI, robbery and burglary cases. Based on his successes, he was a Society-wide continuing legal education lecturer, intern supervisor and recruiter for the Legal Aid Society, and co-starred in National Geographic’s two-part documentary series, “Criminal Defense,” about the work of public defenders in New York City in 2011.. In 2010, Adam took a six-month sabbatical to help co-run a nascent public defender system in Nepal through the International Legal Foundation as a Kathryn Wadia Fellow, where he supervised a staff of Nepali lawyers across three regional offices, reviewing all attorney's work, from arraignment to trial and appeal, and oversaw criminal trials. He also trained Nepali police and prosecutors, as well as trial, intermediate appellate and Supreme Court judges, on issues relating to the scope and implementation of their new constitution, as well as litigated a nation-wide class action lawsuit to win speedy trial rights for criminal defendants denied access to counsel and due process.. Adam started his career as a corporate lawyer at Akin, Gump, Strauss, Hauer & Feld, from 2003-2005, in midtown Manhattan, where he represented corporate clients in transactions involving debt and equity financings, mergers and acquisitions and financial restructurings.. Adam is a 2003 graduate of the University of Virginia School of Law and a 2000 graduate from Georgetown University, Magna Cum Laude and Phi Beta Kappa. He also attended Oxford University, St. Peter’s College, studying comparative law.

A prosecutor handling a case of mine recently justified an extremely favorable settlement offer based on what he called my 'scorched earth' tactics.  I thought that was a bit of an overstatement but perhaps it was not too far off the mark.  In another case, my client (a retired FBI special agent) told me he thought I was really sweet at first but then learned that I was a 'real pitbull' when it came to fighting for him.  Taken together, I think these comments sum up a lot about me and my practice.. I work very hard for my clients.  I examine every angle in each case and when I find the weak points in the prosecution's case, I grab on and refuse to let go.  If you are being forced to defend yourself against a serious criminal charge, having someone like me on your side is an absolute must.  Give me a call and let's see if we can work together.

A good legal representation of all accused of crimes is vital for our system to work. When criminal charges are brought all the power of the state is aimed at the accused. Many of my clients have limited educations, are mentally ill, or have suffered abusive relationships. Our current priorities as a society result in putting these people in jail, rather than providing help. I treat my clients with dignity and make the best of the far too limited resources provided for public defense.

A fierce litigator, Nathan Gibbs is dedicated to producing results for his clients using a combination of detailed preparation and quick thinking. Nathan’s passion for law stems from his desire to protect the relationships between fathers and their children with relentless advocacy.  Meticulous, dedicated, and sharp, Nathan diligently pursues every case with integrity and intensity to produce the most favorable outcome possible. While never afraid of a fight, he understands that using the right tool for the job is the best way to achieve his clients’ goals.  Managing attorney Ken Alan said, “Nathan’s experience as a prosecutor has made him a sharp negotiator that is comfortable in the courtroom. Nathan understands that family law is about helping people through a difficult time. It is obvious that he really cares about his clients.”. Using a flexible and adaptive approach to his legal practice, Nathan carefully assesses every case to develop an effective strategy. Committed to doing what is necessary to protect his clients’ rights and assets, Nathan is adept at negotiation and litigation.. When he isn’t in the office or the courtroom, Nathan enjoys spending time with his family, sharpening his grill-master skills, and honing his drawing and painting talents.

"There is no other story. A man, after he has brushed off the dust and chips of his life, will have left only the hard, clean questions: Was it good or was it evil? Have I done well—or ill?” - John Steinbeck