Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in ZIP 98104 | 54 available

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.

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 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.

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.

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.