Top Criminal Defense Lawyers in Seattle | 274 available

Firm: Lisa Mulligan Law

1300 Hoge Building , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Thank you for your interest in my practice!  I am an experienced trial attorney with particular skills in defending people who are facing serious criminal charges, such as assault, murder and sex crimes.  I also handle misdemeanors, property crimes, and drug offenses.  My strengths are in client communication, organization, cross-examination, and closing argument.  I am qualified by the Washington State Supreme Court to serve as lead counsel in potential death penalty cases.

Firm: Davis Wright Tremaine LLP

920 5th Ave Ste 3300 , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Firm: Will & Will PLLC

701 5th Ave , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

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.

Firm: Law Office of Michelle M. Scudder, PLLC

705 Second Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

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.

Firm: K&L Gates

925 Fourth Avenue Suite 2900 , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Firm: Law Offices of Michele Shaw

Market Place Tower , Seattle , Washington 98121

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Domestic Violence, Drug Crimes, Felonies, Juvenile , Sexual Abuse, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense

Michele Shaw’s philosophy and approach to criminal defense is focused on the client as a whole. While many attorneys see only the case and the legal issues they are presented with, Michele takes the time to evaluate each client’s individual personality, needs, and goals. Formulating a plan to match the client’s priorities with the available legal remedies is always first and foremost in Michele’s mind.. Michele’s approach is a collaborative one with each member of the office, client, and family. Michele, Sienna, and Ariella are each always aware of every client’s case and potential problems that may arise. One member of our team is always available to answer questions or professionally handle a crisis if one comes to pass.. An important part of Michele’s philosophy is coordinating with other professionals in a client’s life. In many cases, individuals facing criminal charges are also addressing personal hardships. Working together with therapists, psychiatrists, and other professionals is an integral part of ensuring that a client is receiving the appropriate treatment and can achieve their goals with respect to the trajectory of their case.

Firm: Schwartz Law Office PLLC

701 5th Ave Ste 2460 , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

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.

Firm: Heyman & Schueler, PLLC

901 Fifth Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98164

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Michael Schueler has spent the last ten years defending those accused of serious offenses across Washington State and for the last three years, training the new generation of litigious defenders in King County as both a misdemeanor and felony level supervisor. From 2022 until July 2024, Michael also served as the Deputy Managing Attorney for Associated Counsel for the Accused. Michael has tried nearly three dozen cases to verdict ranging in severity from misdemeanor assault and driving under the influence, to murder with aggravating factors. Michael has consistently been at the forefront of litigation, providing briefing for other lawyers to use through the Washington Defender Association. Michael has also worked on systemic issues across Washington including City of Seattle v. Erickson, a case heard at the Washington Supreme Court focusing on racism by prosecutors in jury selection. This case was first time in Washington State history that the Supreme Court reversed a conviction due to a Batson violation.. Michael’s work on jury selection issues has led to multiple talks and seminars across Washington to other defense lawyers, judges, and prosecutors. He has also spoken nationally, providing insight to the judiciary of the state of New Jersey as well as attorneys in California, and New York as they began to adopt similar jury selection rules to Washington. Michael also spoke with the Duke University School of Law’s Inclusive Juries Project about Washington’s system of jury selection, and is a member of the Project's Advisory Network.. Michael began his career in Cowlitz County, practicing at the Cowlitz County Office of Public Defense from 2014 to 2016, handling misdemeanor defense, juvenile defense (misdemeanor and felony), juvenile status offenses, and adult felonies from crimes ranging from drug possession to murder. He handled numerous motions to suppress in a variety of cases, which resulted in multiple dismissals of charges, and successfully tried a number of misdemeanor and felony matters.. In 2016 Michael joined the King County Department of Public Defense – Associated Counsel for the Accused Division, one of the leading Public Defense agencies in the country. He began in the domestic violence misdemeanor unit from 2016 through 2017. In that time, he never lost a trial, getting not guilty verdicts or dismissals after the commencement of trial in nine straight cases. Starting in August 2017, Michael joined the Kent felony unit, becoming Class A qualified in January 2018. He remained active in that unit full time until being promoted to a supervisor role in 2021, though he still kept a number of felony cases including multiple homicide cases. One case, State v. Glaspy, saw Michael and his co-counsel successfully defend a young man falsely accused of killing his step-son over a nearly four month trial from December 2022 until March 2023. For his work in this trial, Michael was awarded the Anthony Savage Award by the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, an award recognizing an outstanding trial performance or result achieved by an attorney in practice less than ten years.. Michael is a 2014 graduate of the Seattle University School of Law, Cum Laude and was a member of the Seattle Journal of Environmental Law. He is a 2010 graduate of the University of Washington, with a BA in Political Science and Sociology with honors in Sociology.

Firm: Law Offices of Michael S. Kolker

One Union Square 600 University Street , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Automobile Accidents, Civil , Criminal Defense , Discrimination, DUI/DWI, Legal Malpractice, Medical Malpractice, Products Liability, Professional Malpractice, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense

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.

Firm: Law Office of Michael Iaria, PS

1111 Third Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Appellate , Criminal Defense , Drug Crimes, Felonies, Sexual Abuse, White Collar Crime, Federal Crime, Federal Crime, Federal Crime, Federal Crime

For almost thirty years, I have defended clients accused by the government of serious crimes.  I have substantial trial, appellate and post-conviction experience, and my current practice emphasizes the defense of white collar, death penalty, homicide, and other serious and complex cases in state and federal courts.  Additionally, I represent professionals in disciplinary matters and victims of sexual abuse, domestic violence, and police misconduct as plaintiffs in civil cases.  I also coordinate and conduct mitigation investigations and presentations for clients who, in any type of case, but particularly in the sentencing or disposition phase of criminal or professional licensing cases, need critical decision makers – prosecutors, judges, jurors, licensing board members – to understand their lives as a whole.   I appear in courts throughout Washington.

6713 37th Ave. S , Seattle , Washington 98118

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Firm: Menzer Law Firm

2800 1st Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98121

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense , Insurance , Medical Malpractice, Nursing Home Negligence, Personal Injury, Trusts, Wrongful Death, Medical Malpractice, Medical Malpractice

For over 30 years, Matt Menzer has been a trusted advocate for individuals and families facing medical malpractice, serious personal injury, and wrongful death cases. As the founder of Menzer Law, he has built a firm known for strategic legal advocacy, individual attention, and a results-driven approach to achieving the best possible outcomes.. A graduate of Brown University and UC Berkeley School of Law, Matt honed his expertise through two federal judicial clerkships before launching a distinguished career in complex litigation. He is experienced in all phases of the legal process, from case investigation and discovery to settlement negotiations and trial. He is also one of a handful of attorneys in the U.S. authorized to represent vaccine injury victims in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims.. Since founding Menzer Law in 2002, Matt has remained committed to quality over quantity, deliberately limiting his caseload to provide focused, strategic representation. Attorneys JohnDavid Toren and Brady Douglas, both multi-year Super Lawyers Rising Stars, work alongside him, reinforcing the firm’s reputation for excellence in medical malpractice and personal injury law.. Matt’s legal achievements include an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, a 10.0 Superb Rating on Avvo, and recognition as one of Seattle’s Best Wrongful Death Lawyers by Forbes Advisor. He has been selected for The Best Lawyers in America® 2025 for Personal Injury Litigation - Plaintiffs and is one of only a few attorneys nationwide recognized as a Super Lawyer in both Washington and Hawaii. He is also a member of the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum and has been named a Top Lawyer by Seattle Metropolitan Magazine.. Matt primarily practices in Washington, handling select cases in Hawaii. Licensed in Washington, Hawaii, and California, he remains dedicated to fighting for justice and securing financial recovery for those impacted by negligence.

Firm: SeaSound Law, PLLC

, Seattle , Washington 98103

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

I specialize in helping people out with their tough legal problems.

Firm: Middaugh Law, PLLC

600 University Street, Ste. 3020 , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime

I am a criminal defense attorney based in Seattle, Washington, ready to handle felony and misdemeanor cases in State and Federal Courts throughout the State of Washington. In addition to trying dozens of cases to a jury verdict, I have unique experience in appellate work, handling cases in multiple different appellate courts, including the United States Supreme Court.

Firm: Blair & Kim, PLLC

215 NE 40th St.,, , Seattle , Washington 98105

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Mark Blair grew up in a legal family and inherited an abiding respect and passion for the rule of law. After graduating with honors from Seattle University School of Law, Mark worked as a prosecutor in King, Yakima, and Thurston Counties. He argued hundreds of criminal cases and earned a reputation as an articulate and tenacious prosecutor who was also realistic and fair-minded.. In 1997, Mark decided to cross the aisle to work as a defense attorney on behalf of individuals accused of DUI, domestic violence, property crimes, and other criminal offenses. He made the switch in order to focus more on individual clients. Says Mark, “As a prosecutor, you have hundreds of cases. As a defense attorney, you have one client—and that case gets your entire focus.”. Hard work, fact finding and legal insight can change a prosecutor’s mind. Mark knows that his experience as a prosecutor works to his clients’ advantage. “It’s all about understanding your opponents’ mind set,” he explains. Prosecutors base their cases on evidence collected by the police. Their mindset is to convict. Mark believes that the best way for a defense attorney to change the prosecutors mind is by presenting new facts. This can be new evidence, an alternative explanation of how the crime was committed, or a different reading of the law. “You have to respectfully educate the prosecutor. If you present a compelling scenario that’s different than the prosecution originally envisioned, then you can negotiate a more appropriate charge—either a reduction or outright dismissal.”. Of course, obtaining new evidence or developing an alternative legal theory comes from hard work. As a defense attorney, Mark is able to focus on each individual client—not a boatload of cases—and thus outwork the prosecution. If the case goes to trial, the focus shifts to persuading a judge or jury. Here, Mark is articulate and thinks on his feet. But the results come from superior preparation. Says Mark, “I will always argue my client’s defense to the utmost. I find a way to do it with respect—for the judge, the jury and our legal system.”

Firm: Law Office of Mick Woynarowski, PLLC

1601 Fifth Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98101

Practice Areas: Appeals, Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense

I have been zealously representing people accused of criminal wrongdoing for over 20 years. I like trying cases to juries and I like making legal arguments to judges. I have a proven track record of defending complicated of cases, at trial, on appeal, and in post-conviction proceedings. I demand that my clients' legal rights be honored to their fullest, and when appropriate, I call out police and prosecutorial overreach and misconduct, including instances of racial bias. I am based in Seattle, but I do take on cases in jurisdictions other than King County, including during pre-charging investigations.. My expertise is in defending serious violent crimes (like murder, assault, rape, robbery) and other matters that involve expert witness testimony, especially regarding mental disorders, or standards of criminal defense practice. My peers look to me for help with those types of cases. As a trial lawyer, I've secured dismissals, reductions, and not guilty jury verdicts. As an appellate defender, I have been able to get my clients’ convictions overturned, win them new trials, or re-sentencings.. At present, a lot of my work focuses on Personal Restraint Petitions (PRPs) and CrR 7.8 motions to vacate, as well as complex "second chance" resentencing hearings (be it under State v. Blake, SB6164, In re Monschke, State v. Houston-Sconiers). I find great satisfaction in creatively working with a client to meet their goals in such challenging cases, especially those involving youthfulness as mitigation.. I look forward to connecting with potential clients, or their families, to see if my skillset is a good fit for your needs.

Firm: Attorney At Law

615 Second Avenue, Suite 760 , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Federal Crime, White Collar Crime

710 2nd Ave Ste 1000 , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Firm: King County Department of Public Defense

710 2nd Ave , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

Firm: The Shapiro Law Group P.S.

600 First Avenue , Seattle , Washington 98104

Practice Areas: Family, Criminal Defense