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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Seattle, WA

Our Recommended Best Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Seattle criminal defense lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

440Reviewed

267Curated

9Top Picks

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Providers

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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
155 NE 100th Street Suite 210, Seattle, WA 98125

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (35)
Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Hart Jarvis Murray Chang PLLC is a criminal defense law firm that caters to people residing in Seattle and across Washington. It protects the rights of individuals facing accusations or convictions for DUI, domestic violence, sex offenses, and drug-related crimes. The firm's attorneys help clients understand the charges they face and offer guidance throughout every step of the appeals process, working to have charges reduced or dismissed. They bring over more than 40 years of collective experience in the legal field.

Criminal defense lawyer Brent Hart is a graduate of the University of Washington School of Law. He was honored as one of the National Trial Lawyers' Top 100 in 2019. Throughout his career, he has held roles with the Federal Public Defender for Eastern Washington and Idaho, The Defender Association, and the Spokane County Public Defender.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
705 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (22)
Google
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Led by a former King County prosecuting attorney who has more than 13 years of legal experience, Scudder Law Firm offers criminal defense services to residents of Seattle and the rest of Washington. It helps the accused by communicating with the police on their behalf, conducting their own investigation, and potentially preventing the filing of charges. It provides counsel and representation to those who are facing charges of violent crimes, sex offenses, theft, domestic violence, and drug crimes.

Michelle Scudder established her own legal practice in 2014. She has successfully handled numerous criminal defense cases and has won jury verdicts that awarded her clients self-defense reimbursement from the state. Michelle has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers as among the Top 100 Trial Lawyers.

  • Drug Crimes
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
2317 NW Market St., Suite A, Seattle, WA 98107

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (34)
Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Jennifer Horwitz Law has been upholding the legal rights of criminal case defendants in Seattle and nearby areas in Washington since 2001. It handles a variety of criminal charges, including drug offenses, domestic abuse, healthcare fraud, white-collar crimes, and juvenile offenses. It defends healthcare personnel who are accused of assault or sexual assault by their patients. In addition, it represents respondents and petitioners in a variety of protection order proceedings. Owner Jennifer Horwitz has been managing criminal defense cases for more than 25 years.

  • Federal Crime
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Domestic Violence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
1301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3401, Seattle, WA 98101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (29)
Avvo
1.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

With a team of lawyers recognized in the 2025 Edition of Best Lawyers in America and Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch in America, Skellenger Bender provides criminal defense services to locals of Seattle, Washington. The law firm provides legal consultation to individuals and businesses who are facing potential regulatory or criminal investigations. Its attorneys handle the full spectrum of state and federal criminal matters and cases arising out of insurance and bank fraud, corporate governance issues, and environmental regulation.

Peter Offenbecher is a principal attorney at Skellenger Bender whose practice is focused on criminal defense. He has more than 35 years of experience and has been consistently recognized as a Super Lawyer for his expertise in handling white-collar criminal cases since 2001.

  • Federal Crime

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
3201 1st Ave S., Suite 211, Seattle, WA 98134

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (59)
Facebook
4.8 (39)
Yelp
4.3 (12)

Why choose this provider?

Since 2019, the Puget Law Group has been offering legal counsel to clients across Seattle. The firm helps individuals charged with crimes—like drug possession, domestic violence, environmental pollution, and mail fraud—obtain a not-guilty verdict. It also represents them in proceedings before the state's Court of Appeals. The firm handles other cases involving motor vehicle accidents, defective products, and medical malpractice. Dan Gerl, its CEO, is a Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers member. He previously served as a deputy prosecuting attorney in Pierce County.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
705 2nd Ave, Ste 1111, Seattle, WA 98104

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (14)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Edmund Allen has been a criminal defense practice serving clients in Seattle and throughout Washington since 2004. It represents individuals facing charges of assault, theft, domestic violence, drug offenses, and DUI. Its principal attorney, Edmund Allen, prepares and organizes all necessary courtroom documentation and leverages his expertise in local law enforcement and criminal investigation techniques to guide clients through the investigative process, working toward a fair resolution. The law firm is open 24/7 for clients.

  • DWI/DUI

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
601 Union Street, Suite 3230, Seattle, WA 98101

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (17)
Google
5.0 (8)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Dixon & Cannon is a Seattle-based law firm that provides criminal defense counsel and representation to those who are charged with crimes. Its team advocates for clients in a wide range of cases, including misdemeanors and felonies such as drug offenses, domestic violence, assault, and criminal appeals. With extensive experience in litigation and appellate advocacy, its attorneys have successfully defended clients in municipal, district, and superior courts throughout Washington State. One of the firm's founding partners, James Dixon, brings over 30 years of industry experience.

Criminal defense attorney James Dixon is a seasoned trial and appellate lawyer handling cases ranging from DUIs to aggravated murder. His practice emphasizes meticulous case preparation to achieve favorable settlements or trial outcomes. He currently serves on the Rules Committee and is an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice.

  • General Negligence

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
3227 Beacon Avenue South Suite D1, Seattle, WA 98144

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (63)
Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

St. John Law Group serves the legal needs of people dealing with criminal cases. Serving Seattle, Washington, it compassionately guides clients who have been arrested for burglary, assault, arson, DUI, domestic violence, and prostitution. The firm also takes on matters involving theft, harassment, malicious mischief, and trespassing. It helps defendants avoid jail time, license revocation, and immigration consequences. The Seattle Times presented the firm with a Gold Medal in Criminal Defense and a Silver Medal in DUI Defense as part of its Best in the PNW Awards.

Quita St. John is a criminal defense attorney who has nearly 20 years of legal experience. She obtained her J.D. from Seattle University School of Law. She is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Washington Defender Association.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Drug Crimes

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers Serving Seattle
1833 N. 105th St. Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (106)
Google
4.9 (40)
Facebook
5.0 (6)

Why choose this provider?

Sheed Law Offices PLLC is available 24/7 to advocate for the rights of defendants in Seattle. Focusing on criminal defense, the firm comes to the aid of those accused of allegations such as DUI, traffic crimes, assault and domestic violence, and theft. Its team of former public defenders takes a holistic approach to handling cases, which involves building strong relationships with clients and recognizing their needs. The firm also handles BUI cases for Washington residents who have gotten in trouble with the law involving recreational boating.

Daniel Sheed got his J.D. from the Seattle University School of Law and was inducted into the Order of the Barristers. He worked as both a public defender and a privately hired defense lawyer, through which he learned various legal approaches and courtroom strategies. Daniel is part of the Washington Defender Association.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

Compare Best Seattle Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Hart Jarvis Murray Chang PLLC
155 NE 100th Street Suite 210, Seattle, WA 98125
Scudder Law Firm
705 Second Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104
Jennifer Horwitz Law
2317 NW Market St., Suite A, Seattle, WA 98107
Skellenger Bender
1301 Fifth Avenue, Suite 3401, Seattle, WA 98101
Puget Law Group
3201 1st Ave S., Suite 211, Seattle, WA 98134
The Law Office Of Edmund Allen
705 2nd Ave, Ste 1111, Seattle, WA 98104
Dixon & Cannon
601 Union Street, Suite 3230, Seattle, WA 98101
St. John Law Group
3227 Beacon Avenue South Suite D1, Seattle, WA 98144
Sheed Law Offices PLLC
1833 N. 105th St. Suite 101, Seattle, WA 98133

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

Seattle, WA Criminal Defense FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Seattle, Washington?

    The police non-emergency line in Seattle is (206) 625-5011.

  • Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Seattle, Washington?

    Requests for public documents, such as police reports, can be made in Seattle using the online Public Records Request Portal, email, or fax at 253-798-7366.

  • What are the advantages of hiring a board-certified criminal defense attorney in Seattle?

    A board-certified criminal defense attorney in Seattle often has more experience in their field than other lawyers. Board certification demonstrates an attorney's dedication and competence in criminal defense. Board-certified lawyers understand your charges, what they can be reduced to, and gaps that may go unnoticed. When selecting a lawyer, it is important to choose someone you can trust and who has experience.

  • Are criminal defense lawyers allowed to defend someone who is guilty in Seattle?

    Seattle criminal defense lawyers can defend clients regardless of their guilt because the United States Constitution guarantees every person due process and the right to legal representation. A lawyer's primary role is to provide you with a powerful defense for the offense you are accused of. As a result, while looking for criminal defense counsel, the most crucial thing to look for is a lawyer that takes their legal obligation seriously and will go to great lengths to construct a detailed defense on your behalf.

  • What is the statute of limitations for crimes in Seattle?

    In Seattle, there is no time restriction for murder charges, homicide by abuse, and vehicular homicide. If death occurs as a consequence of hit-and-run, there is also no time restriction. There is a two-year statute of limitations for gross misdemeanors. In addition, the standard term restriction for felony charges is three years, and one year for misdemeanor offenses.

  • What happens if the defendant does not appear in court in a criminal case in Seattle?

    In Seattle, if the defendant fails to appear in court, a bench warrant may be issued, and the next hearing date canceled until the defendant is rearrested. Continuances and other delays may arise. A defendant who is in custody will be seen in Seattle Municipal Court on the next available jail calendar. In most cases, an out-of-custody defendant will be issued a summons to appear in court later.

  • What should you do before talking to a criminal defense lawyer in Seattle?

    It is best to prepare and bring certain materials that might be beneficial as evidence before speaking with a Seattle criminal defense lawyer, such as emails, images, messages, videos, and documents. The more information you can provide your lawyer, the more equipped he or she will be to defend your case. Record the events in chronological sequence. It's also a good idea to write down and bring your questions ahead of time.