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2024

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Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Spokane

Our Recommended Top 18

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

163Reviewed

105Curated

18Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1312 N Monroe St, Spokane, WA 99201
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.7 (64)
Avvo
4.9 (43)
Facebook
4.6 (13)

Why choose this provider?

Bugbee Law Offices PS is a criminal defense firm representing residents of the Spokane area. The firm's criminal defense practice protects the rights of those charged with crimes, including felonies and misdemeanors. Founding attorney Chris Bugbee is a former prosecutor who uses his knowledge to anticipate the prosecution's case and effectively respond. He has over two decades of legal experience and is a member of the Washington State Bar Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Chris Bugbee - PrincipalActive29 yrs

103 E Indiana Ave Suite A, Spokane, WA 99207

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (42)
Avvo
5.0 (13)
Yelp
5.0 (5)

Why choose this provider?

Schwab Law represents clients in Spokane and the surrounding metros. The firm protects the legal rights of individuals charged with criminal matters involving domestic violence, DUI, assault, actual physical control, and reckless endangerment. Its lawyer provides a tailored approach to defending misdemeanors and felonies, helping clients to reduce or dismiss their charges. The law firm also handles cases of bankruptcy. Founder Jonathan Schwab has served as a Law Review staff editor and is licensed to practice in Arizona.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

1408 W Broadway Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (52)
Avvo
4.3 (12)
Facebook
5.0 (8)

Why choose this provider?

The Kuhlman Law Office provides criminal defense representation to individuals in Spokane who've been charged with offenses such as DUI/DWI, class A, B, and C felonies, firearms crimes, and other criminal matters. Lead attorney Joseph Kuhlman was awarded the Clients' Choice award in 2017 by Avvo and is a graduate of the Gonzaga University School of Law. Mr. Kuhlman served as a prosecutor for the state of Washington for over five years.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Joseph Kuhlman - PrincipalActive14 yrs

1423 N Molter Rd # 914, Liberty Lake, WA 99019
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (7)
Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Mark Knapp PLLC has been defending clients involved in criminal cases in Spokane and its surrounding areas since 1993. The legal team works within the court system to represent clients accused of crimes, such as assault with a deadly weapon, domestic abuse, sexual assault, and issues dealing with self-defense. Mark Knapp is also a firearms lawyer who protects individuals' rights as they pertain to the use and possession of firearms.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Mark Knapp - PrincipalActive35 yrs

1212 N. Washington St., Suite 300, Spokane, WA 99201
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (18)

Why choose this provider?

Van Valkenburg James, P.S., is a legal firm serving residents in Spokane. Its criminal defense lawyers represent individuals charged with domestic violence, DUI, drug assault, property offenses, and sex crimes. They help clients seeking to expunge their past criminal records or restore their rights to possess firearms. The firm’s other areas of practice include employment and personal injury laws. Before founding his firm in 2017, principal lawyer Carson Van Valkenburg worked as a public defender for Pierce County DAC.

  • Juvenile Crimes
  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes

1835 West Broadway Ave., Spokane, WA 99201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.0 (87)
Avvo
4.2 (31)
Facebook
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Maxey Law Office PLLC represents individuals in the Spokane metro in criminal defense matters. The firm's attorneys handle misdemeanor and felony charges at federal and state levels. Cases include drug trafficking, insider trading, domestic violence, juvenile offenses, and internet sex crimes. The firm also assists with parole violation cases, bond hearings, bench warrant requests, and expungements. Carl Maxey, who was a World War II veteran and a civil rights leader, established the firm in 1980.

  • Federal Crime
  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Bevan Maxey - PartnerActive41 yrs

1324 W Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (30)
Google
4.6 (14)

Why choose this provider?

Gloria Finn Porter PS is a criminal defense attorney located in Spokane and serving residents in surrounding areas. Attorney Porter is admitted to represent her clients in state and federal courts throughout Idaho. In criminal defense cases, attorney Porter conducts research, analyzes police reports, and presents her findings in court on behalf of the client. Gloria Porter also practices family law, including cases regarding child custody, child support, guardianship issues, and child protective services.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Gloria Porter - PrincipalActive29 yrs

505 W Riverside Ave Ste 500, Spokane, WA 99201
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Steven Frampton Attorney at Law defends people who face felony or misdemeanor charges. The criminal defense law firm serves clients at the main office in Spokane and its secondary office in Hayden, Idaho. It handles a variety of cases, including those that involve drug offenses, white-collar crimes, theft and property crimes, violent crimes, and juvenile offenses. With over 25 years of experience, Steve Frampton works to reduce, dismiss, or acquit his clients' charges. He is a Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyer.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Steven Frampton - PrincipalActive19 yrs

921 West Broadway Suite 201, Spokane, WA 99201
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.3 (6)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Peter L. March, Attorney at Law, provides counsel services to clients in the Spokane area and the surrounding metros. It defends accused individuals facing criminal allegations before the courts, such as domestic violence, drug offenses, physical control charges, gun rights restoration, DUI/DWI, and traffic violations. The law firm also assists clients with record expungement and is available 24/7 for emergency consultations. Its lawyers have more than 25 years of combined experience in the legal field.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

207 W. Nora Ave., Spokane, WA 99205

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

J|M Felice Legal, PLLC, provides personalized representation for individuals and their legal issues in Spokane and the surrounding cities. It defends clients in various criminal cases, such as DUI, state and federal felonies, and district court and gross misdemeanors. The firm also handles civil litigation, personal injury, adoptions and surrogacy, and insurance matters. One of the lawyers, Michael Felice, has been in the practice since 2003. He is an Eagle member of the Washington State Association for Justice. 

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

2903 N Stout Rd, Spokane, WA 99206

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Phelps & Associates Attorneys at Law fights for the rights of individuals in Spokane and nearby locations. One of its practice areas is criminal law, representing defendants facing charges for DUI, domestic violence, sex, drug, and white-collar crimes. The legal firm helps clients create defense strategies to settle serious penalties. It also serves negligence victims suffering from accident injuries. Principal attorney Douglas Phelps has been practicing law for over two decades. He is a former police officer.

  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Douglas Phelps - PrincipalActive31 yrs

900 N Maple St, Spokane, WA 99201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (42)
Avvo
5.0 (27)
Facebook
5.0 (23)

Why choose this provider?

Partovi Law provides experienced, personal legal defense services to clients facing criminal charges such as manslaughter, assault, drug distribution, DUI, and domestic violence. The firm also handles family law cases like divorce, custody, and child support, and personal injury cases. Attorney David Partovi is bilingual in English and Spanish and believes that every client deserves to be treated like a person, not just a case, and offers free initial case consultations to new prospective clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
David Partovi - PrincipalActive24 yrs

3818 N Cook St,, Spokane, WA 99207

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (13)
Google
4.0 (3)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Sargent Law Office fights for the rights of individuals in Spokane and the surrounding locations. its team handles criminal law matters, representing clients facing charges for felony violations, such as theft, robbery, burglary, manslaughter, and murder. The legal firm also provides legal counsel to drivers dealing with DUI cases. In addition, it caters to plaintiffs suffering from injuries resulting from auto accidents and medical negligence. Principal attorney Robert Sargent has been practicing for over two decades.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Theft & Burglary

1408 W. Broadway, Spokane, WA 99201

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.5 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Located in Spokane, the Law Office of Roger J. Peven deals with clients throughout the local area. The firm primarily takes on criminal defense cases and guides accused individuals throughout the legal process. It has experience advocating for the rights of clients charged with crimes like terrorism. Besides representation in litigation proceedings, it also argues cases before alternative resolution courts. Before starting his practice, Roger Peven—the firm's namesake—served as a public defender in Spokane County. He is also an American College of Trial Lawyers fellow.

  • Federal Crime

901 N. Adams Street, Spokane, WA 99201
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (58)
Facebook
5.0 (27)
Avvo
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Donahue Law works for clients in Spokane with criminal defense and legal psychedelics cases. The firm was established by Pat Donahue, a criminal defense attorney who holds bar admissions in both Washington and Idaho. Pat has been in the legal industry for almost a decade and has handled cases involving DUI, felonies, misdemeanors, and physical violence. He has been an advocate for legal psychedelics since 2020, taking on cases involving ketamine-assisted psychotherapy.

  • DWI/DUI

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Pat Donahue - PrincipalActive10 yrs

923 North 3rd Street, Coeur d'Alene, ID 83814

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
4.9 (14)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Palmer and George PLLC is a full-service law firm that provides criminal defense representation. Partners Michael G. Palmer and John H. George assist clients with state and federal charges, including drug, asset forfeiture, domestic violence, and gun crimes. The firm navigates clients through the complete criminal defense process, seeking dismissals, reduced penalties, or acquittals, and assists with record expungement after conviction. Additionally, the firm practices family and personal injury law.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Palmer - PartnerActive28 yrs
John George - PartnerActive28 yrs
Samantha Hammond - Associate AttorneyActive9 yrs

1325 W. Mallon Ave, Spokane, WA 99202

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Findley & Silcher is a law firm representing clients in Spokane and the surrounding areas. It defends the rights of individuals arrested for criminal violations to help prove their innocence or reduce their legal consequences. In addition to criminal defense, the law firm provides legal assistance to victims of occupational diseases or injuries to help employees recover compensation from their employers. One of its attorneys, Matthew Bopp, interned for the Spokane County Public Defender, allowing him to experience working with individuals facing misdemeanor charges.

  • Drug Crimes

921 W Broadway Ave Ste 201, Spokane, WA 99201

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Christian J Phelps fights for the rights of individuals charged with criminal offenses in Spokane. In business for over 20 years, the firm has a strong focus on criminal law. Founding attorney Christian Phelps worked as lead felony attorney at John Cooney and Associates prior to starting his own firm. Areas of practice include major felonies and misdemeanors, drug crimes, and DUI/DWI. Mr. Phelps is a licensed member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Christian Phelps - PrincipalActive29 yrs

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.

FAQs

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

    The non-emergency contact number of the City of Spokane Police Department is 509-456-2233.

  • How safe is Spokane in terms of crime?

    According to data gathered from law enforcement reports in 2021, Spokane has a crime rate of 53 per one thousand residents—one of the highest in the country. There were a total of 12,140 reported crimes in Spokane in 2021, with 1,454 violent crimes and 10,686 property crimes. One of the most common crimes in Spokane is motor vehicle theft.

  • What are the most dangerous neighborhoods in Spokane?

    In terms of crime, some of the most dangerous neighborhoods in Spokane are Peaceful Valley, Cliff/Cannon, Logan, East Central, Bemiss, and Nevada-Lidgerwood. The chances of Spokane residents becoming a victim of either a violent or property crime is one in 19. Meanwhile, the safest neighborhoods in the metro are Duncan, Five Mile Prairie, Latah Valley, Glenrose, and Dartford.

  • How are criminal charges in Spokane categorized?

    According to the Washington State Criminal Code, criminal charges in the state are categorized as either felonies or misdemeanors. Felonies are considered more serious than misdemeanors and have harsher punishments. Certain crimes, such as driving under the influence, may be classified as either a felony or misdemeanor in Spokane, depending on aggravating circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history.

  • What are possible defenses against DUI charges in Spokane?

    Criminal defense attorneys in Spokane may employ various strategies to defend against DUI charges, including questioning if the officer had reasonable suspicion for the traffic stop and citing underlying medical conditions the defendant might have. Another possible defense is contesting if the results from the breathalyzer and blood tests were accurate.

  • How can you defend against assault charges in Spokane?

    In cases where you were protecting yourself, your property, your loved ones, or someone in active danger, your Spokane criminal defense attorney may cite Washington's self-defense reimbursement statute. If found not guilty because of said statute, the state will reimburse you for legal expenses, such as attorney fees and loss of time.