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2024

Last updated:

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Tacoma

Our Recommended Top 19

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored Tacoma 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.

161Reviewed

104Curated

19Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

1105 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (37)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart is a criminal defense law firm that represents criminally charged clients in the greater Tacoma area. Founding criminal defense attorney, Michael Austin Stewart, has over two decades of courtroom experience. He and his legal team have a track record of success in high-profile cases, defending the rights of clients accused of serious crimes such as drug charges, DUI and vehicular homicide, juvenile crimes, sex crimes, and violent crimes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Michael Stewart - PrincipalActive30 yrs

1008 S. Yakima Ave, Tacoma, WA 98405
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (47)
Avvo
5.0 (17)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Jordan Foster Law, PLLC is a law company that serves clients in Tacoma and surrounding areas. The company is founded and managed by Jordan Foster, a criminal defense attorney who provides legal services to individuals involved in various cases of felonies and misdemeanors. Aside from criminal law, Foster handles DUI, domestic violence, and drug possession cases. He is also skilled in resolving cases of traffic violations such as cellphone use and speeding.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Jordan Foster - PrincipalActive20 yrs

1201 Pacific Avenue, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (7)
Facebook
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC is a law company that offers criminal defense in Tacoma and the surrounding areas. The firm's criminal defense attorney resolves various cases of felonies and misdemeanors. Fletcher and his team can resolve criminal cases that involve assault, DUI, and solicitation. Locally-operated, the Law Offices of Morgan Fletcher Benfield, PLLC focuses on delivering practical legal advice and effective solutions to its clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Morgan Benfield - PrincipalActive11 yrs

3703 S. Edmunds St. Suite 115, Seattle, WA 98118
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.6 (66)
Avvo
4.8 (56)
FindLaw
5.0 (30)

Why choose this provider?

With offices in Seattle and Montesano, Lake Law PLLC serves clients throughout Tacoma. It offers legal assistance to individuals charged with crimes like theft, assault, and criminal trespass. The firm guides clients through the process of criminal record expungement. It also defends commercial drivers accused of various charges, including overweight axel and logbook violations. Its primary attorney, Morgan Lake, is the former Environmental Law Society co-president under Seattle University. He has a background in teaching.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Drug Crimes
  • Theft & Burglary

506 2nd Avenue, Suite 1400, Seattle, WA 98104
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Burke Brown Attorneys defends the rights of Tacoma residents accused of committing crimes. Its lawyers represent youths and adults who are facing criminal charges such as domestic assault and protection order violations. They assess client goals and needs, interview witnesses, and develop defense plans tailored to each client's situation. One of the firm's attorneys, Liza Burke, has over 20 years of law experience and is a former instructor at NITA. She is a member of the Washington Defender Association.

  • Domestic Violence
  • Juvenile Crimes

705 South 9th Street, Tacoma, WA 98405

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (25)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

With over 40 years of experience in criminal defense, the South Sound Law Group serves the Tacoma area. Founded by William A. White, this law firm offers legal representation to individuals accused of criminal charges, such as theft, assault, robbery, harassment, and domestic violence. As a family-run company, its attorneys uphold the idea of becoming the ideal representative that they would want for their own family members. They strive to build a solid defense for their clients, prioritizing their needs.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Erin White - FounderActive10 yrs
William White - Owner & FounderActive46 yrs

1410 South Meridian Suite B, Puyallup, WA 98371

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Gunderson Law Firm provides legal representation for clients around the Tacoma area. Its team has advocated for the legal rights of over a thousand individuals who were arrested for crimes like theft, domestic violence, and assault, as well as DUI offenses and traffic violations. One of the firm's managing attorneys, William P.E. Gunderson, has represented indigents in the city of Puyallup's municipal court as a public defender. His partner, Ivar J. Gunderson, has served as a criminal prosecutor in the King and Pierce Counties.

  • DWI/DUI
  • Domestic Violence

539 Broadway, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Sound Legal Defense PLLC is a boutique law firm serving clients in Tacoma. The company protects the rights of individuals who have been accused of a crime. Nathan Johnson, the firm's founder and sole defense lawyer, represents the accused in a variety of criminal lawsuits, including DUI, traffic violations, domestic violence, assault, drug charges, and property crimes. Johnson previously worked for the Monroe County Public Defender's Office in New York before establishing his private practice. He has represented hundreds of criminal defendants in court.

  • DWI/DUI

1105 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.4 (32)
Yelp
1.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Bryan G. Hershman, Attorney At Law, represents clients charged with criminal offenses in Tacoma. Hershman opened the firm in 1985. He deals with cases involving assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, homicide, robbery, and sex crimes including indecent liberties, kidnapping, rape, and sexual assault. He also handles crimes against minors, juvenile crimes, and vehicular crimes. Aside from criminal law, he also deals with military law, including general court martials, military appeals, and special court martials.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Bryan Hershman - PrincipalActive40 yrs

1107 1/2 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

Joseph Cutter defends clients in Tacoma and the surrounding areas against criminal charges. He and his staff assist with gathering and documenting evidence and searching for procedural mistakes that will render the charges invalid and dismissable. He recommends alternative programs and negotiates with the court to lessen punishments, jail terms, and privilege losses. Principal Joseph Cutter founded his firm in 2005. He has since focused his practice on criminal defense and has extensive knowledge of the local area, legal procedures, court system, and personnel.

  • Drug Crimes
  • DWI/DUI

728 Pacific Ave Suite 220, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (411)
Facebook
5.0 (27)
Yelp
5.0 (11)

Why choose this provider?

Garguile Law, PLLC, focuses mainly on driving-related civil and criminal cases through its office in Tacoma. The law firm helps clients dealing with cases involving traffic violations and DUI. It helps clients avoid the penalties associated with traffic violations, which can include fines and the suspension of their driver's license. Garguile Law, PLLC, also helps clients who want to clear their past criminal records through expungement. It evaluates the situation of its clients to ensure they qualify for expungement.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Antonio Garguile - PrincipalActive12 yrs

705 South 9th Street Suite 206, Tacoma, WA 98405

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (16)
Avvo
5.0 (11)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Van Vechten caters to the legal needs of individuals in Tacoma. He is a criminal defense lawyer who advocates for the rights of clients to retain their freedom and privileges. He takes on cases related to identity and animal crimes, rape, burglary, computer trespassing, and aggravated assault. He also litigates lawsuits involving drug, domestic violence, DUI or DWI, and fraud violations. The attorney practices personal injury law and served at The Honorable Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court from 2010 to 2011.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Internet Crime
  • Drug Crimes

708 Broadway Suite 400,, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.9 (283)
Facebook
5.0 (25)
Yelp
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Puget Law Group is a law firm offering a host of legal services through its offices in Tacoma, Seattle, Bellevue, Bremerton, and Olympia. The areas of practice of the law firm include criminal defense, DUI defense, and personal injury. The firm's team of criminal defense lawyers, including six former prosecutors, explains the legal options of its clients and focuses on defending them in court. Puget Law Group handles criminal cases in several different areas, including serious felonies, DUI, drug charges, domestic violence, and white-collar crimes.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Daniel Gerl - Founder / CEOActive19 yrs
Casey Arbenz - PartnerActive16 yrs
Jared Ausserer - PartnerActive22 yrs
Nicholas Andrews - PartnerActive16 yrs

812 N Oakes St, Tacoma, WA 98406

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

Jay Wilkinson Law, PLLC, advocates for the rights of individuals in Tacoma. One of its practice areas is criminal law, providing legal representation to clients facing charges for theft, drug, DUI, and murder violations. The firm helps offenders create defense strategies to drop or settle mandatory penalties, including jail time and court fines. It also takes on matters related to personal injury and immigration law. Principal partner Jay Wilkinson has been practicing in Washington for over 12 years.

  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

215 Tacoma Avenue South, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (115)
Facebook
5.0 (8)
Yelp
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Law Office of Scott Moriarty protects clients from conviction when they're facing charges for DUI or drug-related offenses. The firm informs clients of the charges they face to make sure that they understand their options and it argues against prosecutors to protect them from facing conviction. Law Office of Scott Moriarty also helps clients to deal with administrative consequences levied against them by the Department of Motor Vehicles and can advise on licensing issues.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Scott Moriarity - OwnerActive25 yrs

8401 S. Park Ave., Tacoma, WA 98444

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.2 (5)
Avvo
3.7 (3)
Facebook
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Holly Stanton, PLLC, helps protect the rights of residents in and around the Tacoma area. It represents individuals who have been accused of driving under the influence and those dealing with juvenile criminal matters. The firm also caters to clients going through divorce by offering mediation and settlement representation. It works on adoption, child custody and visitation, paternity establishment, and spousal maintenance claims. The law office has been serving the community for more than 20 years.

  • DWI/DUI

1102 A St Suite 300,, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (2)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Late Knight Legal PLLC defends individuals in Tacoma facing criminal charges. The firm tackles a variety of legal issues, such as penal offenses, real estate disputes, employment concerns, consumer protection, and civil litigation. The office is led by managing partner Paul J. Boudreaux, who is a general practitioner. He maintains a blog on his own website, educating the public about multiple law topics. These include the implications of acts of god and interactions between landlords and tenants.

  • Domestic Violence

1107 1/2 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.9 (75)
Google
5.0 (24)
Facebook
4.5 (9)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Martin Duenhoelter works with the people of Tacoma and nearby areas. Its lawyers provide legal representation to clients facing criminal or traffic-related offenses. Among the cases they take on are misdemeanors, felonies, DUI, traffic infractions, and speeding tickets. Valuing the importance of the attorney-client relationship, the firm encourages open and constant communication with clients to prevent misunderstandings. The founding attorney, Martin Duenhoelter, has been practicing law for 25 years. In addition to his private practice, Duenhoelter works as a part-time public defender.

  • DWI/DUI

1117 Tacoma Ave S, Tacoma, WA 98402
Website

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.8 (75)

Why choose this provider?

Founded in 2008, Horwath Law represents clients in Tacoma and neighboring communities. Its team of criminal defense lawyers handles cases involving DUI or DWI, drug and property crimes, and domestic violence. With over a decade’s worth of legal experience, the firm’s owner and lead attorney, Angela Horwath, has tried more than 1,000 misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor cases. She is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the National College for DUI Defense.

  • DWI/DUI

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 Tacoma, Washington?

    Contact (253) 287-4455 for non-emergencies in Tacoma.

  • Who investigates federal crimes in Tacoma?

    The investigation of federal crimes in Tacoma is a significant task that falls under the jurisdiction of various federal organizations, such as the FBI, ICE, DEA, and military investigation units. Despite being under investigation by one of these agencies, individuals are still entitled to the rights granted by the Constitution's Fourth Amendment.

  • Why do you need a federal criminal defense attorney when charged with a federal crime in Tacoma?

    When facing a federal criminal charge in Tacoma, it is necessary to have a federal criminal defense attorney represent you. The legal procedures in a federal court differ from those in a state court, and having someone familiar with these specific regulations is vital to ensure the best possible defense. In addition, only a federal criminal defense attorney holds a specific license to operate in the federal court system.

  • Can an adult file a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit in Tacoma?

    An adult over 18 can file a childhood sexual abuse lawsuit in Tacoma within three years of discovering the injury, causal link, or the act itself. Despite the passing of several years or decades since the incident, legal action can be pursued if there is a connection between the injury and the abuse.

  • Are all crimes governed by statutes of limitations in Tacoma?

    In Tacoma, the concept of a statute of limitations does not apply to all types of criminal offenses. This is especially the case for more serious crimes, such as those that cause harm or take the lives of others. Examples of such crimes involve murder or the intentional killing of another person, homicide by abuse or killing someone through a pattern of abuse or neglect, and reckless driving that results in death.

  • Can the police enter one's home in Tacoma without a warrant?

    Without a warrant, it is generally unlawful for police to enter a home in Tacoma unless certain exceptions to the warrant requirement apply. These exceptions include cases where the police have obtained valid consent from the homeowner or where an emergency situation exists. It's important to note that these exceptions can be complex, so it's recommended to seek the advice of a qualified attorney if there are any questions about whether a search was lawful.