1. Law Offices of John Henry Browne, PLLC
Focus Area: Serious criminal defense with high-profile case experience
Practice Areas: Murder, assault, cybercrime, drug charges, federal crimes, violent crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: The Law Offices of John Henry Browne represents clients in Seattle and King County, and when necessary, appears in courtrooms anywhere in Washington State or Federal Courts coast to coast. John Henry Browne has been called “the most famous lawyer in America” by 48 Hours’ Peter Van Sant. He has stood at the forefront of the national debate over the death penalty for four decades. He is the author of the legal memoir “The Devil’s Defender.” The firm specializes in a wide range of serious charges, from felonies to misdemeanors. The firm has worked on several very famous cases and manages many cases every day involving regular people throughout Washington who have been charged with crimes.
Location: Seattle, Washington (serves King County and statewide)
Contact: (206) 388-0777 | https://www.jhblawyer.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
2. Guadagno Law, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, traffic offenses, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Attorney Albert Guadagno is a former prosecutor with over 17 years of experience and has handled thousands of cases. Having worked on both sides of the courtroom, he brings invaluable insight into the strategies used by the prosecution and how to effectively counter them. The firm is dedicated to aggressively defending every case and is available to speak 24/7. The firm knows the techniques and strategies that may be used against defendants and works to counteract them when building a strong defense.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: (206) 895-6800 | https://www.guadagnolawpllc.com/
Consultation: Available 24/7
3. Leyba Defense PLLC
Focus Area: DUI and criminal defense with high success rate
Practice Areas: DUI, criminal defense, drug crimes, assault, domestic violence, traffic offenses
Background: Attorney Matthew Leyba has been repeatedly recognized as one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Washington. He began his career at the Spokane County Public Defenders Office, working for two years in their DUI court. The firm maintains a high success rate in getting DUI or criminal charges dismissed or reduced. Attorney Leyba keeps his caseload small to devote substantially more time to each case and each client. The firm has offices in downtown Seattle, Bothell, and Bellevue. Attorney Leyba is available to answer calls any time of day or night, any day of the week.
Location: Downtown Seattle, Bothell, and Bellevue, Washington
Contact: (206) 953-2145 | https://www.leyba-defense.com/
Consultation: Free 60-minute confidential consultation available
4. Hale Law Enterprises
Focus Area: Criminal defense with extensive trial experience
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, domestic violence, reckless driving, cyber crimes, murder, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Attorney Matthew T. Hale has more than 25 years of experience and has personally helped thousands of individuals successfully navigate the American justice system. The firm has over 400 five-star reviews on Google. Attorney Hale personally handles each case. The firm handles cases ranging from DUI charges and reckless driving to cyber crimes, domestic violence, and even murder charges. The firm works with clients to understand their options and helps them make informed decisions about their defense strategy.
Location: Seattle, Washington
Contact: (206) 207-4776 | https://www.halelawenterprises.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
5. Blair & Kim, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense and family law with over 25 years experience
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, domestic assault, criminal trespass, burglary, kidnapping, reckless endangerment, coercion, assault
Background: Blair & Kim has provided thorough insight and dedicated client service for more than 25 years. Attorney Mark Blair handles criminal cases for the firm. The firm handles DUI cases where the legal limit for blood alcohol content is .08%. For a first DUI offense, judges can sentence defendants to up to one year in jail and a fine of $5,000. The firm understands that domestic violence charges can arise from various offenses including assault, reckless endangerment, coercion, burglary, criminal trespass, or kidnapping. The firm handles civil protection order cases with expertise in both criminal defense and family law.
Location: Seattle, Washington (serves Seattle and Bellevue)
Contact: (206) 622-6562 | https://www.blairkim.com/
Consultation: Available for case consultation
Criminal Defense Laws in Washington
Felony Classifications
Washington State classifies felonies into three classes based on severity:
Class A Felony: The most serious category, including first-degree murder, first-degree rape, and first-degree robbery. Penalties can include life imprisonment and fines up to $50,000.
Class B Felony: Includes second-degree murder, first-degree manslaughter, second-degree assault, and vehicular homicide. Penalties range up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $20,000.
Class C Felony: The least serious felony category, including third-degree assault, second-degree theft, and certain drug possession offenses. Penalties range up to 5 years in prison and fines up to $10,000.
Washington uses a Sentencing Guidelines Grid that determines presumptive sentencing ranges based on the seriousness level of the offense (I-XVI) and the defendant’s offender score (prior convictions).
Misdemeanor Classifications
Gross Misdemeanor: The more serious misdemeanor category, including DUI, fourth-degree assault, reckless driving, stalking, and violation of a protection order. Maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000.
Simple Misdemeanor: Less serious offenses including theft in the third degree and disorderly conduct. Maximum penalty of 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000.
Record Clearing Options (Vacating Convictions)
Washington allows certain convictions to be vacated, which dismisses the conviction and releases the person from all penalties:
Vacating Misdemeanors: Generally available 3 years after completing all conditions of the sentence for most misdemeanors. Domestic violence offenses require 5 years. Prostitution convictions may be vacated without a waiting period if committed as a victim of trafficking.
Vacating Felonies: Class C felonies can be vacated 5 years after completing all sentence conditions. Class B felonies can be vacated 10 years after completing all sentence conditions. Class A felonies generally cannot be vacated.
Ineligible Offenses: Violent offenses, sex offenses requiring registration, DUI (unless the person was under 21 and has been conviction-free for 10 years), domestic violence offenses where victim was a family member, and any conviction with a pending charge cannot be vacated.
New Washington My Record Program: Washington has implemented an online system to help individuals determine eligibility for vacating convictions and sealing records.
DUI Laws
Washington has strict DUI laws. The legal limit is .08% BAC (.04% for commercial drivers, .02% for drivers under 21). First offense DUI carries 1-364 days in jail (minimum 1 day mandatory), $990-$5,000 fines, 90-day license suspension, and ignition interlock device requirement. A first offense DUI is a gross misdemeanor. Penalties increase substantially for high BAC, refusal, or repeat offenses.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a gross misdemeanor and a simple misdemeanor in King County?
In Washington State, gross misdemeanors are more serious offenses carrying a maximum penalty of 364 days in jail and fines up to $5,000. Examples include DUI, fourth-degree assault, reckless driving, and stalking. Simple misdemeanors carry a maximum of 90 days in jail and fines up to $1,000, covering offenses like third-degree theft and disorderly conduct. In King County Superior Court and Seattle Municipal Court, the classification affects not only potential penalties but also the court that handles your case and the long-term impact on your record. Gross misdemeanors typically remain on your record longer before becoming eligible for vacation.
Can I get a DUI expunged from my record in Washington?
Washington does not use the term “expungement” but rather “vacation” of convictions. Standard DUI convictions generally cannot be vacated under Washington law. However, there is an exception: if you were under 21 at the time of the DUI and have been conviction-free for 10 years since completing all sentence conditions, you may be eligible to vacate the conviction. For most adults, a DUI conviction will remain on your record permanently. This makes mounting a vigorous defense against DUI charges critically important, as a conviction cannot typically be removed later. An experienced Seattle DUI attorney can explore all possible defenses.
What happens at my first court appearance in Seattle Municipal Court or King County Court?
Your first appearance in Seattle or King County court is typically an arraignment. At this hearing, the judge will inform you of the charges against you, advise you of your constitutional rights (including the right to an attorney), and ask you to enter a plea. If you cannot afford an attorney, the court will determine eligibility for a public defender. The judge will also address conditions of release and bail. Most defense attorneys recommend pleading not guilty at arraignment to preserve all options. After arraignment, your attorney will receive discovery (evidence from the prosecution) and begin preparing your defense. You should contact a criminal defense attorney before your arraignment if possible.
How does Washington’s sentencing guidelines grid affect my potential sentence?
Washington uses a Sentencing Guidelines Grid that establishes presumptive sentencing ranges for felonies. The grid considers two factors: the Seriousness Level of the offense (ranging from I for least serious to XVI for most serious) and the Offender Score (based on prior criminal history). The intersection of these two factors determines the presumptive sentencing range. Judges must impose sentences within this range unless they find substantial and compelling reasons for a departure. Aggravating factors can justify a sentence above the range, while mitigating factors can justify a sentence below. An experienced defense attorney can argue for a lower offender score calculation or present mitigating factors to seek a sentence at the lower end of the range.
What are the consequences of a domestic violence conviction in Seattle beyond jail time?
A domestic violence conviction in Washington carries consequences beyond incarceration and fines. You will lose your right to possess firearms under both state and federal law. A domestic violence conviction cannot be vacated for at least 5 years (if victim was not a family member) or may never be vacatable (if victim was a family member). You may face a protection order restricting contact with family members and access to your home. Immigration consequences can include deportation for non-citizens. Employment in certain fields (law enforcement, military, healthcare, education) may be affected. Child custody and visitation arrangements can be impacted. These collateral consequences make it essential to mount a vigorous defense with an experienced attorney.