1. Bugbee Law Office, P.S.
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30 years experience, former prosecutor, and AV Preeminent rating
Practice Areas: DUI/DWI, drug charges, assault, domestic violence, theft, sex crimes, white collar crimes
Background: At Bugbee Law Office, P.S., the firm is committed to providing exceptional legal representation to individuals facing criminal charges in Spokane, Washington. Led by Defense Attorney Chris Bugbee, a former prosecutor with 30 years of experience, the firm offers strategic and personalized defense strategies to protect clients’ rights and future. The firm is AV Preeminent Rated by Martindale-Hubbell and holds a 10.0 Superb rating on Avvo, reflecting dedication to client satisfaction and legal proficiency. With a background as a former prosecutor, Chris Bugbee possesses unique insights into the prosecution’s strategies, allowing for a more robust defense approach, regardless of the criminal charges you are facing. He has handled nearly 200 jury cases. He is a Member of The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 Trial Lawyers and voted 10 Best for client satisfaction by American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys.
Location: Spokane, Washington
Contact: (509) 337-5082 | https://bugbeelaw.com/
Consultation: Free case evaluation available
2. Maxey Law Office PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with decades of experience and commitment to integrity, equality, and justice
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, federal crimes
Background: At Maxey Law Office PLLC, the firm has built a reputation in the Eastern Washington/Northern Idaho area as a law firm dedicated to integrity, equality, and justice for clients. The roots go back to the founder’s birth in 1924. Establishing Maxey Law Office PLLC in 1980, Carl continued a distinguished career as a trial lawyer fighting for clients’ civil rights. All of the Spokane lawyers carry on Carl Maxey’s tradition of providing each client’s case the personalized attention that it deserves. A criminal conviction will change your life for the worse. That is why it is critical to hire a Washington criminal defense lawyer who knows the law, who knows the criminal justice system here in the local Spokane area, and who is committed to you and to preserving your freedoms. The criminal defense attorneys in Spokane have decades of experience helping those facing criminal charges navigate this difficult moment.
Location: Spokane, Washington (serves Eastern Washington and Northern Idaho)
Contact: (509) 652-3330 | https://www.maxeylaw.com/
Consultation: Free initial consultation available
3. Freedman Law Office
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor experience and woman-owned firm
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault, theft, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: At Freedman Law Office, the firm crafts a tailored approach for each unique case. A woman-owned firm with a blend of compassionate client care and assertive negotiation, the firm aims to deliver optimal results for clients’ needs. Being arrested and charged with a crime, regardless of its severity, takes a toll on you and your loved ones. Suddenly, you are confronted with the criminal justice system, which seems cold, confusing, harsh, and aligned against you. Without a tough and persistent defender on your side, you could find yourself on the wrong side of a jail or prison cell. Fighting back requires a committed and aggressive defender who is fearless and competent. Attorney Sarah L. Freedman earned her law degree in 2016 and worked as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in prosecutor offices in the counties of Klickitat, King, and Spokane. This experience gives her an insider’s understanding of how the other side operates to convict you.
Location: Spokane, Washington
Contact: (509) 215-2569 | https://www.freedmanlawspokane.com/
Consultation: Free 30-minute consultation available
4. Phelps & Associates
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former police officer experience and US Supreme Court case involvement
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, sex crimes, domestic violence, white collar crimes, post conviction relief, assault and battery
Background: If you are found guilty of a crime, your life may become permanently altered as your job and reputation can be put at risk. That is why it is so important to choose a legal team who can work thoroughly and tirelessly to defend your case. The Spokane criminal defense lawyers will take the time to understand the facts of the case from your perspective and learn more about your personal history before putting together an informed defense strategy that protects your rights. Just because you are charged with a crime in Spokane, WA, does not mean you are a criminal, and the firm wants to help you prove that. With strong negotiation tactics and zealous and creative trial skills, the firm may be able to help reduce or drop charges. With previous work in the insurance field and as a police officer, Attorney Douglas Phelps carries a unique skillset that he uses to benefit his clients. Additionally, the legal team worked on a case that went to the US Supreme Court and ended up changing a law (1997-98).
Location: Spokane, Washington
Contact: (509) 620-0606 | https://www.phelpslaw1.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
5. Hormel Law Office, LLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 30 years experience in state and federal courts across multiple states
Practice Areas: Federal crimes, state felonies, misdemeanors, drug crimes, sex crimes, white collar crimes, appeals
Background: Hormel Law Office, LLC, focuses on criminal defense. Attorney Steve Hormel is well-known for his exceptional skills defending clients throughout the past 30 years in state and federal courts in Washington, Idaho, and Montana. The firm handles all types of criminal defense matters, including all felonies and misdemeanors in state and federal courts. The firm also handles appealing convictions to the state court of appeals, the state Supreme Court, and the Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit, as well as filing petitions to the United States Supreme Court. Hormel Law Office, LLC serves clients throughout Eastern Washington and Western Montana. You have too much to lose when you are facing serious federal charges. The firm has two office locations in Grant County and Spokane.
Location: Spokane, Washington (also Grant County)
Contact: (509) 590-1474 | https://www.hormellaw.com/
Consultation: Consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Washington
Felony Classifications
Washington classifies felonies into three classes:
Class A Felony: Includes first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree rape. Maximum life imprisonment and $50,000 fine.
Class B Felony: Includes second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, and vehicular homicide. Maximum 10 years imprisonment and $20,000 fine.
Class C Felony: Includes third-degree assault, second-degree theft, and possession of controlled substances. Maximum 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Gross Misdemeanor: Includes DUI, fourth-degree assault, and stalking. Maximum 364 days in jail and $5,000 fine.
Simple Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and minor in possession. Maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Expungement and Vacating Convictions
Washington allows “vacating” convictions rather than traditional expungement:
Misdemeanors: May be vacated 3 years after completion of all conditions of the sentence.
Class B Felonies: May be vacated 10 years after completion of all conditions of the sentence.
Class C Felonies: May be vacated 5 years after completion of all conditions of the sentence.
Class A Felonies: Generally cannot be vacated.
Effect: A vacated conviction is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes, though it may still be considered in some circumstances.
DUI Laws
Washington DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is a gross misdemeanor with 1-364 days jail (minimum 1 day), $940-$5,000 fine, 90-day license suspension, and ignition interlock device. Second offense within 7 years carries 30-364 days jail, $1,120-$5,000 fine, 2-year license revocation, and ignition interlock device. Third offense within 7 years carries 90-364 days jail, $1,970-$5,000 fine, and 3-year license revocation. Fourth offense within 10 years is a Class B or C felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Spokane?
Criminal cases in Spokane are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Spokane Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors. Spokane County District Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felony preliminary hearings. Spokane County Superior Court handles felony trials and appeals. The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington handles federal criminal cases. Washington also has specialty courts including Drug Court, Mental Health Court, and Veterans Court that offer treatment-based alternatives. Having a Spokane criminal defense attorney familiar with these court systems provides an advantage.
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Spokane?
Washington has strict DUI penalties. A first offense DUI is a gross misdemeanor with minimum 1 day jail (24 consecutive hours), $940-$5,000 fine, 90-day license suspension (or 1 year if you refused the breath test), ignition interlock device for 1 year, and alcohol/drug evaluation. Enhanced penalties apply for high BAC (.15%+): minimum 2 days jail. A second offense within 7 years carries minimum 30 days jail (or 60 days with electronic home monitoring), and 2-year license revocation. A third offense within 7 years carries minimum 90 days jail and 3-year license revocation. A fourth offense within 10 years becomes a felony. A Spokane criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test results.
What is the difference between vacating a conviction and expungement in Washington?
Washington uses the term “vacating” rather than expungement. When a conviction is vacated, the court sets aside the finding of guilt and the case is dismissed. The effect is that you may legally answer on most applications that you have not been convicted of that crime. However, the arrest and court records still exist and may be accessible in some circumstances. Law enforcement can still access the records, and vacated convictions may still be considered for certain purposes like immigration consequences or subsequent sentencing. Not all convictions are eligible for vacation; Class A felonies and certain sex offenses generally cannot be vacated. A Spokane criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.
What diversion programs are available in Spokane County?
Spokane County offers several diversion programs and alternative sentencing options. Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for non-violent drug offenders. Mental Health Court addresses defendants with mental health issues. Veterans Court serves veterans with service-related issues. Spokane County also offers alternatives such as suspended sentences, diversion programs, community service, and drug or alcohol treatment programs. These programs may be available depending on the circumstances of the case. Successful completion may result in dismissal or reduced charges. A Spokane criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and advocate for treatment alternatives.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Washington?
Washington decriminalized simple drug possession following the Blake decision and subsequent legislation. Under current law (as of 2023), simple possession of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor with maximum 90 days jail and $1,000 fine for first two offenses, and a gross misdemeanor thereafter. The focus is on treatment referrals rather than incarceration. However, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, and drug trafficking remain serious felonies with significant prison terms. Possession of marijuana (over 40 grams) and sales without a license remain criminal offenses. A Spokane criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and advocate for treatment alternatives.