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14 Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Seattle

Choosing among Seattle criminal defense attorneys starts with the charge, the court deadline, and the kind of representation your situation requires. The options here include DUI, traffic infractions, assault and domestic violence matters, firearm issues, and serious criminal defense.

A useful first comparison is whether the attorney handles your exact allegation, how quickly they can review the facts, and how clearly they explain the next steps. Communication style and experience with related cases can matter as much as the broad practice label.

How this guide is ordered

We compared criminal defense attorneys in Seattle on specialization, reputation, the information they give and the area they serve, and we revise the list when there's news.

Some businesses may have paid for services to appear featured.

Top 3Full listMapHow to choose

Compare 14 local options

Hale Law Enterprises, Seattle#1
What stands out
  • Broad Seattle criminal defense practice

  • Patient explanations during stressful cases

Hale Law Enterprises

5.0489 reviews
506 2nd Ave Ste 1400, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Best for
DUI and serious criminal chargesFirst-time defendants

Hale Law Enterprises provides criminal defense in Seattle, led by Matthew T. Hale. The practice handles matters ranging from DUI, theft and assault to firearms, domestic violence and other serious charges, with a strong emphasis on protecting rights and explaining the legal process in understandable terms.

Its patient, composed communication is useful for people facing a first charge as well as more complex allegations. The firm offers online appointments and in-person services, with consultations arranged by appointment. Clients seeking a defense attorney who will examine the details of a case and maintain clear communication throughout may find the approach particularly reassuring.

Law Office of Grigoriy S., PLLC, Seattle#2
What stands out
  • Responsive traffic-case communication

Law Office of Grigoriy S., PLLC

5.0192 reviews
4500 9th Ave NE Ste 300, Seattle, WA 98105, United States
Best for
Traffic tickets and driving mattersClients seeking straightforward legal guidance

Law Office of Grigoriy S., PLLC is a Seattle law firm known for prompt communication, clear process explanations and organized handling of traffic-related matters. The team works to reduce the practical burden on clients by keeping them informed and managing case steps with an efficient, straightforward approach.

It is especially relevant for people dealing with traffic tickets or similar legal concerns who want responsive contact and transparent guidance. The firm’s calm communication and attention to follow-through can be valuable when a case feels unfamiliar or time-sensitive.

Knauss Law Firm, Seattle#3
What stands out
  • Clear step-by-step case guidance

  • Focused criminal defense advocacy

Knauss Law Firm

5.0165 reviews
4020 Lake Washington Blvd NE #310, Kirkland, WA 98033, United States
Best for
DUI and traffic-related chargesDomestic violence or assault cases

Knauss Law Firm is a Seattle criminal defense practice handling matters that include DUI, assault, domestic violence, theft, firearms rights, and other criminal charges. Its approach centers on careful case review, clear explanations, and determined advocacy when the facts or investigative process need close examination.

Matthew Knauss and his team are known for keeping people informed throughout the legal process, explaining options in understandable terms, and responding thoughtfully to questions. Online appointments and on-site services are available, with appointments required or recommended for a focused consultation.

Antone Weber Law Office, Seattle#4
What stands out
  • Traffic-law specialization

Antone Weber Law Office

5.0135 reviews
1700 Westlake Ave N #200, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Best for
Speeding and traffic tickets

Antone Weber Law Office focuses on Washington traffic ticket, speeding ticket, and criminal traffic matters, serving Seattle and the wider Puget Sound area. The practice is especially relevant for drivers who need help understanding court procedures, possible outcomes, and the consequences a moving violation may have for a record, insurance, or employment.

Antone Weber takes time to explain the details of a case and the available paths forward, with a direct, practical communication style. Online appointments are available, and advance scheduling is advisable when a traffic matter requires careful review.

Veitch Ault Defense, Seattle#5
What stands out
  • Direct attorney involvement

  • Focused DUI defense

Veitch Ault Defense

5.0134 reviews
2122 112th Ave NE Ste A200, Bellevue, WA 98004, United States
Best for
Washington DUI casesCriminal defense with urgent deadlines

Veitch Ault Defense concentrates on Washington DUI and criminal defense, with Robert J. Ault personally involved from the initial review through hearings, negotiations, and trial preparation. The practice emphasizes direct advice, realistic expectations, and a no-nonsense approach that keeps clients informed about risks, deadlines, and next steps.

The firm is especially relevant for DUI allegations, Department of Licensing concerns, and criminal matters requiring focused courtroom advocacy. Consultations are available online or by appointment, providing a structured way to discuss the situation directly with counsel rather than passing through a rotating team.

Black & Askerov, PLLC, Seattle#6
What stands out
  • Serious-crime and forfeiture defense

  • Direct, timely case communication

Black & Askerov, PLLC

5.0111 reviews
705 2nd Ave #1111, Seattle, WA 98104, United States
Best for
Serious criminal chargesDrug or violent-crime defense

Black & Askerov, PLLC handles serious criminal defense matters in Seattle and throughout Washington, including state and federal cases, DUI, drug, violent-crime, and asset-forfeiture defense. The firm’s work emphasizes courtroom advocacy, investigation of the prosecution’s allegations, and constitutional challenges when the circumstances call for them.

Chris Black, Tim Askerov, and the team place strong emphasis on explaining the facts, options, and likely process in plain language. Communication is direct and timely, with a focus on helping people make informed decisions while their case develops.

Leyba Defense PLLC, Seattle#7
What stands out
  • Responsive DUI defense guidance

Leyba Defense PLLC

5.082 reviews
3326 160th Ave SE Ste 215, Bellevue, WA 98008, United States
Best for
DUI and criminal defense cases

Leyba Defense PLLC provides criminal defense in Seattle and the surrounding King County area, with particular relevance to DUI and other matters requiring negotiation, careful preparation, and prompt communication. Matthew Leyba’s approach is direct and reassuring: he explains the legal process, outlines realistic options, and helps clients navigate a system that can feel unfamiliar or intimidating.

The practice is also described as flexible and attentive to individual circumstances, including coordination with related legal or professional support when appropriate. Online appointments and on-site services are available, with appointments required or recommended.

The Law Office of Stefanie Dorn, Seattle#8
What stands out
  • Focused record-relief services

The Law Office of Stefanie Dorn

5.076 reviews
1700 7th Ave #2100, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Best for
Vacating eligible convictions

The Law Office of Stefanie Dorn focuses on criminal record relief across Washington, including conviction vacations, arrest expungement, and sealing juvenile records. The practice is particularly relevant for people working through background checks, employment concerns, licensing, travel, or other consequences connected to an old record.

Stefanie Dorn and her team emphasize thorough preparation, clear explanations, and regular updates throughout the process. For eligible King County matters, the office manages communication with prosecutors and courts while guiding the client through required information and signatures. Online appointments and on-site services are available.

Will & Will, PLLC, Seattle#9
What stands out
  • Husband-and-wife defense team

Will & Will, PLLC

4.9142 reviews
9311 SE 36th St #102, Mercer Island, WA 98040, United States
Best for
Misdemeanor and felony defenseClients seeking close attorney attention

Will & Will, PLLC is a Seattle criminal defense firm led by husband-and-wife attorneys Court and Michelle Will. The practice represents people facing charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious and violent felonies, with a deliberately manageable caseload that allows the team to give each matter sustained attention.

Court and Michelle collaborate on cases from multiple angles, combining trial-tested defense work with detailed preparation and practical communication. The team is especially attentive during stressful proceedings, explaining what to expect, answering questions, and maintaining contact through important developments. Appointments are recommended.

Peak Justice, Seattle#10
What stands out
  • Clear, strategic criminal defense

Peak Justice

4.9137 reviews
3326 160th Ave SE Ste 215, Bellevue, WA 98008, United States
Best for
DUI and traffic mattersTheft defense

Peak Justice handles criminal defense matters in Seattle, including DUI allegations, theft charges, traffic infractions, and record-related work such as pursuing a vacated conviction. The practice places strong emphasis on explaining options clearly, setting realistic expectations, and keeping clients updated as a case develops.

Its approach is structured and detail-oriented, with attention to procedural, legal, and technical issues rather than relying only on a client’s account of events. Appointments are recommended for an initial discussion of the charge, available strategy, and practical next steps.

Guadagno Law, PLLC, Seattle#11
What stands out
  • Former-prosecutor defense perspective

  • Small-office, focused representation

Guadagno Law, PLLC

4.8140 reviews
1818 Westlake Ave N #216, Seattle, WA 98109, United States
Best for
Criminal defense strategyUrgent legal consultations

Guadagno Law, PLLC is a Seattle criminal defense practice led by Albert Guadagno, whose background includes work as a state prosecutor before moving to defense representation. That perspective informs a strategic approach to criminal cases, with attention to how allegations are developed and how the defense can respond.

The firm maintains a small-office feel, allowing time for detailed conversations, clear explanations, and focused preparation rather than a high-volume process. Its communication is prompt and straightforward, making it especially useful for people facing an unfamiliar legal situation and needing a clear sense of the next steps.

Pacific Point Defense, Seattle#12
What stands out
  • Responsive case communication

Pacific Point Defense

4.966 reviews
1700 7th Ave #2100, Seattle, WA 98101, United States
Best for
Clients needing prompt criminal defense guidance

Pacific Point Defense is a Seattle criminal justice attorney focused on clear, organized representation when a legal matter requires prompt attention. The team is described as responsive, professional, and attentive, with regular updates that help clients understand where their case stands and what comes next.

The practice also emphasizes compassionate guidance during stressful situations, taking time to explain options without creating unrealistic expectations. Online appointments are available, and appointments are required or recommended, making advance planning particularly important for anyone traveling into Seattle or working around a demanding schedule.

Sheed Law Offices, PLLC, Seattle#13
What stands out
  • Straightforward legal strategy

Sheed Law Offices, PLLC

4.964 reviews
1833 N 105th St Ste 101, Seattle, WA 98133, United States
Best for
Clients seeking candid criminal defense advice

Sheed Law Offices, PLLC provides criminal defense representation in Seattle with a direct, fact-focused approach. Daniel Sheed is characterized as professional, punctual, straightforward, and strategic, offering candid explanations of legal options and likely outcomes rather than relying on false reassurance. Clear communication extends to fees and case planning, helping clients understand the scope of representation from the outset.

The office is also recognized for careful preparation, strong legal analysis, and determined advocacy. That combination can be especially valuable for people facing a serious criminal matter who want an attorney willing to explain difficult realities plainly while remaining engaged throughout the process.

Law Offices of Michael D. Sheehan, Seattle#14
What stands out
  • Focused traffic-ticket defense

  • Clear process communication

Law Offices of Michael D. Sheehan

5.0848 reviews
14205 SE 36th St Suite 100, Bellevue, WA 98006, United States
Best for
Washington traffic infractions

The Law Offices of Michael D. Sheehan focuses on Washington traffic-ticket defense, including speeding tickets and related infractions. The practice is known for a direct, organized process: initial questions are handled promptly, the legal path is explained clearly, and clients are kept informed while court procedures move forward.

Its work is particularly relevant when protecting a driving record, license, or insurance position matters. The firm offers consultations and recommends appointments, making an arranged discussion the right starting point for reviewing a ticket and possible defenses.

The comparison at a glance

#BusinessRatingReviewsBest for
#1Hale Law Enterprises 5.0489DUI and serious criminal charges
#2Law Office of Grigoriy S., PLLC 5.0192Traffic tickets and driving matters
#3Knauss Law Firm 5.0165DUI and traffic-related charges
#4Antone Weber Law Office 5.0135Speeding and traffic tickets
#5Veitch Ault Defense 5.0134Washington DUI cases
#6Black & Askerov, PLLC 5.0111Serious criminal charges
#7Leyba Defense PLLC 5.082DUI and criminal defense cases
#8The Law Office of Stefanie Dorn 5.076Vacating eligible convictions
#9Will & Will, PLLC 4.9142Misdemeanor and felony defense
#10Peak Justice 4.9137DUI and traffic matters
#11Guadagno Law, PLLC 4.8140Criminal defense strategy
#12Pacific Point Defense 4.966Clients needing prompt criminal defense guidance
#13Sheed Law Offices, PLLC 4.964Clients seeking candid criminal defense advice
#14Law Offices of Michael D. Sheehan 5.0848Washington traffic infractions

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Map of criminal defense attorneys in Seattle

The selection does not establish a verified neighborhood concentration, so the map helps you compare travel distance and meeting convenience across Seattle. Location matters when you need an in-person consultation, document review, or a prompt follow-up before court. Start with attorneys whose practice matches the allegation, then check how easily you can reach the office from home, work, or the relevant courthouse. For urgent matters, a nearby appointment may be more useful than a longer trip for a broader practice.

Services to compare

  • DUI defenseFind attorneys handling Washington DUI cases, including situations involving traffic-related allegations and urgent deadlines.
  • Serious criminal chargesCompare defense for serious allegations, including drug, violent-crime, and other high-stakes matters.
  • Traffic infractionsGet help with Washington traffic infractions, speeding tickets, and related driving charges.
  • Domestic violence and assaultLook for representation involving domestic violence or assault cases and the procedural issues they can bring.
  • Firearm rights mattersConsult counsel about criminal matters involving firearm rights and related legal consequences.
  • Accident and injury claimsSome listed practices address car, truck, motorcycle, pedestrian, and bicycle accidents alongside insurance disputes.
  • Misdemeanor and felony defenseCompare counsel for misdemeanor or felony cases when the classification and potential exposure require careful review.
  • Asset forfeiture mattersFind targeted assistance for cases involving the seizure or threatened forfeiture of assets.

How to choose criminal defense attorneys in Seattle

  1. Match the exact allegationAsk whether the attorney regularly handles your specific charge, such as DUI, a traffic ticket, domestic violence, firearm issues, or a felony.
  2. Bring every deadlineShare the citation, summons, release paperwork, and court date during the first contact so the attorney can identify time-sensitive steps.
  3. Clarify who will handle the caseAsk who will attend hearings, who will communicate with you, and how often you should expect updates after the initial consultation.
  4. Request a fee explanationHave the attorney explain what the quoted arrangement covers, which hearings or investigations may be separate, and when additional costs could arise.
  5. Discuss likely next stepsAsk what information is still needed, which immediate decisions may matter, and what the attorney will do before the next court event.

Frequently asked questions

Should I contact a lawyer immediately after a DUI arrest?

Prompt contact is sensible because DUI cases can involve early deadlines and decisions affecting the defense. Gather the citation, arrest paperwork, license information, and court date, then ask counsel what must be handled first. Do not rely on a general criminal-law description alone; confirm specific DUI experience.

Can a criminal defense attorney handle a traffic ticket?

Some attorneys specifically handle Washington traffic infractions, speeding tickets, and DUI-related driving matters. Ask whether your citation fits their practice and whether they will appear for you or advise you on a response.

What should families ask during the first consultation?

Families can ask who will communicate with them, what documents are needed, which hearings are scheduled, and how urgent decisions will be explained. It is also useful to clarify privacy expectations and the limits on information the attorney can share.

Do all listed attorneys handle felony cases?

No. Practice focus varies, with some options centered on traffic matters or specific allegations and others identified with misdemeanor, felony, serious-charge, drug, or violent-crime defense. Confirm the classification and exact charge before booking a consultation.

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