Best Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyers
Finding yourself in need of a criminal defense lawyer can be an incredibly stressful and scary situation. You may be facing serious charges and don’t know where to turn or who you can trust. The good news is that Tacoma has some incredibly talented and compassionate criminal defense attorneys who are ready to help you through this difficult time.
I’ve put together this guide to highlight some of the top criminal lawyers in the Tacoma area. These attorneys have years of experience representing clients facing a wide range of criminal charges from DUI to domestic violence to drug crimes. They are known for providing aggressive and strategic defenses aimed at getting charges reduced or dismissed altogether.
What to Look for in a Tacoma Criminal Lawyer
When searching for the right criminal lawyer, there are a few key qualities you’ll want them to have:
- Extensive experience handling your specific type of criminal case
- A track record of success getting favorable outcomes for clients
- Strong negotiation skills to secure plea bargains when beneficial
- Litigation experience taking cases to trial if necessary
- Compassion and excellent communication skills
- Reasonable rates compared to other local criminal defense lawyers
The attorneys on this list check all of those boxes and more. Here are the best criminal defense lawyers in Tacoma, WA:
1. Anderson Law Firm
With over 25 years of experience, the Anderson Law Firm is widely regarded as one of the top criminal defense firms in the Tacoma area. Founding attorney James Anderson is a former prosecutor who now aggressively defends individuals facing prosecution for state and federal crimes.
The firm handles cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious violent felony charges. Their team has an impressive track record obtaining full dismissals, acquittals, and reductions in charges. Clients praise the lawyers for their honesty in assessing cases, frequent communication, and compassionate approach.
2. Tacoma Criminal Defense
Tacoma Criminal Defense is dedicated solely to defending people facing criminal charges in Tacoma and surrounding cities. Their experienced lawyers handle cases in both state and federal courts.
They are known for thoroughly investigating cases, identifying procedural problems or illegal actions by police, and building aggressive defenses. The firm has successfully defended clients facing charges ranging from DUI and domestic violence to sex crimes and homicide.
3. Law Office of Bradley Marshall
Bradley Marshall is a former prosecutor who has been practicing criminal defense in Tacoma for over 20 years. He is a highly respected litigator who is not afraid to take cases to trial when it’s in the client’s best interests.
Bradley has extensive experience defending DUI and other driving offenses. He is known for his command of technical scientific issues related to breathalyzers and blood tests. Bradley’s personable approach puts clients at ease during an incredibly stressful time.
4. Tacoma Criminal Law
Founded by attorney Joshua Freed, Tacoma Criminal Law provides aggressive representation for individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes. Joshua is a seasoned trial lawyer who has tried over 50 cases before juries.
The firm handles many DUI and domestic violence cases. Joshua also represents clients facing more serious violent felony charges, sex offenses, drug crimes, and white collar crimes. He takes time to explain the law and potential consequences so clients can make informed decisions.
5. Durflinger Oliver & Associates
Durflinger Oliver & Associates is a full service criminal defense firm representing clients in Tacoma and across Pierce County. Founding partners Art Durflinger and Brad Oliver each have over 20 years of criminal law experience.
Their team includes several former prosecutors who bring valuable insight into the prosecution’s strategies and tactics. They handle cases ranging from simple DUIs to federal drug trafficking and money laundering charges. The lawyers are known for their relentless advocacy on behalf of their clients.
6. Tacoma Criminal Attorney
Tacoma Criminal Attorney provides aggressive representation exclusively in criminal defense cases. Founding attorney Joshua Roberts is a graduate of the prestigious UC Berkeley School of Law.
He is a strategic thinker who identifies the weaknesses in the prosecution’s case and develops defense strategies to exploit them. Joshua handles cases ranging from misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. He has successfully defended many high profile cases dismissed pre-trial or resulting in not guilty verdicts at trial.
7. Law Office of Stephanie Cunningham
Attorney Stephanie Cunningham runs a solo practice dedicated to misdemeanor and felony criminal defense. She is a graduate of Seattle University School of Law who has been practicing criminal law in Tacoma since 2015.
Stephanie is particularly experienced defending DUI and domestic violence cases. She has successfully defended many motions to suppress evidence obtained in violation of her clients’ rights. Stephanie is praised for her compassionate approach and for ensuring her clients fully understand their rights and options.
8. Tacoma Criminal Lawyer
Tacoma Criminal Lawyer is led by attorney Allen Ressler who has over 25 years of criminal defense experience. He is a zealous advocate who thoroughly investigates cases to identify weaknesses and build the strongest defense.
Allen handles cases ranging from simple misdemeanors to serious violent felonies. He has successfully defended clients facing charges including domestic violence, sex crimes, internet crimes, property crimes, weapons charges, and drug crimes. Clients praise Allen for his honest case assessments and compassionate approach.
9. Rush Hannula Harkins & Kyler
Rush Hannula Harkins & Kyler is a Tacoma based criminal defense firm with a team of talented trial attorneys. The lawyers have over 50 years of combined experience defending clients in state and federal courts.
The firm takes on cases ranging from DUI to sex offenses to white collar crimes. They are known for thoroughly analyzing the prosecution’s case, exploiting weaknesses, and building an aggressive defense. Their litigation experience allows them to take cases to trial when it benefits the client.
10. Law Office of Jon C. Fox
Jon Fox is an experienced trial lawyer who provides aggressive representation to individuals charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes. He is a graduate of Seattle University School of Law who has extensive experience handling DUI, domestic violence, and drug crime cases.
Jon is praised by clients for thoroughly explaining the law and potential consequences so they can make informed decisions. He has successfully defended many motions to suppress evidence and negotiated favorable plea bargains for reduced charges when beneficial.