The 5 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Seattle (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 5 firms · Washington law

The best criminal defense lawyers in Seattle in 2026 include Lewis & Laws, whose lawyers describe themselves as former prosecutors, Kotlowski Law Office, which also clears records, SQ Attorneys, the Law Offices of Kevin Trombold for juvenile and domestic violence cases, and Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy where a family case is also involved.

The list at a glance

FirmOfficeFocusBest for
1. Lewis & LawsQueen Anne, Westlake & South Lake UnionCriminal and DUI defenseClients wanting former prosecutors
2. Kotlowski Law OfficeDowntown & BelltownCriminal defense and recordsClearing a past conviction
3. SQ AttorneysNorth SeattleCriminal defenseNorth Seattle and Eastside clients
4. Law Offices of Kevin TromboldDowntown & BelltownJuvenile and domestic violenceParents of juvenile defendants
5. Family Law Complex Litigation AdvocacyDowntown & BelltownCriminal and family overlapCharges tied to a family case

King County felonies are heard at the county courthouse in downtown Seattle, and misdemeanors may go to Seattle Municipal Court or district court. If you aren't a US citizen, ask about immigration consequences before any plea.

1. Lewis & Laws — Queen Anne, Westlake & South Lake Union

Former prosecutors, per the firm.

Focus Criminal and DUI defenseBest for Clients wanting former prosecutors

Lewis & Laws cites over 45 years of experience in Seattle courtrooms and handles criminal and DUI cases from Westlake Avenue.

1818 Westlake Ave N, Suite 228, Seattle, WA 98109

Firm profile 206-209-0608 Website Google Maps

2. Kotlowski Law Office — Downtown & Belltown

Lists expunging criminal records.

Focus Criminal defense and recordsBest for Clearing a past conviction

Kotlowski Law Office handles criminal defense and clearing records, from Union Street.

500 Union St, Suite 510, Seattle, WA 98101

Firm profile 206-395-2004 Website Google Maps

3. SQ Attorneys — North Seattle

Offices in Seattle and Redmond.

Focus Criminal defenseBest for North Seattle and Eastside clients

SQ Attorneys cites over 50 years of experience in criminal defense.

10740 Meridian Ave N, Suite 107, Seattle, WA 98133

Firm profile 206-441-0900 Website Google Maps

4. Law Offices of Kevin Trombold — Downtown & Belltown

Lists juvenile defense.

Focus Juvenile and domestic violenceBest for Parents of juvenile defendants

The Law Offices of Kevin Trombold handles juvenile defense, domestic violence, drug and weapons charges from 3rd Avenue.

720 3rd Ave, Suite 2015, Seattle, WA 98104

Firm profile 206-590-7667 Website Google Maps

5. Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy — Downtown & Belltown

Lists the criminal and family law intersection.

Focus Criminal and family overlapBest for Charges tied to a family case

Family Law Complex Litigation Advocacy handles criminal defense where it overlaps with a family case, from Stewart Street.

600 Stewart St, Suite 400, Seattle, WA 98101

Firm profile 206-792-7003 Website Google Maps

Frequently asked questions

What should I do if I'm arrested in Seattle?

Stay polite, give your identifying details, say you want a lawyer and don't answer questions without one. Don't discuss the case on a jail phone, because calls can be recorded.

How much does a criminal defense lawyer cost?

Many charge a flat fee by charge and stage of the case. Ask whether a trial is included. If you can't afford a lawyer and could go to jail, you can ask the court to appoint one.

Can I clear my record?

Washington lets some convictions be vacated after waiting periods, depending on the offense and your record. Ask a lawyer what applies to you.