Olalla Criminal Lawyers

Chris Van Vechten moved to Tacoma from Portland in 2004 to attend the University of Puget Sound. He studied history, volunteered in the community, worked as a legislative staff member for a state representative and later a state senator, and even personally ran for school board before enrolling in Seattle University School of Law. Prior to launching the Law Office of Chris Van Vechten, Chris worked as a Rule 9 prosecuting attorney with the Thurston County Prosecutor’s Office and later with the Lakewood City Attorney’s Office. In addition, he interned with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Civil Division...

In the last 26 years, Erik Kaeding has represented hundreds of clients in DUI and DWI cases in King County. He has dedicated his practice to representing people facing criminal charges ranging from DUIs to Domestic Violence to Shoplifting. Even before establishing his own practice, Attorney Kaeding has always believed that every individual has the right to pursue justice, and he is committed to making sure this right is upheld for all his clients. With him on your side, you can trust that you will be aggressively represented and treated with respect and compassion. Erik also has a unique perspective as...

Steve Wells is a criminal defense attorney with nearly two decades of experience, including 10 years practicing in Alaska. He handles criminal cases at the state and federal level, and has a 97% record of success. Steve’s commitment to excellence has earned him the recognition of his peers, with inclusion in the 2014 edition of the Alaska Super Lawyers list and The National Trial Lawyers Top 100 Trial Lawyers. He takes an active role in the profession, such as by serving on the board of directors for the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and as a founding president of...

Brad Meryhew is a highly respected and dedicated advocate who specializes in defending individuals facing accusations of sexual misconduct in both state and federal criminal courts in Washington. With a proven track record of success in jury trials, negotiations, and case dismissals, Brad has established himself as a prominent trial attorney in this challenging practice area. Moreover, his commitment extends beyond the courtroom, as he has played a pivotal role in driving improvements within the statewide sex offender management system through his advocacy for policy changes spanning fifteen years. Throughout his career, Brad has handled numerous high-profile cases, demonstrating his proficiency...

Active personal injury and criminal defense practice. Read for the bar exam through the Washington State Bar Association’s Rule 6 Law Clerk Program under attorney Dean Standish Perkins in Seattle, Washington. Former special assistant to Representative Thomas S. Foley, former Speaker of the United States House of Representatives. Taught English in Viet Nam. Member of Tribal Court Bars. Member of Phi Delta Theta.

I practice primarily in the areas of family law and criminal defense. I believe in client-centered lawyering. I attempt to form a strong bond and relationship with each client. I believe that cases are a team effort between the firm and the client, where the client is the captain of the ship. I make sure each client is steered in the proper direction to obtain his/her goals. Each case and client is different, and with our help each client can achieve their goals, even in the most difficult of cases.


I earned my J.D. from the University of Denver Sturm College...

Matthew Zenner has been an associate attorney with Stewart MacNichols Harmell, Inc., P.S. since September 2016. He has represented thousands of criminal defendants in courts all throughout King County and Pierce County. He represents clients charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes. He is an experienced trial attorney and negotiator.

He also represents clients with civil protection order cases, such as domestic violence protection orders, anti-harassment protection orders, extreme risk protection orders, and sexual assault protection orders. Prior to joining Stewart MacNichols Harmell, Inc., P.S, Matthew practiced family law and represented clients in divorce, child custody, and adoption cases.

Matthew is a...

Attorney Shane McKinnie is a former criminal prosecutor, and has experience working for both large and small law firms in the Seattle area. Shane approaches his cases from a practical perpective and above all, seeks to help his clients solve their problems in the way that best suits their circumstances and desires.
Shane is a fourth-generation Washingtonian and military veteran. He grew up in Snohomish County and attended Washington State University where he was a member of the Honors College and president of a fraternity. Shortly after graduating from WSU, he attended Navy Officer Candidate School (OCS) and was commissioned as...

I have been helping clients with DUI defense & traffic infractions for over 25 years! My understanding and knowledge of your situation with your case is what sets me apart. I work directly with you one-on-one to see your case through and get you the best possible outcome!

EXCLUSIVE PRACTICE - My practice is concentrated on Criminal, DUI, and Traffic defense cases. I am not a general practitioner who handles many different types of law. Criminal law has been my focus area since I became a lawyer over 25 years ago.

CUSTOMER SERVICE - I treat clients the way I would...

Jordan K. Foster, Criminal Defense Attorney I started my career doing real estate, business, and construction law. A few years back, I decided a change of pace was in order and began practicing criminal defense law. Since entering the criminal defense arena, I have been voted a Rising Star in Criminal Defense Law by Washington Super Lawyers in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, and 2018. Today I focus primarily on criminal defense. I assist people facing misdemeanors, felonies, and traffic infractions. I am an active member of the Washington State Bar Association, the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, and...

After obtaining his law degree (Seattle University) and serving for four years as an administrative law judge, Charles started his own law firm in Olympia and worked in a number of areas of law. Eventually he limited his practice to criminal defense.   In 2010 he moved his law practice to Seattle. In the course of his career as a criminal-defense lawyer, Charles has successfully defended persons accused of everything from homicide, sex, firearm and drug charges to DV assault and DUI.  He has also served as a pro tem judge in juvenile and district courts. And he...

Court was born and raised in Tacoma and has had an interest in the legal system ever since he can remember. While he always knew he would ultimately make his home in the Pacific Northwest, the draw of the sun and surf beckoned him to Southern California where he completed his undergraduate and law degree at Pepperdine University. Following internships at multiple Prosecutor’s offices, the FBI, and the United States Attorney’s Offices, Court initially decided to stay in Southern California after school and cut his teeth as a criminal defense attorney in the trenches of the most overburdened...

Casey got his start as a lawyer with the Snohomish County Prosecutor’s Office where he won his first several jury trials. After working briefly with the Pierce County Prosecutor’s Office, he was hired by the Hester Law Group where he worked for ten years – trying numerous misdemeanor, felony and civil trials – before joining Puget Law Group in February 2019 as a Partner. In January 2022, Casey became Managing Partner. Casey fights vigorously for his clients. He has been recognized for his fervent representation of his civil clients – having a 100% success rate at trial – and he has...

Michael Austin Stewart has been practicing as a defense attorney for over 22 years. His practice is based on respect, rapport, accessibility, trust, and a keen understanding of the law. He has a solid record of successful outcomes in a wide variety of cases, ranging from murder cases to DUI cases. He is dedicated and committed to protecting your Constitutional Rights.

I have dedicated my entire career to defending the rights of people facing criminal charges. In my nearly 20 years as a criminal defense lawyer I have defended adult and juvenile clients against every kind of felony and misdemeanor allegation. I am committed to vigorously representing my clients' interests. My breadth of experience as a criminal defense attorney, my depth of knowledge of the law, my skill as a negotiator and a litigator, and my compassion for people caught up in the criminal justice system are the considerable strengths I bring to my representation of every client....

Since 1997, David Marshall has been committed to providing the best possible defense to persons accused of child abuse, sexual assault, rape, domestic violence, and other special assaults. He does this in criminal cases, civil claims for compensation, Title IX disciplinary proceedings on college campuses, administrative hearings, dependency cases—any kind of case except family law. His commitment has shown in decades of victories, many in trial, and some without need for trial.

From his office in Seattle, David handles cases around Washington State and throughout the Northwest.

David began his career as a deputy prosecuting attorney. He decided to focus on child...

For four decades, Attorney Julie A. Twyford has dedicated herself to the pursuit of justice and fairness through the law. Regarded as a prominent trial lawyer in Spokane and Washington, she focuses exclusively on family law and criminal defense. In the realm of family law, Ms. Twyford's extensive experience and leadership ensure her clients receive unparalleled representation. Her expertise encompasses contested divorces, intricate child custody disputes, and complex business divorces. As a distinguished Spokane divorce attorney, she has consistently secured favorable outcomes, infusing her wealth of experience into each case she handles. Beyond family law, Ms. Twyford's impact in criminal defense is...

I became a lawyer when I was 39 years old. I wanted to be a voice for people who could not obtain justice without a forceful dedicated advocate. I am committed to the highest standards when representing a client. The practice of law is challenging, interesting, and exciting. The art of practicing law requires knowledge, dedication, experience, imagination, persistence and hard work to obtain justice and the best possible result in each case. Each client warrants such an advocate.

I was born and raised in the Northwest. After graduating from the University of Washington with honors, I attended Gonzaga University School of Law where I was awarded a Thomas More Scholarship. As a Thomas More Scholar, I dedicated myself to helping others both in the local and international communities. My international work included a visit to Rome where I provided services for the homeless and co-leading a mission in Honduras where our group of students provided much needed repairs at local village schools, and distributed needed school supplies which our group had purchased through fundraising....

I graduated Seattle University School of law and immediately began working at the Pierce County Prosecutor's Office. After two years with the Prosecutor's Office, I joined Durflinger Oliver & Associates where I help those who have been accused of committing crimes. I have handled thousands of cases ranging from domestic violence to DUI's. I have helped hundreds of clients keep or restore their driving privileges by prevailing in administrative hearings with the the Department of Licensing. I have also helped many clients vacate felony and misdemeanor convictions and restore their firearm rights. My previous experience as a prosecutor...

I am a graduate of the University of Washington where I received my bachelor’s degree in 1989. In 1993 I graduated from the University of Arizona College of Law. After a brief stint working for the Pima County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office, I realized my talents and passions were better served to defend people and not prosecuting them. The “obtain a conviction regardless of the individual facts” mentality has never appealed to me and seems counterproductive to obtaining a just result. I moved back to Washington and began my criminal defense practice.

Though I have defended people who have been charged with...

Mark began his legal career in 1986 as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney with Pierce County and moved on to work with a criminal defense firm in 1988. In 2002 Mark started his own criminal defense firm, The Law Office of Mark Treyz.

For almost thirty years, Michael Iaria has defended clients accused by the government of serious crimes. An accomplished and successful advocate, he has received the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers President's Award for "distinguished service in the highest traditions of the criminal defense bar." His peers have voted him a "Super Lawyer" each year since Washington Law & Politics Magazine began the award in 1999 and have selected him as one of the 100 best trial lawyers in Washington. Seattle Business Monthly has listed him as one of the best lawyers in Seattle. He has a "superb"...

As the Owner of ARK Law, PLLC, I am passionate about representing juveniles and adults charged with crimes in Washington State. Juvenile Defense is where my heart truly lies. I have a great deal of experience defending adults against Domestic Violence and DUI cases. I tell my clients' stories so that the prosecutor and Court see who they are, not just what they did.

I studied Political Science and Criminal Justice at Washington State University. I then attended Seattle University School of Law to fulfill my dreams of becoming a criminal defense attorney. During law school I interned with the Associated...

W. James Kotlowski, Attorney at Law, PLLC is determined to get the best possible result for your DUI case while guiding you through the twists and turns of the Washington State Court process. As an experienced Washington State and Seattle DUI Attorney, he can assist you with your arrest and has handled numerous DUI’s and Criminal driving cases across Western Washington. He appears regularly in King, Snohomish and Pierce Counties among others to represent his clients. Penalties for these crimes have many severe consequences, so it is important to obtain a competent and seasoned attorney as soon as possible after your...

Experienced criminal defense attorney serving King County and Island County.

Thomas Balerud, after 17 years with the same firm, has opened his own law practice, located in downtown Tacoma. Tom is a graduate of both Pacific Lutheran University and the University of Puget Sound. Tom has enjoyed success in many well publicized high-profile State and Federal cases. He is currently serving as a Trustee to the TPCBA. Tom and his experienced staff are currently available to assist clients in his two practice areas: Criminal Law and Personal Injury.

Christopher Swaby is an attorney in private practice accepting appointments to represent indigent defendants charged with class A offenses around the state. He began his career in 1990 as a staff attorney for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia. Christopher moved to eastern Washington in 2000, where he practiced on the felony defense panel in Benton County. He moved to the Seattle area and joined the Defender Association (TDA) as a staff attorney in the felony division, later promoted to felony division supervisor. Christopher left TDA in 2012 and joined a small boutique...

As a distinguished partner at Novo Legal, Aaron has amassed extensive experience representing clients across a diverse range of legal areas, including Criminal, Family, Immigration, and Civil matters. His litigation expertise spans tribunals from municipal courts to the prestigious 10th Circuit Court of Appeals. Aaron's dedication to staying abreast of the latest legal developments ensures that he consistently delivers outstanding results for his clients. Memberships and Affiliations: American Immigration Lawyers Association, Member Colorado Hispanic Bar Association, Member Colorado Bar Association, Member Denver Bar Association, Member Rocky Mountain Immigration Advocacy Network, Pro Bono Attorney Bar Admissions: Colorado Illinois Washington US District Court, Colorado US Bankruptcy Court, Colorado 10th Circuit Court of Appeals Executive Office of...

Jeffrey Kradel is a 1995 graduate of Northeastern University School of Law, in Boston. His legal career, from law school through the present, has focused exclusively on criminal law. During law school , Mr. Kradel interned in the Public Corruption Unit of the United States Attorney’s Office in Boston, assisting in the prosecution of white collar crimes and official misconduct. He also worked for Federal Appeals Judge Morris Sheppard Arnold, of the United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit. After graduating from law school, Mr. Kradel clerked for Judge David Mannheimer, of the Alaska Court of Appeals....

Erin Curtis has handled hundreds of criminal cases, defending her clients' rights at every stage of the proceedings. She has won acquittals in misdemeanor and felony trials, and has successfully negotiated reductions and dismissals of charges. She believes in providing a vigorous and thorough defense, and is devoted to spending the time necessary to do so.

John Wheaton is an experienced immigration lawyer and criminal defense lawyer. He has represented numerous clients in immigration court, including clients seeking asylum, cancellation of removal, U visas, and many other forms of immigration relief. In addition, he has worked on criminal cases in both state and federal courts. John received his B.A. in English and B.S. in Physics from Stanford University in 2005. He graduated with honors from the University of Washington School of Law in 2010. While at law school, John represented clients in immigration court as a member of the Immigration Law...

Mr. Chung is the senior partner at Chung, Malhas, Mantel & Robinson, PLLC. Mr. Chung’s primary practice is comprised of Civil and Criminal Litigation, Immigration and Business Transactions. Mr. Chung has represented clients in complex litigations before the Washington Court of Appeals and the Washington State Supreme Court. Mr. Chung has argued numerous cases before Washington State District and Superior Courts. Mr. Chung has counseled and represented clients throughout King County, Pierce County, Island County, Kitsap County, and Snohomish County. In Civil Litigation, Mr. Chung has represented various individuals and entities in Medical Malpractice, Wrongful Death, Vulnerable Adult Protection Act (VAPA), Employment...