Raiser & Kenniff
4.9/5 Best OverallOur top-rated pick for reliability, customer service, and proven results.
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The best Criminal Defense Lawyers company in Washington for 2026 is Raiser & Kenniff, rated 4.9 with fees of Case-dependent and a resolution timeline of Varies by charge. Other top-rated options include The Cochran Firm (rated 4.8) and Spodek Law Group (rated 4.8).
- Top Pick
- Raiser & Kenniff
- Rating
- 4.9
- Avg. Fees
- Case-dependent
Last updated
Key Takeaways: Criminal Defense Lawyers in Washington
- 1 Raiser & Kenniff is our #1-ranked criminal defense firm for Washington in 2026 — their former-prosecutor backgrounds and aggressive defense approach are well-suited to Washington’s evolving criminal justice landscape.
- 2 Washington has no death penalty following the state Supreme Court’s 2018 ruling in State v. Gregory, which found the sentence was imposed in an arbitrary and racially biased manner.
- 3 The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 establishes a sentencing grid where the standard range depends on the offense seriousness level (I–XVI) and the offender score (prior convictions), making the grid calculation a critical component of defense strategy.
- 4 The 2021 Blake decision (State v. Blake) invalidated Washington’s simple drug possession statute, and subsequent legislative fixes have created ongoing uncertainty about how drug cases are charged and prosecuted.
- 5 Federal cases in the Western District (Seattle, Tacoma) and Eastern District (Spokane, Yakima, Richland) frequently involve drug trafficking, immigration, and fraud.
Washington State’s criminal justice system has undergone dramatic changes in recent years. The state Supreme Court struck down the death penalty as unconstitutional in 2018 (State v. Gregory), the landmark Blake decision in 2021 temporarily invalidated the state’s drug possession statute, and subsequent legislative reforms have reshaped drug policy, sentencing, and policing across the state. Washington classifies felonies into Classes A (life maximum), B (up to 10 years), and C (up to 5 years), and its Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 establishes a structured sentencing grid that determines standard ranges based on offense severity and criminal history.
King County (Seattle) processes the largest volume of criminal cases in the state, but defendants across Washington — from Spokane to Vancouver to the Tri-Cities — face prosecutors who leverage the state’s sentencing grid aggressively. The firms ranked below have the trial experience and knowledge of Washington’s evolving legal landscape to provide effective defense in this dynamic environment.
Rank 1: Raiser & Kenniff
Raiser & Kenniff leads our Washington rankings because their former-prosecutor backgrounds provide an essential advantage in a state where the legal landscape is shifting rapidly. Washington’s post-Blake reforms, evolving drug policy, and sentencing grid calculations create complexity that requires attorneys with deep prosecution experience to navigate effectively. Their AV Preeminent rating and documented track record of acquittals and dismissals make them the top choice for defendants in King County Superior Court, Pierce County Superior Court, and Washington courts statewide.
Show Pros & Cons
Pros
- Former Manhattan prosecutors bring insider knowledge of how the state builds its case
- Handle the full spectrum of criminal charges from misdemeanors to federal RICO indictments
- Four New York offices with 24/7 emergency arrest response
- AV Preeminent rated with a documented track record of acquittals and dismissals
Cons
- Primary offices concentrated in New York — remote representation for out-of-state clients
- Premium pricing reflects the caliber of former-prosecutor defense
Rank 2: The Cochran Firm
- Min. Debt
- No minimum
- Fees
- Case-dependent
- Timeline
- Varies by charge
Rank 3: Spodek Law Group
- Min. Debt
- No minimum
- Fees
- Consultation-based
- Timeline
- Varies by charge
Rank 4: Varghese Summersett
- Min. Debt
- No minimum
- Fees
- Case-dependent
- Timeline
- Varies by charge
Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers Compared
| Metric | Raiser & Kenniff Top Pick | The Cochran Firm | Spodek Law Group | Varghese Summersett |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Min. Debt | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum | No minimum |
| Avg. Fees | Case-dependent | Case-dependent | Consultation-based | Case-dependent |
| Timeline | Varies by charge | Varies by charge | Varies by charge | Varies by charge |
| Rating |
4.9
|
4.8
|
4.8
|
4.7
|
Multi-Factor Comparison
Raiser & Kenniff across rating, fees, and speed
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1How Washington Classifies Criminal Offenses
Washington classifies felonies into three classes under RCW 9A.20.021. Class A felonies carry a maximum of life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine, and include first-degree murder, rape in the first degree, and first-degree kidnapping. Class B felonies carry up to 10 years and a $20,000 fine, and include second-degree assault, residential burglary, and vehicular homicide. Class C felonies carry up to 5 years and a $10,000 fine, and include third-degree assault, theft in the first degree, and drug distribution. However, the actual sentence is determined by the Sentencing Reform Act grid, which cross-references the offense seriousness level (I through XVI) with the offender score (calculated from prior convictions). The resulting standard range is presumptive, and departures require specific findings. Understanding the grid — and how to challenge offender score calculations — is one of the most impactful things a defense attorney can do.
2Alternatives to Trial for Criminal Cases in Washington
- Deferred Prosecution: Under RCW 10.05, defendants charged with certain misdemeanors (particularly DUI) may petition for deferred prosecution, which involves completing a two-year treatment program. If successful, the charges are dismissed. This option is available only once in a lifetime and requires a finding that the defendant suffers from alcoholism, drug addiction, or mental health issues that contributed to the offense.
- Stipulated Order of Continuance (SOC): Many Washington courts allow stipulated orders of continuance, where the defendant agrees to meet certain conditions (community service, treatment, no new offenses) over a period of time. If all conditions are met, the charges are dismissed. SOCs are commonly used for first-time, non-violent offenses and provide an effective path to avoiding a criminal record.
- Drug Courts: Washington operates drug courts in most counties under RCW 2.30. These specialty courts provide treatment-based supervision for defendants with substance abuse disorders. Completion of the program, which typically lasts 12 to 18 months, can result in charge reduction or dismissal. King County’s drug court is one of the oldest and most established in the nation.
- Sentencing Alternatives: The Sentencing Reform Act provides several alternatives for eligible defendants, including the Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative (DOSA, RCW 9.94A.660), the First-Time Offender Waiver (RCW 9.94A.650), and the Family & Offender Sentencing Alternative (FOSA). Each provides a path to shorter sentences, community supervision, or treatment in lieu of incarceration.
3DUI Defense in Washington
Washington DUI law (RCW 46.61.502) imposes escalating penalties. A first DUI carries 1 to 364 days in jail (mandatory minimum 1 day for BAC 0.08–0.14, 2 days for BAC 0.15+), a $350 to $5,000 fine, and a 90-day license suspension. A second DUI within 7 years carries 30 to 364 days in jail (mandatory minimum 30 days for BAC under 0.15, 45 days for 0.15+) and a two-year license revocation. A third DUI within 10 years is elevated from a gross misdemeanor to a Class C felony under HB 1353, carrying up to 5 years in prison. Washington also allows DUI charges based on THC impairment (5 ng/mL threshold), reflecting the state’s legalization of recreational cannabis.
4The Sentencing Reform Act Grid
Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 (RCW 9.94A) replaced judicial discretion with a structured sentencing grid. Each felony is assigned a seriousness level (I through XVI), and each defendant receives an offender score based on prior convictions. The intersection of seriousness level and offender score produces a standard sentencing range that is presumptive — judges can depart from the range only by making specific factual findings. Defense attorneys who can successfully challenge offender score calculations (by arguing that prior convictions should not count, were improperly scored, or have washed out) can shift the sentencing range dramatically. For example, reducing an offender score from 3 to 2 on a seriousness level VI offense can reduce the standard range by several months to years.5Impact of State v. Blake on Criminal Defense
The Blake decision’s impact extends far beyond drug possession cases. Thousands of prior drug possession convictions have been vacated, and those vacated convictions no longer count toward offender scores under the sentencing grid. This means that defendants currently facing charges may have lower offender scores than prosecutors initially calculated, resulting in shorter standard ranges. Defense attorneys who identify Blake-eligible prior convictions and move to vacate them can achieve significant sentencing reductions for their clients — even in cases that have nothing to do with drug possession. This downstream effect makes Blake one of the most consequential criminal defense tools in Washington.6Criminal Defense in Washington: What Defendants Need to Know
Washington’s criminal justice system is in a period of significant transition. The abolition of the death penalty, the Blake decision’s impact on drug possession law, police accountability reforms, and ongoing sentencing reform debates have created an environment where the law is changing faster than many practitioners can keep up. Understanding the current state of Washington criminal law — and where it is heading — is essential for effective defense.
7The Blake Decision and Drug Policy Reform
In February 2021, the Washington Supreme Court issued State v. Blake, which struck down the state’s simple drug possession statute (RCW 69.50.4013) as unconstitutional because it did not require proof of knowledge or intent. The decision created immediate chaos: thousands of past convictions were vacated, current cases were dismissed, and prosecutors temporarily lost the ability to charge simple possession. The Legislature responded with a series of temporary fixes, ultimately enacting a revised possession statute that made simple possession a gross misdemeanor (rather than a felony) and emphasized treatment over incarceration. The ongoing evolution of drug policy in Washington means that defense attorneys must stay current on statutory changes, court rulings interpreting the new law, and local prosecution policies that vary significantly across counties.
How We Ranked Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers Companies
Courtroom Track Record
30%We evaluated each firm's history of acquittals, dismissals, charge reductions, and favorable plea outcomes across felony, misdemeanor, and federal cases. Firms with documented trial wins received the highest marks.
Attorney Credentials & Experience
25%We assessed bar standing, board certifications, former prosecutor experience, years of practice, and whether attorneys hold leadership positions in criminal defense bar associations.
Client Reviews & Reputation
25%We analyzed client reviews on Avvo, Google, Martindale-Hubbell, and state bar records. We also reviewed any disciplinary history, peer endorsements, and Super Lawyers or Best Lawyers recognitions.
Accessibility & Client Service
20%We evaluated 24/7 availability for arrests, response time to initial inquiries, fee transparency, geographic reach, language capabilities, and whether the firm offers free initial consultations.
We spent 200 hours evaluating criminal defense attorneys and firms serving Washington State. We assessed each firm’s trial record in Washington superior courts and both federal districts, reviewed acquittal and dismissal rates, verified bar standing with the Washington State Bar Association, and interviewed Washington defendants who retained their services.
Washington Criminal Defense Lawyers FAQ
Who is the best criminal defense lawyer in Washington for 2026?
Does Washington have the death penalty?
How did the Blake decision affect drug charges in Washington?
What is the sentencing grid in Washington?
What is deferred prosecution in Washington?
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Important Legal Disclaimers
- This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. If you are facing criminal charges, consult a qualified criminal defense attorney in your jurisdiction immediately.
- Results vary by case. Past case results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every criminal case is unique and outcomes depend on the specific facts, evidence, jurisdiction, and applicable law.
- Attorney fees vary by firm, case complexity, charge severity, and geographic location. Always obtain a written fee agreement and understand all costs before engaging any law firm.
- Being charged with a crime does not mean you are guilty. You have the constitutional right to an attorney and to be presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.
- Time is critical in criminal cases. Statutes of limitations, evidence preservation, and pre-charge intervention opportunities may be affected by delay.
- Zogby does not provide legal services. We are an independent comparison service that connects individuals with criminal defense attorneys. We may receive compensation from featured firms.
The information provided on this page is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended as legal advice and should not be relied upon as a substitute for consultation with a qualified criminal defense attorney licensed in your state.
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