Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney

Olympia DUI Attorney A criminal charge in Seattle can upend your job, your family, and your sense of safety in a single afternoon.

If police have arrested you, or you have learned that King County prosecutors are looking at your case, the choices you make in the first days often determine everything that follows.

Our firm has successfully handled thousands of cases across Washington, and we bring that same steady, hands-on approach to every person who walks through our door.

You are not a file number to us. You are facing one of the hardest moments of your life, and you deserve a defense tailored to your specific situation.

Washington treats criminal accusations seriously, and so do we. From misdemeanor charges in Seattle Municipal Court to felony matters in King County Superior Court, the stakes reach far beyond a courtroom.

A conviction can affect you for years when it comes to job applications, housing, and professional licensing. When you are ready to talk, reach out to Tim Rusk Attorneys for a free consultation. You can contact us online or call (206)202-4250 to speak with someone who will actually listen.

Why Seattle Clients Choose Our Firm for Criminal Defense

Why Seattle Clients Choose Our Firm for Criminal Defense When your freedom is on the line, who stands beside you matters. Our firm was built on local roots. Tim Rusk was born and raised in Tacoma, and that connection to the Puget Sound region shapes how we treat the people we represent.

We know the local courts, the prosecutors, and the way cases move through them.

Here is what sets our defense apart:

Over 2,000 cases handled: We have guided clients through everything from first arrests to complex trials, building a track record our community trusts.
Direct attorney access: You work with an attorney who knows your name and your case, not a rotating cast of staff.
Creative trial strategies: We look for angles others miss and build arguments tailored to the facts in front of us.
Recognition that reflects results: Our work has earned Super Lawyers honors and more than 100 five-star reviews from people we have served.
Free consultations: Your first conversation with us costs nothing, so you can get answers before you decide anything.

That mix of local knowledge and personal attention is hard to find, and it is the reason so many Seattle families trust us during their worst weeks.

Criminal Charges We Defend in Seattle

Every case is different, but most fall into recognizable categories. If you are facing any of the following, our firm can help you sort out your options:

Assault and domestic violence
DUI and vehicular offenses
Drug crimes
Theft and property crimes
Weapons charges
Sex offenses

No matter the accusation, you keep the same rights and the same presumption of innocence. Our job as criminal defense attorneys is to hold the state to its burden of proof.

Our case results tell the same story: charges are reduced or dropped for clients who once feared the worst, and the testimonials they leave afterward speak to what it felt like to have someone in their corner. If you want proof of what a committed defense looks like, those outcomes and reviews are a good place to start.

How Washington Classifies Crimes and Penalties

Washington sorts offenses into misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and felonies, and each level carries its own range of penalties. Under RCW 9A.20.021, a class A felony can mean life in prison, a simple misdemeanor caps out at 90 days in jail, and a gross misdemeanor can carry up to 364 days. Felonies are also divided into classes A, B, and C, each with different maximum terms and fines.

These ranges matter because the label attached to your charge drives the entire negotiation. A charge that looks minor on paper can still leave a permanent mark. Our firm works to reduce charges, pursue alternatives to conviction, and minimize long-term damage.

The Clock on Your Case: Statute of Limitations

The state does not have unlimited time to file charges against you. Under RCW 9A.04.080, most felonies must be charged within three years, gross misdemeanors within two years, and misdemeanors within one year. Serious offenses such as murder carry no time limit at all.

If prosecutors wait too long, that delay can become part of your defense. This is one of many reasons an early review of your case can pay off, and why a free consultation is worth scheduling as soon as you are able.

What to Do After a Seattle Arrest

What to Do After a Seattle Arrest The hours after an arrest can feel like a blur. A few steady steps protect you:

Stay calm and polite with officers
Say clearly that you want a lawyer
Avoid answering questions until your counsel arrives
Write down everything you remember while it is fresh
Save any documents, texts, or names of witnesses

Silence is not an admission of guilt. It is your right, and using it early often prevents damage that is hard to undo later. Local and statewide crime figures compiled by the Washington Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs show how many people move through this system each year. You are far from alone in what you are going through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will a Criminal Charge Always Appear on Your Record?

Not always. Some charges can be dismissed, reduced, or later vacated, meaning a court removes the conviction from your record, depending on the outcome and the offense. During your consultation, our firm can explain whether your situation may qualify for relief down the road.

Can You Change Lawyers If You Already Have One?

Yes. You have the right to choose who represents you, and many people come to us after feeling unheard elsewhere. Switching counsel is your decision to make at any point.

How Much Does a Criminal Defense Lawyer Cost?

Fees vary with the complexity of the case, which is why we start with a free consultation. That first meeting lets you understand the likely scope of your case before you commit to anything.

What Should You Do If a Detective Wants to Speak With You?

Politely decline and call a lawyer before you say anything. A request to “just clear things up” often means you are already a suspect, and casual comments can be used against you later. You are allowed to say you will not answer questions without counsel present, even if you have not been arrested.

Talk to a Seattle Criminal Defense Team That Fights for You

A charge does not have to define the rest of your life. Our firm has successfully handled thousands of cases, and we are ready to put that record to work for you. The sooner we start, the more options you keep. Reach out to Tim Rusk Attorneys today, contact us online, or call (206)202-4250 for your free consultation. You deserve a defense built around you, and we are here to provide it.

Tim helped me out tremendously. He is honest, gives great advice, and is very wise at what he does. I would recommend him to anybody going through any criminal case. It is very easy to communicate with Tim, and he gets straight to the point. I appreciate everything he did for me. I am very pleased with the outcome of my case, and can’t thank him enough.

I can’t say enough good things about Attorney Tim Rusk. He’s professional, thorough, and genuinely dedicated to his clients. From the start, Tim took my case seriously and went the extra mile to make sure everything was handled the right way. His communication was clear and consistent, and his knowledge and experience really showed. Thanks to his hard work, my case was ultimately dismissed — the best possible outcome. I’m extremely grateful for his commitment and highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney who truly cares and delivers results.

My Attorney Tim Rusk is AWESOME! I was a wreck & he tolerated me, assured me that he was putting his all into winning my case, and he did just that. Mr. Rusk is a smart and professional attorney, who keeps you informed. Last but not least Attorney Tim Rusk made the process easier by being a down-to-earth person. Ask for Attorney Tim Rusk!

Tim Rusk and his assistants have never let me down. Tim has always been considerate of my mental health as well as my lively hood and is a very easy person to talk to and level with. I strongly recommend him to anyone that gets a DUI. His firm has also been very understanding while I transitioned jobs and always let me adjust payments when needed.

Thank you Tim Rusk you are the man! I really appreciate your excellent job!

I just wanted to Brag about how awesome my Lawyer Tim Rusk is. I am extremely glad to have decided to pay for a private attorney instead of keeping a public defender. Tim Rusk not only got my NCO amended very quickly but he got 3 charges (an assault 4, NCO violation, and a Theft 3) dismissed. If I ever need legal help again (fingers crossed I won’t) I know who I will be calling. Thank you Tim Rusk for all your hard work and dedication to setting the courts and legal system straight. Again thank you, thank you, thank you so much, you will never know how grateful I am.

The people at the firm are sincere, reliable, and very trustworthy. As long as you do your part they certainly do theirs. I’d like to give special thanks to Tim Rusk. He’s a good man to have on your team.

Tim Rusk was great. Communication was great and he was very helpful all the way through.

I strongly recommend Tim Rusk. I had a very great experience with him. He is very honest and knows the law very well. I had to fire my other lawyer because he couldn’t do the job. I very highly recommend Tim Rusk.

TIM RUSK IS AMAZING! So thankful I chose Tim Rusk to represent me in my case. I have never had to seek counsel before so the first day I met with Tim, I was terrified and did not really know what to expect. Right from the start he made me feel at ease, listened intently, and patiently answered all of my “rookie” questions. He’s sharp, professional, extremely knowledgeable, and has great relationships with the various prosecutors within the court system. But most importantly, he is true to his word. That first day Tim told me that his goal is to keep my record clean and that he’ll make it happen. Today was my final court date and my case will be dismissed! I couldn’t be more grateful. TIM RUSK IS THE GUY YOU WANT IN YOUR CORNER!

Tim Rusk did an amazing job working with me to make my case as easy as possible and was able to get a better outcome than I had anticipated. Definitely hire him if you ever need a lawyer for DUI.

I’m glad that when I googled DUI Defense Attorneys 11 months ago. I picked the right firm, Tim Rusk represented me and I couldn’t have asked for a better Attorney to represent me and to fight for my Constitutional rights the way that he did for me in this matter and with the tenacity and professionalism that he did. My case had special circumstances and was very different as well as very difficult and ended up in trial but the way that Tim Rusk fought for my Constitutional rights gave us the outcome of Acquittal Today with very little time of jury deliberation. Thank You, Tim, for everything you did for me during this difficult period in my life, Five stars are not enough so I hope that you read this because in this message even though you can’t see it is accompanied by the symbol of Liberty and Justice for all mentioned earlier today. Thanks Tim.

My experience with Tim Rusk was wonderful. I was a witness in my boyfriend’s criminal case he was found NOT GUILTY. Tim Rusk did an amazing job. He worked so hard to get justice for himself & did. He made me feel completely comfortable with everything and checked on me every step of the way. I would recommend Tim Rusk Attorneys to anyone that needs legal help. They are not just lawyers they are FAMILY TO ME. Thank you Tim Rusk for everything you’ve done for me & my growing family.

Tim Rusk was my attorney. I still can’t believe the positive outcome that he was able to attain. He was always available and quick to respond to my concern. I especially appreciate how kind he was to my family during this very anxious time.

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DUI: dismissed
Dismissed for no PC to arrest.

Unlawful possession of weapons: dismissed
Dismissed at filing Knapstad.

Fourth-degree assault: not guilty
Argued self-defense and the jury agreed. Jury was convinced enough to make the state pay my client’s entire legal fee.

Three counts of hate crime plus third-degree assault: not guilty
Client sprayed an Hispanic individual with bear spray for being a jerk to her.

DUI: not guilty
Client was pulled over for “driving while Mexican” (I literally argued this to the jury). The jury agreed this case was being viewed by the state through a lens of prejudice and found my client not guilty.

Second-degree assault with weapon enhancement: not guilty
Young man was facing several years of prison for protecting himself with a legally concealed hand gun. We argued self-defense and the jury found this client not guilty. The jury also required the state to pay client entire legal fee too!

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