About Us
Since 2003, I have committed myself to becoming one of the most well-respected well-renowned criminal defense attorneys in Western Washington. I work hard every day to achieve this goal by being more prepared, more knowledgeable, and more aggressive than my peers and opponents.
I have become known by the legal community and the court staff in almost every court in Lynnwood, Bothell, Everett, Seattle, Shoreline, Edmonds, Bellevue, Redmond, and more! My membership in national organizations and continued training keep me on the cutting edge of all DUI and Criminal issues in Washington State.
I have studied DUI law with the National College for DUI Defense at Harvard Law School, and am ready to fight for you! I also recently completed the NHTSA and IACP DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student Course – this is the same course officers must complete to administer Standardized Field Sobriety Tests!
Here are a few of the differences that make us your best choice
- We are available to our clients 24/7 – no answering service – no “gatekeeper”. If you need to talk to me – call me. I usually answer my own phone!
- We limit our caseload! We generally keep no more than 30 open client files – this allows us to focus on each client in detail. If you need two hours or an afternoon of my time – I can schedule it without a headache.
- We work on being as green and technologically advanced as we can be. All of our files are scanned – we can e-mail you any documents you need in a heartbeat. More importantly – I always have access to your file – no matter where I am in the WORLD. This lets me work for you whenever you need it – wherever you need it. Less paper – more efficiency. We’re easier on the environment – and easier to work with for you.
- We focus on not only relentless defense of you in court – but on being compassionate to you in all of our interactions.
- We are a family owned and operated firm – and will always stay that way.
I am a member of the following organizations:
National College of DUI Defense
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Snohomish County Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
American Bar Association (2001-2008): recipient Silver Key
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association (2005-2007)
Avvo.com Level 6 Contributor/Legal Guide Publisher
This is a sampling of some of the continuing legal education seminars I have recently attended:
2010 – National College for DUI Defense – Summer Session
2010 – National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and International Associate of Chiefs of Police DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing Student Course
2009 – Defending DUIs – Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2008 – Defending DUIs – Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2008 – National College for DUI Defense – Summer Session
2007 – Intensive WACDL Trial Practice Workshop
2006 – Defending DUIs – Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2005 – Defending DUIs – Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2005 – Essentials of Criminal Law Practice in Courts of Limited Jurisdiction
While in school, I worked as an intern in both the public defense and private defense arenas. After graduating, I began my career as a public defender for the city of Shoreline, handling over 100 cases a day at times. Now I own my own firm, practicing law the way it is meant to be practiced – with an eye towards detail, aggressive representation, and unsurpassed client satisfaction. I created my firm to be a different kind of law firm. The kind you have been looking for.
Our office’s mission is to embody excellence, experience, empathy, and enthusiasm in everything we do.
We strive to provide the highest quality legal representation for individuals charged with DUI and DUI related offenses, Domestic Violence, other minor criminal traffic offenses, and all areas of criminal law in general. I am one of the highest rated criminal defense attorneys in the Lynnwood, Bothell, and Snohomish County areas on the independent AVVO rating scale. I am one of the highest rated DUI and Domestic Violence defense attorneys in the same areas. I have been asked to sit as a judge pro-tem in some of the courts in Snohomish County.
I have emphasized criminal and DUI defense since the start of my career as a lawyer. I’ve never done anything else. I have worked as a public defense attorney, managing caseloads over 300 cases at any one time, and as a private attorney, focusing my skills and craft on creating the best possible defense in every case. I continue to learn and refine my legal skills by being a member of local and national organizations that support DUI and criminal defense attorneys with membership and continuing legal education. I have even given presentations about DUI law to local chemical dependancy treatment providers, and written a published legal guide on finding the right defense attorney for your case. Most recently I have graduated from the same NHTSA certification course the police officers go through.
Being charged with any criminal charge is one of the most stressful and upsetting things a person can go through. I take special pride in knowing each of my clients needs and goals for their case. I work hard to do as much of the worrying for you as possible, so you can worry about the things you normally do, resting assured that your case is in the hands of someone who not only knows how to help you, but cares enough about you to want to help you as well. I will remain in close contact with you, protect your privacy, and keep you informed about every aspect of your case, so you don’t have to worry about whether or not you’re being taken care of.
In addition to working hard to get you the results you want on any criminal case, I am known throughout the legal community for not only my legal skill, but my love of the field and profession. I truly enjoy practicing criminal and DUI defense, and this enjoyment shines through in every aspect of my representation of you as his client.
But don’t take my word for it – here’s what some of my clients have had to say about us. Click here to read testimonials.
My colleagues in court have been equally giving with their praise of my work.
Jennifer Stewart (Kent, Attorney): “Jonathan has a tremendous reputation as an excellent criminal defensive lawyer. I very much recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation.”
Thomas Cunnane (Everett, Attorney): “I attended a nine-week trial practice workshop with Jonathan and he used a real-life scenario during the workshop and the real-life scenario was so well practiced and tested it ended in a hung jury. His client was then offered a sweet deal by the prosecutor rather than being retried.”
Mark Blair (Seattle, Attorney): “I have had many opportunities to observe Jonathan at work in the courtroom. I find him to be the consummate advocate for his clients; well versed in the law; highly articulate and extremely intelligent. I endorse this lawyer’s work.”
Mark Schnurle (Brier, Attorney): “I endorse this lawyer’s work. Jonathan is a hard-working, ethical, intelligent attorney who puts himself available for his clients 24 hours a day. He receives more client loyalty, trust, and affection than any attorney I have ever met. He is always focused on getting the best possible results for his clients, and he is 100% committed to whatever it takes to get those results.”
Lance Fryrear (Lynnwood, Attorney): “I endorse this lawyer’s work. Jonathan is extremely skilled at complex litigation and is unafraid to take on any battle. I would choose Jonathan without hesitation if I was facing a major or minor charge, but especially complex felonies.”
Aaron Pelley (Seattle, Attorney): “Jonathan is a top-notch criminal defense attorney. He has strong knowledge of the law and sharp judgment to resolve difficult matters. Jonathan is not afraid to take tough cases and does not shy away from trial. I would recommend Jonathan without exception.”
Scott Stewart (Kent, Attorney, Municipal Court Judge): “Jonathan Dichter is a top quality attorney who aggressively represents his clients, leaving no stone unturned. Jonathan is a natural performer, 100% at ease in the courtroom. He is also a great guy.”
Lance Miyatovich (Seattle, Attorney): “Jonathan is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. His reputatuion for excellance continues to grow. He was born to defend DUI and DV cases. You can rest assured if Jonathan is defending you or your loved ones you are in very capable hands. His passion and preparation on all of his cases is very well known.”
Jonathan Dichter, Criminal Defense Attorney
Born in Brooklyn, NY, I moved with my family to Ohio where I focused my studies on the American Judicial System. I graduated in December of 1999 with a political science degree from the University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio. While preparing for law school, I spent my evenings honing my speaking skills as a professional stand-up comedian. I was fortunate enough to work with such well known comics as Jeff Dunham, Lisa Lampinelli and Bobcat Goldthwaite. I moved to Seattle in May 2000, and began the summer session at Seattle University School of Law. I quickly found an aptitude for argument and a love of criminal law, so I focused my studies in that direction. I quickly became well-known throughout the law school by first becoming vice-president, then president, of the American Bar Association chapter on campus, and increasing membership to levels that consistently earned me regional awards for service to the Bar. I graduated in 2003 with honors.
In my spare time, I enjoy teaching at a local Sunday School, singing at local karaoke bars, running in half marathons, reading, playing poker with friends, spending time with my beautiful wife, Amber, our cat, Samwise, and our wonderful daughter, Elizabeth.
Amber Dichter, Office Manager
Amber Dichter is a native Washingtonian and University of Washington graduate who started her career as an environmental scientist and project manager for a downtown Seattle research firm. She married me in 2006, and is thrilled to be working with me as my office manager. She is always ready with a kind a courteous word for our clients, and will help you manage your client account with ease and professionalism.
My various publications include answers to Avvo questions and a legal guide for Avvo:
