Barbara Ann Bowden’s Reviews

A few people had referred me to Barbara since they had good results with her in the past. I also heard that Barbara was a pit bull when it came to DUI's. It was the first time I had ever gotten in trouble and decide to hire thinking I would be in good hands. I was wrong. First court date she was an half and hour late. She didn't even talk with me before I went in front of the judge. The public defender talked with me more than she did. 2nd court date, she pleaded me out to reckless. Didn't discuss it with me, had the paperwork signed. I did agree to it, but what else was I to do when she had already told me that this is THE ONLY thing I could get. She also had 3 other clients, the same time and day, same courtroom so she barely had time to spend talking. She also left us with her associate since she had another client in the courtroom next to mine that she had to take care of. DOL WAS A JOKE. First time I met with her she stated she would take pictures of where I got pulled over, she wanted me to highlight the police report and put what I felt happen. I ENDED UP TAKING THE PICTURES, TRYING TO CONTACT MY WITNESS because she did not contacted the witness until the day before the hearing, and she didn't even read what I had highlighted. She was on her FACEBOOK during the DOL hearing and yawning the whole time while talking with the attorney general. She even forgot that she had pleaded me out a week ago to reckless. I end up losing and received a blower for a year even though I had blown 2 times for the officer. I now have to finish paying Barbara for a job she didn't do. NEVER GO TO HER! She is overbooked and doesn't care about you or what the end result is. I also let the people who referred her to me and anyone I come across know had bad she was and not only myself, but the people who now know will never refer her again.

My family hired her firm for two traffic non-criminal cases, and one traffic criminal case. Each time we received excellent results. When a bogus non-traffic criminal case came up in the midst of it all she referred us to criminal defense attorney, Mike Franz for advice, and Corey Wood, Wood Law, Burien, for assistance in getting the case dismissed. She also spent time trying to help us with the case even though she wasn't required to. If it wasn't for her help we might not have been able to prove innocence so easily and without a big legal defense bill. We highly recommend her especially for any traffic defense case in Lakewood court which is an extremely difficult court to deal with. I would not hesitate to hire her firm again in the future. The only negative mark on my son's driving record is driving with defective equipment, and expired license tabs. It could have been much worse but she saved him! We are so grateful.

This firm handled a traffic ticket for my 18 year old son. They were great! Not only did his ticket stay off his record but they called me before court and after court to keep me informed. I would highly recommend this firm as they also have also helped my boss fight tickets 3 times and won!

After more than a year being dragged through the system by a so-called "top-rated" DUI attorney in Tacoma I was facing the worse possible penalties for the DUI infraction. Stating that there was nothing else he could do for me because the city attorney would not negotiate on my case I felt hopeless.
One month before I was to be sentenced I fired my attorney and hired Barbara Bowden. She not only negotiated for a lesser charge but did this at my pre-trial hearing. Barbara is a focused professional that truly is an advocate for her clients.

I recieved my first dui back in April. It was very scary and I was unsure of what to do. I was told about Barbara and am so thankful I chose her as my attorney. She made what should have been a very overwhelming experience a smooth one. She worked wonders for me and I will forever be thankful for her expertise as a lawyer.

I have used Barbara Bowden for years when I get speeding tickets. I drive almost 50,000 miles annually and I got three in 2012. She has never failed to get them dismissed! Recently, my teenage daughter received her first speeding ticket. Of course I referred her to Barbara and her very capable paralegal, Lyuda, who handles many of Barbara's traffic ticket cases. I made one phone call, mailed the ticket and a check to Barbara's office, (the fee is reasonable), and that's it! Again as usual, after the court date for which we did not have to appear, we received a very courteous letter "congratulating us" on the fact that the court has found my daughter not guilty of the cited infraction. Barbara Bowden is the best attorney I know. I hope I never need her for anything more serious than a simple traffic ticket but I know I can count on her. She comes highly recommended by the members of my family, all of whom have needed her services at one time or another.

Barbara bowden recently represented me for my first dui. She was very professional and informative. Coached me through everything. My charges were dropped to neglegent driving in the 1st degree and I even won my dol hearing so I didn't lose my license. I highly recommend her.

Barbara Bowden is the best DUI lawyer in the Tacoma, WA. She's very friendly and very knowledge about criminal laws. She got me off the DUI charge within a couple weeks. Her fee charge is very affordable. If you have DUI, DOL licensing problems and traffic tickets... she can help you!!!

I had alot of trouble getting my lisense, I didnt know what to do, I had a couple friends who used Barbara and her staff to represent them. They were refferred to her by there friends. After dealing with her office they were so impressed and happy with how much help they recieved and how much knowledge Barbara and her office had, that they refferred her to me. I must say I was impressed with how easy things went, I now have my lisense and I know if I hadnt talked toBarbara, Id still be lost. I highly recommend everyone to talk to Barbara and her staff if they need legal advise or help.

Barbara helped me win my first citation ever. It was a DUI and I was pretty embarrassed and afraid. By the time it was all overwith, my charges were dropped to wreckless driving with no loss of driving privileges. Barbara and her staff were knowledgeable and friendly. I have no regrets in their representation of my rights and the manner in which my case was resolved. I recommend Barbara Bowden as the best DUI attorney in the area. Respectfully PKM

Barbara and all of her staff were amazing! They were all knowledgable and extremely friendly! I was originally charged with a DUI and it was dropped to Neg 1 and had no license suspension! I would recommened her to anyone!

I fired two lawyers before I found barbara and Im glad I did. The only thing that I did'nt like was how long the case dragged on for but that was not her fault. I was charged with Two Dui's in one night, so I needed the best representation out there. Barbara is not intimidated by anyone. She tried every motion and looked into every nook and cranny to find a way to save me from going to Jail. Anyhow the result was as good as it could be, Not only did I not go to Jail but she managed to get me defferred prosecution on both cases, very unheard of but it does happen rarely. Then while serving out my sentence she also got the court to drop my mandatory AA meetings which was very difficult to do seeing how the judge didnt want to do it because the treatment program didnt want to sign off on it. But she did it! with lots of creative terminology.Soo if you find yourself in a similiar predictiment then I strongly suggest that you seriously consider hiring Barbara to come to your rescue. Thanks again Barbara. One last thing..She charges you a very fair rate and sometimes she wouldnt charge me at all, she would say something like" this ones on me" I love this lady. Shes got your back and she loves doing it.

I was ticketed by a police officer in Lakewood, WA for running a red light. I decided to fight this ticket and took it to Barbara. Barbara took my case as she was very confident that we could win in court. 4 court dates and almost a year later, Barbara was able to go around the prosecutor and got the court to reduce my ticket to a non-moving violation. I never had to show up in court because Barbara always sent one of her representatives. She kept my driving record clean and my car insurance will not be affected. Barbara fights hard for her clients and I highly recommend her services.

Barbara was above all professional...always there to take care of me no matter the problem. If you are in any kind of trouble call Barbara.

I was facing 4 DUI's and had hired an attorney but wasn't getting the results I wanted so I went to a Saturday morning appointment and met Barbara. My girlfriend and I liked her immediately. She was down to earth and honest with us and also made us feel more at ease than we had felt in a long time! We had multiple court dates and either she or a representative were always there to take care of everything. Once it was even settled prior to us getting there. When I was unexpectedly put in jail she loaned us some of the retainer money to bail me out. It is pleasant working with someone under these circumstances that is a very caring down to earth person. The office staff was always helpful for our many questions too! She always told me what she thought was going to happen and was always right on the money! I have and will continue to refer every one I know or meet under similar circumstances to the law offices of Barbra Bowden!! Barbra changed and saved my life!

Barbara is the BEST!!! I have used Barb on previous DUI cases (3) and have not lost yet! She is the best at what she does! Just won my hearing less then 10 minutes ago and couldn't wait to tell EVERYONE!

As a Mom with a child in trouble and thinks he can do it on his own needa help resolving legal issues. The court system can sure run you around especially when you have no clue of your rights. I had wished we had retained Barbara Bowden to begin with and would had saved alot of time, money and heartache.

Barbara, with the help of attorney Steve Crawford, got my DUI and speeding ticket dismissed. Both attorneys presented the lack of evidence and the case was dismissed at arraignment. In these cases attorneys like Barbara and Steve are necessary in our complicated law system.

Very thankful to have found Barbara to help me out in a most difficult situation. She provided excellent service and was extremely helpful. Barbara and her staff are all very friendly and provided excellent customer service. Would definitely recommend her to anyone who may find they need an attorney.

Best recommendation I've ever been given. Barbara is amazing, REALLY knows her stuff, and is surrounded by colleagues and staff that work together to make the experience as painless as possible. They've been available every time I had a question, and Lesle is absolutely worth her weight in gold. Also amazingly affordable- I feel very fortunate to have found them.

Got my first DUI and was very stressed. My friend referred me to Barbara, and very glad I went to her. She assured me everything would be ok. Not something you want to go through but everything went very smoothly. I blew .166 and she got it dropped to a Neg 1, I also won my DOL hearing, so no interlock device. Was very pleased with my outcome.

Barbara Bowden did an unbelievable job for me on my DUI case. This was my first incident and my BAC was above 0.20. Barbara explained the situation with professionalism and compassion. She explained the potential outcomes of the case, for both the criminal and civil (Department of Licensing) portions. She then proceeded to explain issues regarding my case that could result in significant reduction in charges. Together, we put together a schedule of events for me to complete prior to the criminal proceedings. We emailed regularly and Barbara responded within 24 hours to my questions or concerns. Needless to say, Barbara and her staff were able to get my criminal charges reduced to neglient driving. On the civil side, she was able to get the entire case dismissed due to the police not have due cause to pull me over. Barbara was referrred to me by one of my friends in the King County Sheriff's department. It turns out that Barbara and her staff represent many law enforcement officers for supected DUI, most with favorable results. My case definitely turned out favorable. If you need a lawyer for suspected DUI, Barbara Bowden and her staff should be on the top of your list. If law enforcement officiers use her, you should too. I am glad I did. Thanks Barbara!!

I spoke with 3 different law firms for my representation. Barbars's fees were not the lowest, but also not the highest. They were within $200 of the lowest and less than $800 below the highest. I would have paid double if Barbara could have promised me that the outcome of my case would be so positive. ,

Last July I was pulled over by the WSP because I was not wearing a helmut. One thing led to another and I was arrested and taken to jail because the officer suspected that I had been drinking.
This was my second arrest in seven years for DUI. I was positive that I would lose my job, my drivers license, and then spend months in jail. As it turnd out, Ms. Bowden saved my life! I don't know how she did it, but she worked out a deal with the DOL, and I did not lose my license. And I did not go to jail!! Ms. Bowden is absolutely the very best attorney for DUI that money can buy!

I have used Barbara for various speeding tickets over the last couple of years and on all of them, she got them to go away. Most recently, I had a very bad run in with the law and she literally saved my character, employment opportunities and worked with me on the legal fees. She is a compassionate attorney - which is rare!

Barbara represented me an a recent DUI case in King County. My DUI was reduced to a Neg 1 and the DOL hearing case was thrown out, no Interlock and no loss of license. I believe Barbara cares about her clients and works very hard on each case. She is a straight shooter that will tell you how it is and what chances you may have. When talking with her she made me feel at ease , it was more like talking to a friend than a lawyer. She is very good at what she does and knows all the right people's in the right places. If you are seeking a attorney look no further Barbra Bowden is the real deal..

I'm a straight up law abiding type who rarely needs a lawyer for anything. In fact, I've talked my way out of just about every ticket I've ever gotten stopped for, until this last one. After reading many of these reviews I realize that for an average guy with a semi clean record, securing a positive outcome for a traffic infraction is childs play for an attorney of Barbara Bowden's caliber. I contacted her after hearing a strong recommendation and she made my trouble disappear... end of story. So when your silver tongue doesn't manage to get you out of trouble, remember: "It's not what you know, but who you know" that makes life better. Deal with an expert!
Try her, you'll be glad you did

i am a business owner that has struggled with the d.o.l. for years and barbara performed everything she promised in 30 days. now i'm legal finally. i would highly recommend barbara and her team. to be honest, every other lawyer was a waste of time.

I was raising my two kids by myself and occasionally went out and drank with co-workers. On more than one occasion in less than two months I had gotten two DUI's. The first she knocked off, and the second got dropped to a lesser charge. Was required to attend some classes and a couple of other things. I finished and after that second one I quit drinking. Because I love my Job and if I ever loose my CDL i would be unemployed. Thank you Barbara you have been a great attorney. Be blessed...

I interviewed 6-8 attorneys to represent me in a difficult case. It was critical for me to prevail in my upcoming DOL hearing because I have a job dependent CDL. Again and again Barbara Bowdens name came up as someone I should interview. I met Barbara in her office and was ultimately impressed enough with her knowledge, industry relationships and optimistic, but no-bull mannerism to hire her. It turned out to be the best decision I could have made.
Barbara did not make any promises, but she showed me some very impressive stats. of client case results. When we went to court it was also clear that she was very well known and liked by the Judges and the prosecutors. Everyone seem to know her including court staff. This put me at ease during both court appearances. It was obvious Barbara had the respect of the court coupled with a considerable amount of knowledge and experience in this specialized field.This resulted in her being able to get a suppresion order which saved my CDL and my job. I plead to a gross misdomeanor and am extremely grateful to Barbara and her staff for their patience with me during this situation. Barbara Bowden is a gem and I am blessed to have hired her. Thank you again Barbara Bowden.

Barbara represented me an a recent DUI case here in Pierce County. I had a very high BAC reading and a prior DUI related conviction. Barbara came highly recommended from a friend that used her in a previous DUI case. When I met her for my initial consultation I was totally impressed. She is a no-nonsense lawyer that tells it like it is. It was so refreshing not to hear the usual recited speeches I have heard from previous attorneys. From that initial meeting through the successful outcome (Negligent Driving), her and her staff did not disappoint. She was able to negotiate the reduced charge & suppress the high BAC reading which allowed me to keep my license & stay out of jail. If you are looking for a no-nonsense attorney that knows the law, how to navigate the legal system and is ready to fight for your rights, I would highly recommend her. Ken

AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED, BARBARA BOWDEN IS AN ABSOLUTE LEGAL GENIUS; SHE WAS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED TO ME BY A POLICE DETECTIVE AND "BOY AM I GLAD I GOT HER NAME FROM HIM." KUDDOS GALORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Last month I received a D.U.I and was faced with a possible license suspension and incarceration. Wasn't sure where to look for an attorney. I was referred to Barbara by a friend who had used her and highly recommended her. I literally had only one court appearance and the matter was resolved. The dui was dropped to a negligent driving and more importantly Barbara was able to get the breathalyzer test suppressed. No jail time and no license suspension. And she handled my DOL hearing as well. I don't think I could've asked for a better attorney! And everyone in her office is friendly and helpful. I don't think she does it for the money. I think she does it because this is what she is passionate about! Much Love to Barbara and the whole staff there!!!

I recieved a DUI Hit & Run on the first of the year. I didn't know where to turn. There are so many Lawyers , seems like alot of them just want your money. A friend told me about Barbara Bowden . I gave Barbara a call and met with her. I could tell right from the start that she knew her stuff. After a short period of time with Barbara and her staff I felt 100% better. They really care about you and how your doing with the whole situation. Let me tell you. sitting there in the court room can be really scary. As soon as I saw Barbara walk in the room it was like a breath of fresh air. I knew I was in the best DUI attoneys hands in Pierce County. My DUI will get reduced to a Reckless and the Hit and Run reduced to a Unattended. I had no jail time and no home monitoring. Just 80 hrs of community service. I feel that I really did well considering the charges . Then We had the DOL hearing Barbara won that . No interlock. If you need a great representation on a mistake that you have made, I would pick Barabara Bowden. She is really great.

My name is Trevor Rolfe. I live in Covington, WA, and have known Barbara since my unfortunate court begginings. She has done nothing less than secure me a future. She has worked multiple driving while suspended cases for me, multiple minor in possesions, multiple speeding tickets, ect. She is without a doubt the best lawyer in the greater king county area. She cares, if you care, about your situation.. For those reviews above me that talk of her inadept "worker bee's", I reply with this, Barbara is a very busy woman. This is because she is the best. When it actually matters, she will be there, and she will do everything she can to help you. I have recommended her to multiple multiple friends who have used her in everything from DUI cases to Assualts. Not a single one has complained. Get smart. Pick Barbara.

I completely respected the info and professionalism of the law firm and of course Barbare Bowden

Several years ago we found ourselves needing an attorney for a very complicated and strange case. Not knowing who to hire to represent us, I went to court and spent a day watching acouple dozen lawyers in action. It was really disheartening watching incompetent lawyer after incompetent lawyer losing cases for their clients. They were obviously bored, unprepared and some were so out of it, I wondered if they even knew who their clients were, and what they were supposed to be defending them for. After many hours of this, suddenly a case came up, and this gal bounded to the front of the courtroom and it was a Perry Mason moment. She was sharp, attractive, articulate, well prepared, enthusiastic, convincing and cordial. The judge was a dope, and appeared to be ready to lower the boom on her client, but she fought like a tiger. She turned the whole situation around, everybody in the courtroom was suddenly awake and hanging on her every word. (I'm sure all the accused in the courtroom were wishing she was their attorney!) She finally wrestled victory out of the jaws of defeat and won. As she came back down the aisle, I and several other people asked for her business card. Am I glad I did!

We ended up hiring her, and she was fabulous. I can't recommend her highly enough. She is what every lawyer should be. When she steps in front of the judge, she is there to WIN. She does her homework and thoroughly prepares her cases.

Thank you Barbara, you're the greatest!

I used Barbara for a DUI case for a refusal. She did her due dilligence, studied the police reports, and then decided to take it to a jury trial. She was AMAZING... 1 plus years later the jury came back with a NOT GUILTY verdict. Barbara Bowden saved my life, my family and my job... She knows her stuff and has the staff to back her in a crunch.

I don't even know where to begin, I first hired Barb Bowden for my first DUI, she didn't show up to court, NEVER returned my call's and hustled me for my money. I then made the mistake of hiring her again for a diffrent matter and I only hired her because I was still on prob. for my Dui. Again NEVER returned my call's she NEVER showed up to court. It was some idiot who didn't even know about my case. DO NOT! Make the same mistake I did. She charged me 3grand and it was a big waste of money and she is all about money and getting as many clients as possible! Please take my advise people and find a REAL attorney.

Barbara Bowden is the best lawer ever. She is an amazing lady and has tremendous respect throughout King and Pierce county. I am 22 years old with 2 MIPS and 2 DUIS my second DUI was on a suspended license. I have served a mere 4 days in jail on all accounts and got my license back within 90 days after my 2nd DUI. I am fortunate to not be in jail thanks to Barb for the fact that i got caught smoking marijuana during my diferred and it was like it never happened. If your worried about your next court date, relief is just a phone call away to Barb and she'll fill you with outmost confidence, i love this lady she's also quite a character.

I have used Barb for 9 years now. She has won multiple DUI arrests, Drug Possesion Charges, Speeding tickets, Reckless Driving tickets to my satisfactory, along with an assault case that she normally wouldn't have taken on. I have referred her to many people who have been very happy with her outcome and professionalism. Her and her staff are the best around and are very understanding people.

Barbara is one of the worst attorneys is Washington State. She forgot who I was, didn't show for court and when she did she was always late. I hear her tell another attorney that you cannot make money by going to trial. Later she convinced me not go to trial because she believed I could not win. I wish I never took her advice. It will be a decision that I regret for the rest of my life. I have no good things to say about her other that she is a cheap inexpensive attorney. I would have been better off with a public defender.

Only actually saw her on 2 occasions, one was when she wanted my money. Most all times another lawyer I didnt know was there to represent me. I felt my case fell thru the cracks and no one really paid much attention to the details. Summons papers for the officer were not filed as they should have been, so I took a day off from work for nothing.If you want assemly line representation, this is the lawyer for you. If you want personal attention to details, find another lawyer.
I wish I had found someone who actually cared about my outcome and not just taking my money

Not only was Ms. Bowden attentive to my every need, but she really seemed to care about my best interests. I absolutely loved working with Ms. Bowden and would definitely recommend her.

I had one experience with Ms. Bowden . She did nothing for me except attend hearings and tell me to make a deal. That despite the fact that other lawyers for other defendants in the same court were challenging all kinds of issues,
May as well have plead guilty and saved the money

I have been a client and was also her office Landlord for over 10 years. She is the best in the area at DUI and demonstrates great concern for her clients and always does everything possible to look out for their best interest both in and out of court.