Free Consultation
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Dan is dedicated to providing his clients with top-tier legal representation when facing criminal charges. As a seasoned trial attorney, he has handled everything from DUIIs to serious felony cases, including Measure 11 offenses. His approach is simple but effective—he listens carefully to his clients, meticulously examines the evidence, and crafts a defense strategy aimed at achieving the best possible outcome. Whether pursuing a case dismissal, negotiating a plea deal, or taking a case to trial, Dan is committed to guiding his clients through the legal process with skill and determination.
A Career Built in the Courtroom
For more than three years, Dan has worked in criminal defense, representing clients across a broad spectrum of cases, from misdemeanors to major felonies, including homicide. Before that, he prosecuted cases as a Deputy District Attorney for Marion County in Salem, Oregon, where he handled property crimes, drug offenses, DUIIs, and Measure 11 person crimes. His legal career began in family law, where he worked on divorce, custody, and child support cases before clerking for a Superior Court Judge in Anchorage, Alaska. He was admitted to the Alaska Bar in 2017 and the Oregon Bar in 2019.
Education & Professional Involvement
Dan earned his undergraduate degree in Political Science from Whitworth University in Spokane, Washington, where he also played college baseball. He went on to obtain his law degree from Willamette University College of Law, where he was actively involved in legal scholarship. He served as Editor-in-Chief for Willamette Law Online, worked as an editor for the Willamette Journal of International Law and Dispute Resolution, and was a Moot Court competitor. He is a member of the Marion & Deschutes County Bar Associations and the Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyer Association (OCDLA).
Beyond the Courtroom
When he’s not advocating for his clients, Dan enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and pursuing his favorite outdoor activities, including hiking, golfing, hunting, and fishing. A devoted Seattle Seahawks and Mariners fan, he also enjoys discussing the intersection of sports and law—a passion that has inspired him to launch a podcast covering everything from professional sports to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Dan’s diverse legal experience, trial expertise, and commitment to justice make him a relentless advocate for his clients, no matter the charges they face.
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Practice Area
9 years
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: Oregon
Acquired: 2019
No misconduct found
State: Alaska
Acquired: 2017
No misconduct found
2838 NW Crossing Drive, Suite 220, Bend, OR, 97703
46 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Compassion
Posted by anonymous | February 05, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Outstanding Legal Representation
Dan was incredibly helpful in guiding me through my case and explaining the laws that applied to my situation in a clear, practical way. He is knowledgeable, professional, and easy to talk to, which made a stressful process much more manageable. Throughout the entire process, Dan was supportive, r...
Posted by Stephen | January 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
I couldn't be more pleased or satisfied with Dan and Kerri's help and the resolution of my case
I had the pleasure of working with Dan Olsen and his paralegal Kerri Baker to resolve my case. Throughout the entire process, which was a stressful and uncertain one for me, I found confidence and always felt reassured by the professionalism, knowledge, resourcefulness, diligence, thoroughness, respo...
Posted by anonymous | September 15, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Prompt, Precision to Details, Professional
I was so fortunate to have retained the team of Daniel and Gretchen at Baxter Harder, for my legal services. Daniel and Gretchen are a highly qualified professional team. Their attention to detail, expertise knowledge of the law, and intuitive direction, were advantageous to the outcome of my case. T...
Posted by anonymous | August 14, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Recommend
Both Dan and his paralegal, Gretchen, were great with email communication and helped me understand everything going on with my case. In what was a difficult time for me, they made the whole process very smooth and were easy to talk to whenever we spoke. I’m satisfied with the outcome of my case and t...
Posted by anonymous | April 06, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Thank you so much
Wow, I cannot say enough about this firm and Daniel, he was amazing. Helped my family through a difficult situation, explained the complicated court system and broke it down so it was easy to understand. He made a scary situation seem like there was light at the end of the tunnel. His experience i...
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2026
Client's Choice, Avvo
2025
Client's Choice, Avvo
2024
Client's Choice, Avvo
2023
Client's Choice, Avvo
2022
Client's Choice, Avvo
2021
Recognition of Contribution to Oregon Municipalities, Oregon City Attorneys Association
2025 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Gilroy Napoli Short Law Group
2024 - 2025
Attorney, Donahue Law Firm
2022 - 2024
Associate Attorney, Baxter Harder, LLC
2019 - 2022
Deputy District Attorney, Marion County DA Office
2018 - 2019
Law Clerk to Judge Gregory Miller, Alaska Court System
2017 - 2018
Associate Attorney, Law Office of Ian Wheeles
2022 - Present
Deschutes County Bar AssociationMember
2019 - Present
Marion County Bar AssociationMember
2019 - Present
Willamette University College of LawAttorney-Student Mentor Program
Member
2017
JD - Juris Doctor
2014
Political Science
English