25 years in Criminal Law, Legal Scholarship, Supervising Prosecutor in Seattle, Legal Instructor at the University of Washington, Expert Witness on American and Washington Law in a Canadian Murder Trial.
I grew up in the Los Angeles Basin, went to UCLA as an undergraduate on academic scholarship, majored in english literature, and graduated with academic honors. I attended The Southwestern School of Law on academic scholarship and attended the "SCALE" Program, an accelerated method which completes law school in less than two years in lieu of the standard three.
I moved to Seattle in 1991 and worked as an intern at the Seattle City Prosecutor's Office and was hired as a prosecutor that year. I rose into management and helped develop the "High Impact Offender Program," a specialized unit that focused on high profile and high volume individuals in the criminal justice system. Over my eight years at the prosecutor's office, I was able to research, investigate, and prosecute a wide variety of criminal activity. I also trained prosecutors, paralegals, and law enfocement officers in investigation and evidence gathering, trial practice, the rules of evidence, and other disciplines related to criminal litigation. Throughout the HIOP Program, I gave presentations to City Council, other elected officials, and worked with groups of judges. I also sat on city roundtables to discuss economic and program impact. Throughout, I was also able to get a unique inside look into the political and economic workings that, more than evidence and law, can drive a prosecutor's office to make case decisions.
I have now had my own private law practice for over a decade and focus exclusively on criminal defense. I have taught criminal Procedure and the Rules of Evidence at the University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing. I enjoy the academic challenge of law and continue to find that good criminal defense work takes many of the same elements that came from the prosecutors office without all the political wardrobe - good investigation, good skepticism, an excellent command of the evidence and legal rules, finding and prosecuting the true wrongdoer, and a good amount of imagination.
I have also come to know that the most important element in any client relationship is, once again, the same thing that drives my success with any prosecutor or judge - trust and respect.
Practice areas
My entire practice is devoted to criminal law. The other areas are examples and subsections however my experience covers almost every crime from murder down to small traffic violations. I have also prosecuted many of these crimes in my earlier career and trained others in their investigation and litigation methods. Thus the "percentages" vary.
30 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1991 | 02/24/2021 |
MO | Good Standing, Active | 1983 | 11/20/2020 |
Legal answers | 94 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Level 8 Legal Contributor | AVVO | 2015 |
Trial Skills Certificate | King County Bar Association | 2007 |
Effective Use of Expert Witnesses in Domestic Violence Cert | State Bar Association | 2005 |
Law School Academic Scholarship | Southwestern University School of Law | 1989 |
Cum Laude | UCLA | 1986 |
Dean's List Grade Average | University of California | 1986 |
---|---|---|
Dean's Academic Honors List | University of California | 1985 |
Dean's Honor List | UCLA | 1984 |
Dean's Honor List | University of California, Los Angeles | 1983 |
Chancellor's Academic Scholarship | UCLA | 1982 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Law Firm of David C. Mason | 2001 - Present | |
Legal Instructor Criminal Procedure | University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing | 2007 - 2008 |
Legal Instructor Evidence | University of Washington, Graduate School of Nursing | 2007 - 2008 |
Criminal Defense Attorney Felony & Misdemeanor | N. Law Firm | 1998 - 2001 |
Legal Trainer | City of Seattle Prosecutor's Office | 1995 - 1998 |
Seattle Law Department High Impact Offender Program Unit Head | 1994 - 1996 | |
Legal Supervisor High Impact Offender Unit | Seattle Law Department | 1994 - 1996 |
Prosecutor | Seattle Law Department | 1991 - 1998 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | member | 2002 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | member | 1991 - Present |
Southwestern Law School Alumni Association | Member | 1991 - Present |
UCLA Alumni Association | Member | 1982 - Present |
Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys | member | 1991 - 1998 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Kiro MyNorthwest | Bike Club President Suspect in Trooper Crash | 2011 |
MyNorthwest.com / Kiro Radio | Prosecutors: No Evidence Suspects Taunted Trooper | 2011 |
Seattle Times | Charges Dropped in Trooper Taunting Case | 2011 |
King Five News | 911 Callers Witness Reckless Driving But No Taunting | 2010 |
King Five | Motorcyclist Taunt Pursuing Trooper | 2010 |
King Five News | Trooper Says Speeding Bikers Taunted Him | 2010 |
---|---|---|
MyNorthwest | Acused Biker Caught on Video | 2010 |
Seattle PI | Three Bikers Charged in Trooper's Crash | 2010 |
Washington Appellate CaseLaw (Trial Counsel) | Kim V. Dean, 135 P.3d 978, 133 Wn.App 338 (2006) | 2006 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Washington | Legal Instructor Evidence | 2008 |
University of Washington | Legal Instructor Criminal Procedure | 2008 |
University of Washington | Legal Instructor Evidence | 2007 |
University of Washington | Legal Instructor Criminal Procedure | 2007 |
Crown Counsel BC Regina v. Eric Walsh | Expert Witness | 2006 |
Crown Counsel Vancouver BC - Murder | Expert Witness | 2006 |
---|---|---|
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission | Legal Instructor | 1997 |
Southwestern Law School | JD - Juris Doctor | 1991 |
University of California - Los Angeles | ENGLISH | 1986 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing | The Rules of Evidence | 2009 |
University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing | Criminal Procedure | 2008 |
University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing | Evidence | 2008 |
Legal Instructor University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing | Criminal Procedure | 2008 |
University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing | Legal Instructor Criminal Procedure | 2007 |
University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing | Legal Instructor Rules of Evidence | 2007 |
---|---|---|
Expert Witness on American and Washington Evidence and Criminal Procedure | Crown Counsel BC Regina v. Eric Walsh | 2007 |
Expert Consultation on Washington and American Evidence and Criminal Procedure | Crown Counsel Vancouver BC - Murder | 2006 |
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center | Domestic Violence & Criminal Investigation Techniques for Law Enforcement | 1997 |
Statewide Domestic Violence Conference | DV Prosecution for Prosecutors, Advocates, Law Enforcement | 1997 |
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center | Domestic Violence & Criminal Investigation Techniques for Law Enforcement | 1996 |
Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys | Public Records Access | 1995 |
WAPA Conference | Self Defense | 1995 |
Seattle City Council | High Impact Offender Program Presentation | 1995 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
High Profile Reckless Driving | Case Reduced And Driver's License Saved |
Felony Attempt to Elude a Police Officer | Case Dismissed by Prosecutor! |
Felony Attempt to Elude | Case Dismissed by Prosecutor |
City of Seattle v. Ceferino Fernandez 59693-4-I | Legal error corrected but appeal denied on other grounds |
Crown Counsel BC Regina v. Eric Walsh | Plea Bargain |
Kim V. Dean, 135 P.3d 978, 133 Wn.App 338 (2006) | Trial Court and Judgment Reversed |
---|---|
Assault of a Child Second Degree | Hung Jury - Resolved with Lesser Plea Bargain |
State of Washington v. Christopher R. Romans 90026-4 | Pending |
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Julie Gaisford, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 23, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with David on a consulting basis and have hired him to write legal briefs. He has superior writing and editing skills. He also has analytical skills that produce great results for his clients.
Kim Hunter, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 29, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Dave has a knowledge of the law and the court system that is unsurpassed. His creativity and professionalism in working with clients is superb. !! Here receives my highest endorsement.
Peter Marek, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 24, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse David. 23 years of practicing criminal law is extremely experienced. He has a huge advantage over most defense attorneys having been a prosecutor for 7 years. They know that he knows what they know. His knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions. If you want the right result do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation with him first.
Barry Rose, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2015
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I endorse this lawyer. David is knowledgeable and experienced. I have referred my family law clients to him and he has always been responsive, competent and effective. David is also a very friendly and approachable fellow. Barry Rose
Shawn Crowley, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Dave Mason is a hard working, highly competent attorney. His experience as a prosecutor gives him valuable insight about how to best represent his clients. I endorse him without reservation.
Vito De La Cruz, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have been practicing law for almost 30 years both in criminal defense and most recently as a personal injury attorney. When it comes to defending folks accused of crime, tough, aggressive criminal defense attorneys are few and far between. There are those who talk tough and those that roll their sleeves up and get deep into their cases; those that talk about trials and those that actually go to trial to defend a client tooth and nail. Dave Mason is a trial lawyer who works exceptionally hard for his clients. He approaches cases with a skill set honed in the trenches trying cases of all kinds and seriousness, powered by a highly analytical, inquisitive mind. Dave Mason is one of those attorneys to whom I would turn if I ever found myself in need of a tough, aggressive, thorough criminal defense. I endorse David Mason without qualification.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 11, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Lloyd Edwards, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 3, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Mason has long been an inspiration to me with his encyclopedic knowledge of court rules and case law. His extensive experience as a prosecutor and many years of criminal defense work have enabled him to rise above the pack.
Lennard Nahajski, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 26, 2013
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
My first experience with Mr. Mason was when he worked as a prosecutor. It was his knowledge and professionalism that impressed us, and we were happy to have him join our firm. Mr. Mason is one of the most creative and tenacious lawyers I have worked with. Even after leaving our firm, his hard work and legal knowledge continue to make him an extremely effective attorney.
Kirk Davis, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 20, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker
I got to know David when we worked together as prosecutors in Seattle. He was known in the office as a workhorse. David was also known for his wry wit and his ability to make people comfortable even in the most trying times. I highly recommend David for creative and compassionate defense.
Joseph Pendergast, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 5, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Dave since he was a prosecutor for the City of Seattle. He is an intelligent, hard working, and well respected attorney in the community. I have referred him several clients over the years and they have all been very impressed with his work. He is always looking after his client's best interest. I highly recommend him.
Eric Schurman, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 12, 2007
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Mr. Mason professionally for many years as both a prosecutor and fellow defense attorney. We have worked together as co-counsel as well as legal adversaries, and he has a proven record as a very effective legal advocate. His keen intellect and tireless work ethic set him from others in his field of practice. I have the utmost respect for his judgment and skill. I endorse this lawyer's work.