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David Christopher Mason
About David
Biography
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
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
35 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 34 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Licensed in Missouri for 42 years
State: Missouri
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Location
Phone
2200 112th Ave NE #120, Bellevue, WA, 98004-2951
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David Christopher Mason's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
14 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Communication Style
Posted by Cristy | January 27, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes
A lawyer anyone would be lucky to have
With our first encounter we felt comfortable with Atty Madon right await. He is a very good listener and guided us all the way. He is very precise and direct to the options we had for our case. He exertec all the best that he can to have fair trial. We were very lucky to have him represent us in our ...
Posted by anonymous | January 10, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Western State
I had a very complex situation and a very difficult one. This challenge included temporary mental health issues, procedures in both criminal court and Western State Hospital and a family that was divided and distraught over how to best deal with the situation. David helped me through every step, too...
Posted by John | August 28, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Details Matter
I had a extremely challenging situation involving alcohol and an automobile. I blew a point 82 which earned me the right to spend a night in jail with the potential for all kinds of other problems. Long story short, Dave was able to get a sure DUI down to Negligence because he found a minor technic...
David Christopher Mason's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"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."
"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."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
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Experience
Honors
2015
Level 8 Legal Contributor, AVVO
2007
Trial Skills Certificate, King County Bar Association
2005
Effective Use of Expert Witnesses in Domestic Violence Cert, State Bar Association
1989
Law School Academic Scholarship, Southwestern University School of Law
1986
Cum Laude, UCLA
1986
Dean's List Grade Average, University of California
1985
Dean's Academic Honors List, University of California
1984
Dean's Honor List, UCLA
1983
Dean's Honor List, University of California, Los Angeles
1982
Chancellor's Academic Scholarship, UCLA
Work Experience
2001 - Present
, Law Firm of David C. Mason
2007 - 2008
Legal Instructor Criminal Procedure, University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing
2007 - 2008
Legal Instructor Evidence, University of Washington, Graduate School of Nursing
1998 - 2001
Criminal Defense Attorney Felony & Misdemeanor, N. Law Firm
1995 - 1998
Legal Trainer, City of Seattle Prosecutor's Office
1994 - 1996
, Seattle Law Department High Impact Offender Program Unit Head
1994 - 1996
Legal Supervisor High Impact Offender Unit, Seattle Law Department
1991 - 1998
Prosecutor, Seattle Law Department
Associations
2002 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyersmember
1991 - Present
Washington State Bar Associationmember
1991 - Present
Southwestern Law School Alumni AssociationMember
1982 - Present
UCLA Alumni AssociationMember
1991 - 1998
Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneysmember
Sample of Legal Cases
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
Education
2008
University of Washington
Legal Instructor Evidence
2008
University of Washington
Legal Instructor Criminal Procedure
2007
University of Washington
Legal Instructor Evidence
2007
University of Washington
Legal Instructor Criminal Procedure
2006
Crown Counsel BC Regina v. Eric Walsh
Expert Witness
2006
Crown Counsel Vancouver BC - Murder
Expert Witness
1997
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission
Legal Instructor
1991
Southwestern Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1986
University of California - Los Angeles
ENGLISH
Speaking Engagements
2009
University of Washington Graduate School of Nursing
The Rules of Evidence
2008
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
2007
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
2006
Expert Consultation on Washington and American Evidence and Criminal Procedure
Crown Counsel Vancouver BC - Murder
1997
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
1996
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Center
Domestic Violence & Criminal Investigation Techniques for Law Enforcement
1995
Washington Association of Prosecuting Attorneys
Public Records Access
1995
WAPA Conference
Self Defense
1995
Seattle City Council
High Impact Offender Program Presentation
Publications
2011
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
2010
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
2006
Washington Appellate CaseLaw (Trial Counsel)
Kim V. Dean, 135 P.3d 978, 133 Wn.App 338 (2006)
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will a misdemeanor for retail theft only affect retail related jobs or EVERY job?
27 Jan 2015
Q&A
I was caught shoplifting at a local store. No police were involved. Will this go on my background if no police were involved?
24 Jan 2015
Q&A
How can a mechanic be charged with grand theft if the customer refused to pick the property up for 8 months?
24 Jan 2015