Howard Stanton Stein

PRO

Howard Stanton Stein

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 41 years

Personal injury Lawyer at Bellevue, WA
Practice Areas: Personal Injury, DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense ... +2 more

2840 Northup Way, Suite 140, Bellevue, WA

Free Consultation

About Howard

Biography

I have been a lawyer for 25 years. You can set an appointment and speak to me without charge.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 25%

42 years | 200 cases

25%
DUI and DWI 25%

I have been defending people charged with DUI and alcohol related offenses for over 25 years. I am successful because I work with my clients to develop a complete picture of the case and because I have a reputation for being prepared, aggresive and effective. I have also been a prosecutor and a Judge Pro Tempore so I am familiar with the courts and the prosecutors. Because I treat each new case as a unique situation I am constantly learning about new issues, approches and scientific concepts.

42 years | 500 cases

25%
Personal Injury 25%

I have sucessfully represented hundreds of individuals who have been seriously injured in automobile accidents, building collapses and assaults. I guide my clients through the process based on myexperience and common sense to help clients to obtain a full, fair and reasonable payment for their injuries. I am always available and our office provides easy checklists to make the process clear and simple. My clients know they have a knowlegable, hard working and tough advocate on their side.

42 years | 100 cases

25%
Administrative Law 15%

42 years | 50 cases

15%
Appeals 10%

My firm and I have handled hundreds of appeals. We have been involved in 6 cases before the Washington State Supreme Court since 1992 We have won 4 of our 6 Supreem court cases and established new law in the areas of Due Process, Diriver's License Suspension and DUI.

42 years | 50 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 75-350 per hour

Contingency

25%-40%


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2015 2012
...
+ 1

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 41 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1984

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Stein, Lotzkar & Starr, P.S.

2840 Northup Way, Suite 140, Bellevue, WA, 98004

slsps.com/private-cases

Seattle Consult Location

119 First Avenue So. Suite 320, Seattle, WA, 98104

slsps.com/private-cases

Online Presence

Other places you can find Howard online.

Howard Stanton Stein's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

33 Client Reviews

5 star (33)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Alyssa | July 17, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Highly Recommended

If you’re reading this, what you probably want to know is this: Mr. Stein got my arrest for DUI negotiated down to Negligent Driving with minimal fees and my license suspension completely dropped. He worked hard to make sure no stone was left unturned and that we used every advantage we could find. ... But more importantly, Howard was kind, empathetic, and a true pleasure to be represented by during one of the worst times in my life. He immediately set all of concerns and fears at ease, provided me with information and education, and it was always a genuine joy to talk to him at every meeting. I appreciated his concern for my mental wellbeing throughout. I felt heard and seen and never made to feel small or stupid. I would recommend hiring Howard without hesitation.

Posted by Dean | December 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A great lawyer and an honorable man

I've had the pleasure (or displeasure depending on how you look at it) for over 20 years. I had a pretty serious drinking problem and wracked up several DUI's because of it. Howard got me out of two DMV license suspensions for refusing to take a breathalyzer test (which is completely unheard of). ... On my most recent one, the prosecutor wanted my head on a pike and we were forced to go to trial. We lost (because I was guilty as sin), but not for lack of trying on Howard's part. He worked tirelessly preparing for it, and even shaved his beard off so he would look more presentable to the jury. What attorney does that?! And even though we lost, Howard got me 10 days of work release when the State was asking 200 days in jail. And even then, he apologized because he said he "didn't do his best". I tell everyone I meet that Mr. Stein is one of the most good-hearted, honest, and honorable men I've ever met, and I mean that.

Posted by Katie | October 13, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Howard is the legal expert you want on your team.

As much as I was not of fan of being in trouble, Howard stood by my side and explained matters and movements in full detail. He was there from day one, thru all the court dates and process and stood proud the day my case was finally dismissed. He's relatable, charming and knowledgable. I noticed that... every time we entered court, the judges, prosecutors and other attorneys were always so happy and positive to see him, which I think is quite telling. I gave him 5 out of 5 stars, but if it were possible to give him more, I would. Howard is the legal expert you want on your team.

Howard Stein

Replied last October 19, 2021

Thanks Katie It was a pleasure to represent you and get your case dismissed Howard

Posted by Esther | May 25, 2021 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Personal Injury

I sent Mr, Stein an email as I was seeking an attorney. I emailed me back then followed up with a phone call. Mr. Stein was very professional and gave me great advice, I wish he was able to practice in state of GA. He cannot represent me because I do not live in WA. however he did not let it go at... that. Mr. Stern reached out to some of his colleagues in GA to get me the right person to handle me case. I highly recommend him to anyone that is in need of a personal injury attorney. Your case will be in the best hands. Attorney Howard S. Stern you sir are AWESOME!!!!

Posted by Tarandeep | May 14, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Service, Communication, And Result.

My Bad Choice held me in trouble and my good choice , Choosing Howard Stein as my lawyer, put me out of trouble. Communicating him , via email or phone, was never difficult because he made himself available for the client whenever the client needs him. He is a very experienced lawyer and worked on my... case efficiently. One thing i would suggest to any client is "TRUST HIM AND TRUST THE PROCESS". I highly recommend for anyone who needs to deal with court system.

See All Client Reviews

Howard Stanton Stein's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Howard
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Personal injury lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Howard. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Mark C Blair headshot
Mark Blair

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 23

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I had the privilege of working for Howard for a number of years. He is an exceptional DUI attorney."

Leslie Eugene Tolzin headshot
Leslie Tolzin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have worked for Howard and I have worked with Howard. There is not a better DUI attorney practicing in King County."

Kevin Don Tarvin headshot
Kevin Tarvin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Howard is an extraordinary attorney who has been serving the entire state of Washington for over 25 years. His analytical skills are unmatched. He often litigates legal issues that are so complex, they baffle most attorneys. Howard is one of the all-time top criminal defense attorneys of King County who achieves extraordinary results for his clients. Although well acquainted with virtually all criminal law violations, his DUI defense skills are as good as it gets. I would strongly recommend Howard to those in need of legal assistance."

Aaron James Wolff headshot
Aaron Wolff

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Howard is an extraordinary attorney and excellent advocate for his clients. He is a leader in the field and has earned the respect of his colleagues, opposing counsel and jurists."

Vernon A. Smith headshot
Vernon Smith

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Simply put, Howard is, and has always been, at the cutting edge of DUI defense. He outworks, out prepares, and outwits the prosecutors at every turn. He is without reservation one of the best DUI defense lawyers in this state."

William Karl Kirk headshot
William Kirk

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Having known Howard for over 12 years now, I can attest to his tremendous abilities. I have handled cases with Howard and had cases against him as a former prosecutor. Mr. Stein is a true intellect in the field. As a member of the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, our entire group routinely rely on Howard's vast knowlege of nearly all aspects of both criminal and civil litigation. He is true to his clients and a warrior in court. I highly recommend him."

James Eric Gaston headshot
James Gaston

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the privilege of working with Howard on several cases over the past few years. You will not find a more intelligent, creative, and thoughtful advocate. Howard brings his intellect and passion to bear on every case that he handles, earning the respect of not only his peers, but judges and prosecutors alike. I have never hesitated to refer a case to Howard."

Nors Elwood Davidson headshot
Nors Davidson

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Peter E. Friedman headshot
Peter Friedman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Howard Stein is an outstanding attorney who is smart, tenacious, and effective. He has a trail of numerous victories from various trial courts up to the Washington State Supreme Court. I have practiced law over 25 years and have total confidence that when I refer a clent to him they will be well represented."

Damian Salomon Mendez headshot
Damian Mendez

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Stein is a very experienced attorney with very deep knowledge in the area of DWLS1, DWLS2 and DWLS3. Driving with a suspended license is a very intricate part of the law in Washington. Mr. Stein really knows this area well and has successfully litigated this area for years. He is avery helpful fellow lawyer in the community who is aways willing to help. I endorse Mr. Stein!"

Scott Richard Robbins headshot
Scott Robbins

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I had the pleasure of sucessfully working State v. Jagla up to the State Supreme Court with Howard. He is an innovative and resourceful lawyer, who is always finding new ways and new ideas on how to defend his clients."

Theodore Wayne Vosk headshot
Theodore Vosk

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Howard is an outstanding attorney. He combines honed skills of trial advocacy with a fine legal mind to get the best possible results for his clients. Having distinguished himself at both the trial and appellate level, he is also someone other lawyers go to when they have questions. I recomend him without hesitation."

Patricia A. Fulton headshot
Patricia Fulton

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of seeing Howard in action many times. Howard not only cares greatly about his clients and their cases, he has the brilliant mind and legal skills to get them fabulous results. I have occasionally discussed challenging issues with Howard and he never fails to impress me with his creative and effective insights."

Geoffrey L. Burg headshot
Geoffrey Burg

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Howard is one of the hardest working and most intelligent attorneys around. His breadth of knowledge of the law is inspiring. I would recommend him to anyone in need of his services without hesitation."

Kevin James Trombold headshot
Kevin Trombold

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Howard is a thoughtful tough advocate that will prepare for each hearing to obtain the best results for every single client. He loves practicing law and enjoys the intellectual battles that litigation involves. Anyone who has Howard as counsel will obtain the best result possible for their case."

Jonathan Dichter headshot
Jonathan Dichter

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Howard is a tireless advocate for his clients. His reputation in the community is unmatched, and his dedication to his clients is highly inspirational to other attorneys. I would not hesitate to refer to Howard or trust my own clients to him. Besides this - he's just a generally great guy!"

View All Endorsements
Jonathan Dichter headshot
Jonathan Dichter

DUI and DWI lawyer

Steven Edward Bennett headshot
Steven Bennett

DUI and DWI lawyer

Leslie Eugene Tolzin headshot
Leslie Tolzin

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Kattenhorn headshot
Christopher Kattenhorn

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin Don Tarvin headshot
Kevin Tarvin

Criminal defense lawyer

Kennet M Phillipson headshot
Kennet Phillipson

Criminal defense lawyer

Vernon A. Smith headshot
Vernon Smith

DUI and DWI lawyer

Douglas L Cowan headshot
Douglas Cowan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scott Frederick Leist headshot
Scott Leist

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scott A Hughes headshot
Scott Hughes

Personal injury lawyer

Aaron James Wolff headshot
Aaron Wolff

DUI and DWI lawyer

William Karl Kirk headshot
William Kirk

DUI and DWI lawyer

James Eric Gaston headshot
James Gaston

DUI and DWI lawyer

Peter E. Friedman headshot
Peter Friedman

Criminal defense lawyer

David A. Ellenhorn headshot
David Ellenhorn

Litigation lawyer

Theodore Wayne Vosk headshot
Theodore Vosk

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark Wesley Garka headshot
Mark Garka

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scott Richard Robbins headshot
Scott Robbins

DUI and DWI lawyer

Kevin James Trombold headshot
Kevin Trombold

DUI and DWI lawyer

Patricia A. Fulton headshot
Patricia Fulton

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2017

Champion of Justice Award, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2014

Faculty, National College for DUI Defense

2010

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2008

Certificate of Recognition, National College for DUI Defense

1999

Faculty Trial Advocacy Program, KingCounty Bar Association

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Senior Partner, Stein, Lotzkar and Starr PS

1998 - 1999

Court Magistrate, City of Renton Washington

1986 - 2005

Senior Partner, Tucker & Stein Ps Inc

1984 - 1986

Associate, Kirshenbaum and Combs

1983 - 1984

Associate, Law office of Janet Jordan Dillon

1983 - 1983

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorneys Office

Associations

2008 - Present

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

Member

2007 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2007 - Present

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

Member

2000 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1999 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1986 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

1984 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2000 - 2003

King County Bar Association, Judicial Screening Committee

Former Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Snohomish County v. Sullivan

Breath test was surpressed

Redmond v. Rob R.

Case dismissed

Seattle v. Nigel N.

Case Dismissed

D'Ortiz v. Kemmerer

Settlement $100,000.00 recovery

City of Algona v. Dr. A

Charge dismissed

City of Edmunds v. LG

Vehicular Homicide to Negligent Driving 1st

Seattle vs. Clark-Munoz, 152 Wn. 2d 39 (2004)

State Supreme Court Unanimous Decision

Probert v. Chutich

$75,000.00

City of Seattle v Clark-Munoz, State v. Jagla, et al. 152 Wn.2d 39 (2004)

prevailed at Washington State Supreme Court

Grewal v. Dept of Licensing, 108 Wash.App. 815, 33 P.3d 94

Driver's License Reinstated

State v. Crediford 130 Wn, 2d 747 (1996)

Supreme Court rules DUI statute Unconstitutional

Randhawa. Dept of Licensing116 Wash.App. 1048

Driver's License Appeal

Grewal v. Dept of Licensing, 108 Wash.App. 815, 33 P.3d 94

Dirver's License Appeal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

National College of DUI Defense

Seminar Graduate

1996

National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Seminar Graduate

1983

Seattle University School of Law

Juris Doctor

1977

University of Colorado - Boulder

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Metrology II ,Science as Your Best Defense

Scientific Evidence

2016

2016 Annual DUI Seminar

Blood Test Warrants

2015

Metrology, Your Best

Blood and Breath Test Science

2014

Forensic Metrology - The Science and Practicalities of Forensic Measurements in the Courtroom” Forensic Metrology

2011

Annual Firemaan's Convention

50 Ways to Lose Your License

2010

Washignton State Fireman's Union

DUI and alchol related crimes

2010

Defending DUIs Annual Seminar Pre Trial Motions in DUI Cases

2009

Annual Meeting

Criminal and Traffic Law

Publications

2013

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice Annual DUI Seminar, Annual Case Law Update 2013 Case Law Update

2010

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice Pre-Trial Motion Magic

2009

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice Annual Case Law Review Gems of 2009

1998

King County Bar Association Young Lawyers Trial Advocacy Handbook

N/A

Bellevue Journal American Why OJ was Not Guilty

Languages

English

Activity

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