Vernon A. Smith

Vernon A. Smith

also known as Vern Smith

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 38 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Bellevue, WA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

400 - 108th Ave. N.E., Suite 500, Bellevue, WA

About Vernon

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 38 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1987

Voluntarily Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

Vernon A. Smith

400 - 108th Ave. N.E., Suite 500, Bellevue, WA, 98004-5890

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Vernon A. Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

21 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (21) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 6 - 10 of 11 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2009 | DUI & DWI

HANDS DOWN, THE ABSOLUTE BEST DUI DEFENSE ATTORNEY IN WASHINGTON STATE!

I have had the severe misfortune of having to use MR. Smith 3 times since 2004. The good news is that in 3 DUI arrests, I do not even have 1 DUI on my record thanks to Vern Smith! One of my arrests happened to be a high profile arrest involving my Ferrari F430 that was recorded coming across the 5...20 Bridge. Even though this arrest was played over and over in the local media for a week, Vern was still able to get my DUI charge dropped at trial. Most times paying a DUI attorney is sunken money. They do little if anything more for you than a public defendant. That is simply not the case with MR. Smith. Vern knows DUI's better than anyone in this state and it shows in the courtroom. During one of my Trials we went off the record and the judge commented to me: “you are very fortunate to have MR. Smith as your attorney; MR. Smith is a true professional. He is one of the best in the state at what he does, if not THE BEST!" That is a direct quote from the JUDGE! Hire Vern Smith!”.

Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2009 | DUI & DWI

Respected by Colleagues, Judges and Prosecutors

Vern has defended my wife and I in separate DUI cases and neither of us have a DUI on our record. In my case, I failed field sobriety tests and blew a .22. I was guilty. I was also involved in a boating accident where, while in command of a large power boat, I collided with a dark blue sailing vessel... with dark blue sails that was improperly lighted at night. Naturally the state saw fit to prosecute the big bad power boat that “ran into” to poor little sail boat. In this case I was not impaired and the fact that there was no field sobriety test or blood alcohol test worked both for and against me. While there was no evidence of guilt, there was no evidence of innocence either. The state accused me of Boating While Under the Influence and then, on the day the trial began, added the charge of Reckless Endangerment. The case went to jury trial and after Vern shot gaping holes in all nine of the prosecution’s witnesses including three police officers and mopped the court room floor

Posted by Adam | September 17, 2009 | DUI & DWI

The man for the Job.

Simply put, Vern Smith is the man for your DUI concerns. I recently needed Mr. Smith's expertise in a DUI case. I sat down with many potential lawyers and had them review the specifics of my case and all of them recommended that I take my concerns to Vern. I immediately called Mr. Smith and was pr...omptly given a time to meet face to face. I was impressed with Vern's professionalism and ability to explain the legal process and the expectations of my case. I hired Vern on the spot. The entire legal process was handled flawlessly. I am very thankful for Mr. Smith's efforts and expertise. If you need representation for a DUI look no further than Mr. Vern Smith. Thank You, Vern.

Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2009 | DUI & DWI

Recommending Vern Smith

I highly recommend Vern Smith to anyone that is currently facing a charge of DUI, or other potential ramifications due to drinking and driving. Vern represented me during 2008. He was there every step of the way, and was always honest and up front with regards to the options that I had. He’s persiste...nt, professional, and has years of experience to assist his clients, and that certainly provided me comfort while he was my legal representation. Like everyone else in this predicament I researched and interviewed several potential lawyers, yet after having gone through all of it, I am relieved that I elected to go with Vern.

Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2009 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Good Solid Advice

Got a DUI. Vern was referred by a friend, I called Vern. He handled everything correctly. I was a no blow and got a reckless driving tickets no DUI and NO LOSS OF DRIVING FOR A YEAR! Vern even said on my next DUI he could get deferment. Sorry Vern!!! You aren't going to see/hear from me again un...less it is from referrals! Do yourself a favor make the call to Vern.

See All Client Reviews

Vernon A. Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Vernon
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Markus William Louvier headshot
Markus Louvier

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 05

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kevin Don Tarvin headshot
Kevin Tarvin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vern is as tough of a lawyer as you will find. I have known him for 20 years and can attest to his ability to achieve results for his clients. He challenges prosecutors like no other. Figuratively, prosecutors who fight him always come away with a big black eye. He has fine tuned the craft of DUI defense. Dismissal and Neg. 1 are his middle names. I strongly encourage anyone seeking the assistance of a DUI attorney to call Vern. A real professional."

Howard Stanton Stein headshot
Howard Stein

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vern Smith is hard working, highly capable attorney who knows his way around a courtroom. Vern understands how to prepare, negotiate and try a case. Anyone who is represetned by Vern has one of the most professional and effective attorneys in this area."

Jon Scott Fox headshot
Jon Fox

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known of Vern's excellent work and stellar reputation for a number of years. Vern fights for his clients. He is tenacious, knowledgeable and effective. I endorse Vern without hesitation."

Jeffrey Healy Smith headshot
Jeffrey Smith

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vern is an excellent DUI attorney with a wealth of specialized knowledge about how to defeat the BAC machine. He is also an outstanding trial attorney, with over 20 years of criminal defense experience, and the respect of fellow lawyers and Judges. I endorse this lawyer's work."

Geoffrey L. Burg headshot
Geoffrey Burg

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vern is a great lawyer. He is smart, ethical and dedicated to his clients. Most importantly, he gets great results for those he defends clients. As a colleague of Vern for many years I highly recommend him if you are in need of a DUI attorney."

David Richard Kirshenbaum headshot
David Kirshenbaum

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

Scott Daniel Campbell headshot
Scott Campbell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I unreservedly endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Vern Smith for the last ten years or so (we shared office space in Seattle for a while), and I can honestly say that Vern is one of the most knowledgable and hardworking DUI attorneys I have ever encountered. I have consulted with Vern on several DUI cases in the past, and in each of those occasions, Vern has provided excellent advice on how to handle the defense effectively. I would highly recommend Vern for any DUI defense case."

Jeannie Patrice Mucklestone headshot
Jeannie Mucklestone

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Vern is a FANTASTIC lawyer. He is creative, inovative and successful in his defenses for his clients. For an experienced advocate Vern is your man."

View All Endorsements
Jonathan David Rands headshot
Jonathan Rands

DUI and DWI lawyer

Larry Alan Lehmbecker headshot
Larry Lehmbecker

Personal injury lawyer

Markus William Louvier headshot
Markus Louvier

Medical malpractice lawyer

Howard Stanton Stein headshot
Howard Stein

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jon Scott Fox headshot
Jon Fox

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jeffrey Healy Smith headshot
Jeffrey Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Geoffrey L. Burg headshot
Geoffrey Burg

DUI and DWI lawyer

David Richard Kirshenbaum headshot
David Kirshenbaum

Criminal defense lawyer

James Stuart Burnell headshot
James Burnell

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Daniel Campbell headshot
Scott Campbell

Car accident lawyer

Jeannie Patrice Mucklestone headshot
Jeannie Mucklestone

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics

2014

Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Law & Politics Magazine

2012

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Policitcs

2010

Board Certification, National College for DUI Defense

2009

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2008

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2007

Super Lawyer,

2006

Super Lawyer,

2005

Board Certification, National College for DUI Defense

2003

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2003

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association for Criminal Justice

2000

Board Certification, National College for DUI Defense

1996

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

1995

Certificate of Distinction, University of Washington Law School Foundation

1994

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

1993

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

1991

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

1988

Diploma, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Attorney at Law, Vernon A. Smith

1997 - 2008

Partner, Cowan Smith Kirk Gaston

1991 - 1997

, Vernon A. Smith, Attorney at Law

1990 - 1991

, Hallmark, Keating & Abbott

1987 - 1989

, The Public Defenders Association

1968 - 1971

, U.S. Army

Associations

1995 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Founding Member

1992 - Present

Lawyer Pilots Bar Association

member

1991 - Present

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

Member

1989 - Present

Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association

Participating Lawyer Panel

1989 - Present

Aircraft Owners & Pilots Association

Participating Lawyer Panel Member

1987 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

1987 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2006 - 2008

King County Bar Association

member, judicial screeing committee

2001 - 2002

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Board of Governors

2001 - 2002

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

liason to WSBA

1987 - 1997

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Knox

Challenge to DUI stop of sleeping driver on ferry.

Bothel v. Guttschmidt

over 300 cases dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

National College for DUI Defense

Board Certification

1987

University of Puget Sound Law School

JD Magna Cum Laude

1975

Johns Hopkins University

Speaking Engagements

1995

DUI Defense Skills Certification Program

Cross of the BAC breath test technician

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution