Francisco A. Duarte

Francisco A. Duarte

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

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

1606 148th Ave SE, Suite 102, Bellevue, WA

About Francisco

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 90 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 31 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Fury Duarte, PS

1606 148th Ave SE, Suite 102, Bellevue, WA, 98007

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Francisco A. Duarte's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

22 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (22) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by R. John | May 18, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Completely satisfied.

Francisco handled a unique driving violation I had where I was charged with both reckless driving and reckless endangerment. Although unusual, he asked for a modest retainer and began working on the case. Even though I was not allows aware of the progress of the case pretrial, I always felt I was i...n good hands. The pretrial went smoothly and I was completely briefed on the applicable law, consequences and choices. The result was both favorable and less expensive than anticipated. I have worked with a few personal attorneys and several corporate lawyers and I don't think I have ever said those words regarding a case of any kind.

Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2013 | DUI & DWI

Excellent Advocacy and Compassion

Mr. Francisco Duarte is an excellent client advocate and goes "above and beyond" handling the case. At the same time I was addressing a DUI arrest, I was looking to make a major job transition/promotion to a Vice-President position. Francisco and his colleague, Ms. Diana Lundin, walked me through t...he process, communicated with human resources on my behalf and gave me the confidence to move forward with my job transition. The DOL hearing was successful and the outcome of the DUI arrest was very favorable. Francisco consistently told me not to worry about the case. I needed to continue on with my life during the legal process which he appropriately estimated would take 9-12 months. Francisco is an excellent advocate and communicator. He is compasionate and truly cares about his clients. I would recommend Francisco to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney. Thank you, Francisco.

Posted by JE | June 08, 2010 | Criminal Defense

Best Outcome Possible

My world was crashing in around me. I hold several professional licenses, My clients place their utmost confidence in me as I manage their $$ and financial lives. I had everything to lose. I couldn't eat, sleep or think of anything else. A lawyer friend recommended Francisco Duarte, plus interviewed... 4 others. I cannot tell you how pleased I am with the outcome. Francisco from the very first meeting treated me with respect and dignity. He genuinely cared about me as human being, he understood what I had to lose...which to me was everything. In the angst ridden first weeks post-DUI charges, I sent a barage of emails tyring to understand what was going to happen to me. He demonstrated patience and compassion, returning every call and every email. I was consistently informed of the status of the case. His para-legal Jen, and entire office staff were pleasant helpful. I never felt "little" walking into his office. I will remain forever indebted to Francisco. The outcome Francisco achieved is nothing short of unbelievable. Every case is different, so I don't want someone reading this to think an identical outcome could be achieved. I am writing to tell you, if you are reading this, you most likely have a big legal issue. Even one DUI can haunt you the rest of your life. My business, my professional credentials, my clients...everything was on the line in the case. Today its over. Now I can focus on my family and business. In retrospect, I do not believe I could have received this outcome with any other attorny. In my interviews, I could tell some were screamers and desk pounders, others just wanted to wrap it up quickly with a "plea" deal. Though we didn't have to go to trial, Francisco was fully loaded to do so. He never promised anything that he couldn't deliver on, he was honest with me about the merits and weaknesses of my case, thus not creating an aura of false hope. God willing I'll never be in this position again, however if I were, or any of my clients or their children were charged DUI, there's only one person I would call....Francisco Duarte. Yes-I am a real client. My case resolved in early June 2010.

Posted by Paul | February 22, 2010 | Criminal Defense

Passionate Defender

A few years ago, I was accused of a crime I did not commit. There was an incident on Capitol Hill; I had friends with me, and they all agreed that I was not involved in a crime. However, the police disagreed, and charges were filed against me. For a few months, I had an attorney who did absolutely... nothing to help me out. Then I switched to Francisco Duarte, and things began to change. Not only did he interview my friends (something my prior attorney never did), but he tracked down a complete stranger, who had happened to be on Capitol Hill the night of the incident and witnessed everything. This stranger confirmed that I was not involved in a crime. Long story short--Mr. Duarte's efforts got my charge dismissed. No trial, no "guilty plea." My case went away because of his efforts. I highly recommend Mr. Duarte to anyone in need of a defense attorney. I know he specializes in DUI work, but I confidently recommend him for any criminal defense work.

Posted by anonymous | February 22, 2010 | DUI & DWI

Great DUI Lawyer

Francisco Duarte and his law office recently represented me in a DUI case. Mr. Duarte was very responsive and returned my initial call right away. He was very understanding of my situation and clearly and concisely walked me through the impacts of my legal situation. He was very thorough in his repre...sentation of my case, offering advice which was very proactive. His expertise and conduct led to a satisfactory and speedy legal outcome for me, which I was grateful for. His staff was very professional, efficient, and responsive.

See All Client Reviews

Francisco A. Duarte's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Francisco
Robert James Ault headshot
Robert Ault

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Francisco. He has been one of the top DUI Defense attorneys in Washington State for some time and has parlayed his unmatched trial skills into the area of personal injury. He is as talented of a trial lawyer as one will find. I would not hesitate to refer someone to him."

John Tymczyszyn headshot
John Tymczyszyn

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have personally seen Mr. Duarte in trial on a DUI charge. He was a tireless advocate for his client and challenged the King County prosecutor at every chance. His clients charge ended in a mistrial and Mr. Duarte prevailed!"

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Michael Thomas Sanders headshot
Michael Sanders

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have known Francisco Duarte for many years. I was a prosecutor for quite some time, and I was opposing counsel with Mr. Duarte on a number of cases. Francisco was consistently one of a very few defense attorneys who was always courteous, professional, and prepared. Consequently, he has been very effective in defense of his clients. Francisco knows how to bring gentle persuasion to the prosecutor, and if this persuasion does initially result in a desired outcome, the prosecutor understands he or she will have a formidable opponent at trial. I highly recommend Francisco Duarte for Washington DUI/DWI cases."

Joseph A Campagna headshot
Joseph Campagna

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Francisco is a fantastic attorney. He has all the thing you want in a trial attorney--knowledge of the law, mastery of courtroom skills and tactics, the ability to negotiate when called for, and a real concern for his clients."

Miles Wilton Carter headshot
Miles Carter

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 20

Relationship: Other

"Mr. Duarte helped prepare me for cross-examination as a potential witness while I was still in law school. I was greatly impressed by his acumen and his grasp of the art of cross examination."

Andrew C Huff headshot
Andrew Huff

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Francisco is clearly one of the best in the business. His mastery and skill are unmatched. He is truly a leader in the area of defending others."

James Egan headshot
James Egan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"When you first meet Francisco Duarte, you will realize his charm as a defense lawyer, which is part of his success. Not only is he familiar with the world of cutting edge DUI law, but he is methodical in how he breaks down the prosecutors' case. I remember in particular a story he had about a City Attorney's jury trial against him, where he described the "perfect storm" of events -- a nasty prosecutor, a clueless judge, an absent-minded officer. Balanced against that was his own persona, which made the jury like him so much they found the client not guilty. Francisco Duarte is easily recognized as one of the very best DUI lawyers in the entire state, what with travel and appellate arguments. He is hands down incredible, and frequently has shared his knowledge with me and other less experienced lawyers. If you hire him, you will be in the best hands, and you will know it."

Nathan J. Dineen headshot
Nathan Dineen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I recently had the opportunity to attend a lecture on opening arguments in DUI trials by Attorney Duarte. He is highly regarded by the DUI defense community. I would recommend him to anyone seeking the best in DUI defense in Seattle."

Kathryn M. Woods headshot
Kathryn Woods

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I worked with Mr. Duarte as a witness in a criminal defense matter. I was impressed by his skill, knowledge and preparation. I would highly recommend Mr. Duarte, though he hardly needs my recommendation-his reputation proceeds him in the greater Seattle legal community."

David S. Marshall headshot
David Marshall

Personal injury lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the luck to get to know Franciso well when we attended the Trial Lawyers College together. Since then I have seen him perform repeatedly. He is a tremendously creative and vigorous advocate in court, and a wonderfully compassionate and caring man. I have referred many persons to him, and those persons have been grateful."

Wade Steven Samuelson headshot
Wade Samuelson

Litigation lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Francisico is a hard-nosed litigator. As an attorney, I can say that he is definitely on my short-list of lawyers who I would allow to represent me if I ever needed help!"

Mindy Michelle Carr headshot
Mindy Carr

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Francisco is an amazing trial lawyer and an incredible mentor to me. He was my instructor in a trial advocacy class at the University of Washington a long time ago, and he still offers me great advice to this day. He is the kind of lawyer who instantly builds trust with jurors and with his clients because he is genuine and straightforward. I highly recommend him."

Daniel Joseph Gerl headshot
Daniel Gerl

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Francisco is, simply, the best. I first learned this when I opposed him years ago, as a deputy prosecutor, through some rather exhaustive pleadings and motion hearings. He knows how to eviscerate the government's case, but with professionalism and grace - gaining the admiration of everyone involved, including the bench and opposing counsel. I am honored to have worked against him in the past, and to presently know him as a friend."

David B Greenspan headshot
David Greenspan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 02

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Francisco is the essence of professionalism in the practice of law. He is not afraid to fight hard for his clients, but he is also extremely humble and respectful of other attorneys. Should you find yourself prosecuting one of Francisco's clients, be prepared for one of the toughest yet friendliest opponents you will ever face."

Garth O'Brien headshot
Garth O'Brien

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Francisco is a shark plain and simple. He is incredibly intelligent and always prepared to do battle. If you are not on your game as a prosecutor going up against Francisco then you will be leaving the courtroom wondering how his client avoided a conviction. He is one heck of a negotiator and also prepares his clients exceptionally well. All of these traits make for an outstanding DUI defense attorney. I would retain Francisco's services if you are looking for a DUI attorney."

Donald John Ramsell headshot
Donald Ramsell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. This attorney is considered to be aggressive, hard working, and a valuable attorney by his clients. You should be calling this attorney if you have been arrested for DUI/DWI."

Nate Webb headshot
Nate Webb

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Duarte is the epitome of excellence in the field of DUI. His experience and zealous advocacy for his client's cause is unprecedented. I have observed his jury selection, cross examination and summation techniques and believe them to be unparalleled. It is without question that I recommend Mr. Duarte's services."

View All Endorsements
Stephen P. VanDerhoef headshot
Stephen VanDerhoef

Litigation lawyer

Michael Thomas Sanders headshot
Michael Sanders

DUI and DWI lawyer

Mark C Blair headshot
Mark Blair

Criminal defense lawyer

Sheryl Pewitt headshot
Sheryl Pewitt

Criminal defense lawyer

Kenneth Wesley Fornabai headshot
Kenneth Fornabai

DUI and DWI lawyer

David S. Marshall headshot
David Marshall

Criminal defense lawyer

Wade Steven Samuelson headshot
Wade Samuelson

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2010

Selected to The Best Lawyers in America, The Best Lawyers in America

2009

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2008

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2008

Selected to Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The American Trial Lawyers Association

2008

Top Twenty-five Super Lawyers in Criminal Defense, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2007

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2006

Certificate of Achievement, National Institute of Trial Advocacy

2006

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2005

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2005

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2005

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington State Bar Association

2004

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2004

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2004

Certificate of Achievement, Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers College

2003

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics

2002

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

1999

Certificate of Achievement, National College of DUI Defense

1994

Robert J. Connelly Award for Excellence in Trial Advocacy, University at Buffalo School of Law

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Trial Advocacy Law School Instructor, University of Washington School of Law

2006 - Present

Instructor/Staff, Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyers College

1998 - Present

Partner/Owner, Fox Bowman Duarte, PLLC

2006 - 2009

Instructor, National Institute of Trial Advocacy, Northwest Regional Program

1995 - 1998

Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecuting Attorney's Office

1994 - 1995

Assistant Attorney General, Office of the Washington State Attorney General

1992 - 1994

Law Clerk, Bermingham & Cook, PC

Associations

Washington State Bar Association

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

EAGLE Member

The William L. Dwyer American Inn of Court

Fellow

Lawyers Helping Hungry Children

Former Chair and current Board of Director

Seattle Shakespeare Company

Former Secretary and current Board Member

Litigation Counsel of America

Fellow

WSBA Criminal Law Section

Former Chair and Executive Board of Director

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

Member

Northwest Academy of DUI Defense

Founding Member

WSBA Criminal Justice Institute

Former Chair and Steering Committee Member

Washington Pattern Jury Instructions Motor Vehicle Crimes Subcommittee

Former member

WACDL Public Education Committee

Former Chair

Education

1994

University at Buffalo School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1987

University at Albany, State University of New York

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2009

Mexico Trial Advocacy Conference

Trial Skills

2009

Bostwana Trial Practice and Skills

Trial Skills

2008

Washington Young Lawyers Division Trial Advocacy Program

Cross-Examination and Re-Direct Lecture

2008

Trial Lawyers College Regional Seminar, Santa Fe, New Mexico

Trial Practice and Advocacy

2008

Trial Lawyers College Regional Seminar, Leavenworth, Washington

Trial Practice and Advocacy

2008

Public Defender Association CLE

DUI Breath Testing Issues

2008

Northwest Regional Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Trial Skills and Advocacy

2008

How to Practice More Effectively in Courts of Limited Jurisdiction — General Criminal procedures

Criminal Practice

2008

Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College

2008 College Course

2008

15th Annual Criminal Justice Institute

Evidence Trial Tips: Common Objections in Trial, Jury Selection, and Preserving the Record

2007

WSP BAC Breath Test Technician Course

Mock Trial

2007

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association Summer Convention

Jury Selection

2007

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

Taste of Trial Lawyers College

2007

University of Washington School of Law Trial Advocacy

Voir Dire Lecture

2007

Trial Lawyers College Regional Seminar, Leavenworth, Washington

Trial Practice

2007

Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College

2007 College Course

2006

WSP BAC Breath Test Technician Course

Mock Trial

2006

Washington Young Lawyers Division Trial Advocacy Program

Cross-Examination and Re-Direct Lecture

2006

Washington State Bar Association CLE

DUI Law Telecast

2006

Trial Lawyers College Regional Seminar, Leavenworth, Washington

Trial Advocacy

2006

Pierce County Bar Association CLE

DUI Law: The Hot Topics

2006

Northwest Regional Program, National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Demonstration on Closing Argument

2006

Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College

2006 College Course

2006

Gerry Spence’s Trial Lawyers College

Graduate Course

2006

District and Municipal Court Judges Association - Spring Program

DUI Traffic Instructions: New pattern Jury Instructions

2006

District and Municipal Court Judges Association

Discussion on Field Sobriety Tests — August 2006

2006

District and Municipal Court Judges Association

Discussion on Field Sobriety Tests — September 2006

2006

ACA Trial Skills Lecture

Opening and Closing Statements

2005

Washington Young Lawyers Division Trial Advocacy Program

Cross-Examination and Re-Direct Lecture

2005

Washington State Bar Association CLE

Family Law Trials: The Dynamics of Advocacy

2005

Washington Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers

DUI Lecture — Tri-cities

2005

Pittman’s Legal Line Radio Show

DUI Update

2005

Northwest Regional Program , National Institute for Trial Advocacy

Trial Skills and Advocacy

2005

Clark County Bar Association CLE

DUI Update Presentation

2005

12th Annual Criminal Justice Institute

Keeping Up With DUI Developments: Discrepancy Legislation, A New Breathalyzer Machine; New Portable Testing WACs

2004

Washington Young Lawyers Division Trial Advocacy Program

Cross-Examination and Re-Direct Lecture

2004

Washington State Bar Association CLE

The Advantages of Anti-Bias Awareness, Cultural Competency, and Respecting Diversity, Diversity and Jury Selection Considerations

2003

Whatcom County Public Defender’s CLE

DUI Law Update

2003

Washington’s District Court Judge’s Conference

DUI Field Sobriety Tests

2003

Defending DUIs Seminar

DUI DataMaster Debunked

Publications

N/A

Bar Bulletin, King County Bar Association DUI Law Awaiting High Court Ruling

N/A

Bar Bulletin, King County Bar Association Reducing DUIs: Doomed to Repeat History?

N/A

Trial News, Washington State Trial Lawyers Did Donahue Reverse 40 years of Criminal Precedence

N/A

Defense Magazine, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Cross-Examination–It’s All about Story Telling

N/A

Defense Magazine, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers DUI Law

N/A

WSBA Criminal Law Section An Interview with the USA Patriot Act

N/A

Warrior, Trial Lawyers College The Patriot Act–Not so Patriotic!

N/A

Defending DUIs in Washington — Book (Lexis/Nexis) Blood Chapter (only)

Languages

Spanish

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