Bellevue Criminal Defense Lawyer Diego J. Vargas devotes his practice exclusively to defending individuals accused of Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, DUI, and other criminal offenses. He has litigated more than 100 jury trials to verdict. His trial skills and courtroom presentations have earned him admiration from the judiciary, his peers, and most importantly, his clients. As a result of his hard work and dedication to the aggressive defense of his clients, Washington Law & Politics magazine has repeatedly recognized Mr. Vargas as a “Rising Star” and “Super Lawyer”.
Practice areas
Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, Felony DUI, and Misdemeanor DUI.
21 years
Felonies and Misdemeanor Criminal Defense.
21 years
Assault, Malicious Mischief, Violations of no contact orders
21 years
Assaults, etc.
21 years
All Juvenile Crimes
Languages spoken
Spanish, English
The Vargas Law Firm, PLLC
3326 160th Avenue SE
Suite 215
Bellevue, WA, 98008-6418
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 2000 | 02/24/2021 |
TX | Inactive | 1994 | 12/05/2020 |
Legal answers | 10 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2020 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2019 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2018 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2017 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2016 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2015 |
---|---|---|
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2014 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2013 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2013 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2012 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2012 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2011 |
Super Lawyer | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2010 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2009 |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2008 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2008 |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2007 |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2006 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2006 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2005 |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2005 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2004 |
Certificate of Appreciation | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2004 |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2004 |
Rising Star | Washington Law & Politics Magazine | 2003 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | The Vargas Law Firm, PLLC | 2011 - Present |
Partner | Fox Bowman & Duarte | 2006 - 2011 |
Associate | Fox Bowman & Duarte | 2002 - 2006 |
Attorney | Associated Counsel for the Accussed | 2000 - 2002 |
Director of Business Development | Taecan.com | 1998 - 2000 |
Assistant General Counsel | State Bar of Texas | 1995 - 1998 |
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Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | Member | 2006 - Present |
Northwest Academy of DUI Defense | Member | 2002 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 2000 - Present |
State Bar of Texas | Member | 1994 - Present |
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association | Chair - Criminal Law Section | 2005 - 2006 |
National College of DUI Defense | Member | 2003 - 2011 |
---|---|---|
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2002 - 2015 |
Washington State Trial Lawyer's Association | Member | 2002 - 2010 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
University of Houston Law Center | J.D. | 1994 |
University of Houston | BA | 1991 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Litigating DUIS: Blood, Breath and FSTS | Understanding and Challenging Drug DUIs and Blood Drug Tests | 2018 |
25th Annual Criminal Justice Institute | Fundamentals of Jury Selection | 2018 |
The Defender's Toolbox: Emerging Issues and Essential Skills | An Introduction to Drug Based DUIs and Blood Test Results | 2018 |
Cars and Crime | Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault | 2017 |
24th Annual Criminal Justice Institute | Closing Argument - The Road Map for Trial | 2017 |
Internet Ethics - Social Media Mishaps | Social Media and Ethics | 2017 |
---|---|---|
Defending DUI's Seminar | Cross of the Cop - A Systematic Approach | 2016 |
Alternatives to Incarceration | Incarceration and Alternatives to Incarceration | 2015 |
Proof of Financial Responsibility | Proof of Financial Responsibility for the Future - SR22 Insurance and Bonds | 2015 |
2015 Criminal Justice Institute | Trial Skills - Skills to Build a Career | 2015 |
Conditions of Release | Conditions of Release and Ethical Implications | 2014 |
Deferred Prosecutions | Deferred Prosecutions and Ethical Implications | 2014 |
Defending DUIs Seminar | Motions in Limine - Using the Rules of Evidence to Your Advantage | 2014 |
Defending DUI's Seminar | Blood Testing | 2013 |
Defending DUIs Seminar | Jury Selection | 2012 |
Felony DUI Update | Felony DUIs | 2011 |
Defending DUI Blood-Drug Cases | Challenging Blood Drug Tests | 2010 |
Evidence and Objection Boot Camp | Mock Trial and Panel Discussion | 2010 |
Defending DUIs Seminar | Winning The Impossible Case | 2009 |
2009 Regional DUI Forums | Roadside Field Sobriety Tests | 2009 |
Defending DUIs | Fundamentals of Jury Selection | 2008 |
Ethics and DUI Beeper Calls | Ethical issues involved in the 2:00 am call | 2008 |
Defending DUI's | Winning Breath Test Cases | 2006 |
Mastering Misdemeanors | Legal Update on DUI Issues | 2006 |
Judicial DUI Forum | Issues in DUI Cases | 2006 |
Defending DUI's | Legal Update on DUI Laws | 2005 |
Defending DUI's | Prosecutorial Misconduct | 2003 |
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Tue Dec 17 2019
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Wed Nov 20 2019
Ann Gruben, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 4, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
When I think of Diego, an SAT list of the complementary adjectives pops into my head... Indefatigable. Tenacious. Stalwart. Diego is one of the best in front of a jury and works extremely hard for his clients.
Shawn Mccully, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 27, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Diego is the best trial lawyer I know in Washington. He isn't afraid of any case and will try anything to get a client justice and a fair trial. I highly recommend Diego!
Mark Stephens, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 15, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. An expert in DUI/Defense and highly respected among prosecutors, judges, and his peers.
Matthew Simon, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Vargas' responses on Avvo are very insightful and helpful. He has a great understanding of the law. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation
Without a doubt Diego is by far the best DUI attorney in Washington. I have seen Diego in trial and I was amazed by his performance and enthusiasm. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a DUI attorney.
Clayton Walker, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 19, 2013
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
Joseph Marshall, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 14, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Diego is without question a brilliant DUI and criminal defense attorney of the highest order, with powerful trial skills and a unique way with people that wins over prosecutors and juries, and wins results for his client's good above all.
Edwin Aralica, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 11, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Diego is a "lawyer's lawyer." One of the best trial lawyers here in King County. In addition, to DUI defense I saw Diego defend a gentleman in a felony assault case. He won it on a self-defense claim. I highly endorse him.
David O, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Diego is a great attorney. I consider him the trial warrior. He goes to battle for his clients and gets good results.
Henry Chae, DUI and DWI Attorney on Mar 22, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer without reservation He is the Manny Pacquiao or Mohammed Ali of DUI defense to use a boxing analogy. In other words, a Super Lawyer, a true fighter and winner. He's a consummate advocate and relentless fighter for his clients. I had the pleasure and (headache) of going up against him in numerous trials awhile back and let's just say he really makes the prosecutors work to the point of causing migraine-like headaches; when he puts the prosecutors to the test of proving the case and making them work for it, he is doing justice for his client and making the system work. He is a great trial attorney; very articulate and well spoken and he is indeed one of the preeminent experts in the field of DUI defense. I recommend him to even my prospective clients who are shopping for a defense attorney. I recommend him without reservation
Timothy Milios, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 20, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Vargas is one of the most talented, knoledgeable and creative members of the criminal and DUI defense bar. I have and would continue to refer clients to Diego. I endorse him without hesitation.
Andrea Robertson, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 8, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have known Diego for nearly a decade. I worked with him and have consulted, brainstormed, and strategized with him about tough legal issues. I can think of very few attorneys in Washington who care as much as he does about his clients. He treats every case like it should be treated, with utmost care, attention to detail, and confidence. He knows how terrifying the process can be, and does everything he can to help ease the fears of his client and provide the very best defense. His results at trial are nothing short of astounding. I would refer my closest friends and family to him.
Mindy Carr, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 13, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
If I ever had a friend accused of vehicular assault or vehicular homicide, I would definitely refer them to Diego. He is not only an incredibly intelligent attorney who is passionate about ensuring that justice is done, he is also very encouraging and funny. When you're accused of a serious crime, you definitely want someone like Diego fighting for you.
Adrian Madrone, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 23, 2010
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
Diego is a great source of knowledge and inspiration in my DUI defense practice . I regularly consult with him in preparing my cases, and he is always enthusiastic in coming up with ways to help people.
Kurt Boehl, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 10, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
If a friend needed help for an alcohol related offense in Washington, Diego is the first person I would call. While most lawyers are looking for the quick and easy plea, Diego is looking to go to battle on behalf of his client. Definitely deserving of the title "Trial Lawyer"!!.
Lawrence Newman, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 9, 2010
Relationship: Friend
I met Diego at the Gerry Spence Trial Lawyer College in Wyoming this past week. My practice focuses on DWI defense in New York state. Getting to know Diego at the College provided me great insight to how he is with his clients. His ability to remain focused and attentive to everyone at the conference is a skill few possess. He is someone you can trust.
Jennifer Cannon-Unione, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 17, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Diego is one of the best DUI attorney's in town. I have had the privilege of working with him in the past and can personally attest to his outstanding work and trial skills. He also cares about his clients and aggressively fights for them to get the justice they deserve. I strongly recommend Diego.
Gregory Schwesinger, Criminal defense Attorney on May 2, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
One word, "crafty". Actually there are probably not enough words to explain Diego's skill set; Diego is a superb criminal defense attorney who is able to totally maximize his talents and do it in a manner that impresses all that see him in action. One great attorney. The prosecution is in for a fight each and every time Diego goes into court; he relishes the challenge of defending people!
Jeffrey Veitch, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I enthusiastically endorse Diego. Diego is one of the best and brightest attorneys that I have had the good fortune to know and work with. Diego's clients are fortunate to have such a knowledgeable and hardworking attorney on their side.
Scott Leist, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 24, 2010
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I have known Diego for the better part of a decade and have been consistently impressed with his professionalism, the results he gets for his clients and his knowledge. Diego is a master negotiator as well as a tremendous trial atttorney, a rare combination. (I know this firsthand, I have been on the other side of negotiations and trials with Diego.)