Diego J Vargas

Diego J Vargas

also known as The Vargas Law Firm, PLLC

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Bellevue, WA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence ... +2 more

3326 160th Avenue SE, Suite 215, Bellevue, WA

About Diego

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 50%

Vehicular Homicide, Vehicular Assault, Felony DUI, and Misdemeanor DUI.

25 years

50%
Criminal Defense 20%

Felonies and Misdemeanor Criminal Defense.

25 years

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

Assault, Malicious Mischief, Violations of no contact orders

25 years

10%
Juvenile Law 10%

All Juvenile Crimes

10%
Violent Crime 10%

Assaults, etc.

25 years

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 90 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 25 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Texas for 31 years

State: Texas

Acquired: 1994

Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

The Vargas Law Firm, PLLC

3326 160th Avenue SE, Suite 215, Bellevue, WA, 98008-6418

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Diego J Vargas's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

75 Client Reviews

5 star (74) 4 star (1)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | March 3, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

DUI GURU

Diego J Vargas is someone that I strongly recommend. I found him to be constantly accessible and reassuring, bringing peace during the scariest moments of my life. He will navigate the court process for you and communicate it to you promptly. I have no doubt, I would be in a worse place without his ...guidance and hard work. He is of the highest kind, quality, and order, supreme.

Diego Vargas

Replied last March 11, 2025

It was a pleasure helping you through this process.

Posted by Evan | August 20, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Perfect Lawyer That Reassures You!

Throughout my DUI case, Attorney Diego was in perfect condition and demonstrated his professionalism. Guided me through every step of the way and finally reached an agreement with the prosecutor to close my case with reckless driving.

Posted by Dean | April 6, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Exceptional criminal defense representation

Diego Vargas came highly recommended to me from my divorce attorney and I’m glad he was. Hiring a defense attorney can be intimidating and confusing as you don’t always know what you’re getting. I can say with confidence that Diego is honest, transparent and forthcoming. On our initial consultati...on call he was candid about his fee and urged me to consult other attorneys so I felt confident moving forward with him. The decision to hire Diego was one of the best I’ve made. He is thoroughly knowledgeable, and throughout my case he was easily reachable, quick to respond to any questions or concerns and always had my best interest in mind. Most importantly, his courtroom demeanor and rapport with prosecuting attorneys and court personnel, is second-to-none. He is unfailingly: respectful, affable and calm in the courtroom, but tough when needed in negotiations. Judges and attorneys alike respond well to him. I wholeheartedly recommend Diego to anyone out there looking for excellent criminal defense representation. Truly, Dean

Diego Vargas

Replied last April 25, 2023

Thanks Dean! It was a pleasure working with you.

Posted by anonymous | December 2, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Superb Representation and Support

I retained Diego as my lawyer following a DUI charge in 2018. This wasn't my first go around so I was honestly so scared and thought my life would be over. Diego came recommended by a couple people who said I needed someone fierce to represent me, esp. if I went to trial. I was pleased with the quick... response times from Diego. My communication went directly through him versus an assistant and I felt very much at ease having him represent me. Given the details of my case we decided it was best not to go to trial and took a plea deal. I remember one other lawyer telling me that if Diego is representing you you will not go to jail. Now we are working on terminating my probation early and I am thankful for his help in that regard. Hopefully I won't ever have to retain a criminal defense attorney again in my life. I do, however, recommend him if you're looking for someone honest, upfront and diligent.

Posted by anonymous | May 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Professional on all levels

While choosing a lawyer at first seemed daunting, meeting Diego made the decision all that much easier. I knew I needed to find a lawyer that I connected with on a personal level. He was very respectful, knowledgeable and professional. I could tell he was passionate about his practice which spoke vol...umes to me. He was very focused and driven to see this through to the end, which help alleviate a lot of the stress. I felt he cared not only about my case but me as an individual as well. Even through the Covid pandemic, Diego was available for guidance through these trying times.

See All Client Reviews

Diego J Vargas's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Diego
Ann Zajdel Gruben headshot
Ann Gruben

DUI and DWI lawyer | Nov 04

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 headshot
Shawn Mccully

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 27

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 R Stephens headshot
Mark Stephens

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. An expert in DUI/Defense and highly respected among prosecutors, judges, and his peers."

Matthew C Simon headshot
Matthew Simon

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 11

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"

Jamal Amirzade headshot
Jamal Amirzade

Unknown lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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 Harold Walker Jr. headshot
Clayton Walker

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Joseph Halder Marshall headshot
Joseph Marshall

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 14

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 Lee Aralica headshot
Edwin Aralica

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 11

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 headshot
David O

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 25

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 King Chae headshot
Henry Chae

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 22

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 Charles Milios headshot
Timothy Milios

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 20

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 King Robertson headshot
Andrea Robertson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 08

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 Michelle Carr headshot
Mindy Carr

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 13

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 Martinez Madrone headshot
Adrian Madrone

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 23

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 Edward Boehl headshot
Kurt Boehl

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 10

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 A. Newman headshot
Lawrence Newman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 09

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 headshot
Jennifer Cannon-Unione

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 17

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 Wayne Schwesinger headshot
Gregory Schwesinger

Criminal defense lawyer | May 02

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 D. Veitch headshot
Jeffrey Veitch

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

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 Frederick Leist headshot
Scott Leist

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 24

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.)"

View All Endorsements
Douglas Scott Wacker headshot
Douglas Wacker

Criminal defense lawyer

Jay Herman Krulewitch headshot
Jay Krulewitch

Civil rights lawyer

Mark R Stephens headshot
Mark Stephens

Criminal defense lawyer

Norman Dean Partington Jr headshot
Norman Partington

Criminal defense lawyer

Mindy Michelle Carr headshot
Mindy Carr

Appeals lawyer

Christopher Kattenhorn headshot
Christopher Kattenhorn

Criminal defense lawyer

Kennet M Phillipson headshot
Kennet Phillipson

DUI and DWI lawyer

Adrian Martinez Madrone headshot
Adrian Madrone

Criminal defense lawyer

Lawrence A. Newman headshot
Lawrence Newman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael R Frans headshot
Michael Frans

Criminal defense lawyer

Jennifer Cannon-Unione headshot
Jennifer Cannon-Unione

Personal injury lawyer

Daniel Joseph Gerl headshot
Daniel Gerl

Litigation lawyer

Gregory Wayne Schwesinger headshot
Gregory Schwesinger

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas James Breen headshot
Thomas Breen

Litigation lawyer

Matthew A Leyba headshot
Matthew Leyba

Criminal defense lawyer

Sharon Elizabeth Chirichillo headshot
Sharon Chirichillo

DUI and DWI lawyer

Leonard R Stamm headshot
Leonard Stamm

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scott D Gardner headshot
Scott Gardner

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Scott Webb headshot
John Webb

DUI and DWI lawyer

Wayne Rodgers Foote headshot
Wayne Foote

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2024

Top 100: 2024 Washington Super Lawyers Top List, Washington Super Lawyers

2023

Top 100: 2023 Washington Super Lawyers Top List, Washington Super Lawyers

2023

Washington Super Lawyer, Washington Super Lawyers

2022

America's Top 50 Lawyers, America's Top 50 Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyer Magazine

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers 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

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2013

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2013

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2012

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2012

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2011

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2010

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2009

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2008

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2008

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2007

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2006

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2006

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2005

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2005

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2004

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2004

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2004

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

2003

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Owner, The Vargas Law Firm, PLLC

2006 - 2011

Partner, Fox Bowman & Duarte

2002 - 2006

Associate, Fox Bowman & Duarte

2000 - 2002

Attorney, Associated Counsel for the Accussed

1998 - 2000

Director of Business Development, Taecan.com

1995 - 1998

Assistant General Counsel, State Bar of Texas

Associations

2006 - Present

Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice

Member

2002 - Present

Northwest Academy of DUI Defense

Member

2000 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

State Bar of Texas

Member

2005 - 2006

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

Chair - Criminal Law Section

2003 - 2011

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2002 - 2015

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2002 - 2010

Washington State Trial Lawyer's Association

Member

Education

1994

University of Houston Law Center

J.D.

1991

University of Houston

BA

Speaking Engagements

2022

Defending DUI's Seminar

Fundamentals of Jury Selection: Winning in Voir Dire

2020

Defending DUI's Seminar

Crossing the Draeger Technician

2018

The Defender's Toolbox: Emerging Issues and Essential Skills

An Introduction to Drug Based DUIs and Blood Test Results

2018

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

2017

Internet Ethics - Social Media Mishaps

Social Media and Ethics

2017

Cars and Crime

Vehicular Homicide and Vehicular Assault

2017

24th Annual Criminal Justice Institute

Closing Argument - The Road Map for Trial

2016

Defending DUI's Seminar

Cross of the Cop - A Systematic Approach

2015

Proof of Financial Responsibility

Proof of Financial Responsibility for the Future - SR22 Insurance and Bonds

2015

Alternatives to Incarceration

Incarceration and Alternatives to Incarceration

2015

2015 Criminal Justice Institute

Trial Skills - Skills to Build a Career

2014

Deferred Prosecutions

Deferred Prosecutions and Ethical Implications

2014

Defending DUIs Seminar

Motions in Limine - Using the Rules of Evidence to Your Advantage

2014

Conditions of Release

Conditions of Release and Ethical Implications

2013

Defending DUI's Seminar

Blood Testing

2012

Defending DUIs Seminar

Jury Selection

2011

Felony DUI Update

Felony DUIs

2010

Evidence and Objection Boot Camp

Mock Trial and Panel Discussion

2010

Defending DUI Blood-Drug Cases

Challenging Blood Drug Tests

2009

Defending DUIs Seminar

Winning The Impossible Case

2009

2009 Regional DUI Forums

Roadside Field Sobriety Tests

2008

Ethics and DUI Beeper Calls

Ethical issues involved in the 2:00 am call

2008

Defending DUIs

Fundamentals of Jury Selection

2006

Mastering Misdemeanors

Legal Update on DUI Issues

2006

Judicial DUI Forum

Issues in DUI Cases

2006

Defending DUI's

Winning Breath Test Cases

2005

Defending DUI's

Legal Update on DUI Laws

2003

Defending DUI's

Prosecutorial Misconduct

Languages

Spanish

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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