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.

26 years

50%
Criminal Defense 20%

Felonies and Misdemeanor Criminal Defense.

26 years

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

Assault, Malicious Mischief, Violations of no contact orders

26 years

10%
Juvenile Law 10%

All Juvenile Crimes

10%
Violent Crime 10%

Assaults, etc.

26 years

10%

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 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

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Diego J Vargas's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

76 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (76) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best of the Best !

Last Summer I was cited for DUI by a rookie SPD officer after stopping me for an illegal U-Turn at 1 AM. I contacted a fantastic attorney who is in semi-retirement and had represented me in the past for minor traffic tickets. He represented me at the arraignment, however here I was charged with bo...th DUI and an added charge of Reckless Driving (!) I was terrified as the attorney conveyed to me the seriousness of these charges and he recommended I consult with four highly-regarded DUI specialists. Of these four, all were incredibly knowledgeable and well-versed, however only Diego Vargas showed the same righteous indignation at these charges that I was feeling. I could tell he was incredulous and would fight for me with all he had. I retained his services on the spot, and he did not let me down. There is no need to reiterate the incredible respect Diego commands in the courtroom by all present as the other reviewers have illuminated this sufficiently. I will state however that it is probably not often an attorney corrects a judge with regards to the law, but this is exactly what happened during a pre-trial hearing as Diego very humbly and respectfully cited an exact statute to the judge who at first disagreed but then conceded to Diego upon reading it for himself on the spot. Moreover, during the contested tow/impound hearing related to my case I witnessed Diego absolutely embarrass and destroy the misguided rookie officer (who cited me) while the officer was on the stand testifying as to the particulars of my case for the record. I was entirely innocent of both charges as I seldom drink, have never done drugs and was on no medication. What’s more, the traffic maneuver did not constitute Reckless Driving. That being said, Seattle is the absolute worst place in the USA to get a DUI, and most folks in the know told me that with two pending criminal charges I would be lucky to ‘plea down to Negligent Driving and I should consider that a win.’ -This is with no criminal history and a clean traffic record. Well, one person didn’t agree with that assessment, and that person was Diego Vargas. While not promising any given result, Diego nonetheless went the extra mile and was able to get BOTH CHARGES DISMISSED with prejudice even before the Motion Trial ! I would have been happy at that point just to pay the traffic ticket and move on, but he was able to get that dismissed as well (!) I believe the prosecutors knew full well who they were going up against and made the right and just decision in moving to dismiss. Every attorney I consulted with spoke highly of Diego. In both their opinion and mine, Diego Vargas is the absolute best of the best.

Posted by Dr. B | September 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thank God for Mr Vargas!

Professional, detailed, available, caring, and an expert being a trial lawyer! Prosecutor tried to pile on charges and get a plea deal, but Mr. Vargas was eager and confident about taking this to trial. He had a laser focus on what elements he must defeat. His pre-court and in-court cross examination... of witnesses and clear summary of the required elements of the law sealed our win. It all began with him selecting the right jurors and he is truly the one you want representing you. Thank you Mr. Vargas!

Posted by Vito | March 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Diego Vargas a Blessing for my case.

Mr.Diego Vargas is an excellent attorney. I had been accused of 3 feloneys from an incident that had allegedly occurred in 2013. To say I was scared is an understatement. Diego, as he preferred to be called, was very understanding and compassionate. He appeared in court multiple times and filled al...l the documents and motions. Putting pressure on the prosecutor from the very beginning to the end. Resulting in a very surprising full dismissal of the case.I feel like he as a blessing from above. Thank you Diego

Posted by Rachelle | September 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Diego Vargas

When I had my initial consultation with Diego be explained my charges in detail as well as my options moving forward. I could tell immediately this was a man who had both personal and professional integrity. I chose deferred prosecution after weighing my options. I had a few slips throughout the 5... year period and Diego was there 100% of the way when I had to return to court. He always responded to me right away and never made me feel like I was bothering him, regardless of how busy he was. I had never had any issue with the law and was quite nervous about the whole thing but his caring nature and skills as an attorney put me at ease. I would recommend Diego to anyone in need of an attorney. He is excellent at what he does and a class act of a human bring.

Posted by Kitty | August 10, 2015 | Lawsuits & Disputes

An Excellent Attorney

I believe my case lasted around 16 months or so. Which means I spent a lot of time speaking with Diego. Definitely not a time I like reminiscing about but at least I had a great attorney, he was working with my other attorney on another case as well too. I don't know what I would have done if I wasn'...t referred to his firm. Not only did he have to keep me calm, he often had to answer the same questions over and over for my family members and my partner at the time. My situation could have been a lot worse if I wasn't introduced to the right attorney.

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
Abigael Drew Pence headshot
Abigael Pence

Criminal defense lawyer

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

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

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