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Matthew A Leyba
About Matthew
Biography
My name is Matthew Leyba and I'm the firm owner of Leyba Defense PLLC. In 2010 I started Leyba Defense PLLC after working at the largest criminal defense law firm in Seattle. I chose to focus my practice on criminal defense because I love the area of law and the idea that I can truly help people in their time of need.
I have been repeatedly recognized as one of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Seattle by the Seattle Met Magazine's annual "Best of" edition. I have represented clients from all walks of life in every courthouse in Western Washington. I know every Prosecutor and Judge and have seen every kind of case imaginable. My motto is I will not rest until I’m able to get an outcome that a client is happy with.
A Washington DUI and Criminal Arrest is a serious matter. Let Matthew’s experience and as an accomplished Seattle Criminal Defense & DUI trialattorney work for you, call for a free consultation.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
5,000 cases
DUI and DWI
50%
5,000 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 19 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2006
No misconduct found
Location
Leyba Defense PLLC
3326 160th Ave SE Ste 215, Bellevue, WA, 98008
Leyba Defense, PLLC
1700 7th Ave., Ste 2100, Seattle, WA, 98101
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Matthew A Leyba's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 88 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | August 31, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great Experience
contacted Mr. Leyba for a legal issue. He was extremely personable and professional in walking me through the process and making me aware of what would happen. Multiple times I had to call him late at night and at other odd hours and he was always patient and very responsive. Mr. Leyba also ga...
Posted by anonymous | December 16, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Responsive, courteous, and professional
Matthew helped me reduce a DUI charge where I had blown a 0.06 to a negligent driving 1st degree - the prosecutor was not willing to let go that I had a passenger with me when I was pulled over. During the process, Matthew was clear, responsive, proactive, and flexible to meet or call when needed. He...
Posted by Andrew | March 28, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Prompt. Attentive. Seasoned professional!
I needed a seasoned DUI attorney to help me out during a tough time in my life. I've never had an encounter with law enforcement so I had no idea what to do or where to go. I read through all of the reviews on other lawyers in the Seattle/Bellevue area and came across Matt! From beginning the pro...
Posted by anonymous | January 3, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Exactly what I needed
Due to circumstances that don't matter, I was involved in a DUI case. Out of the attorneys I talked to and researched, Matt was the best. From my initial contact I had a direct line to him. Any time I reached out to him via phone or email I had a quick, if not immediate, response. He very clearly exp...
Posted by anonymous | November 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best possible lawyer for a worst case scenario
Long story short, ended up with a dui after a night out with some coworkers. Feeling helpless did some quick research on google and found matt. There’s no way you can fight this without a lawyer, so might as well hire a very solid one. Matt was quick to respond to questions/concerns, but kept expecta...
Matthew A Leyba's Lawyer Endorsements
"As a supervising Prosecutor in District Court I handled hundreds of cases with Mr. Leyba. I found him to be tireless advocate for his clients and an exceptionally skilled trial attorney. His combination of diligence and hard work coupled with his ability to connect with a jury translated time and time again into favorable results for his clients."
"Mr. Leyba and I worked at the same defense firm for several years. He has the reputation of being intelligent, industrious, and a great trial lawyer. I know that he is especially knowledgable about DUI matters as we attended a field sobriety test training together. Matt also successfully completed several matters that we worked on together."
"I endorse this lawyer. I've known Matt for many years. Nice guy and a great attorney."
"Matt is a stellar attorney. He's not only a fantastic courtroom advocate but he's also terrific to work with. He's extremely dedicated to his clients and knows the law inside and out. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Matt is a very knowledgeable and talented defense attorney. I've sought his advice many times and he's proven to be a great resource. Highly recommended!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Hardworking, professional and dedicated to achieving the best outcome for his client's."
"Matt has earned a reputation as a tireless and effective advocate for his clients. He is respected by his peers and his clients are very well served. I am happy to endorse Matt."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Matt for a number of years and have always been impressed with his excellent advocacy on behalf of his clients. Matt has a true talent for being persistent and aggressive on behalf of his clients while also maintaining credibility and respect with both opposing counsel and the court. Matt's clients clearly trust and like him and I would not hesitate to refer any clients his way. You are in excellent hands with Matt!"
"Matt is a very experienced trial attorney and a nice guy to boot. I can recommend his services without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I know Mr. Leyba from court and by reputation. His courtroom presentation and reputation are both sterling. Mr. Leyba is an excellent choice as your attorney."
"Matt is a great attorney. He is always prepared and gets the right results for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. When I was a prosecutor, I had numerous cases and trials against Mr. Leyba. Fortunately, for me now, we are now colleagues on the same side. Simply put, he is a Super Lawyer. He is very likeable, personable, and highly knowledgeable in all areas of criminal law, but most especailly in DUI defense. His legal skills and analytical skills are top notch and his command of procedural laws is very strong. He is very articulate and well spoken and thinks quickly on his feet. He excels in the area of trial law. He is one of the Best Trial attorneys I know in this state and one of the best DUI Defense attorneys. He is a dangerous opponent for prosecutors and Judges and jurors love Mr. Leyba and when he speaks, they listen. His actions and results speak for themselves I recommend Mr. Leyba without reservation. A 10, no doubt about it."
"Matthew is an oustanding advocate for clients facing DUI charges. He is a highly competent attorney. I refer criminal cases to him with confidence."
"I've seen Matt win consecutive jury trials. I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Matthew is an exception attorney. I've handled probably 50 or so cases set for trial with him. He is consistently diligent, prepared, knowledgeable, professional, and compassionate. He has an incredible wealth of knowledge on DUI laws and issues and is incredibly bright. He has substantial trial experience and is always a passionate advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I worked with Matt at the Associated Counsel for the Accused. He is a great lawyer. He is always professional and well prepared. He is an amazing advocate for his clients and gets great results. He is diligent and knowledgeable in the law. I strongly recommend him as an attorney."
"I have had the pleasure of working on several matters with Matt. He is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him."
"Matt is a great trial lawyer. He represents his clients with skill and passion, both in and out of the courtroom."
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Experience
Honors
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2018
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2017
Rising Star Criminal Defense, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2016
Rising Star Criminal Defense, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2015
Rising Star DUI/DWI Defense, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2015
Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2014
Rising Star DUI/DWI Defense, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2013
Trial Presenter - Trial Advocacy Program, WSBA
2013
Rising Star DUI/DWI Defense, Seattle Metropolitan Magazine
2012
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2012
Trial presenter - Trial Advocacy Program, WSBA
2011
Certificate of completion - Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2011
Certificate of Appreciation - Trial Advocacy program, WSBA
2010
Certificate of Appreciation - Trial Advocacy Program, WSBA
2010
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2009
Certificate of Excellence - 2 DUI jury trials in same week, Associated Counsel for the Accused
2009
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2009
Certificate of Completion - NHTSA Field Sobriety Testing, La Pier Associates
2008
Certificate of Completion - Challenging blood draw evidence, Washington Defender Association
2008
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2007
Certificate of Completion - The Basics of DUI Defense, Washington Defender Association
2007
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2006
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
2005
CALI Award for Excellence - Legal Writing III, Gonzaga University School of Law
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Managing Partner, Leyba Defense PLLC
2006 - 2010
Attorney, Associated Counsel for the Accused
2004 - 2006
Rule 9, Spokane County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2010 - Present
King County Bar AssociationAttorney
2006 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAttorney
2006 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney
2006 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationAttorney
Sample of Legal Cases
October 2013 Assault Dismissed
Assault 4 dismissed
April 2011
Felony Dismissed
June 2011
Hit/Run dismissed
November 2011
Theft dismissed
December 2011
DUI Dismissed
January 2012
DUI reduced to traffic ticket
February 2012
DUI Not Guilty after trial
April 2012
DUI Dismissed
June 2012
DUI Dismissed
November 2012
Prostitution Loitering Dismissed during Jury Trial
June 2013 DUI Dismissed
DUI Dismissed
March 2011
DUI Dismissed
November 2013 DUI Dismissed
DUI Dismissed
April 2014 Criminal case dismissed
Dismissed
May 2014 Criminal case dismissed
Dismissed
May 2014 BUI reduced to infraction
Boating infraction
May 2014 MIP dismissed
Dismissed
August 2014 DUI Dismissed!!!
DUI dismissed
October 2014 DUI dismissed
Dismissed
October 2014 DUI dismissed
DUI dismissed!
November 2014 Assault 4 Dismissed
Assault 4 Dismissed
December 2014 Minor DUI Dismissed
Minor DUI dismissed!
May 2009
Dismissed
September 2007
DUI Dismissed
November 2007
Not Guilty after jury trial
March 2008
Not Guilty after jury trial
April 2008
Not Guilty after jury trial
June 2008
Reckless Driving reduced to traffic infraction
June 2008
DUI Dismissed
August 2008
Dismissed
November 2008
Not Guilty after jury trial
February 2009
Not Guilty after jury trial
March 2009
DUI Dismissed
July 2007
DUI Dismissed
May 2009
Not Guilty after jury trial
July 2009
DUI Dismissed
August 2009
Not Guilty after jury trial
October 2009
Reckless Driving reduced to traffic infraction
December 2009
DUI reduced to traffic infraction
December 2009
Not Guilty after jury trial
February 2010
Dismissed
March 2010
DUI reduced to traffic infraction
July 2010
DUI Dismissed
December 2010
DUI reduced to traffic infraction
Education
2006
Gonzaga University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
University of Utah
Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2013
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee
Trial Notebook & Organization
2012
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee
Trial Notebook Skills
2011
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee
Trial Notebook
2010
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee
Trial Notebook and Jury organizational skills
2009
ACA
How to cross examine the arresting officer in a DUI case
2008
ACA
How to Analyze a DUI incident report
Publications
2012
2012
2012
EZ Articles
Getting into Canada after a DUI conviction
2012
2008
The Seattle Times
Not-Guilty verdict a setback to nightclub sting operation
2008
The Seattle PI
Bar Sting, 8 months later
2008
The Stranger
Stinging Rebuke
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
How will DUI affect my H1B status?
08 Jan 2019
Q&A
Will I be charged DUI if blew 0.056 and0.058? I was let go on that day but cop mentioned prosecutor will send something in mail
29 Mar 2018
Q&A
I was arrested for DUI. My breath test was .089. Do I have to appear in the court even if I have an attorney?
02 Jun 2017
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Should I consider a Washington State DUI Deferred Prosecution
14 Jan 2011
Legal Guide
Washington State DUI Penalties Outlined
11 Jan 2011
Legal Guide
Questions to ask when interviewing a Seattle DUI Attorney
11 Jan 2011