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 (206) 357-8454 for a free consultation.
Practice areas
5,000 cases
5,000 cases
Languages spoken
English
Leyba Defense PLLC
3326 160th Ave SE Ste 215
Bellevue, WA, 98008
Leyba Defense, PLLC
1700 7th Ave., Ste 2100
Seattle, WA, 98101
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 2006 | 05/07/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2020 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2019 |
Rising Star | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2018 |
Rising Star Criminal Defense | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2017 |
Rising Star Criminal Defense | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2016 |
Rising Star DUI/DWI Defense | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2015 |
Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyers Under 40 | American Society of Legal Advocates | 2015 |
Rising Star DUI/DWI Defense | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2014 |
Trial Presenter - Trial Advocacy Program | WSBA | 2013 |
Rising Star DUI/DWI Defense | Seattle Metropolitan Magazine | 2013 |
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2012 |
Trial presenter - Trial Advocacy Program | WSBA | 2012 |
Certificate of completion - Defending DUIs | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2011 |
Certificate of Appreciation - Trial Advocacy program | WSBA | 2011 |
Certificate of Appreciation - Trial Advocacy Program | WSBA | 2010 |
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUIs | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2010 |
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 | 2009 |
Certificate of Completion - Challenging blood draw evidence | Washington Defender Association | 2008 |
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2008 |
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 | 2007 |
Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington | Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice | 2006 |
CALI Award for Excellence - Legal Writing III | Gonzaga University School of Law | 2005 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Managing Partner | Leyba Defense PLLC | 2010 - Present |
Attorney | Associated Counsel for the Accused | 2006 - 2010 |
Rule 9 | Spokane County Public Defender's Office | 2004 - 2006 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
King County Bar Association | Attorney | 2010 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Attorney | 2006 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Attorney | 2006 - Present |
Washington Defender Association | Attorney | 2006 - Present |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
EZ Articles | How to use a public disclosure request in a DUI case | 2012 |
EZ Articles | Getting into Canada after a DUI conviction | 2012 |
EZ Articles | Conducting Voir Dire in a DUI case from the Defense Perspective | 2012 |
EZ articles | What effect Marijuana legalization could have on DUI laws | 2012 |
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 | 2008 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Gonzaga University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 2006 |
University of Utah | Bachelor of Science | 2003 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee | Trial Notebook & Organization | 2013 |
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee | Trial Notebook Skills | 2012 |
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee | Trial Notebook | 2011 |
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers Division, Trial Advocacy Program Committee | Trial Notebook and Jury organizational skills | 2010 |
ACA | How to cross examine the arresting officer in a DUI case | 2009 |
ACA | How to Analyze a DUI incident report | 2008 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
Posted by anonymous
August 31, 2020
Posted by anonymous
December 16, 2019
Posted by Andrew
March 28, 2019
Posted by anonymous
January 3, 2019
Posted by anonymous
November 13, 2018
Posted by anonymous
October 25, 2018
Posted by anonymous
October 11, 2018
Posted by Bo Adekoya
October 3, 2018
Posted by anonymous
June 29, 2018
Posted by Jordan
June 16, 2018
Christopher Anderson, Criminal defense Attorney on May 12, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Brian Beattie, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 9, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
David Bingaman, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 20, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. I've known Matt for many years. Nice guy and a great attorney.
Sonja Jacobsen, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 23, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Chris Jackman, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 13, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
Mark Blair, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 12, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Hardworking, professional and dedicated to achieving the best outcome for his client's.
Jon Fox, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Benjamin Hiltzheimer, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michelle Scudder, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 1, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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!
Samantha Leage, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 21, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is a very experienced trial attorney and a nice guy to boot. I can recommend his services without reservation.
James White, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 15, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
David O, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 25, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is a great attorney. He is always prepared and gets the right results for his clients.
Henry Chae, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 22, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Chad Eubanks, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 8, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matthew is an oustanding advocate for clients facing DUI charges. He is a highly competent attorney. I refer criminal cases to him with confidence.
Christopher Anderson, Criminal defense Attorney on May 12, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Timothy Chiang-Lin, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 2, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I've seen Matt win consecutive jury trials. I endorse this lawyer's work.
Nors Davidson, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 25, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.
Brian Beattie, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 9, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Stefanie Dorn, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 8, 2010
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Kirsten Walsh, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 5, 2010
Relationship: Co-worker
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.
Diego Vargas, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 26, 2010
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have had the pleasure of working on several matters with Matt. He is an excellent attorney and I highly recommend him.
Kennet Phillipson, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 25, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Matt is a great trial lawyer. He represents his clients with skill and passion, both in and out of the courtroom.
Cash, Check, Credit Card