Skip to main content

David Christopher Iannotti

  Save
Avvo Rating10
  • Kent, WA
  • Licensed for 14 years
  • Free consultation
See more Kent Criminal Defense lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About David

  • Over 11 years of courtroom experience
  • Represented thousands of accused persons
  • Over 100 jury trials, including Murder in the 1st Degree
  • Multiple jury trial victories on Marijuana and Drug DUIs
  • Leads SMH's Appellate Practice, with experience arguing in The Division 1 and Division 2 Court of Appeals
  • Overturned several unconstitutional City Ordinances
  • Teaches and assists other attorneys around the State with Marijuana DUI Defense

 

About David:  During his eleven years aggressively representing persons in Washington courts, David Iannotti has developed a strong reputation for his willingness to try difficult cases to a jury and argue pertinent legal issues to the Court of Appeals.

David Iannotti grew up on the East Coast, slowly making his way across the U.S. and ultimately ending up here in the state of Washington. Most of his family still resides in Washington D.C., New York, Boston and Florida. David obtained his undergraduate degree from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio with a degree in Political Science and Economics. While at Miami University, he worked as an intern for Butler County Superior Court Judge Patricia Oney.

After graduating from Miami University, David moved back to Washington D.C. and worked as a legal assistant for Spriggs & Hollingsworth. During this time, he primarily focused on preparing large product liability cases for trial, working as the lead paralegal on several extensive jury trials. After two years of working in D.C., David decided to go back to school and obtain his law degree.

David moved to Chicago, Illinios to pursue his law degree at the John Marshall Law School where he received a Dean's Scholarship for his academic performance. While he was a student at the John Marshall Law School, David spent three months in Beijing, China studying a comparison of the American and Chinese criminal justice systems. He then went on to publish an article in the International Law Journal titled "International Criminal Law, 2004 Year in Review".

After graduating from Law School in January 2006, David moved to the state of Washington with his wife and passed the Washington State Bar Exam.

David has established his home here in Seattle, Washington where he spends his free time racing road bikes, playing Ultimate Frisbee, and most importantly, enjoying time with his family.

After passing the bar, he initially worked as an associate at a small firm focused on Immigration and Criminal Law representing Spanish speaking defendants in their immigration and criminal defense matters.  David is concentrating his practice on criminal defense.

Since joining SMH, David has developed a reputation for his willingness to try difficult cases to a jury, from Shoplifting to Murder in the 1st Degree.  David also leads the appellate practice of SMH arguing for the rights of his clients to Superior Court and the Court of Appeals, including trying to make changes in the law involving the Per Se Marijuana DUI and the First Amendment Right to Freedom of Speech.

 

Bar Admissions:

Washington, 2006

U.S. District Court Western District of Washington, 2007

U.S. District Court Eastern District of Washington, 2007

U.S. Court of Appeals 9th Circuit, 2007

Read More

Practice areas

AppealsDUI and DWIDomestic violenceCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 40%

    16 years, 2,000 cases

  2. Domestic violence: 25%

    16 years, 1,000 cases

  3. DUI and DWI: 25%

    16 years, 1,000 cases

  4. Appeals: 10%

    11 years, 40 cases

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

37345 1441044040

Contact

655 W Smith St Ste 210
Kent, WA, 98032-4477

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    WAActive200605/10/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers5
    Legal guides0
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate granted
    Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer Under 40The American Society of Legal Advocates2018
    Top 40 Criminal Defense Lawyer Under 40The American Society of Legal Advocates2017
    Top 100 Trial LawyerThe National Trial Lawyer2016
    Attorney of the YearCorporate Vision Magazine2016
    Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2016
    Associate of the MonthSMH2014
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    AssociateStewart MacNichol Harmell2007 - Present
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    Washington Defenders AssociationSubscriber2013 - Present
    Washington State Bar AssociationN/A2006 - Present
    Publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    International Law JournalInternational Criminal Law, 2004 Year in Review2005
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    The John Marshall Law SchoolJuris Doctor2006
    Miami University of OhioBS - Bachelor of Science2000
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Sentencing CLECourt's Jurisdiction during Appeal Process2018
    SMH Continuing Legal Education SeminarsAppeals and Writs2017
    Your First DUI/Physical Control TrialContinuing Legal Education2015
    Continuing Legal EducationDefending Marijuana DUI2015
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    www.sbmhlaw.comNot Guilty
    City v. L.H.Not Guilty
    City v. E.B.Not Guilty on all counts
    City v. C.C.Dismissed
    City v. T.B.Not Guilty
    City of Lakewood v. R.W.Won in Supreme Court - striking down Lakewood Ordinance
    City v. C.C.Pending oral argument at Division 1

    Reviews

    (3)
    5 Star
    		100%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		0%
    Review David Iannotti

    Wins - Great Strategist and Courtroom Skills

    Posted by

    David listened well, quickly developed a great strategy and kept me from harming my case by creating opportunies for the prosecutors. In court, he remained sharply focused on narrowing the case to the essential issues. He was theatrical only when needed. His brilliance and extensive experience shows in many other ways. After I was found ‘Not Guilty’, I learned that David wins 80% of his cases! No surprise after seeing him in action. Hire David!
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Advice

    Posted by

    I have had the pleasure of consulting with Mr. Iannotti on several occasions. He was able to give me effective legal advice which successfully resolved the cases I was working on.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Excellent Representation

    Posted by

    David represented me on a matter in District Court. He did a great job communicating with me and helping resolve my situation.
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Attorney endorsements

    (12)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Matthew Zenner, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 3, 2018
    Relationship: Co-worker

    David is an outstanding trial attorney with a record and reputation to back it up. He is a skilled and creative attorney who works tirelessly for his clients.

    Harkiran Sekhon, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 3, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    David is a fierce advocate for his clients. He is also very smart and and dedicated to his craft.

    Julie Stormes, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 3, 2015
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I’ve worked with David quite a bit over the past several years, and believe he’s a passionate and zealous advocate for all his clients. David dedicates himself to each case and legal issue he handles, and challenges his adversaries to match his professional investment and expertise. He also has a good rapport with prosecutors, which is important for a criminal defense attorney. And while it shouldn’t be a surprise I don’t always agree with David, I do respect his positions and skill, and believe him to be an excellent attorney.

    Jeffrey Gregory, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 13, 2015
    Relationship: Co-worker

    I have worked in the area of criminal law for the past 15 years. I have heard of David previously only by solid reputation. I now work along side David and am honored to do so. His legal knowledge is unmatched and his ability to asses and advocate his cases shows his extreme dedication to each one of his clients.

    Christopher Sims, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 12, 2015
    Relationship: Co-worker

    David is definitely a go to when it comes to his legal knowledge, whether it be help on a particular issue or trial advice. I have worked closely with David on appeal issues as well as every other facet of the criminal justice system and I admire his style and abilities. He is winner in all facets and has garnered the respect of not only those who he works with but also those who he works against. Mr. Iannotti receives my highest endorsement. I cannot speak highly enough of him.

    Sara Watson, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 12, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    As a former co-worker and current opposing counsel, I know David has an unwavering commitment to each of his clients’ best interest. David has both the ability to present complex legal arguments to the court as well as persuasive arguments to which juries can relate; a rare combination and a value to the legal field.

    Cindy Corsilles, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 12, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Iannotti is an outstanding advocate for his clients. We have worked against each other in many cases. I find him to be a tough litigator, who has broad knowledge of criminal law. He is very professional and courteous to opposing counsel, his clients and to the court.

    Seth Chastain, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 11, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    David is a fantastic trial attorney. I have known him for some time and he consistently gets the best results for his clients. Highly recommended.

    Norman Stewart, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 6, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have been familiar with the work of David Iannotti as a criminal defense attorney for over seven years. During that period he has proven to be one of the best and brightest. David is a top trial attorney, who has carved a bit of a niche for himself with marijuana and drug DUIs. That being said, he has also tried first degree murder cases. David has also developed a reputation as a top notch appellate attorney. For instance, as I write this endorsement David is lead counsel in a constitutional challenge against Washington's per se marijuana DUI law, and also lead counsel on a challenge to the constitutionality of a city ordinance concerning begging on freeway off ramps. Anyone who knows David would give him the highest endorsement.

    Michele Walker, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 5, 2015
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I endorse this lawyer. I've had several trials against David and he does a great job for his clients!

    Michael Waddington, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 12, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Sean Parrent, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2009
    Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

    I've mostly worked with David in pretrial matters. As a prosecutor, I appreciate a defense attorney who spots the main issues and uses court time effectively. David definitely does both.

    Cost

    RATES
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        60 minutes
      OTHER BILLING TYPES
      • Retainer Some attorneys require an upfront payment to secure their services before they begin their work.
        Always
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card