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James Eric Gaston
also known as Eric Gaston
About James
Biography
A former prosecutor, Eric Gaston entered private practice in 1998, focusing exclusively on DUI defense. Since then, Eric has earned the respect of his peers and the Courts; having been named a "Rising Star" in Washington Law and Politics in 2002, 2005, 2006 and 2007. Mr. Gaston was named one of Washington's “Top 25” criminal defense attorneys in 2008 and has been named a “Super Lawyer” by Washington Law & Politics from 2008 – 2013, a distinction shared by only 250 other lawyers in the State.
Eric received certification in administering the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests in 2006. In 2008, Mr. Gaston received training from National Patent, in Mansfield, Ohio, the manufacturer of Washington's breath test instrument, the BAC DataMaster and DataMaster CDM. A past Criminal Law Chair of the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, past President of the Northwest Academy of DUI Defense, and Vice President of the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, Eric has lectured extensively on DUI defense at seminars instructing other lawyers accross the State on how to defend DUI cases.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 30 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of James Eric Gaston
4040 Lk Washington Blvd Ne #300, Kirkland, WA, 98033-7874
Law Offices of James Eric Gaston
1422 Bellevue Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98122
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James Eric Gaston's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 19 reviews
Posted by anonymous | May 06, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Excellent work by Mr. Gaston
I was arrested for DUI for not using my turn signal and later found out the police were on a DUI emphasis patrol. I found Eric Gaston's firm online and contacted them the next day. When we met, Eric put my mind at ease by giving me hope there may be ways to get the sentence reduced and also gave me c...
Posted by anonymous | March 04, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Incredibly detailed, very professional and a hard working representative
I had the unfortunate circumstance of being arrested for a DUI in an area very well known for aggressive prosecution, and right in the middle of a complicated immigration case as well that it would significantly impact. Mr. Gaston did an absolutely *outstanding* job. I was amazed at the level and de...
Posted by anonymous | February 25, 2014 | Criminal Defense
did not break the law and eric won
Eric Gaston is a straight shooter, he took my case turned over every stone, got it dropped . kept me involved on new issues and did not lay down to the courts. i will only use him in future if i need legal help
Posted by Megan | February 19, 2014 | DUI & DWI
So helpful and efficient! Thanks Eric!
Eric Gaston and his entire firm made me feel so comfortable dealing with a difficult situation. I am so thankful for his help getting my life back to normal! Anyone who is dealing with the mess of a DUI needs to talk with Eric and his staff. He knew all the right things to do and was so great in help...
Posted by anonymous | November 07, 2013 | Employment & Labor
Job well done
Mr. Gaston did a tremendous job for me. He was very clear about the possible outcomes of my case. He never made me promises that he couldn't keep. In the end, he got me the best possible outcome on the court and DOL case.
James Eric Gaston's Lawyer Endorsements
"Eric is a great attorney. He is very smart and always prepared. I worked with him on a case and was very impressed. He is an aggressive advocate for his clients and is well respected by his peers."
"Eric is an exceptional attorney who always represents his clients with passion and integrity. I highly endorse his work."
"Eric is a brilliant and hardworking attorney. He cares deeply about his clients and the outcome of their cases. I have seen his work over the years and I am always impressed with the level of thought and effort he puts into every case. Any person charged with a DUI who is represented by Eric can rest assured that they have the highest quality attorney on their side."
"I endorse this lawyer. Eric and I started our careers as opposing counsel when he worked as a prosecutor, and I as a public defender. He was obviously a brilliant and talented lawyer then, but his DUI defense work in the many years since have gained the respect and admiration of his clients, colleagues, prosecutors, and judges. Eric's mastery of all aspects of defending DUI cases make him a leader in the field. Anyone facing a DUI could not choose a better advocate than Eric."
"Eric’s exceptional DUI knowledge, his focus on Implied Consent issues, and meticulous preparation are infamous in King County and throughout the State. He is extremely prepared and articulates his client’s cause with passion, zeal, and authority. I recommend Eric without any reservations. His writing and research skills are exceptional. Eric routinely educates other lawyers and is frequently called upon by fellow DUI lawyers to handle the more complicated issues in DUI litigation. Eric or any member of the firm of Cowan, Kirk, Gaston are the team to call on in King County and surrounding areas for your DUI defense."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Stephen is highly respected by fellow attorneys as a successful DUI/DWI attorney. If arrested for DUI/DWI, call him first!"
"Eric is a highly skilled and seasoned DUI/DWI trial attorney who is in court daily defending his clients. I know Eric to be a result oriented attorney who always has his client's best interests at the forefront of his thoughts and actions. He is among the top DUI/DWI practitioners in Western Washington, and I recommend his services without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Eric is one of the best prepared, zealous advocates that I have ever had the privilege to work with. I endorse him without reservation. "
"Eric is a compassionate, hard working advocate for his clients. His efforts are unmatched, and he is extremely creative in obtaining superior results for his clients. Eric is well respected by his peers, the courts and the prosecutors; he has achieved great success in courts all across the State of Washington. He is a great attorney and a great friend. "
"Eric is a superb attorney. Eric and his partner, William Kirk, are innovators in their field. Together their work has led to suppression of breath tests in literally thousands of criminal cases. Eric is repeatedly called upon by his colleagues for advice or insight. "
"Eric Gaston is an innovator in DUI defense. He has successfully challenged Washington’s DUI laws and procedures. His firm is top-notch, including senior-partner Doug Cowan, the Godfather of DUI defense in Washington. "
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
Mark Blair
Criminal defense lawyer
David O
Criminal defense lawyer
Kenneth Fornabai
DUI and DWI lawyer
Howard Stein
DUI and DWI lawyer
Mark Stephens
Criminal defense lawyer
Jonathan Rands
DUI and DWI lawyer
Theodore Vosk
Criminal defense lawyer
Patrick Moriarty
Criminal defense lawyer
Gregory Schwesinger
DUI and DWI lawyer
Aaron Wolff
DUI and DWI lawyer
John Brangwin
DUI and DWI lawyer
David Kennedy
Family lawyer
Zachary Fleet
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2012
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2011
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2009
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Rising Star,
2006
Rising Star,
2005
Rising Star,
2002
Rising Star,
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Partner, Cowan Kirk Gaston Wolff
2000 - 2005
Partner, Veitch, Gaston & Kennedy
1998 - 1999
Attorney, Weyrich and Verge (Weyrich and Gaston)
1997 - 1998
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Skagit County Prosecutors Office
1995 - 1997
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Snohomish County Prosecutor's Office
Associations
2008 - Present
Washington Foundation for Criminal JusticeSecretary
National College of DUI Defense
Member
Northwest Academy for DUI Defense
Founding Member
Washington State Trial Lawyers Association
Member
Washington State Bar Association
Member
Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice
Member
2005 - 2005
Northwest Academy for DUI DefensePresident
2005 - 2005
Criminal Law Section, WSTLAChairman
Sample of Legal Cases
City of Seattle v. T. Fountain
Charges dismissed.
City of Seattle v. J. Stewart
All charges dismissed.
State v. Weimer, No. 7036A-09D (Sno. Co. Dist. Ct. WA)
Blood Evidence Suppressed
Education
2005
National College for DUI Defense
1995
Lewis & Clark Northwestern School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1992
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
Defending DUI's in Washington
The Science of DUI
2013
Defending DUI's in Washington
DOL Hearings: Winning the War
2012
Defending DUI's in Washington
The Ethical Lawer
2010
Discovery: It's Elementary
Co-Chairman
2010
Defending DUI's in Washington
FST: Forcing Standardized Testing
2009
Defending DUI's in Washington
Mastering Pretrial Motions
2008
Defending DUI's in Washington
The Devil, Details and the DOL
2007
Suppressing Breath Test Evidence
An Innovative Challenge to the Implied Consent Warnings
2007
DUI's in a Post Jensen World
The Coercion Inherent Under the Implied Consent Law
2007
2007 Defending DUI's Program
Cross Examination of Field Sobriety Testing
2004
Wasington Trial Lawyers Association
An Overview of Misdemeanor Practice, Early Years of Litigation Practice
Publications
2007
Defending DUI's in Washington
DUI and the Commercial Driver
2003
King County Bar Association
Defending DUIs-A Defense Perspective
2001
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Judge, Jury and Executioner: The DOL and Due Process in Administrative Hearings
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers