I have focused on criminal defense throughout my 26+ year career -- starting as a state court Public Defender; working at one of the largest law firms in Seattle; and eventually starting my own private practice. I have represented clients in Washington State, Alaska, Oregon, California, Colorado, Wyoming, Mississippi, South Carolina and North Carolina. I have handled numerous appeals in the United States Supreme Court, Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals, Washington Court of Appeals, and the Washington Supreme Court.
I have tried dozens of cases in Federal Court; State Superior Court, and various Municipal and District Court around Washington State.
My fellow criminal defense lawyers elected me President of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2004-5.
Practice areas
100% of my caseload involves the investigation of defense of alleged crimes. My entire career has been devoted to criminal defense back to law school when I was an intern at the Public Defender Association in Seattle.
39 years, 1,200 cases
39 years
Handled dozens of felony and misdemeanor cases of domestic violence in Superior Court, District Courts and Municipal Courts throughout Western Washington.
39 years, 300 cases
Most of my practice today is in Federal Court. My cases include the following: white collar crime; tax fraud; securities fraud; mortgage fraud; identity theft drug cases.
35 years, 400 cases
Represented clients accused of various violent crimes in both state court and federal court, including murder, manslaughter, assault, robbery, and domestic violence.
39 years
I have handled federal court appeals in the U.S. Supreme Court; Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals; and Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals. I have also handled many cases in the State Court of Appeals and the Washington Supreme Court. I am the former chair of the Appellate Amicus Committee for the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Also, in 1984-5, I was head of the misdemeanor appellate unit for the Public Defender Association in Seattle.
39 years
I have represented corporate officers and managers in criminal investigations and prosecutions of major corporations, including: BP Oil Company; Alaska Airlines; Columbia Sportswear; University of Washington Medical Center; and Tyson Seafoods.
32 years
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1984 | 05/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 11 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
AV Rating | Martindale-Hubbell | 2009 |
Pro Bono Award | Washington State Bar Association | 2005 |
President | Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 2004 |
Certificate of Recognition | Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 1999 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Partner | Finegold Zulauf & Engelhard | 1991 - 1996 |
Senior Associate | Preston Gates and Ellis | 1989 - 1991 |
Appeals Attorney | Washington Appellate Defender Association | 1986 - 1988 |
Trial Attorney | Seattle King County Public Defender Association | 1983 - 1986 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | President | 1988 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | Vice President | 1988 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | Treasurer | 1988 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys | Amicus Committee Chairman | 1992 - 1995 |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | 1989 - 2007 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
UCLA School of Law | Juris Doctor | 1983 |
Pomona College (Claremont) | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1979 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
WACDL - Year in Review | Criminal Search and Seizure Law | 1999 |
Criminal Sentencing Law | Sentencing law in Washington | 1995 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
United States v. Ly | Evidence suppressed and case dismissed. |
City of Auburn v. Lott | Jury Trial - Not Guilty |
Grand Jury Investigation | No charges filed |
Grand Jury Investigation | No charges filed |
United States v. Wegers | RICO charges dismissed. |
Posted by Paul
February 25, 2010
Posted by anonymous
February 6, 2010
Posted by anonymous
January 22, 2010
Posted by Peter J
November 3, 2009
Posted by anonymous
November 3, 2009
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Scott. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Christian Lassen, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Scott. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Christian Lassen, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 27, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Peter Friedman, Federal crime Attorney on Apr 8, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I am an attorney with over 25 years experience and Scott Engelhard is my "go to" guy on Federal Criminal cases. From grand jury issues to trial and post-conviction work Scott is highly respected by the Courts, U.S. Attorneys and his colleagues. I feel confident referring cases to him knowing clients will be represented in a first class manner.
Howard Goodfriend, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 13, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I frequently refer clients to Scott, knowing that they will receive the best possible defense.
Ross Macfarlane, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2010
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have known Scott for years, and know him to be hard working, intelligent and with the highest integrity. He is an acknowledged leader in the criminal defense bar in the region. I strongly recommend contacting Scott.
Andrew Schwarz, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 16, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Scott is an outstanding lawyer. He is smart, creative, and tenacious. I often refer clients to him, knowing that they will be treated with respect and that Scott will work hard to secure a favorable outcome. I recommend him without reservation.
Jon Zulauf, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 15, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work.