Aaron S Kiviat

Aaron S Kiviat

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 21 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence

705 2nd Ave., Suite 1111, Seattle, WA

About Aaron

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

23 years | 1,000 cases

50%
Domestic Violence 50%

23 years | 1,000 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 18 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2007

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in New York for 21 years

State: New York

Acquired: 2004

Delinquent

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Aaron S. Kiviat, PLLC

705 2nd Ave., Suite 1111, Seattle, WA, 98104

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Aaron S Kiviat's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

35 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (35) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 35 reviews

Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Unresponsive, borderline negligent

I had a court case against me that after consultation with several lawyers they all agreed was very straightforward. I still wanted a lawyer with a good track record, so after reading reviews on Aaron Kiviat I set up a consultation with him. He also said that this was an easy case but that he didn't ...come cheap. What other lawyers were asking, around $1000, Aaron wanted $4000. What convinced me to go with Mr. Kiviat was the feeling that he really was on my side, could be trusted to take the case seriously, and by his words that he always handled his cases personally and not through a paralegal. He sold me, so I went with him out of a feeling of trust. From that moment on, getting him to respond to calls, emails and texts was nearly impossible. I would get something in the mail from the court, would ask him what I needed to do, and nothing. Np response. It honestly had me very worried as to what was happening. Finally I get a first response from him regarding the prosecutor's discovery, which he told me was right in line with my statements and that this was a good thing. He then told me his paralegal was still reviewing the discovery and that his paralegal was also looking into similar cases for argument. After the call, I thought about that. My lawyer, in getting me to hire him, lied to me. He lied about something somewhat erroneous, his not using a paralegal, but still after considering his complete lack of communication this little lie on top of it still left me concerned. Finally, after I'd asked for updates with no response, he contacts me to go over the prosecutor's offer. Even with my case being as straightforward as it was, in Aaron's words, the prosecutor still wanted his "pound of flesh" and that his offer was an SOC that would require me to put in community service hours. When I pushed back, in that if I was innocent as I believe and my lawyer said he believes, why should I still be punished with having to put in hours of community service? Aaron's tone changed, and now he seemed to advocate for the prosecutor's position. Yes, he said we still could take the case before a jury, but the best case scenario was that I get a dismissal and sometimes you just have to eat crow. So, I went with the SOC and performed community service out in the freezing winter for a crime I didn't commit. Even after that, first court date just to say I agreed to the SOC, we attended via Zoom. The prosecutor was in the court room in a suit. I was in a suit. My lawyer? He was in his living room with an unbuttoned dress shirt. The judge and prosecutor appeared to smirk at that. After that, not a peep. Case gets dismissed, I ask for the paperwork that confirms it, took multiple requests until FINALLY he emails me the paperwork with a simple "see below." Spoke with some of my friend's relatives who are lawyers, and they all tell me that Aaron's behavior was in fact very negligent and that he did not put in the work that he was paid far more than the case was worth. And to tell a white lie about not using a paralegal, unnecessary and frankly shady. I would not recommend retaining Mr. Kiviat, and behavior like this, this is at the core of our justice systems problems.

Posted by Michael | June 30, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Great Criminal defense

Great criminal defense lawyer, I am really happy for a very short and successful case representation provided by Aaron!

Posted by anonymous | September 28, 2021 | Hired Attorney

Integrity and accountability

Aaron is a true professional. His dedication after a case was over is what impressed me the most. It's a trate that very few people have, and Aaron is a prime example of what an attorney that truly is looking out for your best interests represents. I'm writing this review several months after Aaron h...elped me successfully navigate through a very unfamiliar time. Thanks for the excellent service!

Posted by anonymous | May 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Very Good Domestic Violence Lawyer

Aaron deserves 5 stars. All my charges for 1st offense DV assault were dismissed. I am glad I hired him.

Posted by Zhan | April 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney

Assault 4 degree

Aaron gave me the best service comparing to other private attorney. He had the best estimation and control power in the case.

See All Client Reviews

Aaron S Kiviat's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Aaron
Robert Caliendo headshot
Robert Caliendo

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Co-worker

"Aaron and I used to work together. He is a hardworking, bright, and compassionate lawyer. His clients are lucky to have him. He is an asset to the profession."

Aimee Marie Sutton headshot
Aimee Sutton

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron is a great lawyer. He works very hard for his clients. He is aggressive in their defense, but always maintains a professional and personable demeanor."

Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Kiviat is a very experienced attorney who often contributes to very complicated areas of the law on AVVO."

Courtney James Will headshot
Courtney Will

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Aaron for several years and can say that he is a highly skilled criminal defense attorney. He is an extremely knowledgable and very hardworking advocate who truly cares about his clients. His negotiation skills are second to none and he leaves no stone unturned in his preparation. Finally, he also possesses the unique ability to present a case at trial in a highly organized and persuasive manner. I have seen him work miracles in the courtroom, and give him my highest endorsement."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Barry J Wallis headshot
Barry Wallis

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Aaron Kiviat is one of the most knowledgeable, hardworking and astute Criminal Defense experts in the state. He is also one of the few attorneys you can trust in this field. You will not be disappointed."

Tyler Robert Campbell headshot
Tyler Campbell

Unknown lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alexander Bruce Johnson headshot
Alexander Johnson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've known Aaron for about 6 years and I have referred all King County area criminal matters to him. He is an extremely knowledgable attorney who works for the best possible outcome for his clients."

Herbert Ira Ellis headshot
Herbert Ellis

Unknown lawyer | Dec 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stefanie Marie Dorn headshot
Stefanie Dorn

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Aaron is exceptionally knowledgeable and his experience as a prosecutor allows him to really explore both sides of the case. He is always willing to help new lawyers and is a mentor to many in the community."

Jan Phillip Olson headshot
Jan Olson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Aaron and I worked on a serious felony case as co-counsel. He is very bright, with great instincts and intuition. He had strong listening skills with a difficult Client in a very difficult situation. I enjoyed his pragmatic approach that always was looking out for the best interests of the Client. That experience was professionally enjoyable, and everytime I have since seen him in Court, I've witnessed a very accomplished and competent professional."

Andrew C Huff headshot
Andrew Huff

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron is an exceptional attorney who always represents his clients with passion and integrity. I highly endorse his work."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew P. Lapin headshot
Matthew Lapin

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the pleasure of working with Aaron on a complex case with multiple witnesses, including several experts. His insight has been a great asset. His time as a prosecutor gives him a unique perspective into how to dissect a case. He is a zealous advocate and his clients are in excellent hands. I highly recommend Aaron."

Daniel Kalish headshot
Daniel Kalish

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"As a former deputy prosecutor in King County, I've known Aaron for several years and his reputation as a criminal defense attorney is second to none. He is incredibly bright, but also tenacious on behalf of his clients. Further, he is a good guy, and he has impeccable integrity. And finally, as a former deputy prosector himself, he knows how to obtain great results on behalf of his clients. I would strongly encourage anyone with a criminal issue to go to Aaron."

Blair Michael Russ headshot
Blair Russ

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron is an intelligent and creative attorney with an impeccable sense of the big picture. I strongly endorse him as a criminal defense attorney."

Daniel A Swedlow headshot
Daniel Swedlow

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse this lawyer's work."

Jeffrey Erich Foster headshot
Jeffrey Foster

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Kiviat for over a year. During this time, I have found Mr. Kiviat to be a diligent advocate and aggressive attorney who vigorously defends his clients legal rights in DUI and criminal cases. I stongly and unequivocally endorse this lawyer's work."

Aric Sana Bomsztyk headshot
Aric Bomsztyk

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron has a true passion for his work that translates into results for his clients. He has experience, skills and intelligence. Aaron is not afraid to take difficult cases to trial. I would highly recommend him to anyone who finds themselves ensnared in the criminal justice system."

Avi Joshua Lipman headshot
Avi Lipman

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Aaron Kiviat is an excellent lawyer with extensive courtroom experience. He is 100% committed to his clients. Aaron offers strong litigation and negotiation skills, and I endorse him without hesitation."

View All Endorsements
Michelle Ida Will headshot
Michelle Will

Criminal defense lawyer

Courtney James Will headshot
Courtney Will

Criminal defense lawyer

Michelle Marie Scudder headshot
Michelle Scudder

Criminal defense lawyer

Jan Phillip Olson headshot
Jan Olson

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael F. Morgan headshot
Michael Morgan

Criminal defense lawyer

Aimee Marie Sutton headshot
Aimee Sutton

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew P. Lapin headshot
Matthew Lapin

Criminal defense lawyer

Blair Michael Russ headshot
Blair Russ

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Kalish headshot
Daniel Kalish

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Kattenhorn headshot
Christopher Kattenhorn

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey Erich Foster headshot
Jeffrey Foster

Criminal defense lawyer

Avi Joshua Lipman headshot
Avi Lipman

Criminal defense lawyer

Aric Sana Bomsztyk headshot
Aric Bomsztyk

General practice lawyer

Daniel A Swedlow headshot
Daniel Swedlow

General practice lawyer

Peter J. Peaquin headshot
Peter Peaquin

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin James Trombold headshot
Kevin Trombold

Criminal defense lawyer

Nate Webb headshot
Nate Webb

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey B Goldman headshot
Jeffrey Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael H. Mui headshot
Michael Mui

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Martin Jaffe headshot
Daniel Jaffe

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2017

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2016

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2015

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2014

Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2012

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2011

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2010

Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2000

Dean's Scholorship, Benjamin Cardozo School of Law

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Attorney, The Law Office of Aaron S. Kiviat, PLLC

2006 - 2007

Associate, Barokas Martin & Tomlinson

2003 - 2006

Prosecutor, Bronx District Attorney's Office

Associations

2011 - Present

Cardozo Society of Washington State, Judicial Evaluation Committee

Chair

2008 - Present

Cardozo Society of Washington State

President

2007 - 2008

WACDL

Member

2007 - 2011

Cardozo Society of Washington State

Co-chair

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Washington v. Charles B.

Case Dismissed

State of Washington v. A. H.

All Charges Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2003

Yeshiva University, Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1999

Evergreen State College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2010

NALS Lecture

Navigating the Deadly Poppy Fields, an Introduction to Defending Drug Cases

2008

TruTV's Open Court

TruTV's Coverage of Naveed Haq Trial

2008

TruTV's Best Defense

TruTV's Coverage of Naveed Haq Trial

2008

The Insanity Defense CLE - Ethical Considerations and Community Impact

The Insanity Defense

Publications

2008

The Civil Attorney's Field Guide to Criminal Defense in Washington State The Civil Attorney's Field Guide to Criminal Defense in Washington State

Languages

Arabic

French

Hebrew

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution