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David Hammerstad
About David
Biography
I have dedicated my career to defending the rights of the accused. A graduate of Stanford University and a magna cum laude graduate of Georgetown Law School, I chose criminal law instead of corporate law because I love the challenges of trial work and the rewards of fighting for human beings caught in the often callous machinery of the criminal justice system.
The majority of my practice is dedicated to defending against felony charges in King County Superior Court and Federal District Court in the Western District of Washington, but I have experience in state and local courts throughout Western Washington, and I know that every case is serious to the person being accused. I pride myself on being an even-keeled and compassionate advocate--one of the most important services I can provide is to ease the stress and uncertainty the goes with being accused of a crime. I will use my knowledge and experience to empower you to make the most informed, intelligent decisions possible, and I will litigate your case with creativity and tenacity.
With sixty jury trials to my credit in almost twenty years defending the accused against all types of felony and misdemeanor cases in federal, state and local courts, I can give you the peace of mind that comes with having a proven, battle-tested advocate in your corner.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
28 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 22 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in New Hampshire for 27 years
State: New Hampshire
Acquired: 1998
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Office of David Hammerstad
1000 2nd Ave, Suite 3140, Seattle, WA, 98104
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David Hammerstad's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 20 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Musa | May 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
David, the people’s lawyer
David is a professional. He defended my brother in a difficult case with all he got. He won! David kept us informed throughout the process. I will proudly recommend him to my friends and family. Thank you David!
Posted by Michael | May 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Above and beyond what I ever expected
I was charged with federal drug charges and was looking at a lot of time. David helped me navigate the process. He went above what I would have expected in my case. He helped me get released from custody, got my charges reduced, and and through the whole process of 18 months while this case was hap...
Posted by anonymous | October 3, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent
Unfortunately I was unable to see my boy David in action. He was just too good and the prosecution surrender before we went to trial. Even still, he kept me informed and confident that we had the odds in our favor. Highly recommended if you’re looking for someone to represent you. 10/10 would hire ag...
Posted by anonymous | March 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Satisfied Client
David is professional, personal, and persistent. He did not give up until he got a fair deal for my son. He went out of his way to keep me informed of proceedings. I was extremely reluctant to invest in legal services, but after working with him I am very happy I did. I cannot recommend him enoug...
Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Overpriced and Under Skilled
I hired Mr. Hammerstad to represent me in a TRO action against me. I am a legal professional with over 25 years of litigation experience. Admittedly I behaved in a manner toward the complainant that in retrospect could be considered objectionable; however, Hammerstad from the outset treated me as on...
David Hammerstad's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. David and I worked as opposing counsel on a number of cases when I was with the prosecutor's office. David was always a formidable opponent. He was professional, prepared, and an outstanding advocate for his clients. David commanded the respect of both prosecutors and judges with his courtroom ability and legal knowledge. Any client would be in excellent hands with David as their attorney."
"Dave is a skilled trial attorney and a smart strategic planner when it comes to trial. I've had several very challenging felony level violent crime cases with him that have gone to trial. I've consistently been impressed by his presence, his thoughtfulness, and his arguments to the jury. He does a wonderful job in the court room."
"David is a highly skilled and dedicated attorney. His communication and advocacy are excellent. He's also a great mentor and colleague. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. He took over a very complex and challenging matter from me when a conflict required that I withdraw. He quickly mastered the facts of this complex case and developed a good rapport with the client. I would recommend him to anyone seeking competent, skilled representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. David has been a great asset to the criminal bar in King County. His work for his clients and his work with his fellow attorneys is always professional."
"Dave is one of the most dedicated, passionate, and hardworking criminal defense lawyers I know. With many years of experience successfully defending people, in trials and in plea negotiations when trial is not a wise choice, Dave is an expert. Prosecutors are often hell-bent on crushing an individual's hopes of a decent future. Dave does everything in his power to ensure that they don't succeed."
"David Hammerstad and I represented codefendants in a very serious criminal case. I was impressed with his research, analytical skills, polite manner with client, and willingness to fight for his client."
"David is an excellent attorney, well respected in the community, and a pleasure to work with."
"I have referred cases to David because he has tremendous experience, dedication, and attention to detail. I have seen his legal writing, observed him in court and heard feedback from clients that I've referred to him. All of this has only increased my confidence in sending him referrals. An added bonus is that he is warm and easy to work with!"
"I endorse this lawyer. David is highly experienced and effective."
"David Hammerstad is one of the best criminal defense trial lawyers in the Seattle. I was a fellow public defender with David many years ago in New Hampshire. I co-counseled with him on a felony case. This is when I first got to see his skill in handling witnesses and his ability to present clear, convincing arguments to juries. Since then he has tried more complex felony cases then any attorney I know. When I have a chance I like to watch him at trial and learn. He has handled many complex felony trials and as a result has gained real confidence and is very well respected in the court system. He is not afraid to take on tough and complex cases. I always consult David on complex trial and litigation issues. He really has the experience and the knowledge to take on the most experienced of prosecutor's. Also, David is hardworking, honest and really cares about his clients. I would highly recommend him to any friend or family member who is facing a criminal charge. Ray Ejarque"
"I know David from working with him at The Defender Association and consulting with him, as a private attorney, on a complex felony case. David has an incisive legal mind and outstanding litigation skills. He is an extremely experienced trial attorney who is highly regarded by his peers. I am delighted to recommend him."
"David is a fantastic lawyer. Why take my word for it though? At the end of our 4 week long trial, after David delivered his closing argument, the opposing counsel, a seasoned prosecuting attorney, told us that Dave's closing was one of the best that he had ever heard, and congratulated him. Don't take my word for it. Take it from the other side."
"Dave has been my colleague for many years. Dave and I started in the felony division at The Defender Association at around the same time, back in 2003. What I remember most clearly about Dave's practice then was a string of victories in what seemed to be very difficult cases. Every week in the felony division the news was that Dave had won another case. This year, Dave briefly returned to the felony division before he left for private practice, and the victories continued. Throughout the years, I've known Dave as a highly intelligent, dedicated and tireless advocate who achieves remarkable outcomes for his clients. He is one of the best lawyers I know."
Joshua Saunders
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Kristen Murray
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Kenneth Chang
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Cathleen Gormley
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Brian Todd
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Peter MacDonald
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Emily Gause
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Kimberly Gordon
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Stephanie Sato
Government lawyer
Christopher Bell
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Jennifer Miller
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Christopher Carney
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Juanita Holmes
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Michelle Scudder
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Raymond Ejarque
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Experience
Honors
2015
Top 100 Criminal Defense Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2013
Rising Star, Super Lawyers Magazine
2013
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1998
Order of the Coif, Georgetown University Law Center
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Principal, The Law Office of David Hammerstad, LLC
2003 - 2011
Staff Attorney, The Defender Association
1998 - 2003
Staff Attorney, New Hampshire Public Defender
Associations
2014 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersBoard of Governors
2003 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2022 - 2023
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Federal Drug Conspiracy Case
Probation
Thefts related to Opiate Addiction
Two dismissals/one deferred misdemeanor sentence
Domestic Violence Burglary
Not guilty verdict--Burglary 1st Degree
Education
1998
Georgetown
J.D., Magna Cum Laude
1992
Stanford University
B.A.
Speaking Engagements
2016
Annual Search and Seizure CLE
Challenging Cellphone Search Warrants
2013
Washington Defender Association Annual Conference
Defending the He Said/She Said Domestic Violence Case
2013
Aggressive Defense in Washington
Pretrial Investigation
2011
New Issues and New Approaches in Felony Defense
Sentencing Aggravators under the SRA
Publications
2014
Washington Criminal Defense
The Burglary That Wasn't
1995
Georgetown Law Journal Annual Review of Criminal Procedure
Guilty Pleas
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Expungement of Indecent exposure charge and conviction, Seattle Washington.
24 Jan 2014
Q&A
In the state of Washington, can you accept a plea bargain and plead no contest aka Alfred plea on a Felony Harassment DV case ?
11 Feb 2013