James Egan

DUI and DWI Attorney at Seattle, WA

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Great work!

DUI --> Negligent Driving

James Egan made me confident in a good result and I got one. I was in an accident after drinking one night, thinking I was OK to drive. Fortunately, no one was seriously hurt but I was still over the limit and a little dejected about my situation and its prognosis. During my consultation with James Egan , I knew it was the right move to get him behind my case. As I was accepting that I wouldn't be driving for a long while, James Egan got the DOL to un-suspend my license and I've been driving ever since (not drinking, of course). The process with James couldn't have been any more easy. Getting a misdemeanor and slap on the wrist with a NEG 1 (only a small fine, I think $500) was the best I could ask for. I highly recommend James Egan for anyone, as he really provides the confidence and understanding that will help you get through a similar situation.

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

90%

Our firm does predominantly DUI defense. We are not a sole practitioner without support staff or trial experience; we are a team of highly experienced trial attorneys and legal assistants committed to resolving client issues in the best way possible. Virtually every prosecutor's office in King County knows our reputation for aggressive, earnest advocacy. Where cases do not go to trial, we often get stellar resolutions. Payment plans are offered to every client.
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25 years, 1,200 cases
Criminal defense

5%
Personal injury

5%

Arrested for a crime? We're here to help. You can put our experience of over 47 combined years of criminal trial work to fixing your legal issues. We are not fly-by-night, nor solo practitioners without support staff. We are an established and collaborative team committed to positive outcomes for clients, through written legal arguments, aggressive discovery demands and compelling defenses with the goal of getting cases dismissed.

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Having been a Rule 9 Prosecutor for several municipalities over 12 years ago, and then a public defender, over several years I have built a solid and established reputation and attracted a team of attorneys who each have ample experience in defense on DUI's, criminal traffic cases and other types of criminal charges. We pride ourselves in obtaining the best results possible for clients through collaboration, which is not found with solo attorneys. Together we have represented between 1000 and 2000 clients on criminal traffic cases, a substantial figure. It is this experience that clients can expect to play out in our aggressive response to criminal charges and proposed license suspensions.

Our firm includes attorneys with former Appellate court experience, giving us good knowledge of the fine points of legal arguments. We also have over 100 jury trials under our belts, and because virtually every prosecutor's office in and around King County knows of our reputation as trial attorneys, the vast majority of clients are able to get stellar outcomes. We're here to help you.

Our services are solid and tangible, our legal fees are competitive with solo attorneys and we always take payment plans.

Photos and videos

Licensed for 24 years

State WA

Status Active

Acquired 1998

Updated 03/18/2023

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021. See details

Contact James

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James Egan

605 1st Ave Ste 400

Seattle, WA, 98104-2207

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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0

36 customer reviews

5 Star

97%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Posted by Matt | January 12, 2018

Great work!

He got my DUI down to a Reckless Driving. While it took some time, he made me feel at ease with the process and was very knowledgeable and informative about the process and what would end up happening. I would definitely recommend him!

Posted by anonymous | July 27, 2015

DUI --> Negligent Driving

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Posted by Karl | November 13, 2012

DUI experts

I was involved in an accident where a blood draw by the officer revealed a .15 BAC. I was looking at a license suspension plus at least 2 days in jail by the prosecutor’s first recommendation. I was confident in hiring James Egan’s team because of the extensive DUI defense experience of every single one of their four lawyers. Mr. Egan personally helped me avoid a DOL license suspension altogether. Then, on the criminal case after legal argument was filed, the prosecutor agreed to a Negligent Driving reduction without jail, a small fraction of fines, and obviously no license suspension. I got off essentially scott free! James Egan’s firm saved my life! If you made the mistake of DUI as I did, there is no mistake in hiring these DUI experts to fix it!

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Posted by anonymous | August 3, 2012

THE SMARTEST LAWYERS YOU COULD EVER HIRE

My facts could not have been worse. I had a second DUI offense in 7 years with a car accident and a .21 BAC level. Every other lawyer said I would probably do 45 days in jail if I didn’t go deferred. Mr. Egan’s legal team has decades of experience and they promised me a strong and recognized legal defense for my very serious charge. James Egan’s team identified a series of legal issues and filed motions for the criminal case, resulting in a major reduction to Negligent Driving without any jail time. They also beat the license suspension, which is clearly their forte. The outcome they got for me goes beyond words and is frankly jaw-dropping. They saved my life! I would highly recommend their extremely solid legal services to everyone charged with DUI. These guys are all legal geniuses!

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Posted by Brad | June 15, 2012

Very happy with my legal services

When I first met James Egan and his team of attorneys, I found out I missed the Department of Licensing 20 day deadline and that my license was going to be suspended for 90 days. On top of that, I was going to need SR-22 insurance for the next three years. The Law Offices of James Egan were able to get DOL to grant me a late hearing request. They then won that hearing and saved my license. On my criminal case, despite blowing over the .08 legal limit, James Egan’s attorneys were able to convince the prosecutor to give me an infraction instead of a misdemeanor. I avoided jail, I avoided a license suspension, and even avoided a criminal conviction. I’m very happy with my legal services.

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Posted by Eric | June 4, 2012

Amazing outcome when everything was at stake

I had blown over twice the legal limit and my commercial driver’s license was at stake. A DUI conviction or a DOL loss would have ended my career as a truck driver. James Egan’s team was able to win my DOL hearing and get the prosecutor to reduce my DUI charge to a Reckless Driving, saving my commercial driver’s license and my job. Absolutely amazing work.

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Posted by Marcus | May 31, 2012

Saved my job

I blew more than twice the legal limit and knew I was in big trouble. I am required to travel to Canada as part of my job and I knew a DUI conviction would likely keep me out of Canada for life. The Law Offices of James Egan got my case reduced and saved my job, and advised me to stay calm, positive and optimistic through this stressful wait time, which was invaluable, helpful and sound advice. The prosecutor was trying to put me in jail for five days but instead I walked away with just some community service. James Egan and the other amazing attorneys in this fine firm exceeded all my expectations and I couldn’t be more pleased, and I am forever grateful, humbled and indebted to the entire team at the Law Offices of James Egan.

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Posted by anonymous | October 17, 2011

Very happy I chose James Egan

When I met James Egan and his team, they gave me a lot of confidence that they could help me out of a tough situation. I didnâ€™t think I had done anything worth getting pulled over for, but after I blew above the limit I was worried that a DUI would end up on my record forever. After finding problems in the police report, Mr. Egan and his partners got the prosecutor to amend my charge to negligent driving with a suspended sentence. Iâ€™m very happy I chose the Law Offices of James Egan. If any of my friends get in trouble I know who Iâ€™ll recommend.

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Posted by Aaron | October 14, 2011

These guys know what they're doing

I thought there was no way the prosecutor would agree to reduce my DUI charge. I blew twice the legal limit and didn't have the best record. There really was no defense to the charge. However, based on a speedy trial issue spotted by the Law Offices of James Egan, the prosecutor agreed to reduce and I avoided having to install an ignition interlock device on my car for a year.

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Posted by Gregor | October 4, 2011

Completely impressive defense

I was incredibly worried after I was pulled over and charged with DUI just for crossing a lane line. I chose James Egan to represent me because of his obvious experience and team approach. I was completely impressed with the way they spelled out exactly what I needed to do and how they aggressively went after the evidence against me to destroy the prosecutor's case. Not only did they get me a Negligent Driving 1st Degree even though I blew over the legal limit, but they saved my license because they showed the officer didn't have any grounds to pull me over in the first place. James Egan's team is one of a kind and I would hire them again in a heartbeat.

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Posted by Alfred | October 4, 2011

Amazing

James, I'm still in a state of shock about what happened in court. We were supposed to have a routine continuance hearing, but instead my entire case was settled very quickly. The facts speak for themselves. I totaled my vehicle, refused, and have a prior DWI, and your team managed to get me a reckless driving, no jail, no 1-year revocation of license, no interlock, modest fine and 30-days without license. Wow! You are a brilliant attorney and I cannot begin to tell you how much I appreciate your representation. I will tell everyone I know who has the misfortune of ending up in DUI-court that you are simply the best.

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Posted by B | June 23, 2010

They are worth every penny!

Mr. Egan’s team is terrific at DUI defense. After a very high BAC (above .25), James Egan, Jay Wilkinson and other associate attorneys researched legal issues, brought them to the State’s attention, and used their best strategies to encourage the State to reduce to Reckless Driving. Their teamwork gave me a firm advantage! The State conceded “evidentiary issues” before the court. This was incredible given that the State had knowledge it wasn’t my first offense of DUI. They obviously didn't do their homework! Knowledgeable and savvy, they made my day after my terrible mistake. No regrets with these guys. I would recommend them to everyone I know who gets a DUI. They are worth every penny! B. Edger

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Posted by Nate | March 23, 2010

Testimonial

I was involved in an accident in which the other driver made false accusations that resulted in citations and misdemeanor charges. I contacted James Egan and had a very informative initial no cost interview over the phone. I could tell immediately that he had an experienced team that had the expertise in the local court that would handle the case. For that reason I retained them at a reasonable fee that I knew in advance would take me through the whole process. It was good knowing up front what the cost would be. It turned out to be worth every penny; his team handled every detail, always returned my calls promptly and answered all my questions. The charges were dropped, and I avoided a possible year suspended license and large fine. I could not have been more pleased with the outcome. The whole experience was very assuring during a difficult time. I would not hesitate to refer anyone in need of legal help to "my legal team", the law offices of James Egan.

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Posted by Janelle | September 30, 2009

DUI

I was charged with DUI for driving the wrong way on a street. Through the combined efforts of James Egan's legal team, the charge was dropped ENTIRELY after I did some community service hours. I would recommend them absolutely! They know the players and they are pros!

Posted by BJ | September 18, 2009

Thank you for your help

Dear James Egan, Thank you very much for you and your law firm's advice and assistance with my legal dilemma. I'm currently in the province of Zabul, Afghanistan helping the local populace to rid themselves of Taliban. I owe the fact that I have no case looming over my head to your legal expertise. As a satisfied customer, if I come across any of my friends or acquaintances with legal issues, or that are in need of an attorney's assistance, I will do my best to make sure they are guided to your office. Once again, thank you! Best Regards, BJ Ramirez

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Posted by E | September 8, 2009

Thank you very much!

To the entire staff of James Egan: I would like to thank you for handling my case. Everyone was so polite and competent - and that really made me feel good to know I was involved with truly professional people. Also I am more than satisfied with the outcome of my case, and will highly recommend you guys to anyone I know who may find themselves in a similar situation. Thank you very much! Sincerely, E. Perry

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Posted by Martin Teeg | September 4, 2009

Money well spent!

After being arrested on my first DUI ever with a .11 BAC, I was stunned and had so many questions. I was so glad to have had the immediate advice of James Egan’s legal team. They took immediate steps to preserve evidence and ultimately beat my license suspension on a legal technicality. Then, when the criminal case was filed, they used their resources and energies to help avoid a DUI, license suspension, actual jail time, probation and fines. They are an accomplished, confident team. I would recommend them to any friend in that unfortunate circumstance, any day! The fees were reasonable and money well spent! -Martin Teeg, Seattle

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Posted by S Beckman | July 13, 2009

I highly recommend this team.

I realize that I had many options in hiring attorneys. James Egan’s team was ready to give me legal advice and a winning strategy from the beginning. Other attorneys were vague in answering my questions about possible outcomes and actually made me feel even more nervous about my seemingly embarrassing situation. It was unclear if I would be 'okay' in the end after talking to other solo attorneys. I really liked the team-based environment that I experienced at James' office and how they ALL helped me to feel at ease. “The lawyers with James Egan knew my arresting cop’s name and history, my BAC and problems associated with that particular machine, and exactly where/when I was stopped all before I told them. This showed me they were truly interested in my case and they wanted to help me. James and his group jointly tag-teamed the prosecutor on my DUI charge and resolved the case with no jail, no license suspension and a mere temporary Negligent Driving conviction which goes off my record. They were definitely well respected by the courts and the prosecutor. They had excellent, useful resources which resulted in the best outcome possible for my situation. I highly recommend this team if you find yourself in the awkward situation of being charged with DUI in King County. - S. Beckman

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Posted by Kingman | June 3, 2009

James Egan's legal team is very responsive!

I crashed my car with a very high (.2+) BAC, on a 2nd offense. James Egan's office avoided any license suspension by clever argument, and got the matter reduced to a Negligent Driving 1st degree without jail, license suspension or ignition interlock device. I highly recommend this legal team. They have affordable excellence. Thank you

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Posted by B West | June 3, 2009

Dear Law Offices of James Egan

Dear Law Offices of James Egan, Thank you so much for representing me on such short notice. You did exactly what you said you were going to do and I don't know how to thank you more. If I ever run into any situation in the future (hopefully not) I will know who to turn to. You made me proud to do business with you. Thank you so much. Best regards. B West

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 4.0 (Concern)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.

Suspension issued in WA, 2021
updated on 08/12/2021

This means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Work Experience

Owner / Proprietor
Law Offices of James Egan
2000 - Present

Public Defense Attorney
Northwest Defenders Association
1999 - 2000

Rule 9 Prosecutor
Kenyon Disend Law Firm
1997 - 1998

Defense Investigator
Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons
1994 - 1995

View all work experience

Education

University of Washington Business School
Entrepreneurial Courses in Business
1998

University of Washington School of Law
Juris Doctorate
1998

Whitman College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1994

Legal Cases

World Trade Organization Protests 1999 Seattle
Not guilty verdict and over 100 dismissals

Associations

National College of DUI Defense
Member Graduate
2008 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2005 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
member
2003 - Present

Languages Spoken

English

Spanish

Swedish

Honors and Awards

Best Lawyer
Seattle Weekly Magazine
2013

Field Sobriety Test Instructor
LaPier and Associates
2009

Publications

Stranger magazine
What You Should Know Before Being Stopped for DUI
2010

Seattle Weekly Magazine
What You Should Know Before Being Stopped for DUI
2010

Speaking Engagements

KIRO TV
DUI legislation to change legal BAC to .05?
2013

Trial Presentation and Closing Arguments
Trial Advocacy Program
2005

Attorney endorsements

Received (13)

Given (28)

Endorse James

Timothy Vanderweert

DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a great DUI attorney!"

Henry Chae

DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James Egan is an excellent attorney. We had battled it out in a few trials close to 10 years ago when I was a prosecutor and he beat me every time. I have not won a trial against him to this day. And he has had acquittals on many other cases against other highly regarded attorneys which just goes to illustrate he is an attorney who really delivers great results for his clients. You can't go wrong with James Egan. He will fight hard for you. I recommend him without reservation."

Mindy Carr

DUI and DWI Attorney | Jul 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Egan is an exceptional attorney who cares about client concerns and has made headway in stemming police misconduct in Seattle through his work on DUI cases."

Robert Kornfeld

Unknown Attorney | Feb 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Kirk Davis

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 17
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"When I was a city prosecutor for Seattle, I always found James to be a highly skilled litigator. He is probably one of the most creative attorneys I know which serves him very well in his job as a criminal defense attorney."

Stefanie Dorn

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James has an exceptional amount of experience. He has handled countless DUI cases, and is an expert with legal issues. He is also always willing to provide case advice and guidance to young lawyers."

Andrew Huff

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse James and know his expertise and experience in the area of criminal defense is superb. He is extremely sharp in the courtroom and clearly has a grasp of the issues, appellate decisions and court rules which make him extremely effective. I have personally watched him in trial and it was obvious why the jury voted his way in the end. Those he represents are very fortunate to have him fighting for them."

Karl Verzani

Criminal defense Attorney | May 24
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Egan is very experienced and knowledgeable in the criminal defense arena. His legal team always goes the extra step to get the best results for his clients."

Jay Wilkinson

Criminal defense Attorney | May 14
Relationship: Other

"Mr. Egan is a top notch criminal defense attorney who knows all the tricks. He is extremely familiar with every courts in the Puget Sound area and knows what it takes to get the judges and prosecutors to see your side of the story."

James White

DUI and DWI Attorney | May 12
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He leads an excellent, experienced and knowledgable legal team. He has a friendly, thorough and available staff. He gets good results for clients."

Jon Zimmerman

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James has considerable experience in criminal defense and DUI law. He is a practical and effective advocate for his clients and I endorse him."

Joshua Schaer

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 06
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer's work. James has considerable practice experience in criminal law, particularly DUI defense. His firm represents clients thoroughly and effectively, usually obtaining reduced charges and/or lesser penalties."

Andrew Elliott

DUI and DWI Attorney | Sep 09
Relationship: Co-worker

"James is a hard working, creative, and passionate defense lawyer. He is experienced in DUI defense and has handled over 1000 DUIs in his career. James knows the law and the system well. Lawyers should feel confident when referring cases to him."

View more endorsements

James Womack

Criminal defense