John Henry Browne

John Henry Browne

3.5
Rating: 7.8

Licensed for 53 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Violent Crime, Federal Crime

801 2nd Avenue, Suite 800, Seattle, WA

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 53 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1972

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.

801 2nd Avenue, Suite 800, Seattle, WA, 98104

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John Henry Browne's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

3.5 /5.0

25 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Compassion

Posted by DB | February 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Washed Up Has Been, "Pathetic"

John Henry Browne was the biggest blunder in my federal case. He was so unprepared for trial that the prosecution labeled him "pathetic." The judge also later described his representation as poor and inadequate. Anyone facing criminal charges for the first time might feel overwhelmed and fall into th...e trap of hiring someone with an inflated or manipulated reputation. The only times I met John were during the initial consultation and to pay him trial fees. The suppression hearing was handled by an incompetent attorney (C.S.) who was nearly ejected from the courtroom by the screaming judge. He fired the only attorney handling my case just days before trial, with whom he had a falling out in another courtroom, later becoming the town's gossip. It's clear now that JHB ensured I didn't have a defense and wouldn't have the opportunity to make a record. JHB did not meet with me after I was convicted and locked away. He told me it was a better place to argue my case on appeal rather than the district court, and besides, he was going on vacation. The judge had few words on record regarding his vacation priority. There were instances of slurred speech and clown-like behavior that made us wonder if he was on drugs or perhaps heavily medicated due to some condition. Turns out he's a known junkie! The case was later handled by a few more inexperienced attorneys, another one (C.V.) to be yelled at and nearly thrown out of the courtroom by Judge Robart, whose behavior raised concerns about his mental stability, to say the least. Unfortunately, it isn't easy to find court filings and transcripts where the public could gain better insight into JHB. Sadly, these real reviews might not do much, as he's enjoyed himself for far too long at the expense of desperate people. I hope no one has to deal with him because your future options may have to be creative and well-motivated. It's best to avoid JHB altogether; nothing good can come of him.

Posted by Jason | December 28, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

The Gold Standard

When we first met John to help us with a legal problem regarding our son, we were very aware of his high profile and his persona, but we really didn't know what to expect. He had a very calming effect on on what was a very stressful period in our lives which covered 5 years. The respect he garners in... the courtroom is unmatched. Everyone from the judges, clerks and correction officers knows him and he treats everyone as an equal. The man behind the persona is compassionate and very knowledgeable and has spent his entire career fighting for the little guy and rallying against a flawed judicial system that tends to run people over. John was with us every step of the way. We have gotten to know one another very well now he is practically family. His expertise with the initial case and his help in cleaning up our son's record, the latter which he never even charged us for, were a life saver for us. If you are ever in need of a criminal defense lawyer, there simply isn't anyone better

Posted by Scott Schramke | June 04, 2015 | Criminal Defense

A Champion for YOU!

I am forever grateful to John Henry Browne and his team for the care and guidance they shared with myself and my family. Other reviewers here have already said it better (especially Tomas), but I can't imagine a better advocate than John Henry Browne. I was facing severe penalties, based on baseless ...allegations. John patiently and knowledgeably guided me through the Byzantine process of Seattle's so-called 'Justice' system. As the reviewer from June 23, 2007, noted: John knows everyone in the courthouse, from the judges to the administrative staff. John's breadth of experience with the courts and his deep comprehension of law made my own ordeal manageable and intelligible. Ultimately, he was successful in seeing the charges against me dismissed and spared my family and friends from the dishonorable, muckraking tactics of the KCPAO. Make no mistake, if you are ever charged with a crime, you need John at your side.

Posted by Matthew | February 16, 2011 | Criminal Defense

John Henry Browne is the most trustworthy and honorable lawyer in the state!

Best lawyer in the state for criminal defense! I turned to JHB in desperation when I was falsely accused assault and JHB handled my case like like a true professional. He walked my through the entire ordeal, playing the role of counselor, legal advisor and friend. On top of that, when he learned the ...details behind my situation, he handled my case nearly free of charge! He went above and beyond what I would expect for any attorney to do for their client and was always available to answer any questions that I had. All the same can be said of Emma C. Scanlan, his brilliant associate, who also helped in my case.

Posted by anonymous | January 23, 2008 | Criminal Defense

A caring attorney

Mr. Browne comes with a great reputation. That is a tough thing to live up to every day. However when you go to court, even the bailifs and court personnel know that they are in the presence of a great lawyer. He is very compassionate to his clients. He took me on, when no one else cared. At first I ...thought that the "deal" he got for me was just o.k., but as I look back with better vision. He did a great job. He saved me three years on another case where I received 60 days instead. He was able to show the judge the REAL story instead of the b.s. that the prosecutor was trying to snow the judge with. As with all "great" people, they often operate on the edge, because they are knowledgeable and able. Mr. Browne knows when to press the opening to obtain results. Often brilliant, sometimes demur as necessary to obtain results. Each judge is different and therefore requires a different approach. Mr. Browne has mastered this. The AVVO rating is subjective without inspection. I wish there were more John Henry Brownes in this world and if there were, there would be greater justice in this world. Thanks Mr. Browne you took care of me when no one else cared.

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John Henry Browne's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Travis Ashley Newton headshot
Travis Newton

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Angie Lee Smith headshot
Angie Smith

Unknown lawyer | Jan 25

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Joseph Hansen headshot
John Hansen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

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This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.

Experience

Rating:  7.8 (Very Good)

Honors

2018

Most Preeminent Lawyer, Martindale-Hubbell

2008

SuperLawyer, Washington SuperLawyers

2006

SuperLawyer, Washington SuperLawyers

2005

SuperLawyer, Washington SuperLawyers

2004

SuperLawyer, Washington SuperLawyers

2003

SuperLawyer, Washington SuperLawyers

2002

Best Lawyer, The Best Lawyers in America

2001

Best Lawyer, The Best Lawyers in America

Associations

Washington State Bar Association

Member

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

Education

1999

Oxford Fellow

1971

American University, Washington College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1968

University of Denver

BA - Bachelor of Arts

N/A

Northwestern University School of Law

The Ford Foundation, Fellow

Languages

English

Spanish

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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