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Raymond Charles McFarland
About Raymond
Biography
Private Practice
I have tried over 100 felony jury trials in over 30 years as a criminal lawyer, first as a prosecutor in King County and now as a criminal defense lawyer.
I have appeared in most courts in Western Washington and regularly accept referrals for cases in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap Counties. I will also occasionally accept referrals for cases in other counties.
I opened my law office in 1992 and limit my practice to criminal defense. I emphasize crimes of violence, including murder and manslaughter, assaults, robbery, domestic violence and sexual assaults (rape, indecent liberties, child molestation, etc.). I also handle all levels of drug offenses and property crimes (such as theft, fraud, malicious mischief, burglary, etc.) as well as criminal traffic offenses (vehicular homicide & assault, reckless driving, and hit & run). I handle both felonies and misdemeanors and my clients include both adults and juveniles.
I have represented dozens of clients of many nationalities and ethnic backgrounds, including Arab, Caribbean, Chinese, East African, Filipino, Greek, Indian, Indonesian, Japanese, Korean, Native American, Pacific Islander, Palestinian, Russian, Sikh, Turk and Ukrainian. I speak Spanish and have extensive experience in Mexico and Latin America. I have represented numerous clients of Hispanic origin.
Judge Pro Tem, King County Juvenile Court
I served as a judge pro tem in the Juvenile Division of King County Superior Court for about five years from 2000 – 2005. I presided over numerous trials and participated in the daily operation of the court.
Senior Deputy Prosecutor, King County Prosecutor’s Office
I worked for Norm Maleng in the Criminal Division of the King County Prosecutor’s Office from 1983 to 1990 and handled all types of cases, including aggravated murder, serious violent assaults, and adult and child sexual assaults.
Other Experience
King County Bar Association, Seattle:
o Board of Trustees, 1998 – 2001
o Awards Committee, 2001 – 2004
o Chair, Equitable Compensation for Assigned Counsel Task Force, 1999
o Judicial Screening Committee, 1995 – 2000 (Co-Chair, 1999 - 2000)
o Judicial Evaluation Committee, 1995 – 1998 (Chair, 1997-98)
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL):
o Legislative Committee, 2000-01, 2002-03
o Co-Chair, Office of Public Defense Assigned Counsel Task Force, 1999- 2000
o Prosecutorial Misconduct Task Force, 2002-03
I have testified on behalf of WACDL at legislative committee hearings in
Olympia regarding proposed legislation related to felony murder and
reimbursement of attorney fees in self-defense cases.
In 2008, I served on the City of Seattle's Public Defense RFP Review Panel for Seattle Municipal Court public defense services.
In 2002-03, I was an Instructor for the University of Washington's Private Investigator State Certification Program.
I have written a few articles over the years on various topics for the King County
Bar Bulletin and WACDL Defense magazine.
I have also given several CLE presentations over the years for WACDL and while
I was in the King County Prosecutor’s Office, and I have given presentations for the paralegal training programs at Edmonds and Highline Community Colleges.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 44 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1982
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Raymond C. McFarland
The Maynard Building, Fifth Floor, 119 First Avenue South, Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98104
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Raymond Charles McFarland's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
14 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Responsiveness
Posted by Cris | July 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Charged with felony assault, reduced to a gross misdemeanor
Ray is an exceptional lawyer. I was in a situation where I was entirely surprised to have had an assault charge levied against me. After consulting with multiple lawyers, Ray's confidence, articulation, and demeanor made me sure he was the right lawyer for me. His experience as a former prosecuto...
Posted by anonymous | July 14, 2014 | Child Abuse
Raymond is a great lawyer.
Ray was there for me to listen to my side of the story when I was accused of child abuse by my ex-wife. It was a bitter divorce and all odds were against me. Ray kept me calm and guided me in the right path to prove my innocence to a point where it never went to trial. Ray kept in touch even when I d...
Posted by anonymous | September 24, 2009 | Criminal Defense
Continuel Happy Client
"I got arrested on a old felony extraditable warrant from the state of Missouri for jumping probation. I was told by officials that I wouldn't be getting out without being extradited. This happened on a Friday. I hired Ray to help me Friday evening. On Saturday morning Ray not only got me out of jail...
Raymond Charles McFarland's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Raymond. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Ray McFarland is my "go to guy" when I need to refer a client for criminal defense representation. My clients have always been pleased with Ray, and the results he's obtained."
"I have known Mr. McFarland for almost 20 years, and have observed his determined demeanor and passionate representation in the courtroom on many occasions. He is a thoughtful and diligent practioner that exudes confidence and skill at every level. I have referred several persons who have been charged with a variety of crimes to Mr. McFarland in the past, and I have always received positive feedback regarding his work. Ray has an ability to connect with people at all levels to obtain excellent legal results for his clients. I would recommend Ray McFarland without hesitation as a criminal defense attorney to those seeking an enlightened, diligent and hard-working counsel."
"I know Ray McFarland as a colleague, having tried cases togeather, and as a friend. Ray McFarland is an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He is a master of negotiations and a fearsome litigator. He is highly respected by Judges, his colleagues, and prosecutors. He has many satisfied clients."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. If you want a lawyer who knows his way around the courtroom, the courthouse, the law, is highly regarded by judges, and respected by prosecutors, look no further than Ray. He has a wealth of experience to draw on, every step of the way."
"I have know Ray McFarland personally and professionally for over 20 years. He is an outstanding and highly experienced criminal defense lawyer. Over the years, I have referred numerous clients, friends and family to Ray. He has always provided exemplary representation, and my referrals have always been extremely pleased with him. Ray is a skilled lawyer, has excellent judgment, and gets great results for his clients. has important relationships with the prosecuting community. I enthusiastically endorse Ray to anyone is in need of criminal representation; if I ever need the services of a criminal defense lawyer, I would want Ray to represent me."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Ray McFarland is an outstanding and highly experienced criminal defense lawyer. I have known Ray for many years, have seen his work product and results, and unconditionally endorse him. My law firm and I routinely refer clients who have criminal matters to Ray. Ray is a skilled trial lawyer, has excellent judgment, and has outstanding client relations skills. Having been a former King County Senior Deputy Prosecutor in the criminal division for many years, Ray also has important relationships with the prosecuting community."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Great trial skills, commanding courtroom presence. Juries respect & trust his communications. Great empathy for clients, which juries recognize. He is thorough, hard working and efficient. Prosecutors respect his honest and reasonable approach to finding settlement solutions, but he gets great results for clients because he is appropropriately aggressive in the courtroom. He also gets great results for his clients because of his sterling reputation. He has wisdom and good judgment gained from many years of trial experience, both as a prosecutor and criminal defense lawyer. I would want him to be my lawyer, if I were ever to run afoul of the law."
"Ray is a hard-working and conscientious defense attorney. I have referred with confidence many of my family law clients to him over the years, if they are facing possible or actual prosecution. I would strongly endorse his work."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Ray is very experienced as a former prosecutor and for about 20 years as a criminal defense attorney. He is well liked by all who know him - he works hard for his clients, gets along well with opposing proesecutors and gets better results for his clients because he is liked and trusted by juries."
"I have worked closely with Ray since 2007. Together we have defended a variety of people facing criminal investigation or prosecution. I have seen Ray engage his abundant intelligence, experience, compassion, and wise judgment to get good results for our clients. I enthusiastically endorse Ray to anyone facing criminal jeopardy."
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Experience
Honors
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
1992 - Present
Sole Practitioner, Law Office of Raymond C. McFarland
2000 - 2005
Judge Pro Tem, King County Juvenile Court
1990 - 1991
Associate, Stanislaw, Ashbaugh, Chism, Jacobson & Riper
1983 - 1990
, King County Prosecutor's Office - Criminal Division
1981 - 1983
Law Clerk/Bailiff, The Honorable Frank D. Howard, King County Superior Court
Associations
1992 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1983 - Present
King County Bar Association
United States District Court for the Western District of Washington
Admitted
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit
Admitted
2008 - 2008
City of Seattle/Seattle Municipal CourtPublic Defense RFP Review Panel
2002 - 2003
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersProsecutorial Misconduct Task Force
2001 - 2004
King County Bar AssociationAwards Committee, Member & Co-Chair
2000 - 2003
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysLegislative Committee
1999 - 2000
King County Bar AssociationJudicial Screening Committee, Co-Chair
1999 - 2000
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysCo-Chair, OPD Assigned Counsel Task Force
1998 - 2001
King County Bar AssociationBoard of Trustees
1997 - 1998
King County Bar AssociationJudicial Evaluation Committee - Chair
1995 - 2000
King County Bar AssociationJudicial Screening Committe, Member
1995 - 1998
King County Bar AssociationJudicial Evaluation Committee, Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. M.W.
Not Guilty - Jury Verdict
State v. L.J.
Dismissed by State before Trial
Education
1981
University of Washington School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
University of Washington -Seattle
BA - Bachelor of Arts, with Distinction
Speaking Engagements
2003
Private Investigator State Certification Program
Instructor - The Court System
2003
Legislative Committee Hearing
Felony Murder/Assault
2002
Private Investigator State Certification Program
Instructor - The Court System
1997
Legislative Committee Hearing
Reimbursement of Atty Fees in Self-Defense Cases
1989
Training Seminar
Problem Witnesses
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
My boyfriend has a misdemeanor warrant in another state. In a traffic stop does an officer usually see out of state misdemeanors
17 Sep 2014
Q&A
I attempted to steal something from a clothing store.. when I got caught outside the store I ran off. What now?
17 Sep 2014
Q&A
How do I find out who my brother's probation officer is? He's in Washington State (West Seattle) and I'm in California.
13 Sep 2014