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Steve Karimi
About Steve
Biography
Steve Karimi is a Seattle criminal defense attorney with over 27 years of experience representing clients throughout Washington State. As a former prosecutor, he understands how criminal cases are built and uses that insight to develop effective defense strategies.
He represents individuals facing a wide range of charges, including DUI, domestic violence, drug offenses, assault, theft, and other criminal matters. Steve is committed to protecting his clients’ rights, reputation, and future, providing personalized and strategic representation in every case.
Known for his experience, preparation, and client-focused approach, Steve works to achieve the best possible outcome for those he represents.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 26 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Offices Of Steve Karimi
119 1st Avenue South Suite 500, Seattle, WA, 98104
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Steve Karimi's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
76 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (76)
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Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (38)
Lawsuits & Disputes (15)
DUI & DWI (6)
Domestic Violence (6)
Immigration (5)
Drug Crime (3)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (3)
Administrative Law (1)
Appeals (1)
Car Accidents (1)
Child Custody (1)
Divorce & Separation (1)
Expungement (1)
Litigation (1)
Wills & Living Wills (1)
Wrongful Death (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 76 reviews
Posted by Christina | November 15, 2025
Steve is honest and down to earth.
Steve is very patient and understanding. He listened to my concerns about my situation and gave me peace of mind. If I need help I will be hiring him.
Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2025
Steve Karimi - Consultation
Steve was extremely generous with his time, professional, and knowledgeable. Steve took the time to listen attentively and thoroughly understand my concerns. He asked thoughtful follow-up questions to analyze the matter from all perspectives. He then provided an expert opinion that addressed my conc...
Posted by Michael | August 07, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Steve is great lawyer
A year ago, I was under stress and made an unintentional mistake at a Target store, and the police opened two cases with theft 3rd degree. I was looking for a lawyer for a long time based on reviews and called to lawyers, and only Steve asked me the right questions. The hearing continued on for one...
Posted by Steve | May 09, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
PERFECT
Steve helped me in a DV case. I cant really say enough but his ability to explain circumstances, utilize timing in the sense of when to take action, manage sensitive relationships and go above by helping me deal with personal issue the situation created. He knows his way around the courtroom and has ...
Posted by anonymous | August 01, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Amazing and experienced lawyer
Steve is very experienced and knows the system very well to help his clients. He has been super helpful throughout the process, and was always able to find different approaches. He is responsive and patient when communicating with his clients. He was able to help us dismiss the case, and I would rec...
Steve Karimi's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Steve. I heard him in different courts many times, he is a superb attorney, very detailed and smart."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is a great attorney who goes out of his way to help."
"Steve Karimi is known in the legal community as an excellent lawyer who works hard for his clients. I have known Steve for nearly 15 years and have had many opportunities to observe him in the courtroom. Steve knows the law and how to get the best results for his clients."
"Steve is a very knowledgeable and professional attorney whose experience as a former prosecutor shines through in the outstanding results he obtains for his clients."
"Steve has a profound understanding of criminal defense, and his clients get the benefit of it."
"I've known Steve for many many years, first when I handled cases against him as a prosecutor and now as a fellow colleague in the defense bar. I've always known Steve to be a tenacious yet thoughtful and knowledgeable attorney. You can't go wrong having him in your corner."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Steve is an exceptional attorney who thoroughly and professionially represents his clients interests. He has an exceptional reputation in King, Pierce, and Snohomish counties and always gets the best resolutions to his clients cases. Steve is respected by his peers, his clients and all judges. I would recommend Steve as a top choice for a criminal defense attorney."
"Steve Karimi is well respected among his peers and highly recommended by his clients. Steve is compassionate, understanding, and candid with his clients. I highly recommend this lawyer."
"I have worked with Steve Karimi on multiple matters. I have seen first hand that Steve cares for his clients and fights for them in and out of court. Steve has the respect of prosecutors and judges because he has knowledge of the law, an effective courtroom presence and will work every case to get the best result."
"I have known Mr. Karimi forover a decade and have often consulted with him on criminal cases. Mr. Karimi is an excellent criminal defense attorney with a thorough understanding of criminal law. He is highly regarded by his peers, and I whole-heartedly endorse his work. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Steve for nearly a decade, and not only is he an extremely experienced and skilled attorney, but also a phenomenal human being. He emphasizes with his client's problems, and he knows when to be aggressive and when to be collaborative to get the best results. Not only do I endorse him as a fellow criminal defense attorney in the community, but he would be my choice of attorney should I ever need one myself."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Steve is a very good attorney that is very dedicated and very knowledgeable in courtroom tactics and negotiations. You cannot go wrong retaining his services."
"In working with Steve it is easy to see that he is as dedicated to his craft as he is to his clients. His passion for justice and dedication to the preservation of rights is inspiring and appreciated by, not only his clients who reap the benefits of these virtues, but also his colleagues. Regardless of the charge, Steve is ready to defend his clients. I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I have known Steve since he was a prosecutor. As an opponent I found him to be tough but fair minded. As a defense attorney he provides the highest caliber of legal representation. He works hard for his clients and achieves excellent results. I would recommend him to anyone."
"I have had the pleasure of working with Steve in the past and found him to be an excellent lawyer and advocate for his clients. He is not only aggressive, he knows the law and how to use it. I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I have had the pleasure of referring several clients to Mr. Karimi over the years. On each occasion, my clients have raved about the results Mr. Karimi obtained in their case. I unequivocally endorse this lawyer's work."
"Mr. Karimi is an excellent attorney. I've seen him in court for nearly 10 years now and he is always very well prepared and zealous when representing clients. I would highly recommend him for any criminal case."
"I first met Steve several years ago, when he was a prosecutor for different municipal courts in Western Washington. He is a seasoned attorney who knows how prosecutors think. Steve's caring personality coupled with his tenatious attitude and drive to get the best possible resolution for his clients make him a tremendous advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Years ago, when Steve was a prosecutor, we had several cases against eachother in Kirkland."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2015
Top 100 Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2014
Honor Award, Martindale Hubble
2014
Top 100 Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2014
Top 100 Lawyers, American Society of Legal Advocates
2010
Honor, Martindale Hubble
2005
Super Lawyer Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2004
Super Lawyer Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
1997
Darling Foundation Scholarship, Pepperdine University
1989
Deans List Honor Award, University of Washington
1988
Deans List Honor Award, University of Washington
Work Experience
2005 - Present
Defense Attorney, Law Office of Steve Karimi
2000 - 2004
City Prosecutor, Kirkland, Shoreline, Tukwila, and Sammamish
1999 - 2000
Deputy Prosecutor, King County Prosecutor's Office
1996 - 1997
Legal Assistant, Diamond and Scharnberger
Associations
2007 - Present
Citizens for Judicial ExcellenceMember
2007 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationMember
2004 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2004 - Present
Federal District Court Western DivisionMember
1999 - Present
Washington State BarMember
2001 - 2004
National College for District AttorneysMember
1998 - 1999
Persian SocietyBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
S.B. v. A.L.
Dismissed
Renton v. S.I.
Dismissed
G. V. G.
Dismissed
STATE V. S.P.
Dismissed
City of Tacoma v. C.K.
Dismissed
City of Bellevue v. C.G.
Dismissed
AUBURN V. R.V.
won on appeal
City of Tacoma v. R.N.
Dismissed
S.G. V. T.B.
dismissed
Marysville v. C.T.
Dismissed
Marysville v. J.G.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. T.F.
Dismissed
Federal Way v. J.C.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. V.B.
Dismissed
Seattle v J.W.
Dismissed
Kent v. A.L.
Dismissed
Black Diamond v. R.S.
Dismissed
Bellevue v. C.D.
Dismissed
Bellingham v J. G
Dismissed
Bothell v S.G.
Dismissed
Seattle v. J.C.
Dismissed
Kent v. J.A.
Dismissed
STATE V. D.H.
dismissed
Lynnwood v. M.T.
Dismissed
Redmond v. A.J.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. T.H.
Dismissed
Seattle v. A.S.
Dismissed
Burien v. RT
Dismissed
Seattle v. J.D.
Dismissed
Bellevue v. J.Q.
Dismissed
State v. SB
Dismissed
Tacoma v. P.M.
Dismissed
Seattle v. T.V.
Dismissed
Covington v. C.M.
Dismissed
Kent v. J.H.
Dismissed
Auburn v. J.G.
Dismissed
City of Convington v. CM
Dismissed
City of Burien v. CCF
Dismissed
Seattle v. TM
Dismissed
STATE V. J.V.
Dismissed
STATE V. A.B.
dismissed
Auburn v. J V.M.
Dismissed
BREMERTON V. C.W.
Dismissed
Kent v. R.O.
Dismissed day of trial
Kirkland v. N.N.
Dismissed
State v. C.R.
Dismissed
SEATTLE V. MF
Dismissed
Sammamish v. A.M.
Dismissed
Tukwila v. T.D.
Dismissed
STATE V. J.K.
Dismissed
Tukwila v. K.X.
Dismissed
STATE V. S.W.
Dismissed
Lynnwood v. Y.Z.
Dismissed
STATE V. L.S.
Dismissed and diversion in mental health court
US V. G.D.
Dismissed
US V. G.D.
Dismissed
STATE V. M.K.
Case dismissed
State v. D.H.
Not guilty jury trial
Kirkland v. P.S.
Dismissed
State v. B.O.
Dismissed
SEATTLE V. W.G.
Dismissed
State v. C.K.
Dismissed
Lynnwood v. J.D.
Case dimissed
Seattle v. M.S.
Dismissed
Seattle v. D.T.
Dismissed
SEATTLE V. S.D.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. P.S.
Dismissed
Samammish v. C.G.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. G.J.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. G.J.
Dismissed
RENTON V. M.R.
Dismissed
Bothell v. M.L.
Not guilty jury trial
Kent v. A.S.
Dismissed
REDMOND V. M.S.
Dismissed
Seattle v. F.H.
Dismissed
puyallup v. jq
Dismissed
State v. D.F.
Dismissed
Bellevue v. P.K.
Dismissed
State v. D.P.
Dismissed
Lynnwood v. G.K.
Dismissed
Seattle v. D.S.
Dismissed
Bothell v. C.B.
Dismissed
State v. D.M.
Dismissed
Seattle v. M.H.
Dismissed
P.S. v. M.O.
Dismissed
State v. M.L.
Dismissed
Seattle v. S.G.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. I.G.
Dismissed
State v. P.C.
Dismissed
State v. P.B.
Dismissed
City of Issaquah v. B.G.
Dismissed
State v. K.B.
Dismissed
City of Ellensburg v. E.V.
Dismissed
City of North Bend v. J.H.
Dismissed
State v. A.P.
Dismissed
Seattle v. J.B.
Dismissed
State v. L.K.
Dismissed
City of Mountlake Terrace v. I A-P
Dismissed
Lynnwood v. D.A.
Dismissed
Seattle v. Y.R.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. L.C.
Dismissed
Tukwila v. A.N.
Dismissed
Seattle v. E.Y.
Dismissed
State v. D.V.
Not guilty Jury Trial
Bellevue v. L.W.
Dismissed
State v. D.J.
Dismissed
City of Des Moines v. E.J-S
Dismissed
Seattle v. S.H.
Dismissed
State v. S.A.
Dismissed at motions
Bellevue v. M.S.
Not Guilty Bench Trial
Federal Way v. M.M.
Dismissed
State v. Z.T.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. K.N.
Not Guilty Jury Trial
STATE V. J.H.
Dismissed
Edmonds v. K.H.
Dismissed
Bellevue v. M.M.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. D.S.
Dismissed
Edmonds v. K.H.
Dismissed
United States v. M.O.
Dismissed
State v. A.F.
Dismissed at motions
Seattle v. C.B.
Dismissed
Bellevue v. M.S.
Dismissed
SEATTLE V. L.M.
Dismissed
Seattle v. T.S.
Dismissed
Kirkland v. K.J.
Not guilty jury trial
Tukwila v. G.Y.
Dismissed
Redmond v. B.K.
Not guilty jury trial
United States v. B.A.
Dismissed
Shoreline v. J.R.
Dismissed
State v. J.H.
Diversion to dismissal
State v. N.B.
Dismissed
State v. C.R.
Dismissed
Seattle v. JC
Case dismissed
State v M.M.
Not guilty jury trial
State v. L.A.
Not guilty jury trial
State v. J.L.
Dismissed at motions
Kirkland v. M.L.
Dismissed
State v. B.B.
Dismissed
State v. J.H.
Dismissed
State v. U.P.
Case Dismissed
State v. K.G.
Dismissed
State v. J.R.
Dismissed
Mercer Island v. J.W.
Dismissed
Bothell v. S.H.
Dismissed
Kenmore v. B.S.
Dismissed
Seattle v. J.D.
Dimissed
Seattle v. M.G.
Dismissed
State v. B.K.
Not guilty jury trial
Seattle v. R.T.
Dismissed
State v. O.A.
Dismissed
SEATTLE V. JC
Case dismissed
State v. E.K.
Dismissed week before jury trial
STATE V. J.M.
Dismissed
Education
2001
National College for District Attorneys
Evidence for Prosecutors
1998
Pepperdine University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1990
University of Washington -Seattle
BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration
Speaking Engagements
2015
Federal Way Mock Trial
Evaluator
2014
University of Washington School of Law
Mock Trial Competition
2014
Federal Way Mock Trial Competition
Evaluator
2012
Seattle Times News Interview
Marijuana cases after Legalization
2011
Komo News Radio Interview
Overview of the Juvenile Justice System
2010
YMCA Youth and Government Mock Trial
Judge and Evaluator
2006
Seattle University School of Law
How to be a Trial Lawyer
2005
YMCA Youth and Government
Mock Trial Judge and Evaluator
2004
YMCA Youth and Government
Mock Trial Judge and Evaluator
2003
Tukwila City Council
Overview of Domestic Violence Prosecution
2002
Issaquah District Court
Mock Trial Demonstration
Publications
2015
Division 1 Court of Appeals
State v. C.P.
2013
Findlaw
Washington legislators pass tougher DUI bill
2013
Findlaw
51 year old repeat offender sentenced in DUI
2012
Seattle Times
Legalization of Marijuana
Languages
English
Russian
Farsi
Arabic
Spanish