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Zach spent the first 12 years of his legal career as a Deputy Prosecuting Attorney for the King County Prosecutor's Office in Seattle, WA where he negotiated and tried cases ranging from murder and sexual assault to child abuse and domestic violence. Based on his hard work and excellent trial skills, in 2006 Zach was promoted to Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney. In 2007 he was again promoted, this time to supervise the Special Assault Unit where he oversaw a team of attorneys who focused exclusviely on prosecuting sexual assault and child abuse cases. In 2011 Zach left the prosecutor's office in order to open his own criminal defense lawfirm. Using the insights, experience, and knowledge he gained as a prosecutor, Zach has amassed an impressive resume of victories over the State including acquittals in Attempted Murder, Assault, Domestic Violence, Rape, and Child Molestation cases. Zach has seen first-hand the devastation that criminal charges and convictions can have on a person's life and he strongly believes in the notion that every accused person must be presumed innocent.
5
Practice Areas
30 years | 10,000 cases
30 years | 15,000 cases
30 years | 5,000 cases
30 years | 1,000 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: Washington
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
705 2nd Ave, Suite 1111, Seattle, WA, 98104
wagnildlaw.com/
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Showing 1 - 5 of 27 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney
I would like to strongely to recommend Mr Zach. He is not just saved my life also saved my family's life. He is not just the attroney giving you big hope, but he will tell you the worst result first. And then he will fight for you for the best outcome. I do not know how to thank you Mr Zach. The char...
Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2023 | Consulted Attorney
Zach gave me peace of mind. Incredibly professional, well spoken, and reliable, I went through a free consultation for allegations that created enormous fear in my day to day life. He listened intently, and helped me understand implications from a legal perspective in a concise way. Zach gave ...
Posted by DL | May 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney
From day one Zach listened and believed in me. He is the most attentive and knowledgeable, not just attorney, but person I have ever met, and his commitment to research, hard work and his continuous effort to rethink every possible angle put me at ease throughout my case. He is always readily avail...
Posted by Chuck | May 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Superb atty.!! Ethical, honest and outstanding defender of the accussed. A must-have for anyone looking for the best criminal legal representative ! Highesr possible recommendation.
Posted by Michael | October 6, 2021 | Hired Attorney
Attorney Wagnild is an amazing attorney. I was arrested by Seattle PD in massage parlor sting. I refused to plead guilty and I took my case to trial. He fought very hard for me and really impressed me. I highly recommended him
"I worked with Zach for several years at the King County prosecutor's office. Zach is very bright, hard-working, and diligent on getting the results his clients' demand. Put simply, he is one of the best trial lawyers in the State, and his command of criminal law is second-to-none. I plan to refer him several clients, and I endorse his work without reservation."
"Zach has earned the respect of judges and attorneys throughout King County, both as a prosecutor and a defense attorney. His extensive experience as a supervisor in the King County Prosecutor's office and the high regard of his former colleagues make him an outstanding criminal defense attorney. He is honorable, intelligent, and eminently practical. I highly recommend him."
"Zach is a wonderful defense attorney, due in part to his background as a Sr. Deputy Prosecutor in the King County Prosecutor's Office. It was while he was working there that I first met him. He was professional, assertive for the State's position, but a consummate gentleman who took reasonable, well thought out positions on cases. Now as a seasoned defense lawyer, he is never afraid to go to trial. I really learned some valuable professional lessons about working with clients charged in juvenile court in a recent case I had with Zach, wherein he was representing another co-respondent. He was able to explain the likely policy decision of his former office in a way that made sense, which helped calm down very anxious co-respondents. His former colleagues and current judges have great respect for his skills in court, as do I. If I ever have another multi-respondent case, I won't hesitate to recommend Zach."
"Zach is a very knowledgeable attorney. He knows the law and just as importantly, knows how to try a case."
"I worked very closely with Zach during our time at the Prosecutor's Office. He's an incredibly sharp attorney, and I have no doubt that his criminal defense clients are in great hands."
"Zach is a former well known prosecutor and now an exceptional criminal defense attorney. Few attorneys have the felony experience, knowledge, and talent as Zach. He commands the courtroom and knows every angle to improve a defendant's position in trial or through negotiations."
"Over the years I have worked with Mr. Wagnild on numerous criminal cases. As a prosecutor, he always exhibited superb legal knowledge, common sense and professionalism. Mr. Wagnild will undoubtedly apply these traits to all of his criminal defense clients."
"I heartily endorse Zach Wagnild. His 12 years of experience prosecuting child abuse and domestic violence cases has given him a unique insight into defending these cases. He knows how to deal with police and prosecutors and how to exploit the weaknesses in their cases. He is both an excellent trial attorney and a tenacious negotiator. If you want the best result for your case, contact Zach."
"As a lawyer that has actually been to trial with Zach, I can personally say that he is well prepared, quick on his feet, and a worthy adversary. He is also a true gentleman, and a pleasure to interact with. Zach is ethical, intelligent, and an asset to the profession. I can confidently endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Zach at the King County Prosecutor's Office for almost a decade. As a Deputy Prosecutor I frequently sought Zach's advice on trial strategy and legal issues. His experience and success in trial made him an invaluable resource. He is one of the most seasoned and talented trial attorneys working Seattle today. He's developed an expertise and creativity in his trial practice that can only be achieved by spending countless hours in the courtroom. He's put in the time and It shows in the results he gets for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I tried a highly contentious felony domestic violence matter against Zach last year when he was a senior deputy prosecutor with King County. I did my homework on him and the consisted feedback I received on him was that he is recognized as one of the best trial lawyers in the King County Prosecutor's office. In dealing with him and trying my case against him, I found him to be very professional and forthright with high ethical standards, and that was in addition to his exceptional trial skills. When I heard he had left the prosecutor's office, I knew the King County had lost one of their best. I can say with confidence that any client of his will enjoy the satisfaction of receiving highly skilled and competent representation."
"Zach has transitioned from being a very well respected senior deputy at the King County Prosecutor's office to a tremendous criminal defense attorney. As the co-supervisor of the domestic violence and sexual assualt unit, Zach was known for his excellent trial skills as well as his civility and professionalism with his adversaries. Zach provides that excellent balance of being a tough litigator but also a great negotiator and listener. Anyone looking for a criminal defense attorney would be well served choosing Zach to represent them."
"Zach is a great attorney. As a senior deputy prosecutor and assistant chair of the sexual assault division, he was a zealous, hardworking, and prepared advocate. I highly endorse Zach."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I had the pleasure of working with Zach at the King County Prosecutor's Office. Zach is a superior trial lawyer whose experience provides his clients with outstanding advocacy."
"I endorse Zach Wagnild as he is an outstanding attorney. I had the opportunity to work with Zach when I was at the King County Prosecutor's Office and went up against him after I left. Zach is tenacious and always well prepared on his cases. He has a great approach with jurors and the court. Now that he is a defense attorney, you would be lucky to have him working on your case. He will work to exploit every possible advantage. If it means taking the case to trial, he has the skills to get it done. If the case needs to resolve short of trial, he will work to get you the best possible result."
"I opposed Zach on several cases when he was a King County Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the Domestic Violence Unit and Sexual Assault Unit. As a prosecutor, Zach had an excellent reputation among the criminal defense bar because of his professionalism, integrity, reasonableness, and his ability to see the humanity in our clients. In court, I've always been impressed with his sharp litigation skills, careful preparation, and pleasant, friendly demeanor. Zach's years of trial experience prosecuting extremely complex cases, including sex offenses, domestic violence cases, and homicide, gives him precious insider's knowledge in anticipating how your case will be prosecuted--and how to defend you accordingly. And, his keen intellect and terrific wit will put you immediately at ease. Hire him."
"I have known Zach for over a decade and have been consistently impressed by his knowledge, skills, diligence in his matters and unmatched preparation. Zach possesses a unique combination of impressive interpersonal skills, tenacity in trial and care for clients that achieves great results. You couldn't do much better than with Zach as your lawyer."
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Civil rights lawyer
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2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2016
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2008
Promoted to Vice Chair of the Special Assault Unit, King County Prosecutor's Office
2004
Promoted to Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecutor's Office
1997
Dean's List, Seattle University School of Law
1996
Class Rank Achievement Scholarship, Seattle University School of Law
1995
Class Rank Achievement Scholarship, Seattle University School of Law
1995
1st Place, Fred Tausend Appellate Advocacy Competititon
1994
Dean's List, St. Olaf College
2011 - Present
Principal, Law Office of Zachary C. Wagnild, PLLC
2002 - 2003
Associate, Fain Sheldon Anderson Vanderhoef
1997 - 2011
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, King County Prosecutor's Office
1993 - 1993
Intern, United State's Senator
2016 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationMember
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2010 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
2010 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - 2010
Internet Crimes Against Children Task ForceMember- Prosecutor
1996 - 1997
Trial Advocacy ClinicParticipating Advocate
1996 - 1997
National Moot Court TeamOral Advocacy Competitor
Acquitted after trial
Plea to reduced charge (non-sex misdemeanor) after three days of trial.
Acquitted after trial (Self-Defense Verdict)
MIsdemeanor Attempted Possession of Stolen Property (1 count)
Not guilty on all counts
Not Guilty on All Counts (Self-Defense) - Attorneys Fees Awarded
Charge reduced to Assault 4
Charge reduced to Assault of Child in the Second Degree
Jury Verdict- Not Guilty on all counts
Dismissed
Reduced to Misdemeanor (Deferred Sentence)
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Dismissed
Reduced to Reckless Driving
Dismissed
Dismissed
Convicted only of misdemeanor at trial
Dismissed
Charge reduced to Reckless Driving
Reduced to misdemeanor Assult 4
No charges filed
Reduced to misdemeanor charge
Reduced to misdemeanor Assault 4 charge
Charges reduced to misdemeanors
Successful
Successful
Successful
1997
JD - Juris Doctor
1994
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2019
Taking the Sting out of Net Nanny Cases
2009
Establishing Competency and Admitting Child Hearsay
2009
Medical Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases
2008
Legal Implications of the Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative
2008
Admissibilty of 404(b) Evidence in DV Cases
2008
Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative
2007
Guest Instructor
2006
Handling Recanting Victims in DV Cases
2005
ER 404(b) Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases
2018
2018
2016
2016
2016
2011
2009
2009
2008
2008
2008
2003
English
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Zachary earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Is a polygraph admissible in a child abuse case in the state of washington?
29 Jun 2014
Notice of appearance and request for discovery
16 Dec 2013
Charged with possession of psychedelic mushrooms on federal land.
20 Nov 2013