Zachary Charles Wagnild

PRO

Zachary Charles Wagnild

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Sex crime Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Sex Crime, Violent Crime, Domestic Violence ... +2 more

705 2nd Ave, Suite 1111, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Zachary

Biography

A successful defense begins with knowing your adversaries and their strategies. As a former prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience, I have seen and handled every type of case and situation and have a long record of successful results on the most serious cases.

A successful defense begins with knowing your adversaries and their strategies. As a former prosecutor and supervisor of the child abuse unit, I have seen and handled every type of case and situation. Contact me immediately to begin protecting yourself and your family.

A successful defense begins with knowing your adversaries and their strategies. As a former prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience, I have successfully tried the most serious charges from both sides. Call me to begin protecting your rights and your future.

A successful defense begins with knowing your adversaries and their strategies. As a former prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience, I have successfully tried the most serious Domestic Violence charges from both sides. Call me to begin protecting you and your family.

A successful defense begins with knowing your adversaries and their strategies. As a former prosecutor with over 20 years of criminal law experience, I have successfully tried the most serious charges from both sides. Call me to begin protecting your rights and your future.

A successful defense begins with knowing your adversaries and their strategies. As a former prosecutor and supervisor of the sex crimes unit, I have seen and handled every type of case and situation. Contact me immediately to begin protecting yourself, your rights, and your future.

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Sex Crime 25%

Defense against all types of allegations of sexual offenses including rape, child rape/molestation, child pornography, and prostitution.

30 years | 10,000 cases

25%
Criminal Defense 20%

Defense against allegations involving both misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses including drug offenses, property crimes, fraud, and certain vehicle offenses.

30 years | 15,000 cases

20%
Domestic Violence 20%

Defense against criminal charges involving allegations of domestic violence against romantic partners and family members.

30 years | 5,000 cases

20%
Violent Crime 20%

Defense against allegations of violence including charges of Murder, Assault, Robbery, and Sexual Assault.

30 years | 1,000 cases

20%
Child Abuse 15%

Defense against criminal charges involving allegations of both physical and sexual abuse of a child.

30 years | 5,000 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2020 2012 2011
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2012

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 28 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

The Law Office of Zachary C. Wagnild, PLLC

705 2nd Ave, Suite 1111, Seattle, WA, 98104

wagnildlaw.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Zachary online.

Zachary Charles Wagnild's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

27 Client Reviews

5 star (27)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | February 5, 2026 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Attroney in seattle

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...ges i had is very serious, and Mr Zach helped me out. He definitely got the result what i need. If you need an attroney, please talk with Mr Zach, you will not regret. He is not just an attrone who only knows how to fight, he knows how you feel , and what result you want to get.

Posted by anonymous | November 14, 2023 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Zach gave me peace of mind. Incredibly professional, well spoken, and reliable,

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 ...me peace of mind for my ongoing event, and I'm certain for those in active cases he is not only high effective, but caring, considerate, empathetic and hard working.

Posted by DL | May 25, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Best Attorney I Have Ever Worked With

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...able and easy to connect with and talk to. While he is practical in his approach with his practice, paying strict attention to the facts, he also understands the emotions involved and is compassionate and understanding to that. I do not look at Zach as my attorney. I now consider Zach a very close friend and would have his back for anything just as he did for me in a very scary moment in my life. Thank you Zach for everything you did and for everything you are and represent.

Posted by Chuck | May 24, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Superb atty. Ethical, honest, outstanding.

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

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Attorney that gets great results

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

See All Client Reviews

Zachary Charles Wagnild's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Zachary
Daniel Kalish headshot
Daniel Kalish

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Christopher R Carney headshot
Christopher Carney

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Jan Phillip Olson headshot
Jan Olson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Aimee Marie Sutton headshot
Aimee Sutton

Domestic violence lawyer | Aug 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach is a very knowledgeable attorney. He knows the law and just as importantly, knows how to try a case."

Jeffrey B Goldman headshot
Jeffrey Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Zach is respected by Judges and fellow advocates. I highly endorse his work."

David William Gross headshot
David Gross

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Steve Karimi headshot
Steve Karimi

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Lennard Anthony Nahajski headshot
Lennard Nahajski

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Craig Arthur Peterson headshot
Craig Peterson

Child abuse lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"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."

Mariko Lisa Mulligan headshot
Mariko Mulligan

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Zach is smart, professional and knowledgeable."

Keith Robert Hall headshot
Keith Hall

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Christopher Anderson headshot
Christopher Anderson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Scott John Terry headshot
Scott Terry

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Briteney Ann Mercer headshot
Briteney Mercer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Robert Flennaugh II headshot
Robert Flennaugh

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Matthew P. Lapin headshot
Matthew Lapin

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Timothy John Leary headshot
Timothy Leary

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Amy Irene Muth headshot
Amy Muth

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Scott Frederick Leist headshot
Scott Leist

Child abuse lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

View All Endorsements
Kristen V Murray headshot
Kristen Murray

Criminal defense lawyer

Jan Phillip Olson headshot
Jan Olson

Criminal defense lawyer

Teymur Gasanovich Askerov headshot
Teymur Askerov

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey B Goldman headshot
Jeffrey Goldman

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher R Carney headshot
Christopher Carney

Civil rights lawyer

Michelle Marie Scudder headshot
Michelle Scudder

Criminal defense lawyer

David William Gross headshot
David Gross

Criminal defense lawyer

Steve Karimi headshot
Steve Karimi

Criminal defense lawyer

Lennard Anthony Nahajski headshot
Lennard Nahajski

Criminal defense lawyer

Stephen Carpenter Jr. headshot
Stephen Carpenter Jr.

Criminal defense lawyer

Craig Arthur Peterson headshot
Craig Peterson

Criminal defense lawyer

Mariko Lisa Mulligan headshot
Mariko Mulligan

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith Robert Hall headshot
Keith Hall

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Anderson headshot
Christopher Anderson

Litigation lawyer

James Van Newton headshot
James Van Newton

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey Patrick MacNichols headshot
Jeffrey MacNichols

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott John Terry headshot
Scott Terry

Criminal defense lawyer

Elizabeth Anne Padula headshot
Elizabeth Padula

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas James Breen headshot
Thomas Breen

Litigation lawyer

Matthew P. Lapin headshot
Matthew Lapin

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

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

Work Experience

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

Associations

2016 - Present

Washington Defender Association

Member

2012 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

2010 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2007 - 2010

Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force

Member- Prosecutor

1996 - 1997

Trial Advocacy Clinic

Participating Advocate

1996 - 1997

National Moot Court Team

Oral Advocacy Competitor

Sample of Legal Cases

Felony Harassment and Threats to Shoot-Up School

Acquitted after trial

Rape in the Second Degree

Plea to reduced charge (non-sex misdemeanor) after three days of trial.

Assault in the First Degree + Burglary in the First Degree (Both w/ Deadly Weapons)

Acquitted after trial (Self-Defense Verdict)

Residential Burglary and Felony Possession of Stolen Property

MIsdemeanor Attempted Possession of Stolen Property (1 count)

Child Molestation in the First Degree (3 Counts)

Not guilty on all counts

Assault in the First Degree - Deadly Weapon

Not Guilty on All Counts (Self-Defense) - Attorneys Fees Awarded

Child Molestation in the First Degree

Charge reduced to Assault 4

Assault of Child in the First Degree

Charge reduced to Assault of Child in the Second Degree

Rape of a Child (8 Counts)

Jury Verdict- Not Guilty on all counts

Felony Harassment - Domestic Violence

Dismissed

Assault 2 with Firearm

Reduced to Misdemeanor (Deferred Sentence)

Assault 4 - Domestic Violence

Dismissed

VUCSA

Dismissed

Robbery in the Second Degree

Dismissed

Child Molestation in the Third Degree

Dismissed

DUI

Reduced to Reckless Driving

Hit and Run Attended

Dismissed

Theft

Dismissed

Residential Burglary

Convicted only of misdemeanor at trial

Domestic Violence Assault

Dismissed

DUI

Charge reduced to Reckless Driving

Child Molestation in the First Degree (Two counts)

Reduced to misdemeanor Assult 4

Rape in the Second Degree

No charges filed

Felony Harassment and Felony Violation of NCO

Reduced to misdemeanor charge

Assault 2 and Felony Harassment (Domestic Violence)

Reduced to misdemeanor Assault 4 charge

Assault 2 and Assault 4 (Domestic Violence)

Charges reduced to misdemeanors

State v. Pomeroy

Successful

State v. Earnest Collins

Successful

State v. Tinh Lam

Successful

See More Legal Cases

Education

1997

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1994

St. Olaf College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

WACDL Winter Conference

Taking the Sting out of Net Nanny Cases

2009

Special Assault Unit Annual Meeting

Establishing Competency and Admitting Child Hearsay

2009

Harborview Medical Center Nursing Conference

Medical Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases

2008

WATSA Summer Conference

Legal Implications of the Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative

2008

King County Prosecutor's Office - DV Conference

Admissibilty of 404(b) Evidence in DV Cases

2008

Attorney CLE

Sex Offender Sentencing Alternative

2007

Trial Advocacy II

Guest Instructor

2006

Domestic Violence CLE

Handling Recanting Victims in DV Cases

2005

Special Assault Unit CLE

ER 404(b) Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases

Publications

2008

King County Prosecutor's Office SAU Filing Standards Internet Crimes Against Children Filing Guidelines

2008

Caselaw Guide Admissibility of 404(b) Evidence in DV Cases

2003

King County Prosecutor's Office Firearm Newsletter Proving Firearm Cases Without a Firearm

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Zachary earned significant contribution points in 2012.

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Avvo Rating Levels
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