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.
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.
Practice areas
Defense against all types of allegations of sexual offenses including rape, child rape/molestation, child pornography, and prostitution.
25 years, 10,000 cases
Defense against allegations of violence including charges of Murder, Assault, Robbery, and Sexual Assault.
25 years, 1,000 cases
Defense against criminal charges involving allegations of domestic violence against romantic partners and family members.
25 years, 5,000 cases
Defense against allegations involving both misdemeanor and felony criminal offenses including drug offenses, property crimes, fraud, and certain vehicle offenses.
25 years, 15,000 cases
Defense against criminal charges involving allegations of both physical and sexual abuse of a child.
25 years, 5,000 cases
Languages spoken
English
The Law Office of Zachary C. Wagnild, PLLC
705 2nd Ave, Suite 1111
Seattle, WA, 98104
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1997 | 02/24/2021 |
Legal answers | 106 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
10 Best for Client Satisfaction | American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys | 2016 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2016 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2015 |
Top 100 Trial Lawyers | National Trial Lawyers | 2014 |
Promoted to Vice Chair of the Special Assault Unit | King County Prosecutor's Office | 2008 |
Promoted to Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | King County Prosecutor's Office | 2004 |
---|---|---|
Dean's List | Seattle University School of Law | 1997 |
Class Rank Achievement Scholarship | Seattle University School of Law | 1996 |
Class Rank Achievement Scholarship | Seattle University School of Law | 1995 |
1st Place | Fred Tausend Appellate Advocacy Competititon | 1995 |
Dean's List | St. Olaf College | 1994 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Principal | Law Office of Zachary C. Wagnild, PLLC | 2011 - Present |
Associate | Fain Sheldon Anderson Vanderhoef | 2002 - 2003 |
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | King County Prosecutor's Office | 1997 - 2011 |
Intern | United State's Senator | 1993 - 1993 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Washington Defender Association | Member | 2016 - Present |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2012 - Present |
King County Bar Association | Member | 2010 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2010 - Present |
Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force | Member- Prosecutor | 2007 - 2010 |
Trial Advocacy Clinic | Participating Advocate | 1996 - 1997 |
---|---|---|
National Moot Court Team | Oral Advocacy Competitor | 1996 - 1997 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Daily Recorder | Jury Finds man not guilty of stabbing acquaintance. | 2018 |
Madison Park Times | Judge Acquits Student of Threatening to Shoot-Up School | 2018 |
Seattle Times | UW Student Acquitted of Assault in the First Degree | 2016 |
Seattle Times | State Must Repay UW Student Found Not Guilty in Stabbing | 2016 |
Reason.com | The Truth About the Biggest US Sex Trafficking Story of the Year | 2016 |
Federal Way Mirror | Caregiver For Autistic Boy Fights Theft Charge | 2011 |
---|---|---|
Seattle PI | Carnation father sentenced to 3 1/2 years for daughter | 2009 |
Seattle PI | Couple Raped Daughter, 4, on live Webcam | 2009 |
Seattle PI | Prosecutor to show video of cabbie's slaying. | 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 | 2008 |
King County Prosecutor's Office Firearm Newsletter | Proving Firearm Cases Without a Firearm | 2003 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Seattle University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1997 |
St. Olaf College | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1994 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
WACDL Winter Conference | Taking the Sting out of Net Nanny Cases | 2019 |
Special Assault Unit Annual Meeting | Establishing Competency and Admitting Child Hearsay | 2009 |
Harborview Medical Center Nursing Conference | Medical Testimony in Sexual Assault Cases | 2009 |
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 | 2008 |
---|---|---|
Trial Advocacy II | Guest Instructor | 2007 |
Domestic Violence CLE | Handling Recanting Victims in DV Cases | 2006 |
Special Assault Unit CLE | ER 404(b) Evidence in Sexual Assault Cases | 2005 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
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Daniel Kalish, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 15, 2011
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 Carney, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2013
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 Olson, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 11, 2016
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 Sutton, Domestic violence Attorney on Aug 31, 2015
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 Goldman, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 25, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Zach is respected by Judges and fellow advocates. I highly endorse his work.
Christopher Carney, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2013
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.
David Gross, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 16, 2012
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, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 14, 2012
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 Nahajski, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 7, 2012
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 Peterson, Child abuse Attorney on May 13, 2011
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 Mulligan, Criminal defense Attorney on May 1, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
I endorse this lawyer. Zach is smart, professional and knowledgeable.
Keith Hall, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 14, 2011
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, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 11, 2011
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 Terry, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2011
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.
Daniel Kalish, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 15, 2011
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.
Briteney Mercer, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 14, 2011
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, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 9, 2011
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 Lapin, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 26, 2011
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 Leary, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 24, 2011
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 Muth, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 19, 2011
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 Leist, Child abuse Attorney on Jan 18, 2011
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.