Law has been my life. For my entire legal career I have worked very hard to be the best lawyer I could be. For nearly thirty years I have dedicated myself to the law, with much of my career being spent in public service. After graduating from Stanford Law School I began working for large law firms in Chicago, Los Angeles and Seattle. I moved into criminal law, handling major criminal cases, first as a public defender in Seattle, then as Chief Prosecutor for the Attorney General’s Office in Saipan. In Saipan, I focused on the prosecution of major violent crimes and government corruption cases. Upon returning to the States, my wife and I started our law firm. I have been very actively involved in many of the local criminal justice projects, including the establishment of our drug courts, the local law and justice council, as well as continuing to be heavily involved in the training of trial attorneys. I served as President of the Washington Defender Association (WDA) where I have continued volunteering my time to train young attorneys about trial practice. I have championed case load reform through my work as the President of the WDA. As your attorney, I pledge to bring the same passion and commitment to you that I have demonstrated in my life’s work. I am determined to represent your best interests and obtain the best possible case results for you. “Justice for All” is not just a phrase for me. It is a way of life.
Practice areas
Craig Platt represents clients in all state and federal courts from Tacoma to the Canadian border. He focuses on serious matters, including all felonies (murder, drug offences, rape and sexual assault, embezzlement, etc.) as well as serious misdemeanors (DUI, Domestic Violence, etc.). He will travel to your location.
40 years
DUI is as serious as any felony for many people. A conviction can result not only in jail time, but also in serious consequences in every part of your life, from driver's licence suspension to loss of employment. Craig works closely with his partner, Ms. Buescher on these cases, giving clients the benefit of a combined total of nearly sixty years of experience. They are able to travel to all courts from Tacoma to Canada from their convenient central location and will travel to meet with you.
40 years
Together with his partner, Mimi Buescher, and their Of Counsel associate, Dave Sweetwood (who brings 30 years of experience to the firm) Craig handles the trial portion of personal injury cases. With his extensive trial experience, he is well qualified to persuade jurors to make the right decision, and has taught several classes to statewide audiences of lawyers on the topics of jury selection and opening statements, using themes and stories to paint apicture leading to victory.
30 years
Languages spoken
English
Platt & Buescher
2317 NW Market St.
Seattle, WA, 98107
Platt & Buescher
180 NW Coveland St
Coupeville, WA, 98239
Platt & Buescher
PO Box 2281
Oak Harbor, WA, 98277
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
WA | Active | 1982 | 05/07/2022 |
Legal answers | 26 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR SERVICE | Washington Defender Association | 2007 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
MANAGING PARTNER | PLATT & BUESCHER | 1990 - Present |
CHIEF, CRIMINAL DIVISION | CNMI ATTORNEY GENERAL | 1988 - 1990 |
Associated Counsel for the Accused | 1983 - 1988 | |
SOLICITOR'S REPRESENTITIVE | POWELL, McGRATH AND SPENCER | 1983 - 1983 |
ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY | CABLE, BARRETT, LANGENBACH and McKINERNEY | 1981 - 1983 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Island County Bar Association | Member | 1990 - Present |
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 1990 - Present |
Washington State Bar Association | Member | 1982 - Present |
Washington Defender Association | President | 2006 - 2008 |
American Council of Chief Defenders, NLADA | Member | 2006 - 2008 |
San Juan County Bar Association | Member | 1992 - 2002 |
Washington Defender Association | Board of Directors | 1991 - 2009 |
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 1990 - 2009 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
ADDRESS TO AMERICAN ASSOC OF PSYCHIATRY ANNUAL CONFERENCE | THE RIGHT TO REFUSE NEUROLEPTIC TREATMENT FOR CIVILLY COMMITTED PATIENTS | 1980 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Stanford Law School | Juris Doctorate | 1981 |
University of Illinois | B.S. summa cum laude | 1978 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
EFFECTIVE VOIR DIRE | JURY SELECTION | 2009 |
WHAT YOU CAN AND CANNOT DO IN VOIR DIRE AND JURY SELECTION | JURY SELECTION | 2008 |
WDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE | PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS | 2008 |
TRIAL TIPS FROM THE EXPERTS | CROSS EXAMINING TOXICOLOGISTS | 2008 |
WDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE | PRESIDENT'S ADDRESS | 2007 |
TRIAL ADVOCACY SCHOOL | STORY TELLING IN TRIAL | 2007 |
ANNUAL ETHICS REVIEW | CASELOAD LIMITS AND ETHICAL REPRESENTATION | 2007 |
TRIAL ADVOCACY SCHOOL | TELLING STORIES WITH OPENING STATEMENT | 2000 |
WDA ANNUAL CONFERENCE | TELLING STORIES IN TRIAL | 1995 |
TRIAL ADVOCACY SCHOOL | EFFECTIVE OPENING STATEMENTS | 1995 |
WINING THE LOSERS | WINNING IMPOSSIBLE CASES WITH HORRIBLE FACTS | 1993 |
CNMI POLICE ACADEMY | CONSTITUTIONAL LAW FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT | 1989 |
HOW TO TRY A CASE | TRIAL METHODOLOGY: TRICKS OF THE TRADE | 1985 |
Posted by mark
June 24, 2011
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January 27, 2010
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January 14, 2009
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January 13, 2009
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January 12, 2009
Patricia Halsell, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 3, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked closely with Craig Platt on numerous criminal defense cases dating back to 1984. He is meticulous and highly competent. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Platt for criminal defense.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Craig\. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Patricia Halsell, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 3, 2014
Relationship: Worked together on matter
I have worked closely with Craig Platt on numerous criminal defense cases dating back to 1984. He is meticulous and highly competent. I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Platt for criminal defense.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Craig\. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Alexander Frix, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 31, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
For several years now I've counted on more experienced attorneys like Craig for advice. As a younger attorney, it's always good when someone with Craig's experience is willing to help, but It's even better when that attorney has the extensive knowledge and care for his clients that Craig possesses. I endorse his work.
Darrin Hall, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 23, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer's work. Craig demands respect in and out of the courtroom and handles his cases with professionalism, dedication, and caution...three qualities required in defense work. His clients are very well-represented.