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Craig Alan Platt

Criminal defense Attorney at Seattle, WA

5.0   6 reviews
  • Licensed for 41 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1982
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Craig

Learn Craig’s areas of practice.

3
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    70%
    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.

    41 years

  2. DUI and DWI
    20%
    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.

    41 years

  3. Personal injury
    10%
    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.

    31 years

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.

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Reviews

5.0 / 5.0
  6 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Jw Chadwick | June 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Definitely a lawyer you should retain.
I had to retain this legal service due to a gross misdemeanor and ended with outcome I could've never gotten myself. Basically, the system is stacked against anyone who even remotely considers self representation, its legal suicide and the court system treats you as much. Whatever you need to do? Get an attorney, even in a misdemeanor case bc WA only gives breaks to violent thieving criminals.... Just ask Elijah Jamar Wright.
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Posted by mark | June 24, 2011
Severely deflated my case, got me out of jail, and prevented imminent arrest. What more could you ask for?
I got blind-sided by an intense felony DV arrest in January 2011 and charged with some severe crimes. I didn't even know I broke any laws but it looked pretty grim to me after reading the reports. This was really my first time being in trouble and I had no idea how the wheel turned. I was relieved beyond words after hiring Craig Platt and getting information and interpretation from him. Several months later, I started talking with my wife again, believing it was fine since she was initiating it. My stupidity almost got me arrested when she decided to stop talking to me again and report the contact. Craig stopped the arrest efforts and again deflated the situation. I wouldn't want to be in trouble without him. Thanks
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Posted by Sarah | January 27, 2010
Thank You
In the beginning of this case I was facing a class B felony. With Mr. Platts expertise and knowledge my charge was dropped to a misdemeanor. Considering the circumstances we were looking at at first, I was very pleased with my sentencing. He's definitely worth the money that's for sure because if I could not have obtained his services I would be in jail and my kids would be without their mother....Thank you will never be enough to show my appreciation..
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Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2009
Client Review
A very professional counselor that you can count on to get all the help that you need. I am very well pleased to have had Mr. Platt as my counselor. He really cares about his clients and works very hard for his clients' best interest.
Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2009
Craig Platt A Great Attorney For All Needs!
Craig Platt handled my complicated domestic violence case, where four public defenders were failing. He worked hard to get me a plea bargain that was very much in my best interest. He was honest, supportive and active. My life is much better due to my use of Craig Platt for my attorney. I do not know where I would be without him. Thanks Craig.
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Posted by anonymous | January 12, 2009
BEST Criminal Defense Attorney
I got myself into some trouble about a year ago. I have never been in any trouble before. I was terrified. I had been charged with the crime of Assault 3 even though I was acting in self defense. After consulting with a few attorneys, I felt even more afraid. No one seemed to have any solution for me. I was told several times that it “was my word against his and he had the injuries”. Then, I found Mr. Platt. After our initial consultation, I walked away feeling relieved. Mr. Platt was very knowledgeable about the crime that I was charged with and the possible defenses. Just a few days after Mr. Platt agreed to take my case, he found that there was a video surveillance at a store adjacent to where the incident had taken place. Somehow Mr. Platt obtained a copy of the tape which actually cleared me of any wrong doing. The prosecution dropped the case. Mr. Platt was professional and courteous throughout my ordeal. I would recommend him to anyone who needs the assistance of an attorney.
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Resume

AVVO RATING 9.8 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • 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
View all work experience

Education

  • Stanford Law School
  • Juris Doctorate
  • 1981
  • University of Illinois
  • B.S. summa cum laude
  • 1978

Associations

  • 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
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • CERTIFICATE OF RECOGNITION FOR SERVICE
  • Washington Defender Association
  • 2007

Publications

  • ADDRESS TO AMERICAN ASSOC OF PSYCHIATRY ANNUAL CONFERENCE
  • THE RIGHT TO REFUSE NEUROLEPTIC TREATMENT FOR CIVILLY COMMITTED PATIENTS
  • 1980

Speaking Engagements

  • 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
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (4)
Given (4)
Endorse Craig
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 03
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | May 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse Craig\. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 31
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."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 23
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."
General practice
Speeding and traffic ticket
Criminal defense
Criminal defense