David O

PRO

David O

5.0
Rating: 9.6

Licensed for 23 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

1700 Westlake Ave N, Suite 200, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About David

Biography

DUI Charges Are Serious, Contact The Defense Attorneys At David O Defense Today!

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 80%

24 years

80%
Criminal Defense 20%

24 years

20%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 23 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2002

Active

No misconduct found

Location

David O Defense

1700 Westlake Ave N, Suite 200, Seattle, WA, 98109

davidodefense.com

David O's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

30 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (30) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Cost of Services

Posted by Aaron | November 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The Best DUI Lawyer

There is no better DUI lawyer than David O. As a former prosecutor, he has built relationships with that offense that allow him to more effectively mitigate your circumstances. He resolved two DUI for me. I errored at a young age and he allowed me to get out of it. He'll instruct you from start to fi...nish and emphasize handling necessities in advance as to show you're taking it seriously to the judge. You can find "cheaper" lawyers, but they aren't better. You pay for what you get.

Posted by Leo | August 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best DUI lawyer hands down.

From the cuffs to the never-ending court proceedings, having a DUI charge may be a terrifying experience, and I am grateful I had David O by my side every step of the way! Attentive, personable, and knowledgeable, David ensured my every need was met. Prior to every court proceeding David always mad...e sure I was prepared, and there were no surprises, he even answered questions I didn’t know I had! Although having a strong lawyer in your corner is extremely important, David is much more. Going through the courts takes several months, many proceedings, and a considerable amount of paperwork, David always made sure I was at ease. Honestly, many times it felt like I had a friend, not just an attorney. When you are dealing with DUI charges, it’s not a cheap process, with or without a lawyer. If you are going to invest in someone, invest in David! Overall, I thought his prices were fair, and he turned the money into magic! I was facing a DUI, but through David’s negotiation skills and knowledge of the law, he was able to get the charges significantly downgraded! I've seen the outcomes of others who opted not to hire a lawyer or who hired a different attorney, and I have to say, David delivered the best results.

Posted by anonymous | July 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Hiring David O for my defense was the best decision I could have possibly made!

From the moment that we were introduced, David treated me like a person and not just another case. Is it weird to say that you're going to miss your attorney? Each time we met it always felt like I was seeing a friend again, his caring and good-natured demeanor helped keep me calm and steady during a...n extremely stressful time of my life. He is obviously very experienced and has a commanding knowledge of DUI defense law. After reviewing the facts of my arrest and the charges that were being brought against me, he took the time to clearly explain the possible outcomes (best and worst-case scenarios) and to describe what his experience has been with cases that were similar to mine. At the end of our first meeting we discussed his fee structure, which was very competitive compared to what I had been led to believe I would be paying for a defense attorney based on a handful of internet searches. I left his office that first day feeling supported and understood, and there was no need for me to shop around: I knew I was going to hire him. Throughout the duration of my case he always very clearly explained the actions he was taking and what I should expect for our next court date. Whenever I felt the need to reach out for support or to have a question answered, he found the time in his schedule to talk and to provide reassurance. He was extremely professional, and I always had full confidence that he was taking every possible action to see that we achieved the best result my case. And in the end, WE WON! Seeing him in action as he presented my case, questioned witnesses and held the prosecutor to a high standard of argument was amazing. The court clearly thought so too, as the judge ruled in our favor and I was able to leave the courthouse that day with an enormous weight lifted from my shoulders.

Posted by Kathleen | October 27, 2013 | DUI & DWI

The best decision I made

I met with another DUI attorney before meeting with David. He asked me if I had met with any other attorneys before meeting with him, I said yes and told him which attorney I had met with. He knew her, had worked with her before, and said if I picked either of them he knew I would have great represen...tation. It impressed me that he knew someone else that specializes in DUI cases, and he didn't choose to badmouth her to a potential client. He is so nice! I was able to communicate with him very well and he was understanding. I was beating myself up for my dumb decision and he had some insight that helped me get past that. We won my DOL case which is very hard to do. I was very pleasantly surprised and felt very lucky David represented me. There were plenty of questions I had and David would respond to my emails and texts immediately. He was very hardworking. The prosecutor gave me a plea deal of reckless driving, however David persisted until my case was dropped further. My civil charges got reduced to negligent driving and some community service. I could not be happier with choosing David O to represent me. He did a great job and was worth every penny. I can't give him enough credit. He is amazing.

Posted by Dan | June 27, 2012 | DUI & DWI

Outstanding, Ethical Lawyer

A family member was arrested for a DUI in 2011. After reviewing dozens of lawyers and interviewing a subset of them, I settled on David O, driven by the strength of David's peer reviews and legal record. The DUI was plead down and reduced to a non-gross misdemeanor charge of negligent driving. ...Our efforts to fight the DOL administrative action, unfortunately, fell short. In both cases, David demonstrated due dilegence and competence from my perspective. In the end, we were not disappointed. David O was honest, forthright, proactive, fairly priced, and effective -- the antithesis of what I had expected and feared. I will recommend him to friends and family, though I really hope I never have to again.

See All Client Reviews

David O's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
James Nathan Bingham headshot
James Bingham

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is an excellent attorney. As a former prosecutor, I have handled numerous cases against David and know first hand that he is a shrewd negotiator and zealous advocate."

Chloe Alyn headshot
Chloe Alyn

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I cannot recommend David enough. He is a highly compassionate attorney with an unparalleled sense of justice. He is highly skilled and intelligent regarding all facets of criminal law. He is well liked by everyone in the courtroom: judges, prosecutors and clerks--all respect him."

Denis Globa headshot
Denis Globa

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. O. He is exceptionally knowledgeable in the area of DUI criminal defense. I have personally observed Mr. O in court advocating on behalf of his clients. He represents his clients zealously and proficiently. I recommend his services with confidence."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Sarah D Cho headshot
Sarah Cho

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David O zealously advocates on behalf of his clients and is incredibly personable, which is important when negotiating with prosecutors. I highly recommend David."

Henry King Chae headshot
Henry Chae

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. When someone thinks of a lawyer, they think of a person with the power of persuasion and that Mr. O possesses in abundance; he is well-liked and highly respected by judges, clerks, bailiffs, prosecutors, fellow defense attorneys, his clients and the public who watch him in action. One of Seattle's top attorneys hands down, I am honored to be his colleague. I recommend him without reservation."

Kevin Coluccio headshot
Kevin Coluccio

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse Mr. O. He is a leading Pacific Northwest attorney in this area of the law. Mr. O is committed to providing his clients with the very best legal representation."

Herbert Ira Ellis headshot
Herbert Ellis

Unknown lawyer | Dec 07

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Danielle Ryder Havens headshot
Danielle Havens

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer, he has great people and communication skills and works hard for optimal results."

Joseph John Schodowski headshot
Joseph Schodowski

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 26

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Having earned my "chops" under David's tutelage, I know first hand how much he cares for his clients and how hard he works every day to protect their rights. David's "client-centric" approach to criminal defense is something that should be admired and mirrored by his peers."

Stephen Wesley Hayne headshot
Stephen Hayne

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David O is a highly competent, experienced, compassionate lawyer whom I endorse without reservation."

James Eric Gaston headshot
James Gaston

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known David for years and am continually impressed by his passion and work ethic when it comes to getting the best results for his clients. While David always seems to have a smile on his face, he has a reputation with both judges and prosecutors as being ethical, but aggressive. I have never hesitated to refer clients to David because I know they will be taken care of."

Matthew A Leyba headshot
Matthew Leyba

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known David for a long time and have seen him in court on countless occasions. He is an excellent trial attorney, and a great person. I would not hesitate in referring him in any criminal matter."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Dec 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark C Blair headshot
Mark Blair

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Excellent attorney. Deeply experienced, passionate and articulate in representing individuals charged with a crime."

Raymond W. Ejarque headshot
Raymond Ejarque

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"David is an excellent advocate with a great work ethic and attention to detail. He brings a great deal of professionalism his practice and always fights hard for his clients."

Philip N Petersen headshot
Philip Petersen

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with David O on several cases over the last 4 years. He is extremely knowledgeable when it comes to criminal defense work, and his reputation with the courts and prosecutors is one of the best around. I highly endorse his work."

Joseph B Cutter headshot
Joseph Cutter

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. He is hard working and very pleasant to deal with. He is honest and always patient. He goes the extra mile for his clients"

Timothy Charles Milios headshot
Timothy Milios

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have seen David practice in mulitple courts over the years. He is a highly knowledgable and effective attorney. He has the respect of his peers in the criminal defense community and I give him my highest endorsement."

Damon G Shadid headshot
Damon Shadid

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had a close family friend who needed an attorney. The lawyer I chose to refer my friend to was David O. Smart, aggressive and compassionate. He obtained excellent results, and I would not hesitate to refer to him again. I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
Chloe Alyn headshot
Chloe Alyn

Criminal defense lawyer

Joseph John Schodowski headshot
Joseph Schodowski

Criminal defense lawyer

James Eric Gaston headshot
James Gaston

DUI and DWI lawyer

Stephen Wesley Hayne headshot
Stephen Hayne

DUI and DWI lawyer

George L. Bianchi headshot
George Bianchi

DUI and DWI lawyer

Raymond W. Ejarque headshot
Raymond Ejarque

Criminal defense lawyer

Timothy Charles Milios headshot
Timothy Milios

DUI and DWI lawyer

Mark C Blair headshot
Mark Blair

Criminal defense lawyer

Ted C. Barr headshot
Ted Barr

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew A Leyba headshot
Matthew Leyba

DUI and DWI lawyer

Nate Webb headshot
Nate Webb

DUI and DWI lawyer

Diego J Vargas headshot
Diego Vargas

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jon Scott Fox headshot
Jon Fox

DUI and DWI lawyer

Karlie M. Valdez headshot
Karlie Valdez

Criminal defense lawyer

Kristin C O'Sullivan headshot
Kristin O'Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer

Alberto Guadagno headshot
Alberto Guadagno

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory Wayne Schwesinger headshot
Gregory Schwesinger

DUI and DWI lawyer

Daniel J. Smith headshot
Daniel Smith

Immigration lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.6 (Superb)

Honors

2010

Washington 2010 Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine

2010

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

2009

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2008

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

2007

Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association

Work Experience

2008 - Present

Attorney at Law/ Principal, David O Defense, PLLC

2004 - 2008

Associate Attorney, Bradley Johnson Attorneys

2003 - 2004

, Northwest Defenders Association

Associations

2008 - Present

Citizens for Judicial Excellence

Member

2006 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2004 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2002 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2001 - Present

King County Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2010

Joint Asian Judicial Evaluations Committee

Board Member for the Bylaws Committee

2007 - 2009

King County Pro Bono Clinic

Coordinator

2004 - 2010

Korean American Bar Association

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

DUI case dismissed

Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2001

Oklahoma City University School of Law

Juris Doctorate

1998

University of Washington

Psychology

Languages

Korean

English

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution