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Lauren M. Wegener
About Lauren
Biography
Lauren works aggressively to give a potent voice to the criminally accused. She is a compassionate listener who empathizes with the grief, anger, and fear clients often experience when faced with a criminal charge. Lauren is passionate about turning these emotional responses into a successful criminal defense founded upon her unflagging advocacy and negotiation on behalf of her clients. Lauren recognizes that police reports merely capture a single officer's fleeting impression. Unfortunately, these reports often fail to accurately capture an accused's positive character, intentions, and the overarching context of extremely complex events. Accordingly, Lauren orchestrates every defense strategy such that the imprecision of such reports never detracts from her clients' integrity and underlying humanity.
Lauren earned her BA at the University of Washington, graduating with a double major in Philosophy and Law, Societies, and Justice. Lauren then earned her JD from Seattle University School of Law, during which she worked at the state Attorney General's Office, focusing on assaultive crimes. Lauren's work with the Attorney General allowed her to develop a deeper understanding of prosecutorial procedure and strategies. Shortly thereafter, Lauren worked as a public defender on behalf of clients in the greater Seattle area. Lauren's significant training and experience on both sides of the judicial aisle allowed her to emerge as a seasoned and dexterous advocate for each client's rights.
In her free time, Lauren enjoys spending time with her family, watching college and professional sports, cooking, traveling, playing competitive soccer, and walking her Yorkshire Terriers.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 17 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Bradley Johnson Attorney's
1333 Stewart Street, Seattle, WA, 98109
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Lauren M. Wegener's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
92 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (69)
Advocacy (50)
Recommendation (36)
Communication Style (33)
Professionalism (29)
Responsiveness (21)
Compassion (19)
Practice Area Knowledge (18)
General Knowledge (15)
Character & Conduct (11)
Cost of Services (9)
Staff & Support (7)
Trustworthiness (6)
Punctuality (4)
Payment Plans (3)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 31 - 35 of 92 reviews
Posted by Erin | October 18, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Completely dismissed!
Lauren was so good to work with. When we first met with her I was really worried about my child having a domestic violence assault charge. I feel like she really listened and asked all of the right questions. I’ve never been in this kind of situation before so I really don’t know how it was “supposed...
Posted by Phoebe | October 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Supportive, communicative, and intelligent.
I can't express enough how thankful I am for Lauren Wegener. She was supportive, communicative, and intelligent. She fought for my case harder than I would imagine any attorney would, or could. She takes into account your concern and corresponding efforts. Especially when you complete exactly what...
Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly Recommend!!!
I was a first time offender charged with a theft case. It was a huge mistake and not the type of person that I am, the whole situation was terrifying. When I met Lauren she instantly knew how I was feeling which gave me such comfort during the whole process. She was very communicative towards me and ...
Posted by anonymous | August 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
This review is extremely overdue.
Lauren is a non-judgmental, caring individual who keeps her clients' best interest in mind. She effectively utilizes her knowledge and experience to set realistic expectations of the legal process and the possible outcomes of the case. I was facing a charge of 4th degree assault with a DV classificat...
Posted by anonymous | August 08, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
DUI charge
Lauren was a godsend to me. She was very compassionate, helpful and knowledgeable of the court system to get a best possible outcome for my DUI charge.
Lauren M. Wegener's Lawyer Endorsements
"Lauren is one of the most knowledgeable and kindest attorneys I've had the opportunity to work with. Witnessing first hand the compassion she shows attorneys is simply inspiring!"
"Lauren is one of the hardest working attorneys I know... a zealous advocate, never intimidated, always compassionate. Extremely professional demeanor and a lovely person, too."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Lauren has the characteristics I would look for if I needed a defense lawyer: she's professional, compassionate, and has a broad array of experience. Lauren is well respected by her peers and a trusted colleague."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Lauren Gotchy is an impressive advocate who enjoys navigating client interests through even the most looming of circumstances. She once explained how she enjoyed doing felony defense because of the substantial hurdles she could present against the prosecutors' cases, resulting in reductions and other great outcomes. She has a disarming personality that works well with prosecutors and judges, and clearly does her homework. I highly recommend Lauren Gotchy for even the most serious of criminal defense concerns."
"I endorse this lawyer. She is a force to be reckoned with. Her clients love her and she commands the respect of all the courts. Taking zealous defense to the next level, she fights hard for her clients. She is aggressive and sharp and you can't go wrong with having her on your side. I recommend her without reservations."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Lauren for a number of years and she is consistently kind, hard working, and effective. Her warm personality lends itself to great relationships with judges and prosecutors, which allow her to get the best result possible for her clients."
"Lauren Gotchy is compassionate, caring, and highly skilled in the courtroom. She is an exceptional attorney, and I highly recommend and endorse her."
"I endorse this lawyer. Lauren provides solid, timely, and professional representation to her clients. I recently met with a former client of Lauren's who had nothing but positive feedback about his experience."
"I previously worked with Lauren and know her to be an outstanding attorney. You will get terrific representation with her."
"I endorse Lauren's work. She is a compassionate and dedicated attorney who fights hard for her clients and gets results. Lauren is a well respected attorney with a very good working relationship with many attorneys in the community. I highly recommend her"
"Lauren is hard working, knowledgeable, and professional. She is very dedicated to her profession and goes above and beyond when representing her clients."
"Lauren Gotchy is an intelligent, dedicated, and aggressive advocate for her clients. I highly recommend her and her firm to anyone charged with DUI."
"Lauren is one of the most intelligent and dedicated lawyers that has ever worked at my firm. Her effort on every case and care for every client is truly one of a kind. I fully endorse Lauren, and recommend her to anyone who needs the best in DUI and Criminal Defense."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I often see Lauren in courts throughout western washington. It is always evident that she fights hard for her clients and makes them feel comfortable through an often scary and difficult process."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. She is an excellent attorney, very approachable and committed to maintaining her clients' rights."
"I've known Lauren for over 6 years and have always been impressed with her passion and intelligence for the law. When faced with a challenge, she is unrelenting in identifying a plan of attack, evaluating all contingencies, and finding the best possible solution to the issue at hand. As an attorney, I am positive that if I am ever faced with a situation where Lauren's services will protect my personal interests, she will be the first one to whom I will turn."
"Lauren is a knowledgeable, aggressive, and highly professional attorney. I have personally worked with Lauren and was able to witness her skills as a criminal lawyer under the most difficult of conditions. I highly recommend this fine attorney."
"Lauren is a smart, savvy, experienced attorney who works hard to get their clients the best result possible."
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Experience
Honors
2007
Moot Court Board Member, Seattle University School of Law
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Attorney, Bradley Johnson Attorneys
2007 - 2008
Public Defender, Snohomish County Public Defender
2006 - 2007
Rule 9 Legal Intern, Feldman & Lee, P.S.
2005 - 2007
Rule 9 Legal Intern, Snohomish County Public Defender
2005 - 2005
Extern, Attorney General (Sexually Violent Predator Unit)
Associations
2008 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
King County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember
2008 - Present
Washington Women Lawyers (King County chapter)Member
2008 - Present
Washington Women Lawyers (Snohomish County chapter)Member
2000 - Present
American Civil Liberties UnionMember
2017 - 2018
King County Bar Association, Judicial Evaluation CommitteeVolunteer Attorney
2007 - 2007
Seattle University School of Law, Moot CourtBoard Member
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Client
Felony charge was amended to a gross misdemeanor
City v. Defendant
Charge dismissed
State v. Defendant
Amendment of a felony to a gross misdemeanor
State v. Defendant
Not guilty
State v. Defendant
Not guilty
City of Marysville v. Defendant
Negligent Driving in the First Degree
State v. Defendant
SOSSA agreement
Petitioner v. Respondent
Case dismissed
Education
2007
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2004
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2016
Mentorship Speaker Event
University of Washington - Law, Societies, & Justice
Languages
German
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
I was in a 25 mph zone and came around a corner. The back end slipped and I crossed the double line and hit a car. No dui.
24 Aug 2019
Q&A
The license plate on the ticket I received is one letter off from my true license plate. Am I still liable to pay the ticket?
29 Mar 2017
Q&A
I want to apply for daca but I have possession of paraphernalia when I was 16 now I'm 19 and I payed the ticket off.
29 Mar 2017