Jan Phillip Olson

PRO

Jan Phillip Olson

also known as Jan P. Olson

4.9
Rating: 9.5

Licensed for 44 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Seattle, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, Family, Unknown

1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1810, Seattle, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About Jan

Biography

A criminal defense attorney with over 35 years experience, Jan Olson fights hard for his clients.

Need an accomplished & experienced criminal defense lawyer? Call Jan Olson.

Have you been accused of a sex crime? Jan Olson is here to help!

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 33%

Experienced & Aggressive Defense - Assault, Harassment, Domestic Violence, Drug Offenses, Sex Offenses, DUI, DWI

45 years | 3,500 cases

33%
Family 33%

33%
Sex Crime 33%

Experienced & Aggressive Defense - Child Molestation, Child Pornography, Rape, Sexual Assault, Prostitution

45 years | 3,500 cases

33%
Other 1%

1%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2024 2017 2016
...
+ 1
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2018 2017 2016
Distinguished Peer Review Rating

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 44 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1981

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC

1700 Seventh Avenue, Suite 1810, Seattle, WA, 98121

elmlaw.com/attorneys/jan-p-olson/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Jan online.

Jan Phillip Olson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

56 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 16 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Anthony | March 31, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Highest recomendation!

I knew Jan away from the legal world. One day I ended up in legal trouble and phoned Jan on what I should do. Fortunately for me, his expertise was my subject matter. He promptly set up an appointment, and we discussed the strategy. His knowledge in approaching my case impressed me immensely. I wasn'...t able to obtain an innocent plea (since I obliviously wasn't), but Jan was able to put me at ease throughout the probation process. His court demeanor is top-notch and I feel anyone is in great and confident hands if they hire Jan as an attorney.

Posted by anonymous | April 12, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime

Steadfast, detail oriented defense

I was charged with a major sex crime I committed many years in the past. From the beginning of my engagement with Jan, he gave me great information to steady my nerves as we went through the justice process, and made sure to hold as many options for me open as he possibly could. When we began, it loo...ked like I would spend the next 4 to 11 years in prison. Jan's connections to local sex crime treatment facilities were invaluable. Because he knew how their evaluations had played out in courts and before prosecutors, and how they were not perceived as being defense-oriented, my excellent evaluation from that facility was treated far better than I imagine it would have been otherwise. Eventually, after about a year, Jan noticed that the law under which I was being prosecuted had been changed in 2009 to extend the statute of limitations, and that under the prior law, the statute of limitations had run out before the law had been changed. This provided the key to unlocking a successful defense. Today, I have only a non-sex-crime misdemeanor on my record, I've spent only 50 days in jail, I didn't lose my employment, and after going through the treatment program, I no longer look at my past with dread and fear. Jan was absolutely instrumental in making all of these outcomes possible. I recommend him and his services highly.

Posted by anonymous | April 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Great with mental health related legal issues

My wife has a mental health illness. The legal system in the area we live in (city, state) is not handling well mental health issues. In the past few years I had to hire twice Jan Olson to resolve legal issues related to mental health crisis. I was very pleased with the way Jan helped us resolve thos...e legal issues. He was recommended to us through church friends and we strongly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2015 | Family

Jan is the best!

Jan Olson was referred to me by my Family Law Attorney. I was not going to mess around with anyone that claimed to be affordable because I was dealing with Parenting issues at the time. You get what you pay for and Jan is the best and most cost effective there is out there! He is very professional... and knows his business! He is very assertive when it comes to dealing with Prosecutors which is what you need in any case. His long term Career and experience speak volumes on their own but it's the special care that he takes to listen and plan accordingly to each individual case that sets him apart and adds even more to his high value. His legal strategy along with his uncanny intuition during Court proceedings is second to none! I would recommend Jan to anyone that requires Jan's extensive experience to help them navigate through their cases. He sure took care of me in the kindest way possible to get me a very fair result which carried through positively in my Family Law case.

Posted by anonymous | March 16, 2015 | Criminal Defense

" Simply Brilliant"

Back in August of 2013, I had the misfortune of being falsely accused by my EX of assaulting my 7 year old son in the forth degree DV. My life had completely been turn upside down and I knew that this event would forever impact my relationship with my son if I didn't find the best of the best attorne...y. By chance, I found that in Attorney Jan Olson and within our first conversation I knew he was the right choice. Jan was very knowable and informative which allowed me to understand the complex justice system that I had been thrown into. Jan aggressively and diligently challenged the prosecutors attempt after attempt regarding multiple plea deals offered to me for over a year. For over a year the City dragged this case hoping I would take a deal and in 2014, Jan stated to the city" Ready For Trial". This trial had huge implications and ones that would forever impact not only my life but my sons life as well. The city was so committed to charge me that they actually had two prosecutors on the case during the trial to make sure they would get the job done. I'm sure that had a little something to do with the attorney I had in my corner! That became clearly obvious from day one of the trial when Jan completely controlled the court room from the moment we walked in. Jan's ability as a trial lawyer is nothing short of brilliant and my confidence in Jan was overwhelming. From start to finish and during an exhausting three day trial, I watched as Jan tore down the city's case against me brick by brick, witness by witness and even the city's own experts. It didn't take long to understand that this is where Jan likes to work best, in a court room. One year, three day trail and Jan was able to positively impact my life forever. The jury deliberated just under 40 minutes and returned with a unanimous NOT GUILTY! Having an experienced, committed and competitive attorney to help you navigate the complex legal system is everything. " Time is important but the truth is more important then time" Best Regards, Mike M

See All Client Reviews

Jan Phillip Olson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jan
Michelle Rose Ahrens headshot
Michelle Ahrens

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. He is the go to guy in criminal defense and when I have questions in my own practice I call him. He works hard for his clients, his knowledge of the law is stellar and his integrity is surpassed by none. When I am not available for a case, I refer people to Jan."

Margaret Doyle Fitzpatrick headshot
Margaret Fitzpatrick

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jan has been my “go to” criminal lawyer for years. Jan has helped many of my clients in extremely tough situations. I recommend him without reservation."

Zachary Charles Wagnild headshot
Zachary Wagnild

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with Jan for many years both as an adversary (when I was a prosecutor) and now as a fellow criminal defense attorney. Jan is well-known and respected by both other attorneys and judges for his knowledge, experience, and professionalism. He is an asset to his clients as well as his colleagues. I would recommend Jan without reservation to anyone in need of outstanding legal representation on a criminal matter."

Linda Lillevik headshot
Linda Lillevik

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Jan is a knowledgeable and intelligent advocate for his clients. I have worked with him on a number of child abuse cases and have been astounded at the positive results he obtained."

Natalie M Beckmann headshot
Natalie Beckmann

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan has proven to be a very valuable resource for clients/referrals who need strong, effective and thorough representation. I heartily endorse him."

Daniel John Ichinaga headshot
Daniel Ichinaga

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse Jan Olson. He is a skilled and compassionate advocate with over 30 years of experience. When any of my clients or friends need a criminal defense attorney, I refer them, without hesitation, to Jan."

Robert W. Goldsmith headshot
Robert Goldsmith

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is an energetic and humane lawyer. He works hard on his cases and is respected in the legal community. You can't go wrong with Jan Olson as your lawyer."

Peter William Mogren headshot
Peter Mogren

Criminal defense lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan Olson is an outstanding criminal defense lawyer. When I have a client with a criminal issue, Jan is always at the top of my list of attorneys I refer to. Each of those clients have reported back with high praise of his excellent representation, going beyond their expectation. Jan does not just wait for charges to be filed, but works with the detectives and prosecutors behind the scenes to get them dismissed or reduced even before filing. I highly recomend Jan without any reservation."

Peter J. Peaquin headshot
Peter Peaquin

Criminal defense lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan has been an accomplished and well respected criminal defense attorney for well over twenty years. He successfully combines zealous advocacy with artful negotiation skills to effectively represent his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Raymond W. Ejarque headshot
Raymond Ejarque

Criminal defense lawyer | May 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan is one of the most aggressive, effective, and well respected lawyers in the Seattle area. I first met Jan over fifteen years ago when I was a public defender in Wenatchee. He was the attorney for the opposing party. I was floored by his brilliant legal tactics and strategies. I knew that he was an attorney I could learn from. Since then I have seen Jan in action many times in Seattle. He is a very effective advocate for his cleints. He is smart and knows how to present a defense to obtain the best results. Jan is not afraid to take on very complex cases with high stakes. Over many years of practice, he has earned the the respect of Judges, prosecutors, other attorneys, and most importantly, his clients. If my family or friends ever need a high powered, very experienced defense attorney, Jan is the first person I would send them to."

Ronald E. Glessner headshot
Ronald Glessner

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jan since I commenced my practice in 1981. He is a competent, highly skilled and ethical member of the Washington State Bar. His skill and knowledge in criminal cases is exceptional. Even prior to any charges being filed against a cleint, on occasions where it is possible, I have observed his ability to communicate effectively with invesitgating detectives and/or the prosecutor's office to minimize the impact of charges if possible. I refer my criminal clients to him on a regular basis and endorse him as a professional beyond reproach."

Wayne Peter Pellegrini headshot
Wayne Pellegrini

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. For the past 20 years I have referred criminal cases to Jan with complete confidence. Jan has handled each matter with the utmost professionalism and expertise. I highly recommend him."

Aaron S Kiviat headshot
Aaron Kiviat

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mr. Olson for several years and consider Mr. Olson a mentor. I can confidently say that he is one of the most experienced, ethical and effective criminal defense attorneys in the Northwest. His clients should rest assured that Mr. Olson will achieve the best possible outcome in their matters."

Karma L Zaike headshot
Karma Zaike

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly recommend Jan Olson. I am a Family Law attorney, and I often refer clients to Jan. Jan is always professional, knowledgeable and straight forward. I continue to be impressed by his intelligence and expertise."

William Karl Kirk headshot
William Kirk

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have handled matters both against and with Mr. Olson. As a former prosecutor, I found him to be incredibly competent, ethical and tenacious. As a defense attorney, I have consulted with Mr. Olson on several matters due to his high level of expertise. Mr. Olson is highly repsected by the prosecution and the bench and for good reasons. He is extremely competent, very tenacious and ethical in his approach. I highly recommend his services to anyone."

Patricia A. Fulton headshot
Patricia Fulton

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the privilege of seeing Jan's work in court and brainstorming with him on cases and legal issues. Jan uses his intelligence, attention to detail, and creative thinking to get exceptional results for his clients. He approaches every client with compassion and works hard to protect them through a very difficult process. If I, or someone I loved, was accused of a serious crime, I would not hesitate to hire Jan."

James Aubrey Feldman headshot
James Feldman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I first meet Mr. Olson more than 20 years ago when he was a prosecuting attorney. I was very happy when he changed sides so I did not have to have him opposes me. Since then I have watched him many times in court and have sought his advise on strategy and the law on many occasions. He has always been very insightful, knowledgeable and professional in his actions. Jan is a extremely strong and effective advocate for his clients."

Geoffrey L. Burg headshot
Geoffrey Burg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jan is one of the best lawyers out there. He is smart, tough, ethical and hard working. He takes some of the hardest cases out there and finds a way to win. I know this from experience - I met Jan when he had to take over one of my cases - a case with a set of very challenging facts and personalities. Jan was able to take this case to trial and get a not guilty verdict. If you are looking for a lawyer with these characteristics, you should contact Jan."

Raymond Charles McFarland headshot
Raymond McFarland

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jan is a dedicated earnest defender of his clients and one of the hardest workers I know. He puts his clients' interests first and works hard to get the best result possible each time. He is an effective negotiator with prosecutors and a persuasive advocate in court."

Michael William Bugni headshot
Michael Bugni

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly endorse the legal abilities and work ethic of Jan Olson. He is a strong advocate for his clients. He thoroughly understands criminal defense and works effectively with the Prosecutor's office. He has years of jury trial experience. "

View All Endorsements
Kevin James Trombold headshot
Kevin Trombold

Criminal defense lawyer

Michelle Rose Ahrens headshot
Michelle Ahrens

Family lawyer

Zachary Charles Wagnild headshot
Zachary Wagnild

Criminal defense lawyer

Linda Lillevik headshot
Linda Lillevik

Family lawyer

Natalie M Beckmann headshot
Natalie Beckmann

Family lawyer

Robert W. Goldsmith headshot
Robert Goldsmith

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel John Ichinaga headshot
Daniel Ichinaga

Business lawyer

Peter William Mogren headshot
Peter Mogren

Divorce and separation lawyer

Peter J. Peaquin headshot
Peter Peaquin

DUI and DWI lawyer

Raymond W. Ejarque headshot
Raymond Ejarque

DUI and DWI lawyer

Ronald E. Glessner headshot
Ronald Glessner

Family lawyer

Wayne Peter Pellegrini headshot
Wayne Pellegrini

Family lawyer

Aaron S Kiviat headshot
Aaron Kiviat

Criminal defense lawyer

Karma L Zaike headshot
Karma Zaike

Family lawyer

William Karl Kirk headshot
William Kirk

DUI and DWI lawyer

Patricia A. Fulton headshot
Patricia Fulton

Criminal defense lawyer

James Aubrey Feldman headshot
James Feldman

Criminal defense lawyer

Geoffrey L. Burg headshot
Geoffrey Burg

DUI and DWI lawyer

Raymond Charles McFarland headshot
Raymond McFarland

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.5 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

SuperLawyer, Law & Politics Magazine

2000

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

N/A

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

Work Experience

1987 - Present

Partner, Ellis, Li & McKinstry, PLLC

1900 - Present

Member, Ellis, Li & McKinstry PLLC

1992 - 1994

Public Defender, City Of Kent

1984 - 1986

Attorney, Attorney at Ogden Murphy Wallace

1982 - 1984

Attorney, Attorney at Law Offices of Michael A. Frost

Associations

1984 - Present

Federal Bar Association (Western District of Washington chapter)

Admitted to Practice

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

STATE v. SLIDER 38 Wn. App. 689 (1984)

Affirmed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

University of Idaho

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

University of Washington

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

CLE

DUI CLE

2013

McKinley Irvin CLE

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues

2012

Weschler Symposium

How a Criminal Defense Lawyer Gets Involved with Family Law Issues

2012

Legal Issues for Churches

Child Abuse Reporting

2011

Church Presentation

Child Abuse Reporting with Lennon and Miller

Publications

2016

Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer Buyer Beware – Undercover Sex Stings

2016

2016

Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer Extreme Example of Criminal Sexting Case

2016

Seattle Sex Offense Lawyer Prosecutor Misconduct in Child Rape Case

2016

Languages

English

Activity

Top Contributor

Jan earned significant contribution points in 2018.

Avvo Rating

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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