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I defend persons accused of assaults of an especially sensitive nature—sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
This has been the focus of my work since 1996. I've obtained many trial victories and many victories without trial for those accused of these assaults. I've also lectured and written extensively on legal issues relating to child abuse and sexual assault, and I've served on child abuse task forces appointed by government leaders.
While most of my work is in Washington state, I've also handled cases in other states and am glad to go where I am needed.
I've practiced law since 1981, first as a prosecutor, and since 1984 in private practice. I've been recognized several times as a "Super Lawyer" by Washington Law & Politics magazine.
Please visit to learn more about my firm and about the defense of those accused of sexual assault, child abuse, and domestic violence.
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Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
State: California
Acquired: 1976
No misconduct found
1001 Fourth Avenue, Suite 4400, Seattle, WA, 98154
65 Client Reviews
Showing 6 - 10 of 17 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | November 01, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Experience that matters - civil defense
I hired The Marshall Defense Firm and David Marshall to represent me after receiving a notice of a civil lawsuit against me. Mr. Marshall and his team provided expert counsel that can only come from years and years of experience. It is the calm and non-judgmental counsel from him that I believe resul...
Everyone on our team is glad for the opportunity to help our clients deal with very stressful situations. As this client observes, our experience enables us to guide our clients away from mistakes they otherwise would make. It also enables us to find solutions to their problems that less-experienced attorneys might not find. it was a pleasure to do all that for this client.
Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Excellent Representation
David Marshall advised on my case as one of two attorneys of the Marshall Defense Firm. I was falsely accused of sexual assault. I had previously never interacted with the criminal justice system and all of a sudden, I found myself sifting through online reviews of criminal defense attorneys. After s...
I think this man's first attorney was quite competent, but they weren't able to put in the kind of time we routinely devote to our cases. We were delighted to get the chance to pour our energy and ideas into this man's defense. And it was a thrill for us, as for him, to see him cleared of the false accusation.
Posted by Mark | July 04, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Thanks David, So Much, Really Appreciate You
David helped me so much with my DV case, had all charges dismissed and I am absolutely grateful to him for being the calm in the storm
Yes, being the calm in the storm is one part of what we do for our clients. And sometimes that is as important as anything in getting all charges dismissed.
Posted by Thomas B. | February 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Compassionate, Brilliant, and Helpful Above All Else
Immediately following my arrest on sexual assault charges, my family found the Marshall Defense Firm and they quickly came to my aid. David and his firm stood by my side to guide me through the ordeal I had found myself in, helping me feel as much at ease as I could given the circumstances. His legal...
Tom kept his head despite suffering a newspaper article full of horrendous false statements about his conduct. It's great that eventually the truth became clear to all and he was completely cleared. We were even able to get the newspaper to set the record straight.
Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Wrongful abuse finding
Dean Tester just now If you find yourself facing a wrongful child-abuse charge, I can tell you, without any uncertainty, Mr. Marshall is the man for the job. Prior to meeting Mr. David Marshall, I was frantic. I was wrongfully investigated and founded for child abuse by Seattle Police and DCY...
Like many of our clients accused of physically abusing a child, Mr. Tester was in trouble solely because a doctor at a children's hospital said the child's injury could not have happened except through abuse. No one but that doctor (who had never met Mr. Tester or the child) disputed that Mr. Tester was an excellent parent who treated his child with love, kindness, and patience. In cases like this, we search for a highly-qualified doctor who is less doctrinaire than the children's hospital doctor. We found such a doctor for Mr. Tester's case, and CPS surrendered.
"I recommended attorney David Stanley Marshall of The Marshall Defense Firm to a prominent professional client facing significant allegations of domestic violence, sexual assault, and potential child abuse. Based on the seriousness of the accusations leveled against my client in multiple separate but related civil cases, I wanted to recommend a specialty defense firm for any related criminal work. I am so glad I did, as my personal interactions with Mr. Marshall and his Firm matched the positive experience reported back to me by my client. Overall, Mr. Marshall and his Firm conducted themselves with the upmost professionalism and were truly a pleasure to work with. I would strongly recommend Mr. Marshall and his team again."
"I refer individuals facing serious charges, to this firm because I have the highest of confidence in their ability to defend the person. They are prepared to come along side, in the darkest of times and be an advocate in very difficult cases."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Marshall and I have represented mutual clients. I have always been extremely impressed with his knowledge and his intense passion in representing his clients. He is preeminent in his field. David has earned my complete trust and I can recommend him and his firm without any hesitation whatsoever."
"In my prior career as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney in the specialty area of child sexual and physical abuse, I had the opportunity to work opposite David. He was without a doubt among the best prepared defense attorneys I went up against. While it is important to hire an attorney that will fight hard for you, fight is not enough. The fight must be smart, focused, respectful, and persuasive. David's fight is each of these things. I would highly recommend him to anyone in need of a child abuse or sex crimes defense attorney in greater Seattle."
"I heartily endorse David. I referred a good client of mine to him. The matter was quite complex in that it required an understanding of my client and his deficits and of our unique community. David did an outstanding job, not only understanding them but used them to obtain an excellent job for my client. I would not hesitate to refer to him again."
"I met David Marshall at the National Child Abuse Defense Conference in Las Vegas several years ago. David and I were about to begin work on a sex abuse case together, and he was also attending the conference. I learned that he didn’t just attend the conference; more than once he has been on the faculty. The case went to trial twice, and gave me an excellent view of David’s approach, preparation, and skills. From the beginning he was careful and thorough. He looked at the case from every angle, and his preparation was meticulous. In court David was excellent. Working with him was much like taking a class; I found myself taking notes on approaches and tactics I wanted to use myself. At all times he was professional and a gentleman."
"David is a brilliant attorney. He stands out because of his excellent work ethic and mastery of the law. Above all, David is a special attorney because he cares deeply about his clients and is prepared, ready, and able to fight for their cause. In numerous occasions, I have had the privilege and the honor to see David prepare for his cases during focus group sessions with a team of skilled trial lawyers. He has and continues to impress me with his high standards and resolve to battle for his clients. David is the kind of person and attorney I want on my side."
"I heartily endorse this lawyer's work. David and I have worked together on several cases in recent years and I have been very impressed with his diligence, intelligence, thoroughness and professionalism. He is one of the leading criminal defense lawyers in the Seattle area when it comes to the defense of serious cases of child sexual abuse."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have had the pleasure of consulting with David on various cases over the last 15 years. He is a gifted, hard working lawyer who is constantly improving his practice to benefit his clients. He stays current on the law in an area that is constantly changing. He is at the forefront of new ideas and methods. In addition to his legal accumen, he is kind, thoughtful and a good human being."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. In 2005, I was the chair of a continuing legal education program sponsored by the Washington Association for Criminal Defense Lawyers. I selected David Marshall to speak on the recent changes to the Special Sexual Offender Sentencing Alternative because he was recognized as a noted authority on sexual offenses. Unlike some of the other speakers, David showed up with an organized, well-prepared talk. He received high ratings from the lawyers who attended the program."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have observed and conferred with David Marshall regarding his cases and trial preparation, and have seen the long hours, focus, resources and intensity he brings to representing each client. "
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2024
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2021
Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell®
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2005
Super Lawyer in Washington state 2005, Law and Politics magazine
2004
Super Lawyer in Washington state 2004, Law and Politics magazine
2003
Super Lawyer in Washington state 2003, Law and Politics magazine
N/A
AV Peer Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1997 - Present
, Law Office of David S. Marshall
1985 - 1996
Attorney, Prince, Kelley, Marshall & Coombs, P.S.
1984 - 1985
Attorney, Williams, Kastner & Gibbs
1981 - 1984
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Pierce County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
2006 - Present
US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia CircuitMember
Member
Member
Member
Member
Admitted
Admitted
2007 - 2007
Washington Governor’s Sex Offender Task ForceDefense Bar representative
1999 - 1999
Child Sex Abuse Investigation Work GroupDefense Bar representative
1998 - 1999
Innocence Project NorthwestVolunteer attorney
Convictions in cases overturned.
Ongoing.
1974
JD
1970
BA
2008
Interviewing Young Children in Child Abuse Cases
2007
Defense Perspective and Effective Testimony
2006
Interviewing and Examining Child Witnesses
2006
False Allegations of Child Sex Abuse
2005
Strategies for the Post-Crawford World
2005
The New SSOSA
2005
Defense Perspective and Effective Testimony
2004
Confrontation after Crawford; Setting the Stage: Voir Dire
2004
Defense Perspective and Effective Testimony
2003
Practical Tips When Dealing with Child Witnesses, Including Update on Videotaping of Child Interviews
2002
The Science of Cross Examination
2001
Preparing for and Interviewing Child Witnesses
2001
Child Interviews: Critiquing Theirs, Conducting Yours
2001
The Testimony of Child Witnesses in Investigations and Trials
2000
Forensic Interviews of Children
2000
Cross-Examination of Law Enforcement: Making the Prosecution's Interviewer an Expert Witness for the Defense
1999
Strategies for Dealing with Child Witnesses
1999
Cross Examination Lecture and Demonstration
1998
Wising Up After the Wenatchee Witch-Hunt: Cases and Strategies
1998
Child Witness Statements in Sex Abuse Cases
1995
Voir Dire
1995
On Your Feet: Oral Advocacy in Court
1994
Unleashing the Advocate Within: Using Theater Techniques to Command Jurors' Attention and Emotions
1991
Prosecutorial Misconduct
1990
Suppressing Evidence
1987
Smashing the Prosecution Case
1986
Accident Investigation and Litigation; Tort Liability
1984
Civil Rights Liability of Police Officers
1983
Jury Considerations in Prosecution
2008
2008
2008
2007
2007
2003
1997
1996
1993
1987
1987
1987
1987
1986
1986
1986
French
Italian
Spanish
Legal Answers
How do I find out if my passport is valid. Can it be revoked for being a registered sex offender?
15 Nov 2018
Can I sue my uncle for incest in the first if he was criminally convicted in 1996?
30 Oct 2018
Is it legal for my dad to hit me and slap me on my head multiple times and shove me or pin me down? I'm a 15 year old girl.
17 Oct 2016