Mark R Stephens

Mark R Stephens

4.5
Rating: 9.0

Licensed for 29 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Everett, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence ... +2 more

2825 Colby Avenue Suite 304, Everett, WA

About Mark

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

I still occassionally see new crimes I have not handled, but that is rare. Any charge filed in court which carries a POSSIBLE jail term is criminal, including Driving on suspended license or Reckless Driving.

29 years | 1,800 cases

30%
DUI and DWI 25%

Being arrested for DUI is the start of a difficult and complex process. DUI clients face suspension of their Driver's License, a professional assessment of possible substance abuse, and ultimately mandatory jail. Because many important rights must be exercised shortly after the arrest it is critical to get sound advice of an experienced lawyer as soon as possible. The current delays of up to a year for local prosecutors in some counties to file the charge in court makes hiring a lawyer urgent.

29 years | 1,500 cases

25%
Domestic Violence 25%

Domestic Violence charges carry ramifications that require a lawyer who knows the serious consequences of a conviction. The charge starts with a minor argument. But if police arrive, the law mandates arrest if there is any evidence a DV crime occurred. The consequences include loss of firearm rights, Court Orders prohibiting contact with the victim, and limitations on a divorced parent's visitation or custody. Most cases are prosecuted even when the victim "doesn't want to press charges".

29 years | 600 cases

25%
Violent Crime 15%

The most important development in serious violent felony cases was passed by voters in the mid-90's with the "Hard Time for Armed Crime" law. The law mandates substantially longer sentences if a defendant is convicted of a felony while armed with a deadly weapon, especially a gun. The effect has been to shift power from judges toward prosecutors who may allege an armed crime, sometimes with weak evidence, or to discourage legitimate self-defense claims.

27 years | 230 cases

15%
Appeals 5%

Appeal of criminal cases require a slightly different skill-set than trial work. Few lawyers who practice criminal trial work are experienced in this area. I have overturned many cases on appeal, and I welcome post-trial appeals.

24 years | 40 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 29 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1996

Disability Inactive

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of Mark R. Stephens

2825 Colby Avenue Suite 304, Everett, WA, 98201

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Mark R Stephens's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.5 /5.0

8 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (8) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews

Posted by Parvez | June 23, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Dont ever trust Mark

We had approached him for a misdemeanor case. He said that he will charge us flat fee and will try to get the case to not be filed since there was not enough evidence to do so. We paid him the money and initially his office was responsive. After waiting for couple of months I tried to reach out to hi...m to find out what happened with our case and there was still no response from him or the office. And later I found out that number even stopped working. There was no response from him ever. Now there is a warrant filed against us and Mark is still no where to be found. Apparently he has moved to California. I would stay away from this lawyer and would not trust him one bit.

Posted by Michael | June 01, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Mark is Dependable, Reliable, and Caring while always maintaining professionalism through logic.

My family and I retained Mark during my incarceration facing life threatening consequences based on false accusations. When I first met Mark, He instantly made me feel comfortable and showed personal concern alongside maintaining professionalism to the highest altitude. I was always informed, upd...ated, and his response time was immaculate! To this day, my fiancee and I thank Mark from the bottom of our hearts for going out of his way to give me a second chance at life, because if it was not for him, I would have been eaten alive by a cold machine.

Posted by Carl | May 24, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Asult 1

Mark was good at explaining the possibilities or consequences of the charge. I knew how serious it was but he was confident that he could prove my case. He seemed to take it personal when the prosecutor wouldn’t listen to reason but he said that’s what the Judge and jury are for. Mark was know...ledgeable and made me believe we could win if we went to trial. I understood his fee before payment was due and when we didn’t go to trial the larger portion of the retainer was quickly refunded. Thanks Mark.

Posted by Susan | May 04, 2011

Did great work for me

Mr Stevens was very trustworhty, upfront, cinfident, and he totally knew what he was doing.

Posted by anonymous | April 07, 2011 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Mark saved the day

I was out of the country when I was served with a summons to appear long before I would be able to return. I contacted Mark via email and he took over.and kept me from further legal problems. He prevented the case from being a serious situation.

See All Client Reviews

Mark R Stephens's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Mark
Jeffrey L Kradel headshot
Jeffrey Kradel

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 14

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Mark for 15 years, having both worked with him and watched him in court, and I endorse him without qualification. Mark has a unique combination of tenacity, intelligence, and the heart of a street fighter. He is respected by judges and prosecutors, leading to great results for his clients in even the most difficult cases. Beyond his capacity to fight and win for his clients, Mark is also very down-to-earth, honest, and reliable. Any client would be fortunate to have him as their advocate."

James Eric Gaston headshot
James Gaston

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I first met Mark while working as a prosecutor in Snohomish County. Mark was a public defender at the time, and one whom I could count on to show up for court both prepared and ready for a fight. As an adversary, Mark impressed me with the skill and passion that he brought to bear on behalf of his clients, and over the years his passion has never faded, and his practice has flourished. I routinely consult with Mark on legal matters, and would not hesitate to refer a criminal matter to him, be it a felony or misdemeanor."

Craig Andrew Cahoon headshot
Craig Cahoon

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is a fantastic attorney. Both smart and aggressive in his defense of clients. Anyone with Mr. Stephens for an attorney is in good hands."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Rafael Schwimmer headshot
Rafael Schwimmer

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Philip G Sayles headshot
Philip Sayles

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is a tough and smart attorney who does great work for his clients. He is a trusted name in the Everett community, and I fully endorse this attorney."

Diego J Vargas headshot
Diego Vargas

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is a talented criminal defense lawyer who has won two unanimous appeals before the Washington State Supreme Court. I highly recommend him."

Patrick Owen Earl headshot
Patrick Earl

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have gotten to know Attorney Stephens through his comments/advice on avvo. He is very intelligent and passionate about his profession and will fight for you. Call him today if you have any criminal or appeal issues."

Paul Gerhard Hanson III headshot
Paul Hanson

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Mark Stephens has earned my respect over the years for his aggressive and very skilled representation of his clients. I would feel very comfortable referring my neighbors, friends and family members to him."

Brian Michael Sullivan headshot
Brian Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mark knows what he is doing and is an honest, hardworking attorney."

David Nelson Jolly headshot
David Jolly

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mark for more than 10 years. He remains one of the best prepared lawyers and one of the most zealous advocates I know. A good guy and a great lawyer."

William A. Bowman headshot
William Bowman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've had the pleasure of working with Mark for many years. He is a leader in the courtroom as well as in the legal community. He is passionate about the pursuit of justice and I recommend him without hesitation."

Billie Renee Morelli headshot
Billie Morelli

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark makes sure you have the information required to make the difficult decisions you face as you navigate your criminal case. His research is deep, consise, and correct. I endorse Mark Stephens."

Robert Daniel Kelly headshot
Robert Kelly

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Stephens provides good information and working knowledge. He is a very competent attorney."

Michael P Brodsky headshot
Michael Brodsky

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I heartily endorse Mark. He is experienced and knowledgeable in this area. I recommend him without hesitation."

Mark Theodore Patterson II headshot
Mark Patterson

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the priviledge to share and office with Mark for a few years. I noted he was consistently concerned with each client. Mark knows what real possible outcomes are for a client and what needs to be done to achieve those goals. Mark earns his fee. I refer any criminal matter I have to Mark."

Brian Charles Ashbach headshot
Brian Ashbach

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is regarded in the legal community as an aggressive, effective lawyer with a history of achieving good results in difficult cases, before or during trial. A person who hired Mark would be in good, capable hands."

Damon Hooper Canfield headshot
Damon Canfield

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mark Stephens for over ten years and have been in court with him many times, having personally seen the high quality representation he provides. Since I discontinued my criminal law practice I have referred clients with confidence to Mark with very positive feedback and results. He is an attorney that I would feel comfortable referring a family member to."

Michael P Sheehy headshot
Michael Sheehy

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mark is an exceptional attorney and his intelligence, skills, and courage allow him to get great results for his clients. I know from firsthand experience because were opposing counsel when I worked in the Prosecutor's Office. His persistence and ability to capitalize on the evidentiary weaknesses in the Government's case yielded great results and a dismissal in several unforgettable cases. I would recommend him to family and friends."

View All Endorsements
Max Pritchard Harrison headshot
Max Harrison

Criminal defense lawyer

Rico Jon Tessandore headshot
Rico Tessandore

Personal injury lawyer

Philip G Sayles headshot
Philip Sayles

Criminal defense lawyer

Diego J Vargas headshot
Diego Vargas

DUI and DWI lawyer

Adrian Martinez Madrone headshot
Adrian Madrone

Criminal defense lawyer

Vitaliy Kertchen headshot
Vitaliy Kertchen

Criminal defense lawyer

Patrick Owen Earl headshot
Patrick Earl

Criminal defense lawyer

Paul Gerhard Hanson III headshot
Paul Hanson

Criminal defense lawyer

Alan James Brinkmeier headshot
Alan Brinkmeier

State, local, and municipal law lawyer

Cynthia Renz First headshot
Cynthia First

Family lawyer

Robert Flennaugh II headshot
Robert Flennaugh

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Michael Sullivan headshot
Brian Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer

David Nelson Jolly headshot
David Jolly

DUI and DWI lawyer

William A. Bowman headshot
William Bowman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Anna Goykhman Alexander headshot
Anna Goykhman Alexander

Criminal defense lawyer

Lenell Rae Nussbaum headshot
Lenell Nussbaum

Criminal defense lawyer

James Eric Gaston headshot
James Gaston

DUI and DWI lawyer

Peter Mazzone headshot
Peter Mazzone

Federal crime lawyer

Karen Davis Moore headshot
Karen Moore

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael P Brodsky headshot
Michael Brodsky

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  9.0 (Superb)

Honors

2013

Outstanding Coach, Catholic Youth Organization-Mock Trials

2013

Outstanding Coach, Catholic Schools Mock Trial Competition

Work Experience

2002 - Present

Owner, The Law Office of Mark R. Stephens

2001 - 2002

Contract Attorney, Washington Appellate Project

1996 - 2001

Staff Attorney, Snohomish County Public Defenders' Association

1995 - 1996

Rule 9 Intern/Contract Attorney, Northwest Defenders' Association

Associations

2013 - Present

CYO

Middle School Mock Trial Comp.

2013 - Present

Washington Appellate Project

Member of Board of Directors

2010 - Present

YMCA High School Mock Trial Competition

Attorney Member

1996 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

1996 - Present

Snohomish County Bar Association

Sample of Legal Cases

Bothell v. Barnhart, Washington Supreme Court, Docket #84907-2

Court of Appeals decision Affirmed, new trial ordered.

City of Bothell v. Barnhart, 234 P. 3d 264 - Wash: Court of Appeals, 1st Div. 2010

The Court unanimously overturned both the Bothell Court and the King County Superior Court on direct appeal.

State v, Redmond, 150 Wn.2d. 489 (2003)

The Washington State Supreme Court unanimously ruled my client was denied a fair trial because the Judge refused to instruct the jury that a defendant who claims self-defense has "no duty to retreat" from an aggressor.

Everett v. F.R., CR 86559 and CR 87116

Jury Verdict- Not Guilty on all charges

State v. J.G., Skagit Co. #08-1-00748-0

Jury Verdict- Not Guilty all counts

State v. S.D., Snohomish Superior Cause #10-1-01314-2

State reduced charge, Defendant received credit for the 4 months served and was freed.

State v. JR, Sonohimish Co. Superior Ct. #08-1-01084-2

Jury Verdict- Not Guilty

State v. RB, DUI Cascade District Court, #696001

DUI Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1996

University of Washington School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1992

University of San Diego

BA - Bachelor of Arts, Cum Laude

Speaking Engagements

1999

Senior Class Civics Seminar

Fourth Amendment Protection and Washington Privacy Rights

Publications

Languages

Spanish

Activity

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