Melissa Walker Sullivan

PRO

Melissa Walker Sullivan

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Everett, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Appeals, Domestic Violence

2932 Hoyt Ave, Everett, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Melissa

Biography

Need a Judgement Appealed? Experienced and Results oriented. Free Consultation.

Charged with Crime? Experienced and Results Oriented. Free Consultation.

Charged with DUI? Experienced and results oriented. Free Consultation. Call

An Arrest is Not a Conviction! Don’t Let One Incident Ruin Your Life! Call Now!

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

Within 48 hours of switching from being a prosecutor to a private attorney, I went to trial on a two count driving case: DUI and Reckless Driving. The client was acquitted of both counts.

12 years | 60 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 40%

40%
Appeals 5%

From 2004 until September 2015 I regularly handled felony appeals and argued at Division One of the Washington State Court of Appeals numerous times.

20 years | 50 cases

5%
Domestic Violence 5%

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 250-350 per hour

Contingency

33%-40%

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 19 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2006

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Sullivan Law Group, PLLC

2932 Hoyt Ave, Everett, WA, 98201

sullivanpllc.com/

Sullivan Law Group, PLLC

11335 NE 122nd Way, Ste 105, Kirkland, WA, 98034

sullivanpllc.com/

Melissa Walker Sullivan's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

58 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

DUI

Melissa represented me on a DUI charge, which regrettably was not my first. She thoroughly looked at all aspects of my case from start to finish. She is very knowledgable as a former prosecuting attorney. Melissa sought to understand all aspects of my case and then with absolute precision determi...ned and outlined step by step how she planned to navigate the process and negotiations. Melissa is methodical and compassionate in representing her clients. I would say that given my prior record and the charge, I was anxious and eager to understand her strategy. Melissa continued to afford patience and explanations as needed. Melissa looked to help me beyond the charge and positively influence my life. She was able to negotiate down the charge and positively influenced my life. I have 100% confidence in her ability, determination, and work ethic to represent her clients to the highest standard.

Posted by Ronin | November 01, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

HIRE MELISSA! (DUI)

HIRE MELISSA! Period. I'm sorry if you're in a position to require her services. But without a doubt, hire her! My case: DUI. With complications. High BAC. Collision involved. Open and shut case against me. There were several law firms I could have hired. Nothing bad at all to say about... the other firms I spoke with. Melissa stood out head and shoulders above the other firms I spoke with based on her overall experience, but especially her prosecutorial experience. Her knowledge and skill, plus her ability to communicate, stood out when we spoke. Outstanding service and professionalism! As events unfolded, Melissa ALWAYS kept me promptly informed of what to expect, next steps, and timing for me to complete actions. She is always super-prepared, and if you follow her advice things will go super smoothly. Melissa also is fantastic to work with! Totally accommodating of my work schedule and when it was best for me to take calls. She explained everything and put me at ease right up front. In my situation, I have vocational factors with regulatory impacts outside of my DUI case. Melissa was extra-patient with me discussing these outside considerations while we worked my case. Fortunately she also has a great sense of humor! Finally, and perhaps most importantly, Melissa delivers RESULTS. She took care of everything so I didn't have to worry. She negotiated positively and constructively with the prosecutor to reduce my charge to reckless driving with the absolute minimum sentence. This was not an easy case. It would've been a slam/dunk against me but Melissa achieved an infinitely better outcome than I could've imagined. THANK YOU MELISSA! Don't drink and drive. Everybody says that. Though trust me, you will not want to be staring down those consequences. ...But if you ever need somebody in your corner, DEFINITELY HIRE MELISSA!

Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The Lawyer You Want On Your Team! Passionate Confident Winner!

My particular scenario was far from the standard; Having to deal with an out of state DUI from over 7 years ago that I thought was in the past since I satisfied the court all those years ago. Now suddenly, the DOL wants to revoke my license for 2 years based this past transgression? My situation fal...ls into a "grey" area and many won't even touch a case like this, a case that is NOT cut and dry (cookie cutter). Melissa really went above and beyond in my situation and I felt like she truly cared. Her detailed knowledge of the law and absolute persistence paid off. I can't say enough good things about Melissa's capability. I would advise anyone that is in a tough situation to give the Sullivan Law Group the first call. I feel fortunate that I did.

Posted by Jen | July 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Professional, compassionate and competent

Working with Melissa on my DUI case was the best decision I could have made. She is professional and personable- I felt that she had the time to work with me and wanted to do her best on my case. I felt that she was understanding and compassionate while sharing with me the reality of the situation I ...was in and all of the possible outcomes. She did not make any promises to me other than to work as hard as she could for the best outcome and I fully believe that she absolutely did the best job possible getting me a favorable outcome. Through out my time working with her I always felt comfortable calling or emailing her with questions and she would always respond personally very quickly. I've never been in such a difficult situation but working with Melissa I was less stressed and felt that she was compassionate and down to earth. She worked hard for me, kept me informed during each step of the case process, and I appreciate how she handled my case in general. I would not have had the favorable outcome she provided had I tried to navigate this case on my own. She is professional, hard working, compassionate, kind and understanding. I highly recommend Ms. Sullivan and will continue to refer friends and family in need of an outstanding attorney.

Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Malicious Mischief to Diversion

Melissa was great. She helped my son work through a Malicious Mischief charge, got a Diversion for him. She is a clear communicator, timely and nice to work with.

See All Client Reviews

Melissa Walker Sullivan's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Melissa
Paul Joseph Grass headshot
Paul Grass

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Melissa is a brilliant no nonsense attorney who is not afraid to go to bat for her clients. She works aggressively to ensure her clients get the best possible outcome."

Cassidy Drew Spencer headshot
Cassidy Spencer

Unknown lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I highly recommend Melissa. She is a zealous advocate for her clients and will stop at nothing to reach the best possible outcome in each and every case. I admire her work ethic and her ability to support her clients through every challenge they face. She is definitely someone you want in your corner."

John M Gleason headshot
John Gleason

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ms. Sullivan has a deep and thorough understanding of the law. With this background, while she was a prosecutor, I knew her to be compassionate though, at times, one to be feared. As a criminal defense attorney, she brings all of these skills to benefit the accused. A zealous advocate and a tough litigator, I highly recommend Ms. Sullivan."

Brian Michael Sullivan headshot
Brian Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Melissa is a pit bull in the courtroom and a skilled, successful negotiator. We have worked together on numerous cases and I am consistently impressed by her hard work, preparedness, attention to detail, ans zealous advocacy."

Sloan Gerriets Johnson headshot
Sloan Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Co-worker

"Melissa is a skilled trial attorney with an extensive knowledge of the criminal justice system. Her experience allows her to identify any weaknesses in a criminal case and use them to negotiate a favorable plea agreement, a reduction in charges, or even a dismissal or acquittal. She is pleasant and professional, maintaining excellent rapport with the court and counsel. Most importantly, Melissa is a formidable advocate for her clients."

Jason Scott Lantz headshot
Jason Lantz

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 20

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"Melissa has developed a reputation over the past decade as a respected and highly intelligent litigator with trial and appellate experience. Her experience as a prosecutor will give her powerful tools to provide a great defense to her criminal defense clients. Her experience will also be invaluable in her work with personal injury clients. In fact, Melissa obtained an outright acquittal in her first DUI trial just 24 hours after joining Sullivan Law Group, PLLC. Any client would be fortunate to have her on their side."

View All Endorsements
Paul Joseph Grass headshot
Paul Grass

Criminal defense lawyer

Cassidy Drew Spencer headshot
Cassidy Spencer

Personal injury lawyer

Jason Scott Lantz headshot
Jason Lantz

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2018

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2016

10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2016

Top 40 Under 40--Criminal Defense, The National Trial Lawyers

2003

Partial Academic Scholarship, Seattle University School of Law

2002

Phi Beta Kappa membership, Santa Clara University

1998

Full Academic Scholarship, Santa Clara University

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Partner, Sullivan Law Group, PLLC

2009 - 2009

Completed DRE pre-school, WSP

2009 - 2009

Completed Standardized Field Sobreity Test Training, Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission

2006 - 2015

Deputy Prosecutor, Skagit County Prosecutor's Office

2004 - 2006

Rule 9 Legal Intern, Skagit County Prosecutor's Office

2002 - 2003

Customer Service Manager, U.S. Bank

Associations

2016 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2015 - 2016

Snohomish County Bar Association

Member

2007 - 2016

Skagit County Bar Association

member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. P.B.

Acquittal

State v. Charles Feld

Prevailed on Appeal

State v. Willis C. Moore

Prevailed on Appeal

State v. Brian E.L. Lane JR.

Prevailed on Appeal

State v. Diego Marin

Prevailed on Appeal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2002

Santa Clara University

Bachelor of Science

2002

Santa Clara University

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2016

Post-Conviction Issues for Trial Lawyers

Appeals

2015

Washington State Patrol Annual Training in Skagit County

DUI Law Update

2015

Annual Legal Law Enforcement Update Training

Law Enforcement - Legal Update

2014

Annual Training for Swinomish Tribal Police

Search and Seizure Case Law Update

Languages

English

Activity

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