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About Carl
Biography
I graduated from Gonzaga University School of Law in Spokane in 1997. I started working as a Deputy Prosecutor in the Yakima County Prosecutor’s office that fall. As a Deputy Prosecutor, I prosecuted cases from Driving Under the Influence to serious felony sexual assaults. Approximately six years later my family moved to Bellingham and I continued working as a Deputy Prosecutor for the Whatcom County Prosecutor’s Office. In 2006, I opened my own office and have practiced criminal defense ever since. In 2016, I got the opportunity to go to work at Maxwell & Webb, PLLC. where I represented injured workers, personal injury clients and continued to represent people accused of criminal offenses. In 2023, I went to work at the Whatcom County Public Defender's Office. I represent adults and juveniles accused of felony offenses. In my career I have accumulated extensive trial experience, having tried over 100 cases to juries and judges, including lengthy murder, manslaughter and robbery criminal trials.
When I’m not at work, I enjoy spending my time with my wife and kids. I enjoy reading, music, sports, volunteering for Meals On Wheels, Toys For Tots and the Bellingham Community Meal Program and traveling.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
29 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 28 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Whatcom County Public Defender
215 N. Commercial St., Bellingham, WA, 98225
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Carl A Munson JR's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (19)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 19 reviews
Posted by Terrel | December 15, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Expungement
I felt helpless - Mr. Munson helped me!
Mr. Munson is an extremely approachable, non intimidating attorney to work with. I needed some cleanup of some old criminal records and was referred to Mr. Munson by a previous attorney that was no longer taking cases of my kind. I'm very ignorant when it comes to the legal system, Mr. Munson easily ...
Posted by Rob | September 14, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Great Lawyer Easy to work with would highly recommend
Try to fine a lawyer to handle my vacation of a felony and restoration of firearms right Avvo lead my to Carl and I couldn't be happier. He handled everything both in Whatcom and Skagit courts. He handled the firearms restoration in Whatcom with great ease getting it done quickly. When some...
Posted by anonymous | January 19, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes
Trustworthy, Knowledgeable Lawyer
Carl helped my son with a very complicated case that involved multiple court dates. From the beginning, he conjectured as to how he saw the outcome. Carl was right in every single instance. Therefore, I see him as an intelligent, knowledgeable lawyer. He is also very trustworthy and incredibly ho...
Posted by Kimberly | March 26, 2013 | Criminal Defense
THE BEST DEFENSE LAWYER IN THE STATE OF WA...HIRE THIS LAWYER !
THE BEST DEFENSE LAWYER IN THE STATE OF WA...HIRE THIS LAWYER ! I could never in a million years have thought I would go through anything like I went Through...I spent 3 days in JAIL, of course I was arrested on a Friday ..It was the most horrifing thing anyone who was Innocent could go through... I...
Posted by David | May 31, 2012 | Criminal Defense
The most dependable and reliable lawyer I've ever used.
I had a probation violation and was sentenced to 30 days , the only problem was I would lose custody of my sons if I had to do the 30 days in jail. Due to older convictions, house arrest and any other program was out of the question. I was referd to Carl and he diligently contacted all the right peo...
Carl A Munson JR's Lawyer Endorsements
"Attorney Munson's advice is spot on; as shown by the answers he has posted to questions on criminal law, he takes the time to answer questions in a common sense manner and plainly addresses legal issues. (As one of my practice areas, I have been a misdemeanor prosecutor for a small town in Yavapai County, Arizona for six years)."
"I endorse this lawyer. Carl is a hard working, ethical and detail oriented advocate for his clients"
"Not only do I endorse this lawyer, but I also give them five stars for their tremendous work with the community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Great lawyer. Very smart. Has a great presence in the courtroom. Very likeable to juries. Pass on this attorney at your peril. He may be soft spoken in your consultation but after watching him in court he uses this as a great strength in a courtroom."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Munson has many years of experience in the area of criminal law. His prior position as a prosecutor provides some insight for him into the minds of his opponents. I have seen many excellent responses to questions here on Avvo that clearly demonstrate that Mr. Munson is an attorney that you can turn to when faced with charges - often one of the most difficult times in a person's life."
"Mr. Munson always offers thoughtful and concise answers to all questions posed. It is clear that Mr. Munson's criminal defense experience and reputation in the legal community would serve all of his client very well."
"Mr. Munson's focus in criminal law and his many years of experience make him an excellent choice for a criminal defense attorney. The Bellingham area is fortunate to have him. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have gotten to know Carl Munson from reading his advice on this website and find him to be very intelligent and knowledgeable as an attorney. He is well respected in the legal community and will be a great representative if you need his services. Don't hesitate to call him."
"I have known Carl Munson and worked with him in the same courts for several years. Carl is an experienced criminal defense attorney with invaluable experience as a former prosecutor. He is smart, ethical, and effective. I endorse Carl and his work."
"I have observed Carl's work for several years and he consistently provides outstanding representation for his clients. I endorse this lawyer's work."
"I have known Carl for 14 years now - we were law students at Gonzaga together. He is compassionate and really goes to bat for his clients. As a former prosecutor in Yakima and Whatcom Counties, he possess vast knowledge and experience that greatly benefits his clients. Carl is well respected in our legal community and is very trustworthy. I am very happy to endorse Carl Munson."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I've known Carl for over a decade when we started out together in the prosecutor's office. Carl is a caring and intelligent person. He is well liked and respected in the legal community. I highly recommend him for any criminal matters."
"Munson is hard working, smart and honorable. You can trust him."
"For the 5 years I've known Carl, I I have always been impressed by how well thought out and prepared he is for each case he presents to the court. Go get'em Carl. Thanks for being a friend."
"I’ve known Carl Munson for years. I can say without exception that you will not find a more honest person or a lawyer with more integrity. He is hard working, smart and a credit to the legal profession. I would be glad to have him on my team and would recommend him for yours."
"I have known Carl since law school and have trusted his opinion countless times concerning traffic ticket, DUI and criminal issues. With his experience as a prosecutor, you can expect a vigorous defense."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Carl and I worked together for several years early in our careers. He is an excellent attorney with great ethics, and very strong critical thinking skills. He is dedicated to his clients, his career, and the highest quality of work."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
2013 Top Contributor, Avvo
2012
Avvo Clients Choice Award, Avvo
2012
Avvo Top Contributor, Avvo
Work Experience
2016 - Present
Attorney, Maxwell & Webb, PLLC
2012 - 2015
Tribal Advocate, Nooksack Indian Tribal Court
2010 - 2019
Pro Tem Judge, Bellingham Municipal Court
2006 - 2017
Attorney, Law Office of Carl A. Munson
2003 - 2005
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Whatcom County Prosecutor's Office
1997 - 2002
Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Yakima County Prosecutor's Office
Associations
1997 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2018 - 2019
National Organization of Social Security Claimants RepresentativesMember
2012 - 2015
Nooksack Tribal Bar AssociationTribal Advocate
2012 - 2013
Washington State Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2007 - 2016
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. C.R.
Charged with 6 counts of Possession with Intent to Deliver a Controlled Substance - conviction reversed on appeal
State v. C.P.
Charged w/ Burglary 1, Robbery 1, Assault 2 - pled to misdameanor Rendering Criminal Assistance
State v. R.B
Charged with Hit & Run - Dismissed
State vs. KS
Possession of Controlled Substance - Dismissed
State vs. JA
Charged with Attempted Robbery 1, Attempted Possession of Cont. Sub. x 2. Plead to one possession with credit for time served.
State of Washington vs. J.V.
3 counts Unlawful Possession Firearm - Dismissed
State of Washington vs. A.S.
1st Degree Robbery and 2nd Degree Assault amended to 4th Degree assault
State v. Lopez, 105 Wn.App. 688 (2001)
Successful appeal
State of Washington vs. M.T.
8 felonies amended to one gross misdemeanor
State of Washington vs. B.W.
Not Guilty Verdict
State of Washington vs. P.B.
Obstructing Law Enforcement - Dismissed
Education
1997
Gonzaga University School of Law
Doctorate of Jurisprudence
1994
University of Washington -Seattle
Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
1998
Yakima County Citizen's Academy
The Criminal Justice System
Publications
2012
EzineArticles.com
Representing Yourself In A Criminal Case - Don't Do It
2012
EzineArticles.com
Bail Jumping For Beginners In Washington State
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I sue or do something about this?
13 Aug 2023
Q&A
Vacating felony?
07 Jun 2023
Q&A
Do I need an attorney ? I had an accident at work in 2020, ?
19 May 2023