I graduated from the University of Washington in 1994 with a double major in History and Political Science. I then attended Gonzaga University School of Law, obtaining my law degree in 1997.
I began working at Maxwell & Webb, PLLC, in 2016. They represent injured workers in worker's compensation cases. Since I came on board, they have begun taking on social security casea and personal injury. Maxwell & Webb are the most honest, intelligent, hard working attorneys I have ever known. The level of excellence and integrity they bring to their cases is unparallelled.
Before coming to Maxwell & Webb, I practiced criminal law since 1997. The first eight years were as a senior deputy prosecuting attorney and then as a criminal defense attorney here in Whatcom County. I have tried over 100 cases to juries and judges.
I continue to handle vacation/expungement of old records and traffic infractions of all kinds, like speeding and no seatbelt tickets. I also help client's petition the superior court to restore their rights to possess firearms.
Practice areas
5 years
I have been practicing criminal law since 1997 as a prosecutor and defense attorney, I have handled literally thousands of cases. I currently represent defendants charged with all offenses ranging from misdemeanors to felonies. I also help people vacate, seal and/or expunge old criminal records.
24 years
5 years
5 years
I handle traffic infractions including, but not limited to, speeding tickets, cell phone tickets and no insurance. There are many different types of infractions in Washington and there are many ways to address or contest them.
16 years
Languages spoken
English
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| WA | Active | 1997 | 06/18/2021 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Peer Review Rated | Martindale-Hubbell | 2019 |
| 2013 Top Contributor | Avvo | 2013 |
| Avvo Top Contributor | Avvo | 2012 |
| Avvo Clients Choice Award | Avvo | 2012 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Attorney | Maxwell & Webb, PLLC | 2016 - Present |
| Pro Tem Judge | Bellingham Municipal Court | 2010 - Present |
| Tribal Advocate | Nooksack Indian Tribal Court | 2012 - 2015 |
| Attorney | Law Office of Carl A. Munson | 2006 - 2017 |
| Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Whatcom County Prosecutor's Office | 2003 - 2005 |
| Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney | Yakima County Prosecutor's Office | 1997 - 2002 |
|---|
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Washington State Bar Association | Member | 1997 - Present |
| National Organization of Social Security Claimants Representatives | Member | 2018 - 2019 |
| Nooksack Tribal Bar Association | Tribal Advocate | 2012 - 2015 |
| Washington State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section | Member | 2012 - 2013 |
| Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2007 - 2016 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| EzineArticles.com | Representing Yourself In A Criminal Case - Don't Do It | 2012 |
| EzineArticles.com | Bail Jumping For Beginners In Washington State | 2012 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Gonzaga University School of Law | Doctorate of Jurisprudence | 1997 |
| University of Washington -Seattle | Bachelor of Arts | 1994 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Yakima County Citizen's Academy | The Criminal Justice System | 1998 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 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 |
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Jonathan Millet, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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).
David Mason, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 15, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Byron Bergeron, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 23, 2014
Relationship: Friend
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.
James Laukkonen, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 30, 2013
Relationship: Other
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.
Lennard Nahajski, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Richard Patrick, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 7, 2012
Relationship: Other
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.
Patrick Earl, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Mark Bratlien, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Michael Brodsky, General practice Attorney on Dec 10, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I have observed Carl's work for several years and he consistently provides outstanding representation for his clients. I endorse this lawyer's work.
Jeffrey Lustick, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 16, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Kirk Davis, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 8, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker
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.
Bruce Hanify, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 25, 2009
Relationship: Supervised lawyer
Munson is hard working, smart and honorable. You can trust him.
Ziad Youssef, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Craig Cahoon, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 20, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Derek Radtke, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 5, 2009
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Karen Webb, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 27, 2009
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.