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David Alan Nelson
About David
Biography
David Nelson has been practicing criminal law for 28 years in Whatcom County. He handles DUI cases, Domestic Violence cases (all types of misdemeanor matters), Sex Offenses, all Felony charges and Murder cases.
In September 2013 Dave and his defense team successfully resolved a murder case by having the charges totally dismissed.
Dave has taught legal education courses to fellow attorneys in the area of criminal law and domestic violence.
Dave is a former Whatcom County Bar President. He has served on local charity boards as a board memeber and President.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
40 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 39 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1986
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of David Alan Nelson
301 Prospect St, Bellingham, WA, 98225-4001
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David Alan Nelson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 6, 2015
Highly recommended for criminal case defense
In February of 2013, my son was charged with murder and assault in Whatcom County Superior Court. We found Dave Nelson on line and became interested in him because had a great reputation with many years of criminal defense expertise. We called him and he responded right away. Within hours of my son’...
Posted by Ashley | April 9, 2014
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED
Dave was very professional and knowledgeable. He was sincere and there there me through out my case. I'm very pleased with the outcome. HIGHLY RECOMMEND
Posted by Christopher | April 7, 2014
Outstanding representation!
Mr. Nelson represented me through a domestic case issue. He was very effective in simplifying the process and getting to the core of the legal issue. This helped to get past the hurdles of the "emotional" aspect and focus on the important and actionable information. I would absolutely recommend him t...
Posted by anonymous | November 25, 2013
Strategic, hard working and caring Attorney's at law
Mr. Nelson, Thank you for everything you have done for our family!! We could not get any luckier to have you represent our case. Your knowledge of the system and caring for the client is above and beyond call of duty. Thank you again for everything!
Posted by Christopher | March 11, 2013
Highly Competent and Congenial
David Nelson has proven himself to be far more than worth his remuneration. I was simultaneously deeply impressed and also placed at ease by his vast knowledge and experience with my predicament. He articulated plain and simple steps for me to follow, resulting in a significantly smoother process t...
David Alan Nelson's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have worked extensively around David for years and observed his work on "both sides of the aisle" in criminal matters. As the Ferndale Prosecutor, David was firm, fair, smart, and honest. As a defense attorney in our community, David is all of those things as well, plus I have seen him be very intense, very passionate, and very hard-working. David is likable and caring; I can tell that he really cares about his clients."
"I strongly endorse David Nelson. As an immigration attorney, I often have clients for whom the outcome of a criminal prosecution will have consequences far beyond those of the normal criminal defendant, both for themselves and for their families. In a number of cases, I have referred such clients to Dave. Without fail he has devoted more than enough time to meet with the client and with me as the immigration counsel, in order to thoroughly understand the situation and then move forward to achieve, in my experience, extraordinary outcomes. Dave is particularly effective because his long experience and integrity make him capable of working well with prosecuting attorneys in order to achieve cooperative resolutions."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I strongly endorse this lawyer. I have known Dave Nelson for many years, and I have worked with him in his role as a prosecutor, and also as a colleague in the criminal defense bar. Dave is a very experienced litigator with tremendous legal acumen. What impresses me the most about Dave is his integrity and professionalism. He does an outstanding job for his clients. If I ever need an advocate, my first call would be to Dave Nelson."
"Dave Nelson is leading figure in the Whatcom County legal community. I have gone to trial against him in his role as a prosecuting attorney, I have appeared in front of him in his role as pro tem judge, and I have acted as a supporting defense attorney under his leadership in a murder case. Dave has an amazing ability to regularly "change hats" and operate in a wide variety of different legal capacities. I am constantly impressed at how he handles his work with such great skill and dedication. Truly, I have learned a great deal from working with Mr. Nelson. I can say without reservation that anyone who hires Dave Nelson is in excellent hands."
"I have known Mr. Nelson in a number of ways: as a mentor who invited me to 2nd Chair a trial that he was the defense council for, as opposing counsel in his capacity as Ferndale prosecutor, as opposing counsel in my capacity as a prosecutor, and practicing in front of him when he serves as a judge. Over the years, I have learned that Mr. Nelson's lengthy experience on both defense and prosecution side of criminal law gives him a grasp of the process and practice that most attorneys will never achieve in a single lifetime."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Nelson is an honorable man and I trust his judgement."
"I highly recommend and endorse Attorney David Nelson. I consistently refer my family law clients to his law firm for criminal matters, which is the highest compliment I can give another attorney. Not only is Mr. Nelson a highly ethical attorney, he works diligently to provide his clients with excellent service to achieve the best outcome possible. He has also worked as a Guardian ad Litem (GAL) on cases in which I represent a party, and I have found his work as a GAL to be equally impressive. Mr. Nelson was previously the President of the Whatcom County Bar Association, he serves on the board of directors for Lydia Place, and he often acts as a Pro Tem Judge in various municipal courts in Whatcom County. Because of his vase experience, I consider Mr. Nelson to be a knowledgeable resource, and I seek his valuable input on a regular basis."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Dave for over decade as an attorney devoted to the best outcome of his client. He works relentlessly to make sure his client receives every possible advantage in any negotiation. Dave has a proven trial track record in both State court as well as Federal court criminal defense. Dave has a great reputation in the legal community as a person who is zealous and fair. Dave has the respect of the larger legal community as one of our past county bar association presidents."
"Dave and I shared a mutual client on a very sensitive case in which Dave handled the criminal representation. I was extremely impressed with Dave's professionalism and his compassionate handling of a very difficult matter. He is very knowledgeable and his wealth of experience shows in his ability to get the job done efficiently and successfully. Our client was extremely happy with the result. I was impressed with Dave's work and I know the client was very impressed as well. I highly recommend Dave and will refer clients to him without hesitation."
"I have known Dave for a number of years and have always found him to be prepared, forthright and knowledgeable. I would have no hesitation recommending him to a friend or family member. He is a credit to the profession."
"I have had the pleasure of knowing David Nelson for six years now. He has been a constant mentor to me and a leader in our local bar. He has served as President of the Whatcom County Bar Association and volunteers his time in the community. Dave is highly honest, fair, kind, and compassionate. He is good humored and easy for both clients and colleagues to work with. I really, really respect Dave and give him my highest recommendation. "
"I endorse David Nelson as a criminal defense attorney. David works diligently for his clients. He knows criminal law not just from the criminal defense aspect but also as a prosecutor and judge pro tem."
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Experience
Honors
2008
Champions of Justice, Pro Bono Direct Representaiton Award, Whatcom County Bar Association
2005
Champions of Justice, Pro Bono Direct Representaiton Award, Whatcom County Bar Association
Work Experience
2006 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of David A. Nelson, P.S.
2005 - Present
Pro Tem Judge, Bellingham Municipal Court
2001 - 2006
Managing Partner, Nelson, Brinson, Thigpen & Fryer, P.S
1993 - 2000
Managning Partner, Nelson, Brinson & Elich, P.S.
1991 - 1992
Partner, Nelson & Brinson, P.S.
1986 - 1991
Senior Deputy Public Defender, Whatcom County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2000 - Present
Whatcom County Bar AssociationWCBA News Letter Editorial Board
1988 - Present
Federal Bar, Washington StateMember
1986 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
1986 - Present
Whatcom County Bar AssociationMember
2001 - 2002
Whatcom County Bar AssociationPresident
2000 - 2001
Whatcom County Bar AssociationVice-President
Education
1988
National Criminal Defense College
1986
University of Puget Sound School of Law
Juris Doctor
1983
Pacific Lutheran University
B.A. History / Political Science
Speaking Engagements
2010
CASA In-House Training
Court Room Testimony and Tactics
2009
Considering Content in Domestic Violence Cases, Forum for Defense and Prosecution
Domestic Violence Defense and Prosecution
1995
Second Annual DWI Legal Education Seminar
DUI Defense
1994
Whatcom Bar Assoc. Driving While Intoxicated CLE
DUI Defense
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers