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Douglas R. Hyldahl
About Douglas
Biography
I have 35 years experience representing persons accused of crime. I have defended my clients against accusations ranging from simple misdemeanors to capital offenses. I believe that thorough investigation of the facts and research of the law, combined with listening to my client brings about the best result.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
43 years
DUI and DWI
50%
43 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-300 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 42 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Location
Douglas Hyldahl, P.S.
1303 Commercial St., Suite 5, Bellingham, WA, 98225
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Douglas R. Hyldahl's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 17 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | June 10, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best lawyer ever
Highly recommend. Straight shooter, kind, compassionate, and fights hard for his clients.
Posted by Sam | December 29, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent attorney and good guy
We were very happy with Doug's representation. It was a very, long process, but he guided us every step of the way. He answered every question and never made us feel like we were wasting his time. Plus, he's just a good person. I would strongly recommend Doug to anyone looking for a kind and high...
Posted by Timothy | September 28, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Awesome
Doug is a lawyer that you want in your corner , On any Issue Thanks DOug
Posted by Jim | July 13, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The Best
As a Canadian, I didn't know who to hire as a lawyer to defend me on an assault charge against a border officer. Since I hadn't left my car, I thought it should be simple! Dealing with the government is never simple! Doug was thorough but, most importantly, he knows the system. The charge was dismiss...
Posted by anonymous | June 7, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Highly competent
I hired doug a few years back when I was attacked in my home by someone I knew who was drunk. The drunk person assaulted me and I defended myself BhamPD arrested me with assault even though I had him on video attacking me first. Ultimately the case was dismissed because the so called victim did not w...
Douglas R. Hyldahl's Lawyer Endorsements
"Doug is one of the finest attorneys in Whatcom County. I've spent several years watching him work and believe that anyone he represents is lucky to have them as their attorney. He treats his clients with respect and takes time to explain everything they're going through. He has also spent time mentoring me as I learned the ropes. He's a fine man and a fine attorney."
"Doug is among the top criminal defense lawyers in Washington State. He is the most experienced criminal defense attorney in Whatcom County and is very well respected by his colleagues."
"Doug was my first mentor in Washington. He has always been generous with his time when I needed help. He is the same way with his clients and has always worked tirelessly on their behalf."
"Doug is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys in Whatcom County. He cares about his clients and gets great results."
"Doug is a warm, confident, smart attorney. I have referred him cases and will continue to do so, without hesitation!"
"Doug Hyldahl is the Atticus Finch of the 21st Century. He is focused, fair, and respected. He treats every single client with respect, and vigorously defends their rights. Doug has an amazing ability to successfully defend clients charged with particularly serious felonies."
"Doug is a very experienced and skilled attorney. He is also approachable, and he works hard for his clients. If you are looking for a criminal defense attorney you would do well to hire Doug."
"I heartily endorse Doug Hyldahl. I worked with Doug for several years when I started practicing law. I agree with all of the glowing endorsements from his colleagues. Doug is at the pinnacle of criminal defense trial practitioners in Washington. His dedication to his clients, his intelligence, and his hard work are an inspiration to the criminal defense bar."
"I endorse this lawyer and refer with confidence. he is a solid lawyer."
"Doug is one of those hard-nosed litigators that prosecutors dread. As a fellow attorney, I can say that he is on my short-list of lawyers that I would allow to represent me if I ever need legal help."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Doug is widely regarded as one of the best trial lawyers in the state. He is a tenacious and skilled lawyer in the courtroom and a leader in the legal community. He has a passion for his work and compassion for his clients. I recommend Doug without hesitation."
"Doug has a reputation as an excellent attorney not only in the Bellingham area, but throughout the state. Doug's combination of experience, extensive legal knowledge, knowledge of the system and compassion mean that his clients receive top notch represenatation on all levels. I have no hesitation in recommending Doug to someone in need of effective, experienced representation."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I worked with Doug for several years and always found him to be prepared, articulate and persuasive in all his cases. He is a master among masters in his knowledge and understanding of caselaw and is astute at applying the law favorably to obtain excellent results for his clients. Most lawyers in the community seek out Doug for his opinion when they are wrestling with a difficult legal issue. He is a leader."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I worked with Doug for over 8 years and he has a tremendous work ethic. There are not many attorneys who have such an extensive knowledge of criminal law. If I were in trouble Doug would be one of the few attorneys I would call."
"Doug has a rare combination of compassion, intelligence and courtroom skills. I worked under Doug for a number of years and consider him a mentor. He treats people with respect and is a person of integrity. I would recommend Doug to anyone accused of a crime."
"Doug's one of the most well respected lawyers in town. He has been a mentor to me personally and he's one of the attorneys I seek out when I need help with something. "
"Doug is a pillar of the local legal community. If you are a client Doug is generous with his time and he is equally generous if you are a fellow lawyer who needs a helping hand. I have had the pleasure of collaborating on a few cases with Doug and I will continue to do so when given the opportunity. Doug not only does a great job for his clients, he also cares about them a great deal. I have recommended Doug on numerous occasions and will continue to do so."
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Experience
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Lawyer, Law Office of Douglas Hyldahl
2003 - Present
Partner, Lester and Hyldahl
2012 - 2012
Judge Pro Tem, Blaine Municipal Court
2003 - 2005
Judge Pro Tem, Bellingham Municipal Court
1987 - 2003
Senior Deputy Public Defender, Whatcom County Public Defender
1985 - 1987
Associate, Shepherd and Abbott
Associations
2005 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2005 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysCo-Chair/CLE Committee
2005 - Present
WSBA Committee on Public DefenseMember
2003 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1988 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember/Current Member of Board of Governors
1987 - Present
Whatcom County Bar AssociationMember/Chair - CLE Committee
2012 - 2013
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident-Elect
2011 - 2012
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersTreasurer
2010 - 2011
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersSecretary
Education
2006
LaPier and Associates
Certificate
1990
National Criminal Defense College
1983
University of Washington School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1980
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
The Role of the Courts in Society
Constitutional Law and Role of Courts
2007
Trying a Case In Whatcom County: The Ultimate Guide
Voir Dire
2007
DUIs In a Post Jensen World
Simulator Solution Challenge
2006
Forensics: Using, Evaluating and Challenging Scientific Evidence
Co-Chair
2006
Evidence CLE
Chair
2005
Nuts and Bolts of Criminal Defense
Effective Use of Case Law
2005
Criminal Law and Evidence
Diminished Capacity
2005
Criminal Law and Evidence
Chair
2004
WACDL Annual Conference
Co-Chair
2004
Evidence CLE
Chair
2003
WACDL Annual Conference
Ethical Considerations in Defending Difficult Clients
2003
Evidence CLE
Chair
2002
Evidence CLE
Chair
2002
Coping With Confessions
Co-Chair
2001
Evidence CLE
Chair
2000
Evidence CLE
Chair
1999
WDA Annual Conference
Capacity of Juveniles to Commit Crime
1999
Evidence CLE
Chair
1997
WDA Annual Conference
Character Evidence
Publications
2007
Whatcom County Bar Association Newsletter
Federal Laws Complicate Post Conviction Firearm Rights
2007
Whatcom County Bar Association Newsletter
Alford Plea Consequences Should Prompt Caution
N/A
Defense Magazine (WACDL)
The Essential Elements Rule
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers