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Douglas R. Hyldahl

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Avvo Rating10
  • Bellingham, WA
  • Licensed for 37 years
  • Free consultation
Douglas R. Hyldahl
Douglas R. Hyldahl
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About Douglas

First Class Criminal Defense Attorney Who Gets Results!

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

Criminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 50%

    38 years

  2. Criminal defense: 50%

    38 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Douglas Hyldahl, P.S.

103 East Holly Street
Suite 505
Bellingham, WA, 98225-4427

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      WAActive198305/10/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers4
      Legal guides0
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      LawyerLaw Office of Douglas Hyldahl2018 - Present
      PartnerLester and Hyldahl2003 - Present
      Judge Pro TemBlaine Municipal Court2012 - 2012
      Judge Pro TemBellingham Municipal Court2003 - 2005
      Senior Deputy Public DefenderWhatcom County Public Defender1987 - 2003
      AssociateShepherd and Abbott1985 - 1987
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      National College of DUI DefenseMember2005 - Present
      Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysCo-Chair/CLE Committee2005 - Present
      WSBA Committee on Public DefenseMember2005 - Present
      National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2003 - Present
      Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysMember/Current Member of Board of Governors1988 - Present
      Whatcom County Bar AssociationMember/Chair - CLE Committee1987 - Present
      Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersPresident-Elect2012 - 2013
      Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersTreasurer2011 - 2012
      Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersSecretary2010 - 2011
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Whatcom County Bar Association NewsletterFederal Laws Complicate Post Conviction Firearm Rights2007
      Whatcom County Bar Association NewsletterAlford Plea Consequences Should Prompt Caution2007
      Defense Magazine (WACDL)The Essential Elements RuleN/A
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      LaPier and AssociatesCertificate2006
      National Criminal Defense CollegeN/A1990
      University of Washington School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1983
      University of WashingtonBA - Bachelor of Arts1980
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      The Role of the Courts in SocietyConstitutional Law and Role of Courts2009
      Trying a Case In Whatcom County: The Ultimate GuideVoir Dire2007
      DUIs In a Post Jensen WorldSimulator Solution Challenge2007
      Forensics: Using, Evaluating and Challenging Scientific EvidenceCo-Chair2006
      Evidence CLEChair2006
      Nuts and Bolts of Criminal DefenseEffective Use of Case Law2005
      Criminal Law and EvidenceDiminished Capacity2005
      Criminal Law and EvidenceChair2005
      WACDL Annual ConferenceCo-Chair2004
      Evidence CLEChair2004
      WACDL Annual ConferenceEthical Considerations in Defending Difficult Clients2003
      Evidence CLEChair2003
      Evidence CLEChair2002
      Coping With ConfessionsCo-Chair2002
      Evidence CLEChair2001
      Evidence CLEChair2000
      WDA Annual ConferenceCapacity of Juveniles to Commit Crime1999
      Evidence CLEChair1999
      WDA Annual ConferenceCharacter Evidence1997

      Reviews

      (17)
      5 Star
      		100%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		0%
      1 Star
      		0%
      Review Douglas Hyldahl

      Best lawyer ever

      Posted by

      Highly recommend. Straight shooter, kind, compassionate, and fights hard for his clients.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Excellent attorney and good guy

      Posted by

      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 highly competent attorney.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Awesome

      Posted by

      Doug is a lawyer that you want in your corner , On any Issue Thanks DOug
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      The Best

      Posted by

      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 dismissed. I just had to be patient. Doug did a great job at a fair price.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Highly competent

      Posted by

      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 want to press charges. This was about 2 1/2 years ago. Now I find myself being falsely accused of a felony a crime I definitely did not commit and I am having to hire him again. I have been praying for the best outcome and I fully trust Doug will fight for me to the best of his ability. Will update once everything is final. Thanks Doug.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Just Let Him Do His Job

      Posted by

      Doug was extremely supportive and patient while guiding us through the process. We learned to trust him and let him do his job. He was always right. We appreciate his experience, knowledge and expertise. However, we hope to not need his services in the future. But of we do . . . he's the guy.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      The Best in Whatcom County!

      Posted by

      After being arrested and imprisoned for a crime I didn't commit, I needed an attorney fast. Mr. Hyldahl was highly recommended by everyone I asked. He was also very respected by Sherriff's Deputies, other attorneys, prosecutors, judges, and most importantly the jury! His cool, calm courtroom demeanor was a sharp contrast to the prosecutor who came off as a rabid weasel. His knowledge of the law was excellent, but more important was his knowledge of the way the kangaroo court system works in Whatcom county. I was falsely accused and exonerated by the jury, but I have no doubt Doug would have worked as hard even if I was guilty of the alleged crime. If you find yourself in trouble in Whatcom county you want Doug on your side!

      Doug is a fighter!

      Posted by

      Doug is a caring and knowledgeable lawyer. I came to him for help in vacating a reckless driving conviction and he responded to my cold call within an hour. In his assessment of my case he showed empathy, but he was very straightforward about the potential for denial of the motion. Anyone who has ever had this sort of blemish on their record knows it follows you in background checks, which makes finding a decent job very difficult. Doug was able to use precedence in a brief he presented that was thorough and compelling. The motion was granted! Can't thank Doug enough. It has opened up a world of possibilities for me. Thank you Doug!

      A real Working mans Lawyer!

      Posted by

      From the minute I met and hired this lawyer I felt I was in good hands He listened to me, heard me, helped me prove my Innocence. was the only person I needed in court on my side...... He most surely helped me. A+++++. A real working mans 's lawyer!

      If you want integrity call Mr. Hyldahl

      Posted by

      If you want an accessible, intelligent lawyer who values you and will aproach your case with integrity, call Mr. Hyldahl. He is remarkable in his intellect and even more in his tempered, even approach which instills confidence and assurance that you've got the best person representing you. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Doug Hyldahl to anyone. He is a good human being and a fantastic attorney. Andrea
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (17)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      Stephen Jackson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 10, 2019
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Emily Beschen, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 10, 2019
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      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.

      Travis Stearns, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 2, 2014
      Relationship: Worked together on matter

      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.

      Lee Grochmal, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 21, 2014
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Doug is one of the most knowledgeable and experienced attorneys in Whatcom County. He cares about his clients and gets great results.

      Kimberly Gordon, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 29, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      Doug is a warm, confident, smart attorney. I have referred him cases and will continue to do so, without hesitation!

      Kristin Slone, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 28, 2013
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Dean Swanson, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 12, 2012
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Mark Bratlien, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 11, 2012
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Shawn Alexander, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 27, 2011
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      I endorse this lawyer and refer with confidence. he is a solid lawyer.

      Wade Samuelson, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 23, 2011
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      William Bowman, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 14, 2010
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Jon Fox, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 31, 2010
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Jenifer Howson, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 28, 2010
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Joseph Bartek, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 17, 2009
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      William Coats, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2008
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Jeffrey Lustick, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 25, 2007
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Jonathan Rands, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2007
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Cost

      RATES
      • Hourly Rates$250-$300/hour
      • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
        30 minutes
      PAYMENT METHODS

      Cash, Check, Credit Card