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Robert David Butler

Criminal defense Attorney at Bellingham, WA

4.8   23 reviews

also known as Bob Butler

  • Licensed for 30 years
    State WA
    Acquired 1993
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Robert

Learn Robert’s areas of practice.

5
Practice areas
  1. Criminal defense
    50%
    Federal and State, representing the individual rights of the accused.

    30 years

  2. Sex crime
    15%

    30 years

  3. Violent crime
    10%

  4. Civil rights
    5%

    23 years

  5. Constitutional
    5%

  6. Employment and labor
    5%

    28 years

  7. Federal crime
    5%

    15 years

  8. Sexual harassment
    5%

    25 years

EXPERIENCED BELLINGHAM CRIMINAL DEFENSE ATTORNEY REPRESENTING CLIENTS IN BOTH STATE & FEDERAL COURT.

Bob Butler is one of the leading criminal defense attoneys servicing the Pacific Northwest, representing clients in both State and Federal Courts. Bob has always maintained the belief that narrowing the focus of his practice to criminal defense, employment disputes and litigation - and working hard to be the best in those specific areas, will result in superior client service and a level of legal competency that may be difficult, if not impossible, for most general practitioners to achieve.

Photos and videos

Contact Robert

Law Offices of Robert D. Butler, PLLC

Reviews

4.8 / 5.0
  23 customer reviews
5 Star
 
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Posted by Kristen | November 12, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Got Me The BEST Possible Outcome/Case Dismissed! Will be forever grateful to Bob.
I hired attorney Bob Butler after doing some research online. This was one of the best decisions I have ever made for myself. I lived in Washington during a period of time in my life where I was in active addiction and dealing with everything that comes with that lifestyle. Now, with many years clean and sober I had to address an outstanding felony warrant from several years back when my life was out of control. As someone who has completely turned their life around and is going to school full time at a great college, I had very real fears and anxieties about addressing my dark past and the possibility of a negative outcome that would impact all the progress I have made. Bob and his team did an AMAZING job handling my case from start to finish. He was direct with me from the start, explaining the process and the possibilities and treating me with compassion and respect. Words cannot express how much I value the work that Bob and his team did for me. My case got dismissed and I can now breathe a huge sigh of relief knowing that my past mistakes are truly behind me. I will forever be grateful to Bob for giving me my true freedom back. If you are in need of a professional, caring and dedicated attorney, look no further, Bob is your guy.
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Posted by anonymous | September 2, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent work, highly recommend
When a warrant came to my attention years after I had changed my life around and gotten sober, I was in a panic. I am so glad I hired Bob. He really handled the situation in the best way possible and I was highly pleased with the outcome. I thank you Bob and so does my little baby! I can't recommend him enough. Very skilled, knowledgeable, and personable. If you ever find yourself in need of legal expertise in the Bellingham area, definitely go with Bob Butler!!!
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Posted by anonymous | February 26, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Hire This Attorney!
I couldn't be happier with this Attorney. I was asked not to gloat about how well he did so I will simply say my outcome was better than expected, he refunded unused retainer, unheard of, and got the job done in one hearing. If you have an opportunity to hire Bob Butler, run, don't walk, to your bank and pay him immediately.
Posted by Barbara | September 15, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Criminal Defense Gold Standard!
I’d only been in court twice in my life, as a juror. Then I found myself accused (falsely) of an assault. A friend , a fellow lawyer, recommended I contact Bob. Never having been in this position, I didn’t know what to expect. When I called Bob for a consultation, I was a mix of emotions...fear, anger, suspicion of the justice system, etc. He quickly put me at ease and we scheduled an office visit. Bob assured me he would get the case dismissed, and despite my apprehension and lack of trust in almost everybody and everything at that point, he did exactly what he said he would do. Bob’s continuing professionalism throughout the case reassured me when I needed it most. He answered all my questions right away, even those I posed via email. His assistant, Samantha is just the perfect person for that job! She’s so kind and sweet and compassionate, just the person you want to be dealing with in a stressful situation like that. I would highly recommend this practice to anyone who needs this type of service. They are the Gold Standard in Criminal Defense!
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Posted by Mike | March 21, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Defense Attorney
Robert Butler represented my case in a very professional manner and was able to negotiate a minimal sentence for my offense. He worked well with the prosecuting attorney and judge in representing my case. He gave me a sense of confidence and trust. Both Robert and his staff were very courteous, caring and great to work with. I would highly recommend him to anyone seeking a criminal defense lawyer.
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Posted by anonymous | February 6, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Greatest lawyer ever!!!
Bob was recommended to me and he did not disappoint by any means!! My case was over a year long and he kept me informed every step of the way!! He was very kind but honest and truthful with his advice and recommendations!! If your looking for a great lawyer you can trust look no further because you have found him.
Posted by Lori | September 28, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing Team
Not only is Bob Butler an absolutely amazing, smart, and thorough attorney, he is also very calming, honest and understanding. His team is an a true support with great follow up and explaining details for the "regular" person to understand. I absolutely appreciate everything they did for us and our case.
Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent communication, Professional, and timely
I was in a time crunch and contacted three law firms in town for a consultation. Robert and Samantha were the only ones who got in touch with me in my time frame and made it happen! Beyond their excellent communication and professionalism, they both were friendly and personable.
Posted by anonymous | September 1, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Knows his stuff
Mr. Butler had our case dismissed because he is very knowledgeable and pays extreme attention to detail. I was very impressed with the very uncomplicated (for us) way it was handled...right to the point and done! Well well worth the money. No messing around!! He knows his stuff and he knows what's right. Also, his office staff is very wonderful with communication and very quick!
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Posted by anonymous | June 17, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Bob Butler is a great Lawyer and person!
From the moment I called Bob Butler he assured me that the very serious felony charges against me should not define me. My family was on the brink of ruin with the prospect of 4 years in prison and a lifetime as a registered sex offender. I only called Mr. butler after I had mistakenly spoken to a Detective hoping to get to the truth of the situation. My comments were taken out of context and I found myself out on bail facing very serious charges. From the beginning Bob Butler and his staff believed in me and cared about my family. They travelled to a somewhat remote location for all of the many hearings, they were 100% always a available to me, helping me get through the worst period in my life. Mr. Butler used every possible angle, law and investigation to discredit the charges against me. The resolution we ended up with after over a year in the court system was beyond what I hoped and prepared for. We beat the most serious charges and ended up with a resolution we were really happy with. Our family survived, as a result of Mr. Butler and Emily Bechen’s hard work and determination. Every time we went to court the Judge obviously respected Bob Butler and his staff. Although our case ended up being incredibly complex and involved a lot of time in and out of the courtroom, Bob Butler and Emily Beschen as well as the entire staff stood by us from the beginning to the very end. The price for their services was beyond fair for the time and energy they spent. I would be sitting behind bars right now if I had not had found Mr. Butler and his law offices. I will forever be grateful for the way they handled my case.
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Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Case Dismissed
I had a 10 year old warrant come up and Bob was able to get my case dismissed. It was a pleasure to deal with him and his staff. I would recommend his services to anyone.
Posted by Peter | October 9, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Very professional & talented lawyer.
I hired Bob Butler for a unique criminal matter. He was able to get me a full dismissal. I couldn't be more pleased with the outcome he got for me. Thanks, Bob!
Posted by Trevor | September 23, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professional Legal Service and Peace of Mind
Bob has been providing legal services and representation for me for the past 6 years now. There is no other lawyer that I would seek legal consultation from before contacting Bob. He is honest, dependable and professional in all aspects of his legal practice. This can also be said for his team, both his past and present secretaries have always provided me with a continuous flow of information and updates on my case/matter. I have never had an instance where my questions were left unanswered or any detail was left unattended. The Law Offices of Robert D. Butler provide satisfactory legal services.
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Posted by anonymous | March 23, 2015
Stand-up, efficient legal services
Bob and his team provided exceptional service and kept me well informed throughout the process. I highly recommend Bob and his team for their legal services.
Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2015
Highly Recommend
This was my first and only arrest; I didn't know what to do or whom to call. This was my first time hiring a criminal lawyer and I got very very lucky when I contacted Mr. Bob Butler by chance via the phone book at one of the worst most stressful times in my life regarding a serious and false criminal accusation against me…how do you prove or defend yourself against a falsehood? My first meeting with Bob last over two hours and he immediately put me at ease. Bob immediately stepped in and knew exactly what to do. He made what was an extremely stressful and confusing process very manageable. From the beginning, Bob and his team aggressively worked on my case and was there to answer my phone calls with what seemed like a million questions I had. The following weeks and months he kept in frequent contact with me about the status of my case. He told me he would handle everything....and he did. I appeared in court ONE time when my case was dismissed. From our first conversation, he counseled me not only from a legal perspective but also on a personal level. His counsel and advice during this entire process could not be replicated; he gave me excellent guidance and support. Any lawyer can be a hammer, but Bob impressed me with his knowledge and his working relationship with the Prosecutors, and his passion for proving my innocence. I highly recommend Bob Butler and his entire staff. You won't find a better lawyer or adviser. I have tremendous gratitude for the work of Bob and his team. I thank God for finding him!
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Posted by Lorenzo | March 29, 2013
We the jury find the defendant,..., NOT GUILTY!
I was recently charged with "Discharge of a firearm within city limits". The Law Office of Robert D. Butler handled my case with professionalism and a "Pit Bull" like attitude. They got in there, got the facts, had all of their ducks in a row and left no stone unturned. It wasn't our job to prove me innocent, but they did that way beyond the reasonable doubt...even thought thats not the way its supposed to work. This may get deleted but I am going to say it anyway... Famous people walk on the red carpet because they are famous. The Law Office of Robert D. Butler walks on toilet paper because they are the $h!T. I hope never to have to use their services again, but if I ever need a lawyer, this is who I am going to call!
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Posted by Marcus | August 3, 2012
An outstanding advocate!
Mr. Butler took a case that evolved into much more than we had first anticipated. He never voiced any regret and carried though a host of issues and spent a great deal of time on what we thought would be a simple matter. Never a complaint and we won a judgement.
Posted by Matina | November 28, 2010
Review
Both the attorney and support staff are very responsive and very reassuring during an extremely stressful time. The office support (Irene) was incredible and the office is run very efficiently. Mt Bulter is slightly arrogant; however, he seems to be well respected by the local legal system which gives him an advantage. I was surprised that it was so expensive. We were all very pleased with the outcome. I would definitely hired Mr Butler again.
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Posted by Shawn | November 5, 2010
Robert Butler is a great Criminal Defense Attorney.
Robert Butler is hands down one of the best Criminal Defense Attorneys in the Northwest. He and his staff are very professional and personable. I recieved a very favorable outcome in my case.
Posted by Patti | March 7, 2010
Mr. Butler-Miracle Man
When I first went to consulate with Mr. Butler he gave me the best advise in my case that made a difference later. So very helpfull! He then went to work on my case at a later date when all took a turn for the worse and completely turned it around. He is a respected member of the legal community and has positive relationships within the profession. I would absolutely reccommend his office. His assistant also is very capable of great communication with you and Mr. Butler. Everything was accomplished in my case to allow me to "carry on". Mr. Butler's office will take excellent care of your needs!
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Cost

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Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Senior Attorney
  • Law Offices of Robert D. Butler, PLLC
  • 2013 - Present
  • Owner
  • Law Office of Robert D. Butler
  • 1993 - Present
  • Partner
  • Butler Beschen Law PLLC
  • 2018 - 2021
  • Professor
  • Skagit County Community College
  • 1998 - 1999
View all work experience

Education

  • University of Puget Sound School of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1992
  • University of Portland
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1984

Associations

  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Board Member
  • 2018 - Present
  • Whatcom County Bar Association
  • Judicial Selection Committee
  • 2014 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Board of Governors
  • 2008 - Present
  • Washington Employment Lawyers Association
  • Member
  • 1996 - Present
  • Whatcom County Bar Association
  • member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Member
  • 1993 - Present
  • Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • President-Elect
  • 2018 - 2019
  • Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Secretary, Board of Governors, Member
  • 2016 - 2018
  • Northwest Business Club
  • Member
  • 2008 - 2010
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2018
  • Super Lawyer
  • Super Lawyers
  • 2017
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2016
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2016
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2015
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Assoication
  • 2015
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2014
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2014
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2013
  • Super Lawyer
  • SuperLawyers
  • 2013
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2012
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2011
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2010
  • Pro Bono Award
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2009
  • Pro Bono Service
  • Washington State Bar Association
  • 2008
View all awards

Speaking Engagements

  • WACDL Annual Conference 2017
  • Using Brady Issues in Criminal Cases
  • 2017
  • Digital Privacy
  • Cellphone Search at the Border
  • 2017
  • Everything But Trial - Wenatchee
  • Public Records Requests as an Investigative Tool
  • 2014
  • Everything But Trial - Olympia
  • Public Records Requests as an Investigative Tool
  • 2014
  • Everything But Trial - Everett
  • Public Records Requests as an Investigative Tool
  • 2014
  • Employment Law Update with Q&A Session
  • Severance
  • 2014
  • Civil Rights: What they are, what we lost, and what we are losing
  • Civil Rights
  • 2014
  • The Legal Docket
  • NSA and Government Snooping
  • 2013
  • The Legal Docket
  • Vacating Criminal Records
  • 2013
  • Whatcom CLE
  • Requests for Public Disclosure
  • 2012
  • New Lawyer Education Program
  • Successful Communication Strategies
  • 2012
  • New Lawyer Seminar
  • Speaker
  • 2011
  • Solo & Small Firm Success Strategies
  • Q&A
  • 2009
  • Boot Camp & Advanced Skills Training
  • Skills Training
  • 2009
  • Issues in Public Defense
  • Using Public Disclosure in Criminal Cases
  • 2006
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (14)
Given (11)
Endorse Robert
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Bob for over seven years. He is very knowledgeable and when I need advice on something I am working on, I seek his guidance and opinion. Bob is a well rounded lawyer having skill and experience in criminal law on the municipal, state, and federal levels. He works very hard for his clients."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 28
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"When it comes to a complicated felony charge or an employment dispute I refer with confidence to Bob Butler! Bob is a diligent, thoughtful, and passionate defender of rights. I have worked with Bob on several cases over the past years and I am pleased to serve along side him on the Washington Assoc. Of Criminal Lawyers (WACDL) Board. Without reservation, I endorse this lawyer's work."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Bob is an intelligent and tenacious lawyer who works hard for his clients. Bob has a multitude of talents ranging from complex criminal defense cases to employee rights advocacy. I wholeheartedly endorse Bob!"
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 27
Relationship: Worked for lawyer
"I have worked for Bob for a number of years and have had the privilege of getting an inside view of how he achieves such remarkable results for his clients. Bob has a strong reputation in the legal community which comes from years of aggressively fighting for his clients. He enjoys beating the government, and never backs down from a fight. He is always looking at the bigger picture when approaching the defense of a major felony and he will break the case down to present a persuasive and logical defense at trial. Bob is among the most highly skilled trial attorneys around, which comes from decades of experience presenting cases to juries and winning not guilty verdicts for clients who had the cards stacked against them."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 05
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have had the honor of trying a case with Bob Butler a few years ago. He is a wickedly smart trial attorney and he works very diligently for his clients. I highly recommend Bob to anyone who might need representation in a criminal matter or civil rights litigation case."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Bob Butler has a talent for combining head knowledge and courtroom performance. It is a rare talent that most lawyers never quite master. An attorney has to know when to fight and how to fight. That's what gets results, and Bob gets results! I am very pleased to endorse him and his work."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Bob Butler is an outstanding, meticulous, thorough lawyer who treats his clients with a high level of professionalism and unfailingly advocates for them throughout their case. I know Bob from serving on the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers' Board of Governors with him, and not only is he committed to providing high caliber representation to his clients, he is committed to improving the quality of criminal defense practice as a whole. I've always known that clients I refer to him are in excellent hands. Plus, he's got a great calming presence with his clients--which he peppers with bouts of hilarity, courtesy of his great sense of humor. Know that you are in excellent hands if you hire him; you will get a responsive, caring attorney who takes care of your needs and litigates furiously to get you the right result for your case."
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"As a former prosecutor in Whatcom County I have tried a few cases with Bob. Bob is a formidable trial attorney. He is intelligent, knowledgeable and professional. Bob Butler is one of the best attorneys is Bellingham."
Litigation Attorney | Sep 29
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
"I have worked with Bob as opposing counsel and as co-counsel. Bob is a great advocate for his clients and is experienced in the courtroom. He is also good at evaluating potential cases, and finding creative solutions. I recommend him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Bob for about a decade. I have always found him to have a tremendous work ethic. Bob has always fought hard and honorably for his clients. I have referred cases to Bob in the past, and I consider this to be the highest form of reference between fellow attorneys."
Litigation Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer's work. He handled a recent legal problem that I had with skill and professionalism."
Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 21
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I have had a professional peer relationship with Bob for years through Washington Employment Lawyers Association and had much respect for him. I then had the good fortune to co counsel an employment discrimination case with him. I was very impressed with Bob's skills as an employee advocate, watched him interact with our client, and worked with him to resolve the matter successfully. He is smart, passionate and dedicated - I refer potential clients to him with confidence."
Employment and labor Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Bob is a great lawyer, very committed to his clients and very smart. I worked with him on a difficult case and he was very competent and capable. I recommend him without hesitation."
Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 19
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have known Bob since 2007. I have worked with him on many cases as his contract attorney. This has given me the opportunity to see the quality of his work on a regular basis. Indeed, his work is excellent. I respect and admire Bob so much that I ask him for advice on how to handle my own cases. In addition to being a skilled and intelligent attorney, Bob is an all-around nice guy. He shows true caring and compassion for his clients."
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Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Criminal defense
Employment and labor
Criminal defense
Employment and labor
Wrongful termination