Jason Anstruther Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.1 /5.0

17 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Jonathan | April 29, 2024

Contractor used

This man has yet to return a call since being dropped in his possession a year ago. Useless non-governmental scumbaggery for others government jobs.

Posted by Jennifer | June 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Do Not Recommend

Jason Smith was assigned as my public defender in a 2019 case where a Ferndale innkeeper falsely accused me of criminal trespass. Initially, I was assigned Tom Lyden as PD. Mr. Lyden is the only PD on contract with Ferndale and has 13 years of experience handling over 2000 criminal defense cases,... including trials and appeals. He immediately contacted me upon being assigned and told me he'd immediately submit requests for production (RFPs) that proved my innocence and would take my case to trial because he knew how to get evidence in front of a jury that would prove my innocence. Unfortunately, he was then conflicted out, and I was assigned Jason Smith as PD and then had to battle both the court system and my own PD for months, until Patrick Lackey, Bellingham's supervising PD, stepped in and got the charges dropped, with prejudice. After being assigned as PD, Jason Smith didn't contact me for 6 weeks, which deprived me of my right to a fair, speedy trial, requiring multiple trial extensions and delays while I was very ill from living in an environment saturated 24/7 with methamphetamine and other toxic substances. He also repeatedly refused to submit the exact same RFPs that Tom Lyden was going to submit, and he refused to take my case to trial, which deprived me of my right to pursue evidence or defenses to prove my innocence and of my right to a fair, speedy trial. He admitted in an email that he was treating me differently than every other defendant in our country by refusing to submit the RFPs: "Typically, asking the judge to sign off on a court order for the production of evidence is a formality, as courts don’t generally want to prevent someone charged with a crime from pursuing evidence or defenses. Your situation is different, however. The prosecutor is none too pleased with the expenditure of city and court resources to pursue the charges filed against you." To which I responded: "Oh, cry me a river. What law, exactly, says a defendant has to forfeit their rights to pursue evidence or defenses because the PA is displeased with expenses in their case? Do you have any idea how ridiculous that sounds? Whose side are you on, anyway?" Jason Smith gave me no time to review drafts of RFPs and other court documents riddled with errors and strange, inappropriate requests (like asking for testimony from the innkeeper that would normally be obtained at trial) before submitting them at the last minute to the court, which compounded the issues and repeatedly revealed his ignorance of the law. He never admitted he repeatedly refused to pursue a far more experienced and successful PD's legal strategy, which included submitting RFPs for evidence that would conclusively prove my innocence and taking my case to trial. He never apologized for unnecessarily putting me through hell for months, which resulted in loss of clients, income, health, and housing. (I lived and worked in my car for 3 months right after COVID-19 hit.) I work with attorneys for a living so I've seen a wide range of competence, diligence, intelligence, and integrity in the legal world. In my opinion and in my experience with him, and based on his own words and actions, Jason Smith does not possess these qualities in any measurable degree.

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Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Win - Win

Jason handled my son's traffic case. He contacts us with all new information, no matter how big or small. He made us feel like we were his #1 priority, all the time! Thanks for all your help!!!

Posted by jason | April 21, 2015 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket

Jason Smith helped my son and I both with tickets and got them off our driving records

I had gotten a neg.2 and my son thats 16 got a speeding ticket on my neg 2 he went to bat against a very tough prosecutor that is coming down hard on driving tickets. Jason Smith got it 100% off my record all i had to do was a small online course that cost me 60 dollars. and a few hours of my time. ...Now he's working on my sons ticket and i trust him fully that he will get that dismissed or dropped to a lesser ticket that won't impact his insurance or ability to keep his drivers license. Jason Smith called and text thru out all this and let me know exactly what was going on he did a amazing job and if I ever any problems again he will be my first call and id would 100 percent recommend he be yours!!!!

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Posted by anonymous | March 05, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Completely Satisfied!

Jason went above and beyond with my case. I was looking at 5 years in prison and he worked out my case that I only did 20 days jail alternatives. During the span of my case, Jason made sure to contact me with any recent news and always consulted me with my concerns and questions. The office that he w...orks for is top caliber, with a legal support staff that always greeted me with a smile and is extremely knowledgeable in the legal field. I would HIGHLY recommend both Jason and his office for any of your criminal legal matters that you may have. They really made sure to ease any fears I had about my criminal case.

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Jason Anstruther Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Jason

Stephen Jackson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason is a fine attorney and a great man. I have worked alongside him for several years, and he is always respectful of his clients and knowledgeable about the law. I fully endorse his work."

Benjamin Pepper

Unknown lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason is a great guy and an excellent criminal defense attorney. I have watched him in court, and have even gone to him with my own questions on criminal law and procedure. He has a wealth of knowledge and is friendly about sharing it. I wholeheartedly endorse him."

Justin Gray

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jason throughout his law career and have seen his zealous advocacy in action. Jason has a great understanding for the law and truly cares about his clients, which allows him to consistently achieve excellent results for them."

Patrick Lackie

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I met Jason Smith several years ago when he first started practicing law in Bellingham. I've known him in my capacity as a fellow defense attorney and I have worked against him on cases while serving as a city prosecutor. I can say that he is intelligent, a hard worker, and he diligently represents his clients whether they're charged with an infraction or a serious criminal offense. He is professional, courteous, and excellent advocate for his clients. If you're looking for an attorney in criminal matter I would certainly recommend Jason Smith."

Mark Kaiman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason Smith is a dedicated, hard working lawyer who gives his all when he defends his clients. He can analyze a legal problem, identify a solution, and make a passionate and articulate argument in court. I pleased to endorse his work."

George Freeman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason is a strong lawyer with a great courtroom presence. He advocates for his client and I don't think I've ever seen him lose. Great person and a knowledgeable lawyer. I endorse him highly."

Jenifer Howson

Car accident lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have been privileged to observe Jason Smith in court and I see that he is a caring, intelligent and compassionate attorney. He is skilled and articulate and has an excellent courtroom demeanor. He is on my referral list for Whatcom County cases (which as an experienced attorney means I am very careful with whom I refer cases). I refer clients to him with confidence."

Sean Mckee

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am constantly impressed and amazed by Jason's true passion and excitement for the law. He works hard and he fights hard for his clients. He's smart enough to get everything done on his own but also wise enough to pick up tips from more seasoned attorneys when he can. I would say that you are in good hands with Jason Smith. I endorse him wholeheartedly. ."

Todd Anderson

Unknown lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"I had the great opportunity to recruit Jason to our firm almost 2 years ago and it was a great decision on our part to make him part of the Whatcom County Legal Care Center team. Jason's relentless pursuit of justice and they way he zealously advocates for our clients makes him the type of attorney you want on your side."

Thomas Lyden

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason provides great representation for his clients. I frequently watch Jason in the courtroom and am impressed with his advocacy and litigation instincts. Do not hesitate to sit down with Jason if you find yourself in need of a defense attorney."

Richard Petersen

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the privilege of watching Jason practice for a couple of years now and I am very impressed. Jason is a very intelligent, caring, and zealous advocate for his clients. His natural talent is undeniable and I believe the sky is the limit for this young, tenacious, and driven attorney. Any client would be lucky to have Jason represent them and I endorse him wholeheartedly."

Ziad Youssef

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"Details, Details, Details.... Jason Doesn't miss a thing. He starts early, analyzes thoroughly and puts together a case like his entire reputation depends on it. He's fast on his feet, and extremely respectful to clients and colleagues alike. Leadership is second nature to him, and I appreciate his service excellence. If your case is assigned to Jason, I know your client experience will be exceptional."

Adrian Madrone

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason Smith is an enthusiastic young lawyer who works hard to do the best for his clients. He takes pride in his work, and is willing to learn and grow as an attorney. I can endorse his work as a zealous advocate."

Rajeev Majumdar

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 22

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Mr. Smith is a very articulate and professional lawyer- which makes him stand out from a crowd of defense attorneys who lose track of their clients and their words. He is always prepared and is a zealous advocate for his clients, carefully finding the best possible resolutions for his clients' problems."

Alexander Ransom

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Jason Smith is a credit to the profession. I've observed him many times in court, and wholeheartedly endorse his many talents and attributes for this profession. Jason's zeal for criminal defense, work ethic, pretrial motion practice and positive client relations reveals his natural abilities. Again, I highly endorse Jason."

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Stephen Jackson

Criminal defense lawyer

Benjamin Pepper

Car accident lawyer