Leslie Eugene Tolzin

Leslie Eugene Tolzin

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

Violent crime Lawyer at Tacoma, WA
Practice Areas: Violent Crime, Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI ... +2 more

705 S 9th St., Suite. 301, Tacoma, WA

About Leslie

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Hourly Rates

$ 230-250 per hour

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 35 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Leslie E. Tolzin, Attorney At Law

705 S 9th St., Suite. 301, Tacoma, WA, 98405-4593

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Leslie Eugene Tolzin's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

7 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (7) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews

Posted by anonymous | March 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Saved my son's life

My son was accused of child rape that the "victim" claimed happened over 12 years ago. I hired Mr. Tolzin to represent my son and through his hardwork, dedication and 20 years experience he made sure my son was going to be aquitted. Indeed he was found NOT GUILTY. Thank you Mr. Tolzin!

Posted by carl | January 08, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Last chance 4 life

my name is Carl Smith and I would like to tell you a very short story. I was at a bar one night in Spanaway and a fight broke out and somebody got stabbed and died. They snagged me up with three other people and we were tried and convicted for murder in the 2nd° I was sentenced to 35 years. To make ...a long story short seven years had went by and the court of appeals division to the court of appeals said that I did not get a fair trial and granted me a new trial so after seven years in prison they came and got me and put me back in Pierce County jail and that's where Mr. Leslie E tolzin he represented me in my new trial. After seven years of incarceration I really thought that my hopes would not be very high. But Leslie believed in me and we started working together. Leslie was like a pitbull in my trial he latched on to something and wouldn't let go until it was submitted. When the case went to the jury my jury was only out 15 minutes and came back with a not guilty verdict. I would like to thank Leslie for all his hard work and would recommend him for any type of case. Sincerely yours Carl Smith

Posted by Nobi Roni | August 28, 2015

Great experience

Great Profesionalism and really looking for client benifit the most. Know exactly what he's doing and give the best advice right the way.

Posted by anonymous | April 01, 2014

Great to work with. Highly recommended!

Les was great to work with. I would recommend him to anyone seeking legal advice or representation. He helped me to get the best possible outcome in my case and was willing to take it all the way to the end. I would use Les again and of course recommend him to others. In fact I already have.

Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2013 | Domestic Violence

Couldn't have asked for any better!

My wife was being harassed by an old boyfriend she had over 40 years ago. Because we have been married for over 30 years I also felt threatened. Everyone who examined our situation agreed that the harassing ex-boyfriend clearly has significant psychiatric problems and that further fueled our fears. W...hen the ex-boyfriend filed a petition saying we were harassing HIM we decided it was time to get a lawyer. We contacted Mr. Tolzin on the advice of a long time family friend who had worked with Mr. Tolzin for several years. We had to travel several hundred miles to meet with him for our initial consultation that lasted over 4 hours. During our meeting Mr. Tolzin immediately began to research our case in our presence by calling the legal staff where our hearing was scheduled, consulting with another lawyer in his office, reviewing the relevant law, preparing our declarations, etc. Not only did we like him very much personally, we could directly observe his working style as we sat with him. We didn’t have to trust that he was competent we, could see it for ourselves. We discussed various legal strategies with him and unprompted he always mentioned the cost associated with each one and focused on minimizing expenses. After several hours of discussion we were sure we wanted to hire him so we settled on a strategy and the associated charges that were more reasonable than I initially thought they would be. Mr. Tolzin never trivialized our fears and went out of his way to keep our location hidden from the harasser, suggesting where to park, what to wear to the hearing, etc. These may seem like small issues if you’re not the one being harassed but they were incredibly important to our feeling of safety when dealing with harassment that had the chance of a personal confrontation or even violence. During the hearing he was respectful of both the judge and the harassing ex-boyfriend in order to keep the emotional temperature low and not further inflame the situation. The judge did dismiss the unjustified complaint against us and we feel safer than before. It’s not only winning but just as importantly how you win that matters. Winning in a way that minimizes possible future problems and litigation is best and that’s exactly what Mr. Tolzin did for us. Mr. Tolzin’s email communication was very prompt and responsive to our questions and concerns. And it hasn’t stopped despite our “win”. He continues to offer help, with no additional fees, with other steps we might take regarding this harasser. I would unreservedly recommend Mr. Tolzin. I might add that there were several side discussions we had that clearly indicated Mr.Tolzin is truly understanding, sympathetic and sensitive regarding issues relating to race and feminism.

See All Client Reviews

Leslie Eugene Tolzin's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Leslie
Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Leslie. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Heather Rogers Straub headshot
Heather Straub

Violent crime lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Leslie Tolzin is one of my mentors and role models for serious, violent crime. He works hard and knows the law inside and out, and he is an outstanding advocate for the accused. I am honored to endorse Leslie Tolzin."

Mariko Lisa Mulligan headshot
Mariko Mulligan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Les is smart, experienced and likeable. He treats his clients with dignity and explains things clearly. He is well known and well-respected in the legal community."

Kimberly Gordon headshot
Kimberly Gordon

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Les is fantastic. I am always impressed by how calm and collected he remains, all while doing brilliant work in difficult cases. Les is a wonderful person to have as a colleague, but most impressive are his results. I endorse him without hesitation."

Philip Edward Thornton headshot
Philip Thornton

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Leslie is a "Lawyer's Lawyer." His knowledge, experience and character makes him standout one of the best lawyers in the State of Washington. You will be hard pressed to find a lawyer who takes his job of protecting his client's rights as vigorously and aggressively as Leslie. We have worked on numerous cases together throughout the 20 plus years I have known him. He is the first person I turn to for advice and assistance. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer."

Harry Shipley Steinmetz headshot
Harry Steinmetz

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Les is an outstanding lawyer. He has knowledge and integrity that surpasses the norm in our profession. He is is a fighter for his clients and really cares about the outcome of the case. He will provide outstanding representation. Les is the the kind of attorney you want by your side when you are going to war. He is the Sgt. Fury of trial lawyers. There is never any doubt he is going to do everything possible to defend his client. Amazingly, he is still a very effective negotiator, probably because the DPA knows how tough trial will be. Les is smart, makes compelling arguments and is well respected by judges, prosecutors and fellow lawyers. We have been counsel for co-defendants in cases and I have always been impressed with his advocacy for his clients. You cannot go wrong hiring Les to represent you."

David Henry Gehrke headshot
David Gehrke

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Les Tolzin with the highest, utmost regard. I worked with him in Pierce County when he represented one of the infamous "Hilltop Crips" in the 30+ defendant gang case. He worked the state to death, was a leader amongst our group to deal with the judges and prosecutors, and was highly respected by all! I've seen him win big murder cases, multiple other significant cases, always diligently and intelligently! His tenaciousness often earns him deals others would never get! He is on a very short list should any close friend or family member need a "home run hitting" defense attorney! (He is also a sweet father and great family man!)"

Michael Steven Clark headshot
Michael Clark

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Les is a dedicated and relentless trial lawyer. He drives prosecutors crazy. He is a great lawyer."

Howard Stanton Stein headshot
Howard Stein

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Les Tolzin for a decade or longer. He is a focused, brilliant and hardworking lawyer. Les is a top flight, criminal defense lawyer and he has a track record of successes that is truly remarkable. Unflinching, fearless and dedicated are the three adjectives that come to my mind when I think about him. I believe that he can handle any case that comes his way and his client will be extremely well represented."

Philip G Sayles headshot
Philip Sayles

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Les is an amazing attorney who fights hard for his clients. He is a pitbull in the courtroom. If you want an attorney who will get you results, go to Les."

David Charles Snell headshot
David Snell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
William Richard Michelman headshot
William Michelman

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Edward Schwartz headshot
Michael Schwartz

Criminal defense lawyer

Heather Rogers Straub headshot
Heather Straub

Criminal defense lawyer

Harry Shipley Steinmetz headshot
Harry Steinmetz

Criminal defense lawyer

Shira J. Stefanik headshot
Shira Stefanik

Criminal defense lawyer

Barbara Ann Bowden headshot
Barbara Bowden

DUI and DWI lawyer

Kevin J. Curtin headshot
Kevin Curtin

General practice lawyer

Kimberly Gordon headshot
Kimberly Gordon

Criminal defense lawyer

Philip Edward Thornton headshot
Philip Thornton

Criminal defense lawyer

Amy Irene Muth headshot
Amy Muth

Criminal defense lawyer

David Henry Gehrke headshot
David Gehrke

Criminal defense lawyer

Howard Stanton Stein headshot
Howard Stein

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Steven Clark headshot
Michael Clark

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Certificate of Appreciation, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2008

Recognition as Scout Den Leader, Boy Scouts of America, Den 375

1996

Certificate of Recognition - Superior Court Juror, Pierce County Superior Court

1995

Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, Consumer Business Review

Work Experience

1992 - Present

, Leslie E. Tolzin, Attorney at Law

1992 - 1992

Contract attorney, Tucker & Stein, PS, Inc.

1990 - 1992

Attorney, Law Office of Thomas Dinwiddie

1990 - 1990

Legal Intern, Law Offices Of Thomas Dinwiddie

1989 - 1990

LegaI Intern, Curran Kleweno and Johnson

Associations

2012 - Present

Hon. Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court

Master of the Bench

2012 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Governors

2005 - Present

Washington Defender Asociation

Member

2000 - Present

N.O.R.M.L.

Legal Committe

1997 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1993 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Patron Member

2005 - 2016

Washington Defender Association

Board of Governors

1999 - 2014

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Carl Smith

Acquitted - Not Guilty

State v. Peters

Acquitted - Not Guilty

State v. Naimo

Acquitted - Not guilty

State v. Yacovone

Acquitted - Not guilty

State v. Barbee

Not Guilty

State v. Manus

Dismissed

State v. Jones

Not Guilty

State v. William Blythe

Dismissed

State v. Nathaniel Ish

Jury returned a verdict for the lesses included Manslaughter 1st degree and Felony Murder 2nd degree.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2014

John E. Reid & Associates

Certificate

2014

John E. Reid & Assocaites

Certificate

2002

University of Washington

Certificate Program in Forensics

1999

Mercer Law Schol

Certificate

1990

University of Puget Sound School of Law

J.D.

1987

Winona State University

B.S.

Speaking Engagements

2015

WACDL Annual Conference

Crossing the Cop

2015

The Big Mouth: Dealing with Statements By and About Your Client"

The Reid Technique

2014

OPD Regional Training for Public Defenders

Using Investigators in Misdemeanor Cases

2014

Ace the Case - Getting Started in Misdemeanor Defense

Ten Rules for Misdemeanor Sentencing

2013

WDA Trial Advocacy Program

Program Instructor

2013

Looming Issues in Serious Felony Cases

Co-Chair

2013

Department of Assigned Counsel monthly CLE

The Rise, Fall, and Resurection of Corpus Delicti in WA

2012

Nuts and Bolts of Cross Examination

How to Control a Witness

2011

WDA Trial Advocacy Program

Voire Dire, and Program Instructor

2011

Emerging Issues on Ethics and Practice in Criminal Defense

The Ethical Requirements of Investigation, Guilty Pleas, Sentencing and Communicating with Our Client

2010

WDA Trial Advocacy Program

Conducting Voire Dire

2005

11th Annual Bar Convention

Dealing with License Suspensions

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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