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Vitaliy Kertchen
About Vitaliy
Biography
Expungement and firearm rights attorney serving clients all over Washington state. You may be eligible to expunge your criminal record and restore your firearm rights. If you have a criminal past, let me help you get your life back. I have helped many people, and I can help you. Visit my website for more information and contact me for a free consultation.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Expungement
50%
14 years | 7,500 cases
Gun Law
50%
14 years | 7,500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 13 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Kertchen Law
917 S 10th St, Tacoma, WA, 98405
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Vitaliy Kertchen's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
166 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (166)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Gun Law (80)
Expungement (40)
Criminal Defense (20)
Lawsuits & Disputes (7)
Civil Rights (4)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (4)
Drug Crime (3)
Consumer Protection (2)
Contracts & Agreements (2)
Debt Collection (2)
Debt Settlement (2)
Family (2)
Juvenile (2)
Animal & Dog Bites (1)
Appeals (1)
Bankruptcy & Debt (1)
Constitutional (1)
Immigration (1)
Litigation (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (115)
Recommendation (42)
Practice Area Knowledge (41)
Cost of Services (35)
Professionalism (32)
Advocacy (31)
Responsiveness (30)
Communication Style (22)
General Knowledge (13)
Trustworthiness (10)
Punctuality (7)
Payment Plans (6)
Character & Conduct (5)
Staff & Support (4)
Compassion (1)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 166 reviews
Posted by Donnie | May 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Gun Law
kertchen law will get it done!
kertchen law help me and my family on three different occasions. Two times was for firearms restorations and he just helped me get my felony’s expunged. There was good communication during the process and when they were completed, I received all final paperwork. Highly recommend this team.
Posted by anonymous | May 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
straightforward and honest
I contacted Kertchen Law during an extremely stressful time and was a little nervous about hiring a lawyer without any experience. I'm so glad I went with Kertchen. Throughout the process they kept me up to date on my case and explained the different phases of the proceeding. When all was said a...
Posted by John | April 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Gun Law
Gun Rights Fully Restored
Kertchen Law filed a motion to restore my firearm rights on 11/24, and motions were granted on 03/25. Along with having my gun rights restored, they were able to get all 8 of my felony convictions vacated & removed from the WSPWATCH report. From their initial review of my case, they told me exactly w...
Posted by James Mattson | December 14, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Vacated felony and restored gun rights.
I got a an 3rd degree assault charge when i was 21. It's been a black cloud over my head for the last 11 years. I've reached out to numerous other lawyers only to never get a response. I emailed him just wondering about the process and he very promptly emailed back with a through explanation. It was ...
Posted by LC | September 28, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Gun Law
LC
60 plus Days in waiting for gun rights if they get restored haven't heard nothing from attorney At All.
Vitaliy Kertchen
Replied last October 15, 2024We tell all clients at the outset of a case that it can take 3-4 months or longer for a result due to backlogs by prosecutors and courts all over the state. It is not feasible for us to individually update every single client regarding their case status because a lot of it is just waiting for the prosecutor's office. We respond to all client inquiries requesting a case status update within 24-48 business hours.
Vitaliy Kertchen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Vitaliy is a very knowledgeable and skilled attorney. He is a frequent contributor on the Washington Association of Criminal Lawyers where he consistently offers his expertise to help other lawyers with their legal questions. His help always thorough and thoughtful. When I have questions on a case, I turn to Vitaliy because I trust his analysis and know that he is a strong attorney. If you need help with a criminal or an expungement issue in Tacoma Vitaliy is a great choice."
"I endorse this lawyer. I routinely refer clients to Mr. Kertchen for complicated vacates. His knowledge of the law is clear."
"I attended law school with Vitaliy and practiced in the same community with him in Washington. He has an excellent reputation in the community. This is probably because Vitaliy is always well prepared and knowledgeable about every aspect of a case when he goes to court. If you want a no-nonsense attorney who will get results, call Vitaliy."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have been reading his posts to clients about criminal law and every single one has been correct and helpful. He really knows his area of expertise and I am pleased to offer my congratulations and endorsement."
"Vitaliy is a fine attorney who is dedicated to his clients and works tirelessly for successful results. I have no hesitation when endorsing him."
"Mr. Kertchen has exceptionally thorough knowledge of our criminal justice system. I endorse him without hesitation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A highly respected member of the legal community. My full endorsement."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"The time a lawyer spends giving back through sites like this show passion for the law and compassion for people. Kudos to you for helping others with sage advice."
"Well respected in the community and known for effective advocacy for clients!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this Vitaliy. Contributions are great as are endorsements. Reviews really tell the story. READ THEM! If you are looking for a great DUI attorney you have arrived."
"An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community, I wholeheartedly recommend him to anyone looking for a lawyer who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of his clients and getting them the most favorable result possible."
"I endorse this lawyer. His statements are always based in law and helpful to clients."
"Vitaliy's attention to detail and capacity for creative problem solving make him a very capable attorney."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top Contributor, Avvo
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo
2014
Client's Choice, Avvo
2012
Public Service Award, GU Law SBA
2012
Magna Cum Laude, Gonzaga University School of Law
2012
Dean's List, Gonzaga University School of Law
2008
Cum Laude, Central Washington University
Work Experience
2013 - Present
Principal, Kertchen Law
2012 - 2013
Attorney, Law Offices of Smith & White
Associations
2016 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of WashingtonMember
2016 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Solo and Small Practice SectionExecutive Committee
2015 - Present
United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth CircuitMember
2014 - Present
Washington State Bar Association Small and Solo SectionMember
2012 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Washington State Bar Association, Bar #45183Member
2012 - Present
United States District Court for the Western District of WashingtonMember
2012 - 2015
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. S.T.
Felony vacated and firearm rights restored.
State v. R.R.
Felony vacated and firearm rights restored.
State v. M.Z.
Relieved of duty to register as sex offender, juvenile record sealed, firearm rights restored.
State v. K.T.
Juvenile record sealed, firearm rights restored.
Education
2012
Gonzaga University School of Law
J.D.
2008
Central Washington University
B.S.
Speaking Engagements
2017
Gun Law in Washington (Tacoma)
Gun Law in Washington
2016
Northwest Now
Initiative 1491
2016
Gun Law in Washington (Spokane)
Gun Law in Washington
2016
Gun Law in Washington (Seattle)
Gun Law in Washington
2016
7 Keys to a 21st Century Law Practice
Digital Signatures
2015
Pierce County DAC
Post-conviction Relief
Publications
2017
Defense Magazine (WACDL)
Gun Law Update
2016
Blog
Legally Sound Blog
2014
WACDL
DUI Newsletter: Challenging the Per Se Prong of I-502
2014
Defense Magazine (WACDL)
Vacation and Expungement and Sealing, Oh My!
2014
Defense Magazine (WACDL)
Suppressing Breath Tests, Blood Tests, and Refusals
2014
WACDL
DUI Newsletter: DUI Cases: A Year in Review
2014
NWSidebar
Marijuana and Driving: 2014 Update
2013
2013
NWSidebar
Changes in DUI Laws on the Horizon?
2013
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What if any are the available defenses for illegal possession of a firearm?
27 Oct 2024
Q&A
Why was my record not expunged and why is it just now showing up?
22 Oct 2024
Q&A
Is it mandatory that restitution be paid in full before gun rights are restored in washington state??
25 Sep 2024
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Are you eligible to delete your nonconviction data in Washington state?
08 Jun 2015
Legal Guide
Are you eligible to seal your juvenile record in Washington state?
08 Jun 2015
Legal Guide
Are you eligible to restore your firearm rights in Washington state?
07 Jun 2015