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James D. Laukkonen
About James
Biography
James Laukkonen has been restoring firearm rights, expunging records, and defending criminal cases for over a decade. He has successfully handled matters from complex felonies to simple misdemeanors. James has taken cases in District and Superior courts throughout Western Washington as well as the Washington State Court of Appeals. He is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington State Bar Association, and the Thurston County Bar Association. He was recently named as US Business News' Top Criminal Defense firm of 2019, 2020, and 2021 for Western Washington.
James graduated from Washington and Lee University, School of Law, in Virginia, and did his undergraduate studies at Western Washington University. He is a native of Washington, and he grew up in King and Snohomish Counties. At WWU, James studied Philosophy. Many areas of his studies, such as Formal Logic, Epistemology and Ethics, all combine to create an excellent background for an attorney. They contribute to the ability to break a statute down into its constituent propositions, to build solid arguments, and to spot the logical fallacies on which opponents’ arguments might be based. Each of these skills is invaluable for any practicing attorney.
For law school, James selected the prestigious Washington and Lee University in historic Lexington, VA. Washington and Lee University School of Law has an excellent reputation for producing solid legal scholars. While at W&L, James contributed to the Lexington Principles Project, and volunteered at Blue Ridge Legal Services in Lexington, a civil legal aid organization.
James is also a veteran of the U.S. Army, having served in Desert Storm and Somalia while an active duty soldier. Later, James spent several years in the reserves.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 275-375 per hour
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 17 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Laukkonen Law, PLLC
1800 Cooper Point Rd SW #12, Olympia, WA, 98502
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James D. Laukkonen's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Michael | December 22, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
My Rights Restored!
Thank you James Laukkonen. My rights to posses a firearm were restored and the process was quick and easy. I just wish the courts moved as fast as you do. Thanks again, I highly recommend you to anyone facing injustice.
James Laukkonen
Replied last December 23, 2022Thank you! Glad I could help.
Posted by Dale and Michele | July 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Grateful for James Laukkonen
My husband and I are eternally grateful to James Laukkonen and we thank God for bringing him to us. We can, from the depths of our hearts, say that through James's efforts, guidance and compassion, we would be in a state of despair and fear. Instead, we have been blessed to be given the gift of peace...
James Laukkonen
Replied last July 26, 2018Thank you! I'm glad I could help.
Posted by Eloise | January 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
An answer to my prayers
I wish there were 6 stars to rate James Laukkonen. I fought hard to leave an abusive relationship of 7 years which left me destitute and alone with a small child. I have no family here in America and few friends due to the nature of the relationship so it was easy for my ex to take advantage of me. I...
James Laukkonen
Replied last August 31, 2018Thank you! I'm always glad when I can help someone.
Posted by S | April 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Laukkonen is a great attorney
Mr. Laukkonen was able to get false assault charges against me dismissed and is representing me in another matter, which appears to be going very favorably for me. I highly recommend him. He also responds quickly.
Posted by Jeremy | January 19, 2014
Effective Counsel
Mr Laukkonen was the most reasonable when it came to cost and offered advice prior to hiring him as my counsel. I attempted to resolve myself but hit a road block when it came to self-negotiation. My tickets was changed to a non-moving violation. This is worth the cost in the long run when you con...
James D. Laukkonen's Lawyer Endorsements
"Mr. Laukkonen is a well-spoken and hard fighting advocate for his clients. He understands the complexities of criminal law and has a very respectable reputation in his area of practice. Mr. Laukkonen is professional, courteous, and extremely driven. I endorse this lawyer."
"I am proud to say that I endorse James! He is a very good attorney, smart and will work for you. I have read his answers/comments/advice on Avvo.com and he is very intelligent and knows the law. Call him today if you are seeking an attorney in his area."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Laukkonen for several years now. I have had many interactions with Mr. Laukkonen as a Judge Pro Tempore and as a litigator. I can attest to Mr. Laukkonen's dedication to his clients and his profession. He handles himself with the utmost professionalism."
"Mr. Laukkonen is undoubtedly a top notch attorney who has skillfully mastered his primary area of practice over the course of his professional experience. His sharp critical thinking and flawless work ethic are perhaps the key qualities which ensured the success of a remarkable number of his cases. I endorse this lawyer and encourage anyone who needs superior legal representation to opt for his services."
"I endorse this lawyer. His answers to questions posed are very informative and well thought out."
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney."
"I endorse attorney James Laukkonen. Provides excellent legal answers on Avvo for people seeking assistance. An asset to the legal profession."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"With a great track record of published answers to consumers' questions on Avvo.com and the recommendations from clients and attorneys alike, it is easy to see that attorney Laukkonen is skilled and knows the law well too. If you have a legal question in his area of expertise, he is your answer."
"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. James takes the time to get to know both his clients and their cases. He is very well prepared, and he gets results!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have observed scores of answers by Mr. Laukkonen to the criminal law questions presented here on Avvo. He clearly knows the law and what he is doing. He takes great care in giving a substantive answer, not just a one-liner that provides no help to the asker. When I see he has answered a question, I read the answer too because I like to see his take on it. If he puts that much care and consideration into Avvo questions, just think how well he takes care of his own clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"The reality is, family law crosses over with criminal law more often than not. As a family law practitioner I know when I have a criminal law related question I can go to Jim and he will get me the right answer. More importantly, if he does not know the answer he will take the time to find it. I cannot express how important it is to have an attorney who you can turn to who will lead you in the right direction. Whether it is writing, research or oral arguments Jim is a bright and talented attorney. I have the pleasure of working with him every day and with that said I know that he puts his talents to the test. Not only does Jim get results, I see firsthand how Jim puts the interests of his clients first. If you have a criminal law related matter you can't go wrong choosing Jim Laukkonen to represent you."
"James is a zealous advocate committed to defending his client's rights and interests. He has an excellent grasp of the law and the system, which he uses to achieve favorable results for his clients. I gladly endorse this lawyer!"
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Experience
Honors
2019
Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year - Western Washington, US Business News Legal Elite Awards
2017
Top Contributor, AVVO
2016
Top Contributor, Avvo
2016
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Washington Supreme Court
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor, Avvo
2014
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Washington Supreme Court
2013
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Washington Supreme Court
2012
Pro Bono Honor Roll, Washington Supreme Court
2008
Thomas Carl Damewood Evidence Award, Washington and Lee University, School of Law
2005
Cum Laude, Western Washington University
Work Experience
2017 - Present
Attorney, Laukkonen Law, PLLC
2017 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, City of Olympia Municipal Court
2016 - Present
Board Member, Thurston County Bar Association
2013 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, Thurston County District Court
2010 - 2011
Managing Member, Laukkonen Law Office, PLLC
2008 - 2016
Associate Attorney, Cordes Brandt, PLLC
2006 - 2007
Rule 9 Intern, Snohomish County Public Defender's Office
Associations
2015 - Present
Washington State Veterans Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2008 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Thurston County Bar AssociationMember
2008 - Present
Criminal Defense Section, Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2020 - 2021
Thurston County Bar AssociationPresident
2019 - 2020
Thurston County Bar AssociationPresident-Elect
2018 - 2019
Thurston County Bar AssociationTreasurer
2014 - 2020
Veterans of Foreign WarsPost Judge Advocate
2008 - 2008
Lexington Principles ProjectAssociate
2008 - 2013
Thurston County Young Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - 2013
Washington State Bar Association, Young Lawyers DivisionMember
2008 - 2011
Washington State Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Thurston County felony sex offense
Original counts dismissed, plea to misdemeanors.
Thurston County Appeal to Superior Court
Dismissed.
Mason County Violation Controlled Substances Act
Dismissed before trial.
Mason County jury trial
Not guilty jury verdict
City of Olympia gross misdemeanor
Dismissed before trial.
Thurston County jury trial
Not guilty jury verdict
Snohomish County Jury Trial
Not guilty jury verdict
Education
2008
Washington and Lee University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005
Western Washington University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
Publications
2021
Thurston County Bar News
President's Message
2020
Thurston County Bar News
President's Message
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I seal my record since I can’t expunge it?
11 Jul 2024
Q&A
Domestic violence? Reconciliation/Mediation
07 Aug 2020
Q&A
What are the likely penalties if someone was caught dumping a bag of trash in a nearby apartment complex's dumpster?
26 Sep 2019