Diane Kathleen Whaley

Diane Whaley attended Pacific Lutheran University studying Earth Science, Legal Studies and Economics.  In 1999, Diane graduated from Seattle University School of Law.  After passing the Bar, Diane started her career in criminal defense at the public defense firm - Associated Counsel For The Accused (ACA).  For three years, Diane obtained a wide-variety of experience defending clients against misdemeanor and felony offenses.  Towards the end of her tenure with ACA, Diane established herself as a talented defense attorney against felony allegations.  Diane's reputation followed her into private practice after she opened her law office in 2003.  In addition to her private practice, Diane is appointed to serious class A felony cases by the King County Department of Public Defense.  Until 2009, Diane had a relationship in multiple cities representing conflict cases in Kent, Tukwila, Des Moines and Pierce County (Superior and Juvenile Courts).  Diane served as a Judge Pro Tem in Federal Way Municipal Court until granted an opportunity to supervise Public Defense Criminal Cases in Federal Way Municipal Court for 5 years.   Diane has now moved her practice to Olympia, Washington and now serves Thurston, Lewis, Mason, Grays Harbor, Pierce, and King County.  Appearances are made in Municipal, District, and Superior Courts.  You can find articles about her work on State v. Glenn Proctor under her maiden name Diane Zumwalt. This case gained media attention after Mr. Proctor was released from jail and his case dismissed on the charge of Murder in the Second Degree.  This case was co-counseld with Green River Killer Attorney Mark Prothero.  Diane believes in equal access to justice, practicing with integrity, and zealous representation.  She has a vast depth of knowledge in the criminal defense field after handling thousands of cases over the years.  Diane has handled Class A Felonies including Murder in the First Degree, Murder in the Second Degree, Robbery in the First Degree, Robbery in the Second Degree, Theft in the Third Degree, Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Assault in the Third Degree, Assault in the Fourth Degree-Domestic Violence, Taking Motor Vehicle Without Permission, Violation of Uniform Controlled Substance Act-Possession, Delivery, etc, Trafficking Stolen Property, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the First Degree, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm in the Second Degree, Firearms Enhancement cases, DUI, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving in the First Degree, Felony and Misdemeanor Violation of a No Contact Order-Domestic Violence, Felony and Misdemeanor Harassment-Domestic Violence, Malicious Mischief in the First Degree, Malicious Mischief in the Second Degree, Malicious Mischief in the Third Degree, Strangulation-Domestic Violence, and Dangerous Weapons Enhancement cases. Extensive knowledge of criminal motions to suppress evidence, alternative reductions, alternative approaches to jail time and rehabilitation, deferred prosecutions, stipulated orders of continuance, deferred sentences, DOSA sentences, and Department of Corrections time calculation.  Diane's felony trial experience in spending months at a time in trial on serious offenses sets her apart.  Refer with confidence.