Josh was raised in the Pacific Northwest, growing up in the greater Seattle-Tacoma area, before graduation from Decatur High School in Federal Way Washington. He attended both Gonzaga University and Central Washington University for undergraduate studies and received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Political Science in 2002. From 2002-2005 he found his way back to Gonzaga University to obtain his Law Degree and graduated with honors before moving to Longview Washington to begin his legal career.
In Longview Josh got his start with the County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office before moving to Walstead Mertsching in 2006. While an associate there he handled general civil cases and unlawful detainer actions. After a short period of time he decided that he wanted more experience in the courtroom and to hone his jury trial skills so he moved on to the County Office of Public Defense. As a public defender Josh handled all manner of criminal cases in every court in Cowlitz County, representing indigent defendants charged with everything from DUI to serious felony matters. His dogged determination and willingness to try cases resulted in numerous acquittals on serious cases including high level domestic violence assault charges, kidnapping charges, and rape charges, saving clients decades in prison for crimes they didn’t commit.
In addition Josh makes Longview his home. He lives here with his wife of ten years and his three children. He attends church here as a member of Calvary Community Church and previously served on their trustee board and as a volunteer in their youth ministries programs.
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Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 2005
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1338 Commerce Ave Suite 101, Longview, WA, 98632
Showing 1 - 5 of 8 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | September 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney
I hired Mr. Baldwin for a case on a protection order. Not only was he not aggressive enough in representing me, but when he filed his withdraw notice and served the other party, he disclosed my new name (I had changed it to hide from the restrained party), and my address. I moved states and changed m...
Posted by Becca | July 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney
What an incredible experience. Josh and Chelsea helped me retain custody of my little boy. Josh kept me in the loop and offered the reassurance a nervous mommy needs in situations like this. I will recommend him again and again. Thank you Baldwins for helping me keep my son safe and secure.
Posted by anonymous | July 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney
He handled 3 of my cases at once and did an unbelievable job in professional manner. Would recommend him to anyone.
Posted by galina | May 31, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Joshua is a professional lawyer, he took my case and resolve it with confidence. I had DUI and DWI charges plus reckless driving and child endergement. I was going true so much stress and fills like I was losing my mind but when I talked to Josh I was relieved, he was very understanding and very hon...
Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Mr. Baldwin is not only a very effective lawyer but also honest and compassionate, a rare combination for a lawyer. He tells you straight as it is, unlike many lawyers who take a case for its financial rewards without regard of outcome. Mr. Baldwin took a difficult case and brought a positive ...
"Josh is a rare combination of incredibly intelligent and hard working as well as kind and compassionate to everyone he encounters. I can not speak highly enough about him."
"Josh is highly conscientious, has a good sense of strengths and weaknesses of the prosecution's evidence and also potential defense strategies, and he knows the criminal law well. He also has talent and good instincts in trial. If you or someone you care about is facing a criminal charge, you cannot do better than Josh."
"Josh Baldwin is thorough and conscientious and a highly effective trial lawyer. I heartily endorse him to clients looking for effective representation."
"Mr. Baldwin is a top-notch attorney with experience in some of the most serious of cases. He is a great advocate for his clients and comes up with persuasive arguments and solutions in difficult situations. As a former co-worker, I feel highly confident in his legal expertise and give him my strongest endorsement."
"Josh is a tremendously talented and knowledgeable lawyer with excellent courtroom presence and trial skills. As a young lawyer in our office, I often go to Josh for advice on how to approach a case, how to deal with bad facts, and how to prepare for different difficult trial situations. Josh always has great suggestions and has helped me grow immensely. Josh is thorough, zealous, and a fighter for his clients. I happily endorse Josh's work and skill as a criminal defense attorney."
"Joshua Baldwin is an excellent attorney. I have watched him in court and have every confidence in him. He is excellent with juries, judges and his clients. If you want representation that knows the law and knows how to get things done - then you should hire Mr. Baldwin."
"Josh is a highly innovative defense attorney. Having worked with Josh, I have observed his creative and exhaustive motion practice. He sees defenses or issues that maybe overlooked by others. I take great pleasure in discussing legal issues with Josh. I endorse his work."
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2007 - 2015
Attorney, Cowlitz County Office Of Public Defense
2006 - 2007
Associate, Walstead Mertsching Attorneys At Law
2005 - 2006
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Cowlitz County Prosecuting Attorney's Office
2005 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2005
JD - Juris Doctor
English
Legal Answers
Is there anyway to get out of going to jail for a 2nd dui? It was within 7 years of my first (2years) I wasn't on probation.
11 Jun 2018
I had a control buy in febuary?3 months ago howlong do they have to file charges
28 May 2018
Can someone threaten to file a restraining order against me to prevent me from attending a court hearing?
28 May 2018