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Christopher A Swaby
About Christopher
Biography
Christopher Swaby has successfully represented clients accused of serious criminal offenses in state and federal courts with respect and compassion or more than twenty years. A fearless trial attorney, he has extensive experience with very serious matters including sexual assaults, child molestations and murder. Christopher is committed to treating every client with the dignity that all human beings deserve, and to listening to his clients carefully to understand their needs and perspective. Christopher has represented clients on domestic violence and sexual offenses since he began his legal career in 1990, and is very experienced in investigating, negotiating and litigating complex cases, to the benefit of his clients.
Christopher believes that even the hardest fought battles should be fought with respect, and is therefore liked and respected by both his opponents and the judges before whom he practices. He is an aggressive advocate with an easygoing nature. His ability to empathize with others allows him to more effectively advocate for his clients in court and to negotiate with prosecutors. He has honed his skills as a storyteller, and is prepared to make sure that both sides of the story are told effectively when he takes a case to trial. This approach has resulted in an impressive record of victories and clients well-served by his advocacy.
Christopher is highly experienced and well prepared for the work at the Meryhew Law Group. He graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelors degree in Psychology in 1983. He was awarded a law degree from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1990. A Washington, D. C. native, Christopher went to work for the Public Defender Service for the District of Columbia (PDS) immediately after law school and worked his way from juvenile court to serious adult felony cases, handling complex murder and sex cases. In 2000, he moved to eastern Washington, where he opened his own law firm in Kennewick, Washington representing clients in juvenile, misdemeanor and felony cases in state and federal courts across eastern Washington. In 2008, he moved to Seattle and joined the Defender Association, trying many serious felony cases in King County Superior court as a senior defender and supervisor. Christopher is a member of the District of Columbia and Washington State Bar Associations, as well as being admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Washington and the U.S. Supreme Court.
Christopher loves his work and looks forward to helping you.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Criminal Defense
100%
35 years
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Washington for 25 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Licensed in District of Columbia for 34 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Location
Clark County Public Defense
1300 Franklin Street, Suite 560, Vancouver, WA, 98660
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Christopher A Swaby's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 11 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 4, 2021 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Case
Have a very hard time to get ahold of him will not send messages or calls back. Isn't working for you
Christopher Swaby
Replied last May 8, 2025I'm saddened to learn that someone whom I apparently represented wasn't satisfied with the advice given. I am in court around the state often, so it can be difficult to get in touch with me by phone but I am always available by email. I return emails in a prompt fashion. I hope the poster will call or write to me soon so I can address his/her concerns.
Posted by Charles | January 18, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Personable man with great ethics.
I had the pleasure of being represented by Mr. Swaby in Benton County. He stood by my side as I faced for 54 months for bogus charges. After a short time, I was released and charges dropped. I will never forget how Chris helped me almost 10 years ago. Forever thankful.
Posted by Louie | November 19, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A compassionate professional
I met Christopher Swaby when he was assigned to my case by the Office of Assigned Council when I was facing charges of Felony Vehicular Assault. We were up against a particularly aggressive prosecutor with a reputation as a “take-no-prisoners” hard liner and a long list of convictions in similar cas...
Posted by Ted | August 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Terrific man. Awesome attorney
Christopher Swaby defended me in 2004. He is a very kind man and an excellent attorney. He is missed in Tri-Cities.
Posted by Kimberly | June 15, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Couldn't have asked for a better attorney
I was accused of assault with a deadly weapon for defending myself in a domestic violence incident in my own home. Mr. Swabby never doubted my innocence and he didn't back down from the prosecution. He stood up for me and didn't take any nonsense. He's very passionate about his job and a very caring ...
Christopher A Swaby's Lawyer Endorsements
"I met Chris as a colleague while we were both public defenders years ago in King County. He has always been tireless in pushing for his clients to be treated with dignity in a system that often left many feeling powerless. He was the guy who challenged the state on every viable issue. He remains a tremendous advocate. There are some attorneys, especially in criminal defense, that make it clear this is not just a job to them. That is Chris. Every client is important to him."
"When I was a prosecutor, there was one defense attorney I dreaded facing, Chris Swaby. His charm and intellect were such a potent combination that facing Chris always made a case much more difficult. Now, as a criminal defense attorney, I have an even greater appreciation for Chris's ability."
"Chris is an exceptional lawyer. He works hard for his clients and gets phenomenal results."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris may be the best criminal attorney in Washington State. He is amazing. I am now lucky enough to work with him on my second collaboration with him. I am a family law lawyer and he has now handled two of my clients' criminal law cases while I handled the family law matters. On my first case with Chris, my client was a mother whose child had been taken from her care and put into a foster home. As I sit her now, all of her children are home, primarily because he won her criminal case which all, including myself, thought was impossible to win. And, perhaps, as only us lawyers can respect, he won it on what is flippantly called a "technicality." I was fortunate to get to be in the courtroom when he won the case! I had packed my lunch and was ready for a full day of trial. But...no sooner than I'd gotten there (! ) he'd won the case on a preliminary motion and me and my client were OUTTA THERE! If he had not won, those kids would have grown up in foster care."
"I highly recommend Christopher. He is extremely knowledgeable about issues that arise within criminal defense cases, and conducts himself with integrity and kindness. He has been a valuable source of information and help to me, especially in sex defense cases. I highly recommend him to anyone in need of a criminal defense attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Swaby and I are members of Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I have had the pleasure of dealing with Mr. Swaby through this organization and I can recommend him without reservation as an excellent and principled attorney who not only zealously advocates for his clients but who also supports his colleagues in the ultimate pursuit of justice."
"Attorney Swaby's commitment to excellence is what sets him apart. He has a high level of expertise from his years of experience as a top notch defense lawyer at all levels. His intellectual ability allows him to recognize and handle the individual nuances of each case, instead of just doing what has worked in the past. This is why his clients feel he does his absolute best for them. I have the utmost respect for Chris and his capabilities as a attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Well respected attorney and a Georgetown graduate..."
"I have been reading his answers to defendant's question and I agree with his assessments and reasoning. He knows what he is talking about!!"
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse Christopher Swaby, Esq. Smart, hard-working and very good results for the client."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris and I have been opposing counsel on a number of matters. He is a formidable opponent and advocates tirelessly and effectively on behalf of his clients. Chris clearly cares about his clients and will fight for them at all stages of a case. In trial, he quickly gains the respect of both judges and juries. He is a very persuasive litigator who fights for his clients."
"I had the opportunity to work alongside Chris during the time he served on the indigent defense panel in Benton County. Chris is one of the most passionate, caring and dedicated advocates I have had the opportunity to observe. Chris truly connected with his clients, both court appointed and private and it was clear to see that each case and each person whom he represented was of high importance to him. Chris is an experienced trial attorney with a wealth of experience and legal expertise. I endorse Chris Swaby."
"Chris is the type of lawyer who will zealously advocate for his client's position regardless of the charge. He has worked in the criminal defense arena for years and done so in various courts throughout Washington State. Chris is well respected for his courtroom demeanor and ability to present his client's in the best possible manner. He is always well prepared and when negotiations with the prosecutor do not yield the anticipated result, he is an adept trial attorney."
"As a former prosecutor, I had the opportunity to work with Chris on a number of cases, including one particularly interesting trial matter. Chris's ability to relate to a jury and effectively question witnesses helped him achieve a fantastic result in our case. He is smart and personable, and that comes across to judges and juries alike. If a friend or loved one of mine were in trouble, I would not hesitate to recommend Chris to them immediately."
"Chris endevours to provide the best defense possible for each and every client by being creative and using his vast experience on high profile criminal cases. He is approachable and always willing to contribute to fellow attorneys. I recommend Christopher Swaby."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Chris for several years and have seen him in court zealously advocating on behalf of his clients-in pretrial motions though trial. A judge recently said to me, "Chris Swaby is one of the finest lawyers who has appeared before me." Chris is one of the best criminal defense attorneys in Washington."
"I endorse this lawyer. Christopher Swaby is a talented and dedicated trial attorney who brings decades of experience to his cases. Christopher is an extremely effective story teller, who can help a Jury, a Prosecutor or a Judge realize that there really are two sides to every story. His track record of success at trial is impressive, and any client represented by him can be assured they will be very well served. Christopher's passion, common sense and commitment to human dignity are obvious to his client's and to the entire legal community. If you are accused of sexual misconduct I strongly endorse this attorney."
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Experience
Work Experience
2015 - 2015
Partner, The Bible Law Group
2012 - 2015
Associate, The Meryhew Law Group PLLC
2008 - 2012
staff attorney, The Defender Association
2002 - 2008
solo practitioner, Law Firm of Christopher A. Swaby
2000 - 2001
associate, Armstrong Klym Waite & Atwood PS
1999 - 2000
solo practitioner, Law Firm of Christopher A. Swaby
1990 - 1999
staff attorney, Public Defender Service of the District of Columbia
Associations
2016 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationBoard Member
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2012 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
2012 - Present
Benton Franklin County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2012 - Present
King County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2008 - Present
Loren Miller Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2002 - Present
Leadership TriCitiesMember
2002 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of WashingtonAttorney Member
2001 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationAttorney Member
2000 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2000 - Present
United States Supreme Court BarAttorney Member
1999 - Present
United States District Court for the District of ColumbiaAttorney Member
1990 - Present
District of Columbia BarAttorney Member
2019 - 2019
National Criminal Defense Collegeattendee
2019 - 2020
Washington Defender AssociationPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Child molestation
Acquittal
Child abuse
Acquittal
Violent crime
Acquittal
Education
1990
Georgetown University Law Center
JD - Juris Doctor
1983
University of Virginia
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2023
WDA Ethics Seminar
Race in Jury Selection
2023
Trial Advocacy Program
Trial Advocacy
2016
Defending Clients Who Arent Like You
co chair
2014
Hot Topics in Criminal Defense: Pre-Filing to Post-Conviction
Polygraphs
Publications
1989
Criminal Law Bulletin, Vol. 25, No.1 (January/February 1989).
The Assistance of Counsel Clause in the Year 2000
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Speedy trial in Washington state?
10 Jun 2021
Q&A
I am fighting a charge of unlawful possession of a firearm in the first degree if I plea out can the federal courts pick it up
20 May 2019
Q&A
Charged with defrauding an innkeeper in Puyallup wa
31 Dec 2016