Mark W Muenster

Criminal defense Attorney at Vancouver, WA

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Gave legal advice without needing to hire him

Very Friendly and Knowledgeable

About Mark

Learn Mark’s areas of practice.

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Mark Muenster attended four years of college at Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut graduating with a B.A. in 1976. He studied law at Boston University School of Law, in Boston, Massachusetts and graduated with a Juris Doctor degree in 1979. Mark has devoted most of his legal career to criminal defense work.

Mark is admitted to practice law in Washington, Massachusetts, the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, and the United States Supreme Court.

Mark is a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and served as WACDL's president in 1997-98. He has also served on WACDL's Board of Governors, and as Chair of the Amicus Curiae Committee, which submits briefs to the Washington Supreme Court on the behalf of the organization in significant criminal law cases. He is currently a member of the WACDL's Legislative Committee, which advocates in the Legislature for reforms in the criminal law. He has received both a President's Award and Certificates of Appreciation for service to the organization.

Mark is also a member of the Washington State Trial Lawyer's Association, an organization of lawyers who represent people in personal injury litigation. He is a member of the Clark County Bar Association, and has been active in its District Court Bench Bar Committee. He has been named by Washington Law & Politics magazine as a "Super Lawyer" in 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006.

Mark has been a speaker at Continuing Legal Education seminars on topics in criminal defense for WACDL and for the Washington State Office of Public Defense. He keeps current on the cutting edge issues of criminal law, and teaches others to do the same.

Mr. Muenster has served as counsel on appeal or as amicus curiae (Friend of the Court) in over 60 reported decisions in the Court of Appeals or Supreme Court of Washington since 1984. He was appellant's lawyer in State v. Gunwall, which established the principle in Washington of independent state constitutional review in search and seizure cases.

Licensed for 43 years

State WA

Status Active

Acquired 1980

Updated 03/19/2023

State MA

Status Retired

Acquired 1979

Updated 03/17/2023

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

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Mark W Muenster

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Vancouver, WA, 98660

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5.0 / 5.0

37 customer reviews

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Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2022

Gave legal advice without needing to hire him

I had contacted Mr. Muenster when I was not sure whether I would need legal advice or not. He actually spent 45 min walking me though the situation and calming me down (without even charging me for his time!). He was extremely knowledgeable, kind, easy to talk to, and made it easy to understand the situation I was in. If I ever need to hire representation - I will definitely be calling Mr. Muenster!

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Posted by Sean | September 27, 2021

Very Friendly and Knowledgeable

I called Mark for consultation about a small claims case. He kindly took the time to walk me through the process and how best to effectively deconstruct each argument. Mark was incredibly friendly, knowledgeable, and helpful when I needed advice. If I ever have need for representation then I would definitely reach out to Mark again for his services. I highly appreciated his kindness and would recommend him to anyone searching for advice in law or representation.

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Posted by Mark | August 25, 2021

In a class all his own

Caring, knowledgeable, dedicated, professional, and skillful. As mentioned by others on this site, it is impressive to watch him in action as he represents you in court. One gets the distinct impression that he has earned the utmost respect from his peers and colleagues in the courtroom from years of distinguished service and an impeccable track record. He’s done his homework, and he presents his arguments in a concise, intelligent, and articulate manner. The fees for his services are very reasonable, but that should be a lesser consideration in your decision to hire him because he gets results. Many years ago, I had a life-altering disposition that resulted in a considerable loss of my freedoms. Over the years, Mr. Muenster has adeptly secured provisions; privileges that most people take for granted that were lost as a result of my disposition. One such privilege was my right to vote. On this occasion, Mark convinced me that I could accomplish this “Pro se.” He was very gracious in making time for me on two separate occasions to answer my questions, and did so “pro bono.” With his invaluable expertise, I was granted a Certificate of Discharge by the judge. Since then, I have presented Mr. Muenster with increasingly more difficult challenges with respect to what I was requesting from the court and he has masterfully delivered on every one of them. I apologize to any readers or prospective clients who may be annoyed with my lack of specificity regarding the aforementioned “privileges and provisions” (by excluding details of my legal petitions as a matter of privacy), but trust me when I say that I have spoken with, and have been represented by, my share of attorneys from the beginning, until meeting Mark Muenster. Ever since the first time he represented me, I will not consider hiring a different attorney. I regret that fate had not delivered me to his doorstep sooner; I strongly believe my felony disposition would have been much different, or not at all.. But, I am thankful to have him in my corner going forward. He truly is in a class by himself.

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Posted by Sefora D. | August 23, 2021

AMAZING LAWYER, highly recommend

Mark w. Muenster , Was my lawyer, he was so dedicated and understanding of what I wanted and needed. That I could tell and knew that anytime I wanted to voice my option or my concern he always listened to me. He represented me so well that I was literally in awe. He will be forever the best lawyer I have ever been in contact with especially during the pandemic. He was beyond knowledgeable about my case I had theft 2 and identity theft, that was 3 years old. I completely changed my life around and was so terrified that having those on my record that my life was going to be over but, Mark assured me that everything would and will be fine. He knew how nervous I was and anytime we had court he always called me before to make sure I was okay and tell me what that court would be about. Long story short my case was resolved and only had to do diversion for a little less then a year if I didn’t have mark I know I’d probably end up doing jail time thanks to this wonderful man I am not and doing better then ever because of his counseling and knowledge of the courts system. You will forever be the best lawyer I have ever had. Thank you Mark.

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Posted by Anthony Scott Davis | July 31, 2021

amazing

Mark is respectful, responsible, curious, excellent communication skills and excellent legal work. I have had horrible experiences with lawyers. Honestly I have learned more about law and done better on my own then most lawyers. When I did find a good lawyer before Mark the lawyer was skilled and did a great job legal wise but was a non communicating I'm way better then everyone else you're a peon type person who thought he was better then everyone. Mark was better customer friendly wise then any business I have seen and that says a lot being a lawyer because people need him he really doesn't have to be nice too and he is more then helpful. I paid $1500 to get my gun rights restored and he just sent me $333 back. I highly recommend you contact him for all your needs. If he can not help you he will find someone who can. He also helped my uncle get his rights restored as well.

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Posted by Robert | June 26, 2021

Highly Recommend Mark for Firearm Rights Restoration

After visiting several sites and speaking with several lawyers and/or law offices, I was discouraged that restoring my right to purchase and own a firearm was going to be time consuming and difficult at best. When I contacted Mark Muenster, he took the time to listen and encourage me that restoration of my rights was possible. Our talk was conversational and comfortable. I had a felony forgery conviction on record in California from 37 years ago that had resulted in a denial of my application to possess a firearm in Washington State. On my behalf, Mark was able to petition the court and have my rights restored. I never had to appear in court and Mark kept me posted on the progress of my case along the way. I am so thankful that I found Mark and I would not hesitate to recommend his services to anyone in need of firearm rights restoration. Thank you Mr. Muenster!

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Posted by Natasha | March 11, 2021

Amazing Lawyer!!!!!

To start off Mark is a very pleasant man to talk to, he is very knowledgeable and knows his stuff. He was able to answer and explain everything I needed to know about a case, and I mean in detail. Mark went above and beyond for me. There may be a lot of good lawyers but Mark is defiantly a great one. I have talked to a few other lawyers before him, and they don't even compare to him. So if you are in need of a lawyer, Mark is your man.

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Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2021

I highly recommend Mark Muenster

I consulted with Mark on a misdemeanor case from 13 years ago. Mark was able to get the case dismissed. I highly recommend Mark to anyone looking for an attorney. He genuinely cares and got this resolved in a few days. Thank you for your assistance with this matter. I am so grateful.

Posted by Andy | September 28, 2020

Great lawyer

Mark Muenster had my right to possess firearms restored for me with no hassle. He was very affordable and promptly got back to me with any questions I had and kept me well informed on my case. I would recommend him.

Posted by Vic | July 30, 2020

Gun Rights!

Upon sheriff's denial of my right to Purchase a handgun due to an out of state 1976 criminal record error in the NCIS database I was able to secure the records needed and got the error corrected but hit a brick wall with the local sheriffs office. I had updated the sheriff and on their advice I re-applied for the firearm and again was denied. I then consulted with several attorneys and landed on Mark Muenster. Mark was able to quickly and effectively cut thru all the bureaucracy and my next purchase attempt was approved. I can say with 100% certainty that without Mark's assistance I would still be dealing with my local Sherriff trying to get them to approve the purchase. I highly recommend Mark Muenster if you are seeking quick resolution for the erroneous denial of your second amendment rights.

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Posted by Joshua | March 25, 2020

Excellent Service

Mark helped me with getting my gun rights restored and I couldn't be happier with his swift and excellent service. A matter I was very nervous about, Mark made this process very easy and with little stress.

Posted by anonymous | December 20, 2019

More help than the attorney I paid to represent me

Mark spent more than an hour on the phone with me discussing my case and offered more insight and ideas than the attorney I paid to represent me has yet to do. I contacted him after becoming dissatisfied with my hired attorney. I wish that I had called Mark first. He is thoughtful and engaging and seemed genuinely interested in helping me.

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Posted by scott | November 7, 2019

Scott A

Mark was great helping me restore my rights! He was very detailed and straight forward did a fantastic job I would highly recommend him!!

Posted by anonymous | August 19, 2019

Great Person!

I spoke with Mark about my case. He took the time to actually listen and gave me great advice. He didn't charge me a penny for any of this and I could tell he really wanted the best for me. He really knows what he's doing. I would recommend Mark to anyone. Thank you so much Mark.

Posted by Dean | July 9, 2019

Extremely Happy Client

I was looking to have my gun rights restored and ran into Mark's name on Google. I live in Cowlitz County and Mark is located in Clark County. I was hesitant at hiring Mark for helping me because him and I were not from the same County. After talking with Mark I was convinced he was the right person for the job. It was a very simple process. You pay the deposit like you would for any attorney and he does the rest. I did not have to show up for any hearings or any other meetings. Mark was very good at communicating to me throughout the process. At the end I even received a refund of my initial deposit. Now who does that? When all was said and done I have my gun rights restored thanks to Mark. I highly recommend Mark for any reason you need an attorney.

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Posted by Michael | May 14, 2019

Simply The Best / Restoration of Firearm Rights

In my younger years I made a series of extremely poor decisions that lead to the revocation of my firearm rights. A couple of years ago I made the decision to make an attempt at putting my past entirely behind me. I initially had a conviction for a felony as a juvenile and a domestic violence conviction as a young adult, which were sealed and vacated respectively. Then came the final step, restoration of my firearm rights. When I initially began to do my research on the restoration process, it became quickly evident that a skilled attorney would be needed to address my seemingly complicated legal hurdle. After doing considerable research and asking around I reached the consensus, that Mark W. Muenster would be the one to call. Originally I reached out to Mark through his website and he was very responsive to my request for a consultation and we quickly set up an appointment to meet at his office conveniently located in downtown Vancouver near the courthouse. During our conversation, Mark was able to answer every question I had in a thoughtful manner and explain things in a way that made sense to me. Once hired, everything was in his hands. One of the best parts was not having to be present in the courtroom! I have had my firearm rights for nearly three months now and have obtained a Washington CPL with a Utah and Oregon pending at this time. Because of the experienced, high quality representation Mark has offered me in advancing past this last legal hurdle, for the first time in over a decade I truly feel as though I have my life back once again and can put everything behind me. Mark is part of the upper echelon of experienced high quality lawyers in the Clark County. I hope the need will never arise that I need the assistance of an attorney, but I know that should that day ever come I would not hesitate to contact Mark. If you, or anyone you know needs their firearm rights restored. Give Mark a call, it'll be one of the best decisions you'll ever make.

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Posted by Rev. Garron | February 11, 2019

Competent & Professional

I had a tenant file a claim with Adult Protective Services against myself and my wife. The claim was entire baseless and fabricated, but was written in 4 pages of lies and falsehoods. Mark took the time to walk us through the procedure. Helped by guiding us as to the correct documentation to evidence our position. He spent over 3 hours with us on the phone with APS and in the end we received letters from APS stating that every allegation against us was found to have been unsubstantiated. The entire activity was thrown out as a falsehood - and Mark returned our leftover money in trust. He was fair. He was professional. He got the product that was needed. I would recommend him.

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Posted by Anatoly | September 18, 2018

Very happy

Very happy Mark spent his time looking and tracking down paperwork fois me . Probably used his resources to find. I was looking to resolve an active warrant and small crime. Mark in the end email me all paper work and only delivered good news.

Posted by Chad | March 2, 2018

Gun Restoration

Mark did an excellent Job. Painless and easy, I highly recommend him. He was very honest, and he even refunded me some of my money because he did not use all of the retainer. I mean come on , what attorney gives you money back. Thank You!

Posted by Mark | September 16, 2017

Vacating Felony Conviction & Restoring Rite to Own Firearms

I have used the services of several attorneys over the last 16 years. Mr. Muenster is the only attorney that did exactly what he said he would do, exactly when he said he would do it and within the budget we established. Most happy with his excellent service and results. Mr. Muenster was able to have my felony convictions vacated and my right to own firearms restored in a very short time. Thank you, Mr. Muenster

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Education

Boston University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1979

Yale University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1976

Legal Cases

State v. Gunwall 106 Wn. 2d 54 (1986)

State v. Belgarde, 110 Wn. 2d 504 (1988)
reversal of murder conviction

State v. Brett, 126 Wn. 2d 136 (1995)

View all legal cases

Associations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2003 - Present

Washington State Association for Justice
1995 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1987 - Present

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Super Lawyer
Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2006

Super Lawyer
Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2005

Certificate of Appreciation
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2001

President's Award
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1994

Certificate of Appreciation
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1991

View all awards

Attorney endorsements

Received (11)

Given (11)

Endorse Mark

Edward Dunkerly

Appeals Attorney | Aug 05
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is an excellent appeal lawyer, his knowledge the law is vast."

John Green

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is at the helm of an elite group of highly experienced local Clark County, WA defense lawyers. Clients as well as fellow defense attorneys know that when in doubt, the best policy is to call Mark."

James Gray

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Mark for more than 20 years. Criminal defense is an area in which the defendant is always David to the prosecutor's Goliath. But Mark works hard to change that balance so that his clients can get a fair shake. Mark is well read in the law, which means he is aware of the cases and arguments that will help his clients. I am pleased to endorse Mark for all areas in which he practices."

Michael Waddington

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mark. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

David Meyer

Criminal defense Attorney | May 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I've referred many friends and clients to Mark. He has an exceptional legal mind."

N. David Shamloo

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Mark is an excellent attorney. We have worked on several cases together."

Joseph Loughlin

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

William Thayer

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 03
Relationship: Friend

"Mark is an excellent lawyer."

Michael Tario

Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 18
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Andrew Wheeler

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mark is one of my "go to" attorneys when I run into a statutory issue. Mark's knowledge of the law is second to none and he has always been willing to share advice and counsel. A truly valued member of the Clark County Bar."