Sean M Downs

PRO

Sean M Downs

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Vancouver, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Appeals, DUI & DWI, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

701 Columbia Street, Unit #109, Vancouver, WA

Virtual Consultation Available

About Sean

Biography

Committed to excellence.

Representation in appeals of convictions and post-conviction relief motions.

Defending people accused of crimes at all levels: misdemeanors, felonies, sex offenses, homicides.

Defending people accused of DUI and representation at DOL hearings.

Defending all traffic offenses, including CDL offenses.

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 55%

Felonies, DUIs, misdemeanors, and juvenile offenses.

20 years | 2,500 cases

55%
Appeals 25%

Appeals and post-conviction relief of misdemeanor and felony criminal matters.

20 years | 100 cases

25%
DUI and DWI 15%

Driving under the influence, under 21 and consuming alcohol or marijuana, operating commercial vehicle with alcohol in system, and associated Department of Licensing hearings.

20 years | 300 cases

15%
Speeding and Traffic Ticket 5%

Speeding, school zone/construction zone tickets, following too close, defective equipment, negligent driving, and other driving related infractions. Department of Licensing hearings and CDL defense.

20 years | 500 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2021 2020 2015

Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 14 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2011

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 17 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Grecco Downs, PLLC

701 Columbia Street, Unit #109, Vancouver, WA, 98660

greccodowns.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find Sean online.

Sean M Downs's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

48 Client Reviews

Posted by anonymous | February 24, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Good advice, knowledgable, answers his phone!

I just had a great experience with Sean. I have not hired him (yet), but that's only because he gave me good advice on my legal issue during a consultation. I'm honestly very impressed. He could have charged me for a consultation but did not, even knowing his advice may result in me not retaining him.... He was professional, seemed experienced, and asked intelligent questions about my situation. Even better, he answered his phone on the second ring, which anyone looking for an attorney might know is unheard of. He then gave me direct advice on how my situation might be resolved without needing to involve an attorney. I know attorneys get a bad rap, but if I had to hire one, I'd definitely hire Sean. Hope this helps.

Posted by Raymond H. | January 25, 2024 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Superb the best there is

Attorney Sean Downs represented me in one of the most difficult cases to win , a 6164 petition for re sentencing which is reviewed by the prosecutors office and either granted or denied by them. He was very knowledgeable, attentive, diligent, professional and always responded to me in a timely manner.... Mr. Downs actually cares about his clients and goes above and beyond for them. There isn't a better attorney to be found. I am beyond pleased and would have been so even if I had lost which i did not. Sean Downs is the man to hire and I beyond highly recommend him

Posted by Aaron | September 9, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great experience.

I unfortunately got a speeding ticket. I used Off the record app. Sean accepted the case and he asked me what happened. He was very understanding of the situation. He showed up to court for me and got the speeding ticket thrown out. If I or anybody that I know need a lawyer, I know who I am going ba...ck to, Sean.

Posted by Timothy | August 4, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Ticket extinguisher

Sean M Downs did a great job the whole time! If I had a question he was quick to respond and overall was very helpful! I would 100% recommend he was able to take dismiss my whole speeding ticket. His nickname shall now be “The Ticket extinguisher”

Posted by anonymous | August 4, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

5 over ticket

Sean did a great job on winning the ticket I got. Although it was a small ticket it meant a lot for me to fight and get rid of it. He kept me informed and updated me on everything that was happening to the very end. He did nothing wrong but everything right THANK YOU!

See All Client Reviews

Sean M Downs's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sean
Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sean often contributes to complicated areas of DUI law. If you are in Spokane looking for representation, you need to call him asap!"

Shon William Bogar headshot
Shon Bogar

Unknown lawyer | Mar 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Oct 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Jeff Staples headshot
Jeff Staples

Unknown lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jeffrey Bennett Adams headshot
Jeffrey Adams

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 30

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Over the course of five years, I have known and at times worked closely with Sean. In that time, he has demonstrated a high level of professionalism, integrity, and competency. He is a truly committed and zealous advocate."

Lewis Dallas Keikialii Cooney headshot
Lewis Cooney

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Sean most of his legal career. He is consistently on the cutting edge of DUI and other criminal defense related issues. I can strongly endorse his work."

Teresa Thais Keene headshot
Teresa Keene

General practice lawyer | Mar 22

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer wholeheartedly. Sean is calm, smart, solid and easygoing. You will love him and his work."

Patrick T Johnson JR headshot
Patrick Johnson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Sean is an intelligent and hard working lawyer. I'm impressed with his professionalism and integrity. He prepares well and has a good understanding of cases and the best defenses. As an opposing counsel on cases against Sean, I found him to be a competent adversary who is committed to zealously representing his clients."

John Brendan Kidd headshot
John Kidd

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sean is a skilled litigator and zealous advocate for his clients. Sean knows the law and knows how to win. I endorse Sean Downs."

Carol Dee Huneke headshot
Carol Huneke

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sean Downs is an outstanding lawyer--his legal knowledge and skill are prodigious, and he will spend the time and effort to find any advantage for a client. Sean is the type of lawyer who will find legal issues that less skilled lawyers will overlook. He is professional and courteous as he aggressively pursues his clients' interests. I cannot recommend him highly enough!"

Diane Grecco headshot
Diane Grecco

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Sean is a very hard worker, intelligent, and diligent attorney. He knows the law. He works hard for each client and if you have Sean in your corner -- you can't do better. He doesn't back down from a challenge and gives each client 100%. I now have the privilege of being his law partner and even though I have been practicing 15 years . . . I always learn something new from him. He has a tremendous amount of knowledge and strives for nothing less than excellence for each client."

John Patrick Stine headshot
John Stine

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Co-worker

"I've know Sean since he started with the public defender's office and he is one of the smartest attorney you could hope to hire. He will definitely do a great job for you."

Christian J. Phelps headshot
Christian Phelps

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sean is a fantastic criminal defense attorney. He brings a keen mind and fresh enthusiasm to each new problem. His presence will be missed in Spokane. Vancouver is getting a bright addition to its legal community. Any client facing criminal issues will be well served by Sean."

Robert B. Crary headshot
Robert Crary

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Sean worked for our law firm from October 2006 until April 2008. At the time he was interning for our firm he worked 20 hours per week and full time in the summer months. Over the years we have had a number of interns and I can say that Sean was one of the best we had. He possessed the requiste skill, intelligence and dedication it took to become a fine attorney. I know that he has worked for the public defenders since leaving our office and I have heard that he has continued the good work he started with our office. I strongly recommend Sean as an attorney."

Joshua Maurer headshot
Joshua Maurer

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sean Downs is one of the most dedicated lawyers I have ever met. He knows criminal law better than the vast majority of attorney's practicing in Washington. One thing you can guarantee when you hire Sean as your lawyer is that you are retaining someone who will work harder than any other attorney and will do everything in his power to get you the best deal available. He is also honest and trustworthy. I would recommend Sean to anyone who needs a criminal lawyer."

Erek Robert Puccio headshot
Erek Puccio

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I went to law school with Sean and have also had several opportunities to see him in action in the courtroom. Sean has both the brains and the experience, which makes him one of the finest legal talents in the area. I can strongly endorse his work."

Travis S Jones headshot
Travis Jones

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Mr. Downs for several years and had the opportunity to work with him and to watch his work from afar. I recommend his services to anyone looking for someone to fight for their rights."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey D Ryding headshot
Jeffrey Ryding

Criminal defense lawyer

Miranda E Shreeve headshot
Miranda Shreeve

Criminal defense lawyer

Shon William Bogar headshot
Shon Bogar

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeff Staples headshot
Jeff Staples

Unknown lawyer

Jeffrey Bennett Adams headshot
Jeffrey Adams

Unknown lawyer

Carol Dee Huneke headshot
Carol Huneke

Unknown lawyer

Lewis Dallas Keikialii Cooney headshot
Lewis Cooney

Unknown lawyer

Teresa Thais Keene headshot
Teresa Keene

Unknown lawyer

Patrick T Johnson JR headshot
Patrick Johnson

Unknown lawyer

John Brendan Kidd headshot
John Kidd

Unknown lawyer

John Patrick Stine headshot
John Stine

Unknown lawyer

Christian J. Phelps headshot
Christian Phelps

Unknown lawyer

Robert B. Crary headshot
Robert Crary

Unknown lawyer

Diane Grecco headshot
Diane Grecco

Unknown lawyer

Joshua Maurer headshot
Joshua Maurer

Unknown lawyer

Erek Robert Puccio headshot
Erek Puccio

Unknown lawyer

Travis S Jones headshot
Travis Jones

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2020

Kenneth Weber Award, Clark County Bar Association

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2019

Top Lawyer, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine

2018

Top Lawyer, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine

2017

Top Lawyer, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine

2016

Best DWI Attorney, Best DWI Attorney

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top Lawyer, Spokane Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers

2006

Moot Court Honors Council, Gonzaga University School of Law

2006

Dean's Council, Gonzaga University School of Law

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Superior Court Commissioner Pro Tem, Clark County Superior Court

2013 - Present

Managing Partner, Grecco Downs, PLLC

2008 - 2013

Assistant Public Defender, Spokane County Public Defenders

2006 - 2008

Attorney, APR 9 Legal Intern, Crary, Clark & Domanico, PS

Associations

2015 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Clark County

Bench Bar Committee

2015 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Clark County

Member

2015 - Present

Clark County Advance Sheet Group

Founder

2011 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Member

2008 - Present

Washington Defender Association

Member

2008 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2008 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

2018 - 2022

Superior Court Criminal Policy & Procedure

Member

2018 - 2022

Superior Court Bench Bar Committee

Member

2017 - 2022

Clark County Law & Justice Committee

Member

2017 - 2022

Criminal Defense Attorneys of Clark County

President

2015 - 2016

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2014 - 2014

Clark County Bar Association

Member

2013 - 2014

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2012 - 2013

Spokane County Public Defender Advance Sheet Group

Founder

2011 - 2012

Gonzaga University School of Law Alumni Mentoring Program

Mentor

2011 - 2013

American Bar Association

Member

2006 - 2013

Spokane Attorneys For Equality (S.A.F.E.)

Member

2006 - 2007

Gonzaga Intellectual Property Law Association

President

2006 - 2007

Spokane County Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section

Member

2006 - 2007

Washington State Bar Association, Intellectual Property Section

Member

2006 - 2007

American Intellectual Property Law Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State of Washington v. A.E.

Reduced to misdemeanor, credit for time served

City of Vancouver v. T.H.

Conviction reversed and new trial granted.

State of Washington v. J.P.

Reduced to misdemeanor assault.

State of Washington v. D.W.

Conviction reversed and new trial granted.

State of Washington v. N.P.

Dismissed

City of Vancouver v. A.G.

Conviction reversed and charge dismissed.

State of Washington v. D.P.

Conviction reversed and new trial granted.

State of Washington v. J.M.

Not committed finding at contested hearing

State of Washington v. D.K.

Not Guilty at jury trial

State of Washington v. G.C.

Hung jury in two trials; plea to misdemeanor assault with credit for time served

State of Washington v. J.N.

Reduced to misdemeanor, credit for time served

State of Washington v. M.K.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. B.M.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. J.B.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. N.P.

Reduced to misdemeanor, credit for time served

State of Washington v. A.C.

Reduced to misdemeanor, credit for time served

State of Washington v. A.H.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. S.M.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. S.H.

Reduced to misdemeanors, credit for time served.

State of Washington v. M.B.

Not guilty at trial

State of Washington v. G.K.

Not guilty at trial

State v. R.P.S.

Not guilty at trial

State of Washington v. C.J.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. D.L.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. A.C.

Dismissed

City of Vancouver v. Kaufman

Conviction reversed

State of Washington v. D.J.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. G.B.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. J.K.

Amended to Assault Third Degree

State of Washington v. S.F.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. M.T.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. L.K.

Dismissed after suppression motion.

State of Washington v. S.T.

Dismissed after suppression motion.

State of Washington v. S.L.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. T.W.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. J.B.

Case dismissed after two hung jury trials.

State of Washington v. D.R.

Plea to Negligent Driving First Degree, no jail.

State of Washington v. R.I.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. A.K.

Dismissed upon motion.

State of Washington v. T.J.

DUI reduced to civil infraction; Obstructing dismissed.

State of Washington v. S.P.

Entry of Stipulated Order of Continuance, which led to dismissal.

State of Washington v. C.J.

Plea to Negligent Driving First Degree, no jail, following mistrial.

State of Washington v. J.L.

Deferred Prosecution and plea to Negligent Driving First Degree, no jail.

State of Washington v. N.P.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. T.W.

Plea to misdemeanor, no jail, no fine.

State of Washington v. D.H.

Plea to misdemeanor, no jail, no fine, no probation.

State of Washington v. K.C.

Dismissed upon motion.

State of Washington v. M.B.

Dismissed upon motion at trial.

State of Washington v. J.P.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. M.R.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. W.Z.

Not guilty at trial (Possession of Stolen Vehicle). Plea to misdemeanor DUI with credit for time served (Felony DUI).

State of Washington v. A.S.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. R.C.

Not guilty at jury trial.

State of Washington v. D.D.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. J.D.

Reduced to Assault Third Degree

City of Vancouver v. A.J.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. K.W.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. G.S.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. M.A.

Dismissed

State of Washington v. T.S.

Not guilty at jury trial.

State of Washington v. S.L.

Not guilty at jury trial.

State of Washington v. J.S.

Residential Drug Offender Sentencing Alternative.

State of Washington v. T.D.

Not guilty at jury trial.

State of Washington v. M.C.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. J.R.

Felony Harassment-threat to kill: one count dismissed, one count not guilty at trial. Assault Fourth Degree: one count dismissed, one count not guilty at trial.

State of Washington v. J.E.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. B.M.

Plea to Negligent Driving First Degree, no jail.

State of Washington v. E.H.

Dismissed.

State of Washington v. T.O.

Dismissed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2007

Gonzaga University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2003

Portland State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2022

State v. Blake

Resentencing hearings

2018

Clark County Inns of Court Ethics CLE

Ethical Issues in Appellate Practice

2018

CDACC Defense Bar Spring CLE

Prosecutorial Misconduct at Trial

2017

Clark County Indigent Defense Annual CLE

2017 Case Law Updates

2009

Handling calls from presently arrested DUI clients CLE

DUI On-Call

Publications

2012

The Spokesman-Review When are you too stoned to drive?

Languages

English

Activity

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