Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
20 Client Reviews
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Steven Whitman Thayer
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About Steven
Biography
For more than 45 years Steve Thayer has dedicated his practice to defending people who have been persecuted by the police and prosecuted by the government. He has successfully defended clients throughout South West Washington in virtually every kind of criminal case including murder, manslaughter, assault, DUI, vehicular homicide, marijuana grow/manufacture cases, sexual assault including date rape, child molestation and child pornography, domestic violence, and drug possession and delivery cases. He is a founding member and former Vice President of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. He has been AV Preeminent rated by the Martindale-Hubbell peer review process for 25 years, and has been recognized as a Super Lawyer many times over the years in a survey of Washington attorneys conducted by the Washington Law and Politics Magazine.
Over 37 years protecting people persecuted by the police and prosecuted by the government.
Over 35 years protecting people who have been persecuted by the police & prosecuted by government.
Protecting people who have been persecuted by the police and prosecuted by the government since 1977
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
35%
49 years | 1,000 cases
DUI and DWI
35%
49 years | 1,000 cases
Domestic Violence
30%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2023
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 48 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1977
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2006
Location
Steven W. Thayer, P.S.
(360) 694-7921
Fax
112 W. 11th Street, Suite 200, Vancouver, WA, 98660
swthayer.com/Attorneys/Steven-W-Thayer.shtmlGallery
Steven Whitman Thayer's Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by anonymous | February 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Highly recommend! Professional and well prepared DA
I can certainly attest that Mr. Thayer and his team really strive to provide the highest level of professional service and achieve the best possible outcomes for his clients. If you are in situation and you need a professional defense attorney, I would strongly recommend Mr. Thayer and his team. He's...
Posted by anonymous | June 22, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Professional and well prepared
Steve is a good man and a super experienced criminal Lawyer. It was a very difficult situation. While the outcome wasn't perfect, it was definitely way better than in could have been. He fought valiantly a battle against a broken and imperfect judicial system that was all focused on crushing my so...
Posted by Haley | February 13, 2023 | Hired Attorney
Steve Thayer
The staff at Thayer’s office is incredibly hard working and honest. They kept our entire family posted,and involved us in the decision making process. The worked tirelessly, and remained enthusiastic during the entirety of our ordeal. So knowledgeable, and confident. Definitely recommend to anyone ne...
Posted by anonymous | September 16, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Beyond Expectations
Understanding the legal system is not something the common citizen has the basic knowledge to facilitate a positive outcome. Steve was able to help navigate me through a daunting process and wrote briefs and filed motions that exposed several key issues in the filing of charges, resulting in a full ...
Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Exceptional lawyer. Unique talent. Look no further.
Steven won our case: assault on a police officer, in an environment prejudiced against us. He achieved this without going to trial, all by patient work and skill without tools of lesser lawyers such as sleaze, corruption ... you name it.
Steven Whitman Thayer's Lawyer Endorsements
"Steve is a knowledgeable and zealous criminal defense attorney. I endorse him."
"I would recommend Steve on any criminal matter. His reputation as an excellent defense attorney is well earned. He is meticulous in his preparation on each case and is brilliant in court."
"If there is a way to win, he will find it. As his associate and daughter, I know first hand how hard he works for his clients. His preparation is unrivaled. He is brilliant and a true champion for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. In my previous position as a Senior Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, I worked opposite Steve Thayer on numerous serious cases involving alleged felony crimes against children. Steve is always a tireless advocate and prepares his cases in way that is virtually unmatched in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve Thayer is one of the most hard working, competent, and professional attorney's I have had the pleasure to litigate against in my twenty year legal career. I prosecuted a murder, many crime against children, and other matters where Steve was the attorney representing the defendant. We didn't always agree on the facts or the law, but he always provided competent and effective representation to his clients. Steve was a formidable opponent and I respected his use of all the tools at his disposal. When Steve is your attorney you will be well served. He listens to his clients and provides zealous and competent representation on their behalf."
"Steve is one of the best lawyers in town for Criminal Defense cases. I have enjoyed working with him over the past 25 years."
"I heartily endorse this lawyer. He is absolutely the best criminal defense attorney in SW Washington."
"I endorse this lawyer.He is a true defender of the rights of the accused."
"I endorse this lawyer. Well worth the investment. Steve will fight to the end for an excellent result"
Jennifer Nugent
Estate planning lawyer
Kathryn Thayer
Criminal defense lawyer
Dustin Richardson
Unknown lawyer
James David
Criminal defense lawyer
Alan Harvey
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2006.
Reprimand issued in WA, 2006
updated on 10/30/2014This means the attorney did something wrong, but the Bar did not suspend the lawyer. Typically in this case the lawyer's poor behavior is exposed to the public in hopes that he or she will not repeat the behavior.
Steven’s comment:
“The case was a felony 2nd degree assault with firearm enhancement. The outcome of this case for client was dismissal. No conviction & no jail time on a case where the standard sentencing range was 39 to 45 months in prison. The fee dispute was resolved in client's favor.”
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2015
President's Award, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2011
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2010
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2009
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2008
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2007
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2006
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2005
Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine
2004
Super Lawyer, Wa. Law & Politics Magazine
2003
Super Lawyer, Wa. Law & Politics Magazine
2001
Super Lawyer, Wa. Law & Politics Magazine
2000
Super Lawyer, Wa. Law & Politics Magazine
1998
Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Service, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1991
Certificate of Appreciation for Distinguished Service, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Work Experience
1982 - Present
Principal, Steven W. Thayer, P.S.
1977 - 1982
Associate, Darrell E. Lee Law Office
Associations
1987 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysFounding Member
1976 - Present
Clark County Bar AssociationMember
1997 - 1998
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysVice President
1992 - 1993
Washington Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysVice President
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Doucette (2014)
Dismissal of 2nd degree murder case in Clark County, Washington
State v. Sara Monte (2014)
Dismissal of attempted 1st degree murder case in Clark County, Washington
State v. Panasevich (2014)
Dismissal of 1st degree armed robbery case in Clark County, Washington
State v. Pedersen (2013)
Dismissal of 2nd degree rape case in Clark County, Washington
State v. Vance (2013)
Dismissal of 10 count child pornography case in Clark County, Washington
State v. Kelley (2011)
Dismissal of 9 counts of sexual misconduct in the 1st degree
State v. Sjoberg (2010)
Dismissal of 1st degree manslaughter charge in Skamania County, Washington
State v. Gines (2010)
Dismissal of 1st degree child molestation case in Skamania County, Washington
State v. Acosta (1984)
Reversal of 2nd degree assault conviction
State v. Barker (2001)
Reversal of Court of Appeals rulling upholding traffic stop in DUI case
State v. Claflin (1984)
Reversal of multiple sexual assault convictions
State v. Shoemaker (1981)
Dismissal of marijuana delivery charges upheld
State v. Ellis (1979)
Dismissal of felony drug case upheld
State v. Guiterrez (1994)
Not guilty verdict on multiple counts of child rape & molestation
Education
1976
University of Puget Sound School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1972
University of Oregon
BS - Bachelor of Science
Publications
1988
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Graphic Testimony Washington Criminal Defense
Languages
English