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Chris A. Bugbee

also known as Chris Bugbee
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Avvo Rating10
  • Spokane, WA
  • Licensed for 25 years
  • Free consultation
Chris A. Bugbee
Chris A. Bugbee
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About Chris

Former Prosecutor. 25 years experience. Dedicated & Aggressive DUI Defense. Available 24/7!

Chris Bugbee has been an attorney in Spokane, Washington for over 25 years.  He started his legal career with the Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office.  He prosecuted all crimes and ultimately was a Felony Drug Prosecutor and a Major Crimes Prosecutor.  After working as a prosecutor for 6 years he then became a Criminal Defense Attorney.  Chris has had his own law firm for over 11 years. 

 

Chris graduated from University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law in 1995 and was admitted into the Washington State Bar that same year.  He currently is a member of the Washington State Bar Association and the Idaho State Bar Association, in addition to having great peer and client review ratings on AVVO and Martindale-Hubbell. 

 

He has lived in Spokane for 25 years and is married with 3 children.  He spends his off time riding his Harley Sportster and enjoying outdoor activities with his family. 

Chris has dedicated his career to helping those in a time of need.  His primary focus is:

  • Criminal Defense
  • DUI
  • Felony traffic violations
  • Drug Charges
  • Felonies
  • Federal Crimes

 

Practice areas

Criminal defenseDUI and DWI
  1. DUI and DWI: 80%

    Exclusive DUI & DWI practice focusing on all types of intoxication and vehicular cases in both Eastern Washington & North Idaho.

    26 years

  2. Criminal defense: 20%

    Exclusive criminal practice focusing on all types of criminal cases in both state and federal courts in Eastern Washington & North Idaho.

    26 years

Languages spoken

English

Contact

1312 N Monroe St
address map

Bugbee Law Office, P.S.

1312 N Monroe St
Ste 147
Spokane, WA, 99201-2623

Fax (509) 327-7768
Website
http://www.bugbeelaw.com

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
IDAuthorized to practice law200301/08/2021
WAActive199512/23/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers3
Legal guides1
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
10 Best Attorneys, Exceptional and Outstanding Client ServiceAmerican Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys2017
Top 100 LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2015
AV Preeminent Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2015
Top 100 Trial LawyersThe National Trial Lawyers2014
Top Lawyers 2014Spokane & Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine2014
AV Peer Review RatingMartindale-Hubbell2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Attorney/OwnerBugbee Law Office, P.S.2003 - Present
AttorneyRobert Cossey & Associates, P.S.2002 - 2003
Deputy Prosecuting AttorneySpokane County Prosecuting Attorney1996 - 2002
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Idaho State BarAdmitted to Practice2003 - Present
U.S. District Court of IdahoAdmitted to Practice2003 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitAdmitted to Practice2003 - Present
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of WashingtonAdmitted to Practice2002 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAdmitted to Practice1995 - Present
Spokane County Bar AssociationMemberN/A
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMemberN/A
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMemberN/A
Idaho Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMemberN/A
Federal Bar Association (Eastern District of Washington chapter)MemberN/A
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
McGeorge School of Law, University of the PacificJ.D.1995
University of California - IrvineBA - Bachelor of Arts1992
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Law & Justice Committee MeetingReliability of informant testimony2013
Criminal Law SmorgasbordETHICAL OBLIGATIONS IN CRIMINAL LAW: For Prosecutors and Defense2012
Handling the Police Liability ClaimDefending A Police Liability Claim2011

Reviews

(32)
5 Star
94%
4 Star
3%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
3%
Review Chris Bugbee

Misdemeanor

Posted by

I thank God for great attorney Mr Bugbee!! He was very professional,listened to my needs and handle my case well. The fee I was charged was reasonable.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Humanity and integrity

Posted by

From the first frantic moment I connected with Bugbee Law office, I was treated with compassion and respect. I was given options I had no idea were possible and Chris suggested each based on what we together considered would be a good, effective, productive fit. I will recommend anyone seeking representation re DUI immediately call Chris Bugbee. He is conscientious with regard to all your specific circumstances, finances, options short and long term, and emotional strengths..
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Saved from a felony charge!

Posted by

I could not have asked for a better lawyer than Mr. Chris Bugbee! Honestly, with my history I should have received way more time than I did & I was looking at at least 1 felony. Chris acted swiftly and stood strong for my defense leaving me with a DUI (misdemeanor) serving 30 days in-house & 60 days EHM due to my prior convictions over the past 21 years. My case was settled within 30 days & he saved me from 2 felony counts of vehicular assault that would have resulted in me serving multiple months in jail at a minimum! He was always available to me whether or not he had to call me in the evening or even on the weekend which did occur once or twice! Hence why I'm completely surprised at a few of the negative reviews I read. The first one stated he was unavailable & ignored these individuals completely. I find this extremely hard to believe because even if he is to busy to respond right away he has an AMAZING assistant who does it for him! Furthermore, the one accusing him of being a bad public defender is a complete falsity! I can say this with confidence as I was referred to Bugbee Law by someone who grew up with Chris & went to school with him & he confirmed this to be false! If you want to be defended by an individual who is smart, confident, kind, to the point with no B.S. & truly knows the law you must choose Chris Bugbee with Bugbee Law!!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Exceptional Service

Posted by

I feel so fortunate to have come across the Bugbee Law Firm just by chance. It was a God-send! The entire group provided top notch service with professionalism, excellent knowledge of the court system and positive outcome. That's saying something as DUI charges create high anxiety. Chris and Kimberly were always patient and genuinely caring for me. They explained how things would go so I could address requirements before they were even required by the court. The overall outcome was much better than I could have imagined. Thanks Chris and Kimberly, you both made it much easier for me in so many ways!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

This guy doesn't mess around !!!

Posted by

I replaced my public pretender and hired Chris and I'm glad I did. Somehow he got the prosecutor to agree to dismiss the DV 4th degree assult charge and I didn't even have to go to court. Wow !!! Chris was attentive and informative from day one. I would hire him again with out a doubt.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great attorney

Posted by

Very helpful and kind. He really knew what he was doing and put my mind at ease
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Amazing and thorough attorney

Posted by

Chris is a thoughtful and thorough attorney. He was sure to give me all the details of what I could expect and what he hoped to accomplish. He made sure I was prepared for my court dates and also reminded me of each one on the morning of so that I would not be late or miss them. I would highly recommend Chris if you are looking for an excellent lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Helpfully

Posted by

I would highly recommend him he did an amazing job and is all about business.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

High price attorney without the high cost!!

Posted by

Chris is a great attorney! He was able to get me the result that I and my family desired. Should I need his services again(I hope not) I will not hesitate to call him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Kept me from becoming a felon

Posted by

Great lawyer, about his business. My charges were DUI and felony possession of heroin. I ended up with misdemeanor DUI, all drug charges dropped
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(20)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Marcelino Lopez, DUI and DWI Attorney on Feb 17, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney Bugbee is the go to Attorney for DUI cases in Spokane. His dedication to his clients and willingness fight is well known. It is without hesitation I endorse this attorney.

Benjamin Glass, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 15, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

If you have been arrested for DUI in or near Spokane, I highly recommend that you check out Chris Bugbee, his team and his website. There's a ton of free information available to get your started. If you are serious about your future you should not be hiring a lawyer based on lowest fee. Do your research and find a lawyer with experience and a proven track record.

Stuart Cassel, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Chris is an excellent attorney who works hard for his clients. I highly recommend him as a criminal defense attorney.

Joseph Sullivan, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 3, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Chris is a fantastic lawyer and is a pleasure to work with. He works tirelessly for his clients.

Jacqueline Porter, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Chris has an impeccable reputation. I would easily recommend him for defense in anything from DUIs to major crimes.

Alexander Biel, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 13, 2015
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

It has been a pleasure learning from and working with such a well respected attorney in the community.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Andrea Poplawski, Criminal defense Attorney on May 11, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Chris is an excellent lawyer. He is hard working, well prepared on his cases and a zealous advocate! Chris stands out among other attorneys as his knowledge of the law, trial skills, and professional appearance combined with his street smarts make him a lawyer you definitely want on your side. I strongly endorse this lawyer.

Carl Hueber, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 25, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

John Stine, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 30, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. One of the best attorneys in Spokane County.

Scott Staab, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Bugbee is an exceptional lawyer. If your case isn't very important, hire any lawyer. If your case is very important to you, you are in skilled hands with Chris Bugbee. You want him on your side.

Lewis Cooney, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 11, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have known Chris Bugbee for several years and have seen how hard he works for his clients. Chris is always ready to take on the tough cases. His knowledge and work ethic consistantly lead to great results for his clients. I strongly endorse this lawyer.

Anna Cutler, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 3, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I know Chris Bugbee as an outstanding person and lawyer. He is ethical and a hard worker. I endorse this lawyer. Anna Cutler

Deanna Crull, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 25, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Chris's skills, experience and fearless attitude when advocating for his clients makes him one of the top criminal defense attorneys in Spokane. Chris is professional and effective and I am confident that anyone who has Chris for a criminal defense attorney is in excellent hands.

Ronald Van Wert, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 21, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I have witnessed Chris represent clients in complex, multi-defendant federal criminal cases. He is a competent and accomplished attorney, who is well respected by his peers.

John Kidd, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 21, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Chris is an exceptional criminal defense attorney. His courtroom presence, experience, and knowledge combine to make him a formidable adversary and someone who inspires confidence in his clients. I am happy to endorse Mr. Bugbee.

Senit Lutgen, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Chris Bugbee is a fantastic lawyer. This is the type of lawyer you will want if you are facing criminal charges in Washington. Chris has a reputation for taking on hard cases and doing excellent work for his clients.

Timothy Note, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I fully endorse Mr. Bugbee. He is a strong advocate and has a reputation for taking on some of the most difficult criminal defense cases in Eastern Washington.

Dennis Beemer, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 20, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. I have referred several clients to Mr. Bugbee, and all have been exceptionally pleased with his professionalism, quality of work, legal skills and competency. I am also personally and professionally familiar with Mr. Bugbee, and highly recommend him as legal counsel.

Phillip Wetzel, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 19, 2011
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a great lawyer. He has an outstanding courtroom presence. He enjoys great respect from prosecutors, and this has been earned through repeated successful trial outcomes. I have no hesitancy in referring him cases and look forward to working with him again.

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