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Chris A. Bugbee
also known as Chris Bugbee
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About Chris
Biography
Chris Bugbee has been an attorney in Spokane, Washington for over 30 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 30 years and is married with 3 children. He spends his off time hunting, fishing and other 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
Former Prosecutor. 30 years experience. Dedicated & Aggressive DUI Defense. Available 24/7!
Former Prosecutor. 30 Years’ Experience. Aggressive Criminal and DUI Defense. Available 24/7.
Former Prosecutor. 30 years experience. Dedicated & Aggressive Criminal Defense. Available 24/7!
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
80%
31 years
Criminal Defense
20%
31 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2024 2022 2021
...
+
3
Licenses
Licensed in Idaho for 22 years
State: Idaho
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Washington for 30 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1995
No misconduct found
Location
Online Presence
Other places you can find Chris online.
Chris A. Bugbee's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
55 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (55)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (33)
Advocacy (26)
Recommendation (20)
Professionalism (16)
Practice Area Knowledge (14)
Character & Conduct (10)
Communication Style (10)
General Knowledge (10)
Compassion (9)
Responsiveness (9)
Trustworthiness (6)
Cost of Services (5)
Staff & Support (3)
Payment Plans (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 55 reviews
Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2026 | Hired Attorney
The Very Best Attorney - Chris will FIGHT for you
A fellow attorney gave me the names of other Attorney's who might be able to represent you. "YOU NEED THE HELP OF AN ATTORNEY" The first name on the list is- Attorney Chris Bugbee, following our conversation, I knew Chris and his Paralegal Kimberly are my choice to represent me. It is the best dec...
Posted by Abby | January 06, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Very grateful
I’m so grateful for Mr Bugbee , when I first spoke with him I was terrified he explained all options and provided absolutely wonderful counsel and I received the outcome I wanted very professional gives honest good counsel always return calls/txt staff is great, definitely recommend
Posted by anonymous | March 10, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
Chris really helped through this process. He made this process easier for me to get through. He is very professional and I highly recommend him to anyone.
Posted by anonymous | February 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney
Logan
I found Chris by looking up his reviews online. They are all true. He is responsive, handled my situation professionally, and most of all delivered. I would recommend him to everyone and if I need a lawyer for this situation in the future, he is the one.
Posted by Igor | November 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Hired Chris to be my lawyer and was blown away with his work. Any time I had a question he was quick to answer and clarify any confusion. He is professional and I would recommend him to anyone.
Chris A. Bugbee's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"Chris is an excellent attorney who works hard for his clients. I highly recommend him as a criminal defense attorney."
"Chris is a fantastic lawyer and is a pleasure to work with. He works tirelessly for his clients."
"Chris has an impeccable reputation. I would easily recommend him for defense in anything from DUIs to major crimes."
"It has been a pleasure learning from and working with such a well respected attorney in the community."
"I endorse Chris. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. One of the best attorneys in Spokane County."
"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."
"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."
"I know Chris Bugbee as an outstanding person and lawyer. He is ethical and a hard worker. I endorse this lawyer. Anna Cutler"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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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Experience
Honors
2017
10 Best Attorneys, Exceptional and Outstanding Client Service, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2015
Top 100 Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2015
AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2014
Top Lawyers 2014, Spokane & Coeur d'Alene Living Magazine
2012
AV Peer Review Rating, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2003 - Present
Attorney/Owner, Bugbee Law Office, P.S.
2002 - 2003
Attorney, Robert Cossey & Associates, P.S.
1996 - 2002
Deputy Prosecuting Attorney, Spokane County Prosecuting Attorney
Associations
2003 - Present
Idaho State BarAdmitted to Practice
2003 - Present
U.S. District Court of IdahoAdmitted to Practice
2003 - Present
United States Court of Appeals For the Ninth CircuitAdmitted to Practice
2002 - Present
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of WashingtonAdmitted to Practice
1995 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationAdmitted to Practice
Spokane County Bar Association
Member
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Idaho Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Federal Bar Association (Eastern District of Washington chapter)
Member
Education
1995
McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific
J.D.
1992
University of California - Irvine
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
Law & Justice Committee Meeting
Reliability of informant testimony
2012
Criminal Law Smorgasbord
ETHICAL OBLIGATIONS IN CRIMINAL LAW: For Prosecutors and Defense
2011
Handling the Police Liability Claim
Defending A Police Liability Claim
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides