Sharon Elizabeth Chirichillo

Sharon Elizabeth Chirichillo

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 23 years

Criminal defense Lawyer Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Juvenile

About Sharon

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

We will communicate the myriad choices available to you. Aggressive representation for our clients facing serious criminal charges. Solutions to your criminal charges begin with our firm and enter a plea of “not guilty.” Following that, a detailed review of your case may uncover violations of your rights as it relates to search and seizure or other legal rights violations. Giving in to the wishes of prosecution ignores your rights and leads to jail time or the loss of your driver’s license.

24 years | 5,780 cases

50%
Juvenile Law 50%

We work hard to get the results your child needs. Upon consent of the accused we work as a team along with the parent/s to focus on a successful outcome.

24 years | 6,428 cases

50%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 45 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Oregon for 16 years

State: Oregon

Acquired: 2010

Resigned

No misconduct found

Licensed in Washington for 23 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2002

Voluntarily Resigned

No misconduct found

Location

No contact information is available for this lawyer

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Sharon Elizabeth Chirichillo's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

75 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | 1 star

Posted by Daniel | February 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Do not hire Ms. Chirichillo. She will take your money and leave you in worse legal standing.

I hired Sharon Chirichillo to represent me in a criminal case in Washington State. I am facing three Charges. Two misdemeanors and a felony. Assault 2, assault 4 DV and Harrassment DV. Ms. Chirichillo took my case for a flat fee of $9,600. Sharon said unequivocally that she would see the case through... to the end for that price, trial included. She did not. She scheduled multiple meetings with me which I took as a positive sign, but she showed up late multiple times to the meetings she scheduled, she double scheduled me and had to cancel at the last minute at least once. Ms. Chirichillo would sit on her phone and text other clients through the majority of our meetings. She would begin making the calls she needed to make in the weeks leading up to the meetings at them. Ms. Chirichillo failed at least once to inform me of a court date which nearly resulted in a warrant for my arrest. Three times my trial had to be continued at the confirmation date as Sharon had failed to acquire the necessary evidence for my defense. In fact I can say with confidence that she never prepared a defense. It is clear to me now that Ms. Chirichillo was out of her depth in a felony case. I imagine the approach of suing for peace with the prosecution might work to get a better plea bargain for dui cases or juvenile law. But felonies are another matter. Also the “deal” she was working on getting out of the prosecution, instead of building my defense, still included a felony. But all of this was not what caused me to seek other legal representation, remember I had already paid for her services in full. Following a meeting with the prosecution Ms. Chirichillo called me to schedule a meeting, i agreed. We were less then 8 weeks from trial at this point for the third time and were not likely to get another continuance from the judge. I cancelled an entire job (I am a private contractor) in order to make this meeting which I imagined was to finally produce some results. When I arrived I was left waiting for a half hour. There was no receptionist at the front desk as she had quit some months before, I found out later this was due to Sharons inability to pay her. When I entered Sharons office she was distinctly hostile. Which was incredibly odd, I did not understand why til later. Ms Chirichillo spoke to me rudely and aggressively, she refused to discuss my case, refused to discuss the meeting she had with the prosecution, refused to discuss my defense, refused to use the time to discuss a path forward and what trial looks like. She began to yell and wave her arms, screaming that I can fire her if I am not satisfied with her work. Note I brought up none of this and was caught fully off guard, I had not thought for a moment going into that meeting that Sharon had any intention but to see my case through to the end. In her screaming temper tantrum she accused me of interfering with the vacation she was supposed to be on. Note she called for this meeting. The whole encounter lasted less then 7 minutes when she finally screamed that I can get out of her office if I didn’t like that she didn’t want to discuss the case. Naturally I left. I began looking for different representation with no understanding as to why my lawyer who had accepted full payment had just quit my case so close to trial. Only later did it become clear what the game is. A lawyer cant quit your case without cause, that is misconduct. But when I asked Sharon for an itemized bill of her hours spent working on my case as well as a reasonable refund as she had not seen our contract through. Sharon sent a grossly inaccurate bill to both myself and my new attorney claiming she should have charged me thousands of dollars more for her services. She also then threatened me with legal action if I disagreed with the accuracy of her billing. Her ineptitude then resulted in the addition of a bail jump charge and warrant as I couldn’t make a court date due to working out of state in accordance with my bail.

Sharon Chirichillo

Replied last February 18, 2019

I will abide by the attorney & client confidentiality privilege and not divulge specific comment.

Posted by anonymous | May 13, 2012

Suprised.

As I read most of these outstanding reviews from other clients, I question people's expectations in a lawyer...a person actually. Is the world lacking so much in compassion and work ethic these days that doing an average job is accepted as excellent? Sharon puts on a fantastic show..it's her wonderf...ul staff that keeps her in business. I'm really happy for the people she helped, Sharon is a smart women women when it comes to the basics....but extremely lazy and will not go out of her way for you.

Sharon Chirichillo

Replied last September 05, 2012

We were absolutely astounded to read this review! It couldn't be farther from the truth about Sharon; she has the most compassion of any attorney we have ever known or worked with in addition to being very hard working for her clients. Sharon is most amazing in her work ethic. She is honest, realistic and extremely knowledgeable and outstanding in her field of expertise. Clients don't always understand what goes on behind the scenes regarding the best resolution in individual circumstances. Sharon works strategically with the Prosecuting Attorneys in cases throughout western Washington. As we who work with her every day know Sharon is an excellent representative of the legal profession. We would highly recommend her to all our family and friends as our belief in her ability is unequal to anyone in the profession. Posted By: Patti, Carolyn, and Bryan

See All Client Reviews

Sharon Elizabeth Chirichillo's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sharon
Linda Medeiros Callahan headshot
Linda Callahan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharon is a highly skilled, knowledgeable and caring lawyer. She is very protective of her clients and in every case, seeks the best result possible with earnest diligence. She is well-respected by judges. prosecutors, and her peers. When you are looking for a lawyer who will really fight for you--rather than merely lead you into a guilty plea--you cannot go wrong with Sharon. I strongly recommend her."

Diego J Vargas headshot
Diego Vargas

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of working on matters with Sharon. I find her to be an exceptional attorney who always fights for her clients. I would feel confident referring her anyone."

Patricia Sue Rose headshot
Patricia Rose

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known Sharon for decades and have consulted with her on the employment ramifications of criminal charges. I have been consistently amazed by her dedication and professionalism in dealing with a challenging client population with difficult life circumstances and choices. She always goes above and beyond for them and their families in developing options to rebuild their lives and minimize the harm from their life choices. I know she has a strong reputation as an advocate with both prosecutors and importantly with the judiciary and has garnered respect from both groups. I would recommend her without hesitation for any matter involving interactions with the criminal justice system and particularly for her work with juvenile offenders"

James K. Gazori headshot
James Gazori

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. She was an aggressive prosecutor who had a number of cases against me, and brought the same toughness to her criminal defense practice. Whe she is right, she has no problem standing up to a judge or a prosecutor. strength: DUI"

Thomas Jay Olsen headshot
Thomas Olsen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Unknown lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Diane Kathleen Whaley headshot
Diane Whaley

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met Sharon 15 years ago. She has an excellent reputation in the community for her work. I endorse this lawyer."

Jae H So headshot
Jae So

Unknown lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rodney Gene Franzen headshot
Rodney Franzen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Sharon is very knowledgeable and experienced in the area of DUI defense. She is very personable and easy to work with. She also has an excellent staff."

Barbara Ann Bowden headshot
Barbara Bowden

Unknown lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Cristine Beckwith headshot
Cristine Beckwith

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've seen Sharon in court a few times and have been very impressed with how she defends her DUI clients."

Edward Balloch DeBray headshot
Edward DeBray

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharon is a knowledgeable and efficient practitioner, and does well by her clients."

Robert Charles Pittman headshot
Robert Pittman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharon has proven to be a real asset to the legal community. She is bright, energetic, talented and she really cares. Sharon was a great guest on the Legal Line radio program that I hosted for many years in Seattle."

Michael Maltby headshot
Michael Maltby

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I was opposing counsel on many DUI cases where Sharon was the defense counsel and I was the prosecutor. I was impressed with Sharon's excellent knowledge of the law and her tenaciousness when advocating for her client. She seemed to always get a good outcome for her client even when the facts of the case were not always in her favor. That's great lawyering!"

Aaron A Pelley headshot
Aaron Pelley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharon is an outstanding criminal defense attorney with integrity, intelligence and an excellent reputation. If you are looking for an attorney that is experienced and aggressive, then seek out The Law Offices of Sharon Chirichillo."

Wade Steven Samuelson headshot
Wade Samuelson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharon is a hard-working lawyer that checks and double checks everything. She is every prosecutor's worst nightmare come true! Her ability and tenacity cause prosecutors to simply give in rather than have to fight her in court. She is on my list of lawyers that I would allow to represent me if I were ever facing a DWI."

William Kenneth Norris headshot
William Norris

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Sharon's work is excellent and her clients are very well served by her efforts and experience. She knows the law and she knows the local practices of the courts where she appears. She is an experienced trial attorney who is effective and aggressive for her clients. I recommend and endorse Sharon without hesitation."

Patricia A. Talbott headshot
Patricia Talbott

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have seen her in court many times - very professional, always prepared, takes very good care of her clients. Well respected by other attorneys, judges, and prosecutors alike."

Cheryl Taylor headshot
Cheryl Taylor

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Friend

"Sharon is a great lawyer and if I needed counsel I would call her immeadiately!"

Stephen Thomas Graham headshot
Stephen Graham

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharon has a reputation for being a top-notch defense lawyer. I would recommend her highly."

View All Endorsements
Patricia Sue Rose headshot
Patricia Rose

Employment and labor lawyer

Diego J Vargas headshot
Diego Vargas

DUI and DWI lawyer

Barbara Ann Bowden headshot
Barbara Bowden

DUI and DWI lawyer

Chester L Baldwin III headshot
Chester Baldwin

Criminal defense lawyer

Allen T. Miller headshot
Allen Miller

Environmental and natural resources lawyer

Martin David Meyer headshot
Martin Meyer

General practice lawyer

Stephen Jacob Bean headshot
Stephen Bean

Business lawyer

Debra Eurich headshot
Debra Eurich

Government lawyer

Richard John Wotipka headshot
Richard Wotipka

Chapter 13 bankruptcy lawyer

Aaron A Pelley headshot
Aaron Pelley

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark S Britton headshot
Mark Britton

Business lawyer

Robert Charles Pittman headshot
Robert Pittman

Wills and living wills lawyer

Karen Lee Unger headshot
Karen Unger

Criminal defense lawyer

Jennifer L Lord headshot
Jennifer Lord

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Maltby headshot
Michael Maltby

Criminal defense lawyer

Lina Beckford headshot
Lina Beckford

Family lawyer

John Earl Woodring headshot
John Woodring

Lawsuits and disputes lawyer

Leslie K.S. Ching headshot
Leslie Ching

Criminal defense lawyer

Rodney Gene Franzen headshot
Rodney Franzen

Criminal defense lawyer

James Joseph Dixon headshot
James Dixon

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Client Choice Award: DUI Defense, Avvo.com

2015

Client Choice Award: Criminal Defense, Avvo.com

2015

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2015

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2014

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2014

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2014

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2013

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2013

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2013

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2012

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2012

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2012

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2011

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2011

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2010

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2010

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2010

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2010

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2009

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2009

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2009

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2008

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Award Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

2008

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2008

Peer & Judge Review BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Peer & Client Review Superb Rating, Avvo.com

2007

Peer & Judge Review- BV Rating, Martindale-Hubbell

2006

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Recognition ,

2006

Community Service Recognition Award, Black Lake Pride Foundation

2005

Community Service Recognition Award, Black Lake Pride Foundation

2005

Washington State Bar Association Pro Bono Recognition, Washington State Bar Association

Work Experience

2004 - Present

Criminal Defense Attorney, Evergreen Defenders, PS

2003 - 2004

Deputy Prosecutor, Lewis County Prosecutor's Office

2002 - 2003

Deputy Prosecutor, Clallam County Prosecutor's Office

Associations

2015 - Present

Better Business Bureau

Member rating: A+

2010 - Present

New York City Bar Association

General Member

2010 - Present

Oregon State Bar

Member

2009 - Present

Oregon Criminal Defense Lawyers Association

General Member

2006 - Present

TCVLS Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services

Volunteer

2005 - Present

NCDD The National College for DUI Defense

General Member

2004 - Present

The Rotary Club of Olympia

General Member

2004 - Present

Washington Defender Association

General Member

2003 - Present

Association of Trial Lawyers of America

General Member

2003 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys

General Member

2003 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

General Member

2003 - Present

Washington State Trial Lawyers Association

General Member

2002 - Present

Lewis County Bar Association

General Member

2002 - Present

Clallam County Bar Association

General Member

2002 - Present

Jefferson County Bar Association

Member

2002 - Present

Thurston County Bar Association

General Member

2002 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

General Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Kennedy, 118 Wn. App. 1023, 2003

The judgment of the superior court was affirmed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2015

Goddard College

MFA

2002

Washington State Patrol DRE -Pre School

Certificate

1999

Seattle University School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

The Evergreen State College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2008

Business Network International

Truth & Consequences in DUI Law

2007

Legal Line Talk Show

Making Wise Choices this New Year's Eve

2007

Capitol Network

Drinking & Driving Laws in Washington State

2007

Business Network International

Washington Law Regarding Driving Under the Influence

2006

Capitol Network

Washington Law Regarding Drving Under the Influence

2005

Thurston County Mock Trial Competition - Coach

Thurston County Mock Trial Competition - Coach

2005

Capitol Network

Ensuring Your Constituional RIghts

2004

Thurston County Mock Trial Competition - Coach

Thurston County Mock Trial Competition - Coach

2004

Capitol Network

The Law Regarding Drinking & Driving

2003

Mock Trial Competition- Coach

Mock Trial Competition

Publications

2008

Avvo Blog Got Avvo?

2003

COURT OF APPEALS OF WASHINGTON, DIVISION TWO State v. Kennedy, 118 Wn. App. 1023

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution