Criminal Washington

Preston White is an attorney representing clients in criminal and family law cases in Olympia, Washington, and the surrounding counties. While serving as an Arabic translator in the United States Marine Corps, and the Utah Air National Guard, Preston earned degrees in Psychology and English at the University of Utah and then earned his Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law. With an original goal of becoming a prosecutor, Preston focused his studies on criminal law. It was as a law clerk in a small military criminal defense firm in Seattle that he began to see the injustices in the system, and the unlawful, unfair, and often arbitrary way laws are enforced. His experiences at that firm steered him away from working for the system, and toward fighting against it. It was there that he developed the motto, “defending the accused, and policing the police.” Following graduation, and the passing bar exam, Preston returned to Utah, where he opened a solo practice focused on criminal defense and family law in 2014. As his successes developed his confidence as an attorney, his losses sharpened and tempered both his skills and his resolve. As a result, he developed into a confident, and effective advocate, with the skills to pursue, and obtain excellent results both inside, and outside the courtroom. His knowledge, efforts, and abilities have resulted in a number of not-guilty verdicts in “unwinnable” cases, as well as dramatically reduces charges, and sentences in cases that resolved outside of trial. He has successfully defended hundreds of clients, saving them incalculable amounts of time, and money, as well as providing guidance to them on how to successfully navigate the system throughout the life of their cases. As a criminal defense attorney, Preston has successfully represented clients in cases ranging from traffic infractions, DUI’s, and simple assaults, to sex crimes, and aggravated assaults. As a family law attorney, he has successfully represented clients in dissolution, spousal support, and custody cases. Preston grew up in Northern Utah and currently resides in Thurston County with his wife, three children, dog, cat, and (so he says, because his wife does not like mice, and one of his daughters does not like spiders) countless mice, spiders, and spider-mice. His interests include good coffee, unique cars, and laughing at his own jokes. According to his wife, if he was half as funny as he thought he was, he wouldn’t have to practice law for a living. Fortunately, he is a better lawyer than a comedian.

Dovinh Law, PLLC is a law practice based in Seattle, Washington where its founder, Betty Trang Dovinh, was born and raised. The daughter of Vietnamese refugees, Ms. Dovinh’s experience as a first generation American gives her important insight into the unique challenges that historically disadvantaged groups face. She’s dedicated her career to advocating for those communities and fighting every day for the American principles of justice and equality for all to be upheld in the legal system and beyond. Ms. Dovinh has over 20 years of diverse professional experience, helping local businesses and serving the Greater Seattle community. Prior to launching Dovinh Law, she served as Strategic Initiatives Officer for National Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for Children, Director of Development & Community Relations for Millionair Club Charity and Executive Secretary for Seattle King County NAACP. She has also served as a strategic adviser to DNPro Counsel (now An Legal), an international corporate law firm based in Vietnam. She has has held leadership, consultation and operational roles for a range of other businesses including a nationally recognized capital investment firm, and the largest independently family owned and locally operated electrical distributor in the West. As an attorney, Ms. Dovinh has helped ease the burden for children and families experiencing the hardship of a variety of issues such as abuse, divorce and separation. She fights vigorously against discrimination in the workplace and other civil rights abuses. She litigates in both state and federal court, as well as administrative bodies such as Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), The Department of Labor and Industries (L&I), and The Board of Industrial Insurance Appeals (BIIA). In her immigration practice, she’s authorized to represent clients from all 50 states and around the world in U.S. visa, immigration and naturalization matters. She has successfully reunified families in Washington and other states with their relatives abroad as well as assisted businesses expand in the local economy. Ms. Dovinh earned a B.A from the University of Washington and J.D. from Seattle University School of Law. Ms. Dovinh is a member of the Federal Bar Association of the Western District of Washington, the American Immigration Lawyers Association, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and the Vietnamese American Bar Association of Washington. She is natively fluent in English and Vietnamese.

Cristine Beckwith is the owner of Beckwith Law. She is exceptionally qualified to provide strong representation to clients facing a wide range of criminal charges. Cristine began her career as a Deputy Prosecutor for Pierce County. During her time as a Prosecutor, Cristine realized that her passion was not for building cases against people. Her desire to fight for people accused of a crime caused her to change direction and focus on criminal defense. As a result, Cristine knows the legal system from both sides and can create opportunities that other attorneys often do not explore. Cristine has been a criminal defense attorney since 2004 and established Beckwith Law in 2007. At Beckwith Law, each client receives personalized attention and an aggressive defense. The majority of Cristine’s clients are charged with misdemeanor and felony crimes in the courts of Pierce County and King County. Her experience working with prosecutors and judges in these courts can result in faster and more favorable resolutions. For the convenience of her clients, Cristine has office locations in downtown Tacoma and downtown Seattle.

Mr. Brumbaugh is the senior shareholder of Walstead Mertsching. He joined the firm in 1992 and has been a shareholder since 1996. He primarily represents victims of motor vehicle collisions and medical malpractice. He is licensed in Washington and Oregon and practices in both State and Federal trial and appellate courts. He has successfully argued before the Washington State Supreme Court. His areas of focus include: wrongful death claims; automobile, motorcycle and trucking collisions; medical and nursing home malpractice; and defective product claims.

James Doyle Kirkham Jr. earned a B.A. in Political Science and a B.S. in Public Policy from Central Washington University, graduating in the year 2000. He then attended Gonzaga University School of Law, where he earned a Juris Doctorate in 2005. That same year, he was licensed to practice Law by the Washington State Bar Association. After working as an attorney in Spokane, Washington for three years, James relocated to Ellensburg, Washington, where he founded Kirkham Law Office, PLLC. James Kirkham is also a member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys, the Kittitas County Bar Association, and in 2009 received a Pro Bono Publico Award from the Washington State Bar Association. He also taught Business Law at Yakima Valley Community College.

John Stocks has represented a lot of high profile clients and argued ground-breaking cases before the biggest courts (WA Supreme Court, 9th Circuit, and all 3 Courts of Appeals). He has been the lead trial attorney in several complex trials, including family law, criminal defense, and civil cases. He has also settled a lot of cases through mediation, which requires a thorough preparation of the case from the outset.

Minh Tran practice is focused on bankruptcy and civil litigation at the Arrow Law Group, PLLC. The law firm also represents clients in personal injury, criminal, and family law matters. Minh is admitted to practice law in all Federal Courts in Washington state.

Karim A. Hamir, Managing Attorney at The Cowlitz Law Group, is licensed to practice law in Washington State and the United States District Court for the Western District of Washington. With over 15 years of distinguished experience, his firm specializes in family law, probates, and estate law. Although Karim now focuses on managing firm operations at Cowlitz Law Group and does not take on new clients personally, he ensures the firm delivers exceptional legal services. This includes promoting Unbundled Legal Services to make quality legal assistance more flexible and affordable, thus increasing access to justice for underprivileged clients. Throughout his career, Karim has demonstrated exceptional leadership and executive guidance. His work includes a tenure as an adjunct faculty professor at a prestigious university in Canada, fostering business values and growth for various private and public entities. His extensive background in commercial banking enhances his adept handling of financial transactions. Karim’s career is marked by diverse legal exposure and industry experience, enabling him to offer creative solutions to unique legal challenges. He has served both as a Rule 9 prosecutor and a criminal defense lawyer. The Cowlitz Law Group is home to skilled attorneys such as Kenneth Anderson (Wills, Estate, Probate, Family Law), James Sansone (Family Law), Jay S. Ritchie (Family Law), Holly Henson (Estate and Probate matters), and Steve Karimi (Criminal Defense), all of whom handle cases under Karim’s operational leadership. Additionally, Karim values physical fitness and is an active sports enthusiast, enjoying tennis and golf in his spare time. His comprehensive approach to professional life and personal well-being exemplifies his commitment to excellence and balanced lifestyle.

Ron A. Soriano, Jr. is a seasoned attorney who has been practicing in Western Washington for almost a decade. He brings passion to the office and courtroom, representing clients seeking a lawyer they can trust to take their most important issues and represent them with integrity and reliability. Ron Soriano Jr. began his legal experience in California. After attending the University of California, Los Angeles (Bachelor of Arts, Political Science, June 2002), he went on to graduate Whittier Law School (Juris Doctorate 2005). He moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2010 where he has remained, being admitted to the Washington Bar (2010). He is a member of the Hispanic American Law Student Association, Vietnamese American Student Bar Association, Asian Bar Association of Washington, Filipino Lawyers of Washington and the Grays Harbor Bar Association, where he served as Treasurer (2013-2014). Ron incorporates his broad experiences to effectively relate with his clients he represents in criminal charges, all family law and domestic matters and immigration. Ron’s desire is to bring the best results to fathers, mothers, husband, wives, children, defendants, immigrants and businesses in our communities. Ron’s ease of relating brings a calm assurance to his clients as he represents their interests in Western Washington counties and area tribal courts. Ron is fluent in the Tagalog language and knowledgeable in basic American Sign Language.

Since the firm was established in 1993, the skilled attorneys at Hagen & Bates P.S. have provided versatile, professional and effective solutions to a variety of our clients’ legal challenges. With over 40 years of combined experience, we are always here to provide the support and assistance you require. For his professionalism and ethics, principal attorney Wayne D. Hagen, Jr. has earned a BV® Distinguished Peer Review Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®. The unique talents, backgrounds and skills our attorneys bring to our law firm apply well to various areas of the law. With our proven courtroom skills in state and federal jurisdictions, we are experienced litigators who are prepared to do the research and understand the nuances of your case. We also have the skill to handle complex transactions.