Chris Black’s entire career has been devoted to defending those charged with crimes. By the time he graduated from the University of Washington School of Law in 2001, he already knew exactly how he wanted to use his law degree: to become a criminal defense attorney to defend people whose liberty, livelihood and future were threatened by allegations of criminal conduct. Chris understands the incredible power the government holds over peoples’ lives and is dedicated to overcoming the imbalance through a combination of expertise, experience and a willingness to do whatever is necessary to vindicate his clients’ rights in every single case.

A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney With Top-Notch Experience

Chris is a talented criminal defense attorney with extensive experience handling criminal cases at both the trial and appellate levels – in federal, state and local courts throughout Washington. He also routinely represents people who are under investigation prior to being charged or who are the subject of other proceedings where potential criminal culpability is an issue. Chris has honed the many skills necessary for success in cases in all of these different postures. These include being able to identify and take advantage of legal issues that can lead to positive outcomes such as suppression of evidence or dismissal of charges, analyzing and developing the facts to find holes in the prosecutors’ cases, acting as an effective and persuasive oral advocate before judges and juries, researching cutting-edge legal issues and writing well-reasoned and thorough briefs for the court, and the reputation as a tough and tireless advocate who serves his clients well in negotiating resolutions to cases in appropriate situations.

The bulk of Chris’s criminal practice is in federal courts and state superior (felony) courts, but he brings the same aggressive, thorough approach to every case. He recognizes that the stakes in all criminal cases are incredibly high and he uses every tool at his disposal to achieve the best possible result no matter the court or the charge.

A Seattle Criminal Defense Attorney With a Top-Notch Background

Chris earned his undergraduate degree in economics, with honors, from the Johns Hopkins University in 1997. He graduated from the prestigious University of Washington law school in 2001. During law school Chris began working as an intern at a criminal defense firm. He became an associate and eventually a partner, before opening his own firm in 2009. Chris is highly respected by his peers and was elected as President of the Board of Governors of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers after serving on the board for a decade. Chris has been rated as a Super Lawyer every year since 2014, and was chosen as one of the top trial lawyers in the state by the National Trial Lawyers.

Chris previously served as the President of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Immigrant Rights Project. This service both arose from and strengthened his dedication to the protection of the legal status of those who might face additional peril in the criminal justice system based solely on the place they were born. Chris routinely works with immigrants and is well-versed in the complexities of how the criminal justice system interacts with the immigration system. He understands what is often truly at stake for immigrants charged with crimes and has the experience and knowledge needed to achieve outcomes that protect peoples’ immigration status.

Chris is a compassionate criminal defense attorney who represents clients from all walks of life in all sorts of criminal cases. He is sympathetic and understanding of the many circumstances that can cause people to find themselves embroiled in a criminal case. Chris understands that being charged with a crime is something that most people never planned on and that it can be confusing and overwhelming. He makes a point to explain every aspect of each case to his clients, so that they can make the best decisions and move through the process with the least stress possible.

Contact Chris now. You won’t be disappointed.

Education

J.D., University of Washington School of Law, 2001
B.A., with Honors, Johns Hopkins University, 1997

Associations

Washington State Bar
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers- Past President
Federal Bar Association
Bar of the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals (Federal Appeals Court)
Federal Bar, Western District of Washington
Federal Bar, Eastern District of Washington
Consulate Of Mexico, Consulting Criminal Law Attorney
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project- Past Board President
Federal Bar, District of Columbia District