Strategic Defense

When Stakes Are High

Strategic Defense

When Stakes
Are High

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Attorney at The Curtis Firm providing experienced legal representation

Attorney in King County, WA

Proven Legal Representation Built Around Results

For many King County residents, dealing with legal issues can be unsettling. Whether you are worried about a DUI charge or filing a claim for an auto accident, you want an attorney you can trust and who will fiercely advocate for your legal rights.

No matter what your legal matter may entail, having experienced legal representation can make the difference between obtaining a positive outcome and being disappointed in the results.

The Curtis Firm is a Seattle-area law office committed to helping clients resolve their legal matters. Our attorney, James Curtis, is a former prosecutor who understands how the state prosecutes cases and is familiar with the tactics insurance companies use to try to challenge or minimize claims.

If you are facing criminal charges or assistance with a personal injury case, contact our law office today to schedule a free case strategy session so we can determine what options best suit your needs.

what we do

Our Practice Areas

Criminal Defense

If you have been charged with a crime, seek legal representation immediately. Contact our law firm today to schedule a consultation.

Drug Crimes

Do not let a drug crime conviction ruin your life. Allow our defense attorney to safeguard your legal rights.

Felony DUI

Contact our law firm today to learn more about how we can defend you against a felony DUI charge.

First DUI

A first DUI can lead to a permanent criminal record and other penalties. Allow our law firm to defend your case.

Military DUI

A military DUI could put your career at risk. Contact our legal team today to see how we can help

Multiple DUI

A repeat DUI offense can have severe consequences. Contact our King County law firm to see how we can help.

Murder

Contact our law firm and allow our skilled attorney to fight aggressively to protect your legal rights and freedom.

Sex Crimes

Allow our well-qualified legal professionals to defend your rights and protect you from life-changing allegations.

Personal Injury

If you need help filing a personal injury claim, contact our law firm today to learn how we can assist you.

What are the Benefits of Seeking Legal Representation for a Criminal or Personal Injury Matter?

No matter if you are facing life-changing criminal charges or are unsure about how to file an injury claim, the best option is to hire an attorney to assist you.

Due to the potential criminal penalties that you could face if convicted, it is always best to have an attorney who will act as your legal advocate. For example, if you have been charged with a crime, you must have an attorney who understands the legal complexities involved with Washington state’s criminal justice system. Criminal defense lawyers have the financial resources to investigate your case, review the state’s evidence, and negotiate charges with state prosecutors.

If you have been injured due to another person’s negligence in a car accident, your attorney will also act as your legal advocate and handle all negotiations with the insurance company. In many instances, insurance providers are more willing to offer fair compensation if they know the accident victim has skilled legal representation.

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Reviews

Client Success Stories

The Curtis firm was extremely helpful in analyzing my situation and presenting it in a positive, constructive way. Their insight and professionalism made the process much clearer and less stressful. I truly appreciated their guidance.

– James B.

I ultimately decided to call James Curtis and, in the end, placed my trust in their expertise. I’m pleased to report that the lawyer handled the matter effectively and diligently.

– Isaac N.

Amazing lawyer easy-going, reliable, and truly gets the job done. They made a stressful situation feel manageable, explained everything clearly, and kept me updated the whole time. Professional, quick, and effective.

– Kya

James Curtis showed up!! He took a case when my first lawyer lied about her knowledge in a high profile case. He fought for me and brought professionalism and confidence with him in the courtroom.

– Derrick H.

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In What Ways Can Your Law Firm Safeguard My Rights?

Whether you have been arrested or are concerned about how to pay your medical bills after an accident, you want an attorney who will be dedicated to safeguarding your rights.

The Curtis Firm has extensive experience protecting our clients’ rights. As a former prosecutor, our attorney, James Curtis, has an inside track on how the state approaches prosecuting cases. With years of experience, Attorney Curtis can identify whether law enforcement officials violated your rights. Common examples include a lack of probable cause, an illegal search and seizure, or the use of excessive force, and they help to protect you from self-incrimination.

In personal injury cases, once you sign a release of all claims document, you are prohibited from trying to pursue further compensation. Our law firm will handle all communication with the insurance company to prevent the insurer from pressuring you to accept a low settlement. Just as with criminal cases, our legal team can investigate your case, gather evidence, and prove negligence if the insurer tries to deny your claim.

Bronze Lady Justice statue holding scales and sword

Our Experts

Meet Our Team

James H. Curtis

Attorney at law

Carlos Baca

Legal Assistant

About Us

What Makes Your Law Firm the Right Choice for My Legal Needs?

Deciding who should represent you in a criminal or civil matter can be a challenging decision. You want an attorney and legal team that will be proactive in handling your case so you can resolve your issues and resume your life.

When you come to The Curtis Firm, our seasoned attorneys and staff will take time to listen to your concerns and create a custom-tailored plan that aligns with your objectives.

With over 12 years as a Deputy Prosecutor, James Curtis has established professional relationships with other prosecutors and judges and can anticipate the strategies the state may use when trying your case.

Our law firm is also passionately committed to helping clients who have been left to deal with the aftermath of someone else’s carelessness. We take pride in helping clients navigate personal injury claims and are fearless in standing up to insurers when they offer low settlements or try to deny claims.

Attorney reviewing and signing legal contract document

The Curtis Firm LLC

Why Choose Us?

Honest Evaluations

No matter if you are facing criminal charges or need help with a personal injury case, our law firm will provide you with an honest evaluation of your case. Our legal professionals firmly believe in providing clients with the information they need to make informed decisions.

Comprehensive Evidence Review

Criminal cases and injury claims are largely determined by the evidence presented by both sides. Our legal team will thoroughly review the evidence in your case to advocate for your constitutional rights and help you recover fair compensation. We will look to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the case, along with any inconsistencies or procedural errors.

Aggressive Courtroom Advocacy

Our attorney, James Curtis, has 12 years of experience as a Deputy Prosecutor and has extensive trial experience. Whether it is filing pre-trial motions or aggressively defending or advocating for you in front of a judge or jury, our law firm is the one you can trust with your case.

Local Representation

One aspect that sets our law firm apart is the relationships that we have worked hard to craft with local law enforcement agents. Our years of experience with the King County court system enable us to understand the nuances of how judges and prosecutors handle cases and how to leverage this information to benefit our clients.

Direct Negotiation With Prosecutors

Our law firm works closely with prosecutors to seek a resolution that aligns with your objectives. Our goal is to try to have your charges dismissed or reduced through direct negotiation with prosecutors. Our attorney draws on his years of experience as a prosecutor to find solutions that protect your interests.

Plain-Language Legal Guidance

When you work with our attorney and legal professionals, we use plain-language terms rather than confusing legal terminology. We always want to ensure that clients clearly understand their legal options when facing critical decisions.

What Results Can I Expect If I Choose Your Attorney to Represent Me?

At The Curtis Firm, we recognize that our clients hire us because they expect results. Our law firm in King County, WA, and the surrounding areas has a reputation for professional advocacy. We are committed to conducting a comprehensive investigation of your criminal or personal injury case.

Many Seattle-area residents do not realize that most criminal and personal injury cases are resolved without trial or expensive litigation. James Curtis has the skills and experience needed to work with prosecutors to try to have the charges dismissed or reduced, or negotiate with the insurance company to help you obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.

If your criminal case does have to go to trial, our legal team will build a solid defense by presenting facts that dispute the prosecution’s case. If your case involves a personal injury lawsuit, we will present evidence that demonstrates the extent of your injuries, proves the defendant is at fault, and advocates that you receive maximum compensation for your damages.

Lady Justice statue on desk during legal consultation

News & Insights

Our Latest Blogs

January 28, 2023

Kent Man Not Guilty In Shooting Death, Acted In Self-Defense

A King County jury found Darian Downing not guilty of murder in the second degree…

May 4, 2020

Was Your Cash Seized At The Airport By U.S. Customs Agents? All Hope Is Not Lost!

US Customs Airport Cash Seizures This may come as a shock to you. But if…

April 14, 2020

“Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Unless You Are Accused of Domestic Violence

As many states throughout our country extend “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” Orders, families are forced…

July 3, 2019

DUI Defense: An Overview Of Arrest And Processing In Washington

When a person is arrested on a suspected DUI in Washington, there is a certain…

June 27, 2019

Juvenile Defense: My Child Has Been Arrested. What Should I Do?

Receiving that phone call from law enforcement that your child is in juvenile detention in…

Read All Blogs

Contact The Curtis Firm, LLC to Get Started on Your Defense or Personal Injury Case

Being charged with a crime or trying to settle a personal injury claim can be daunting. One of the most significant advantages of hiring a legal professional is that they will handle the day-to-day issues involved in your case, so you can focus on what is important in your life.

When you choose our firm for legal guidance, we take time to listen to your concerns. Whether you are facing criminal charges or need help seeking compensation for a personal injury claim, our legal professionals are ready to assist you. From gathering evidence for your case to negotiating with the prosecutor or insurance company, our team is prepared to take action on your behalf.

Our years of experience and dedication to helping King County residents have earned us a reputation for delivering results. If you have questions about our legal services or are ready to get started on your case, contact our law offices at (253) 649-2426 to schedule a free strategy session.

Professional signing document during business meeting

Bronze Lady Justice statue with scales and blindfold

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I hire a DUI attorney?

If you have been arrested and charged with a DUI, you must seek legal representation immediately. You only have seven days after a DUI arrest to file a request with the Washington Department of Licensing (DOL) to try to prevent your driver’s license from being suspended. A DUI attorney can represent you at the hearing and also begin preparing your defense by professionally evaluating the state’s evidence. Waiting until you have to go to court could result in your attorney having to play catch-up to try to build a case, but it may be too late to prevent a license suspension.

Do Washington prosecutors ever dismiss or reduce sex crime charges?

Yes, state prosecutors may be willing to dismiss or reduce charges if they lack sufficient evidence to prove every legal element of their case. As with all criminal cases, the prosecution must be able to prove its case “beyond a reasonable doubt.” A knowledgeable defense attorney will carefully evaluate the state’s evidence to identify weaknesses and inconsistencies and point them out to the prosecution. Depending on the evidence, your attorney may be able to argue that the evidence was obtained illegally or that your rights were violated and that the evidence should be suppressed, significantly weakening the state’s case against you.

How do the new state laws change law enforcement’s ability to charge individuals with felony DUIs?

At the beginning of January 2026, a new state law took effect that significantly expanded law enforcement’s ability to charge someone with a felony DUI. Previously, the state’s “look-back” period for prior convictions was 10 years. The new law expanded the look-back period to 15 years, so anyone with three or more repeat DUI offenses within this period can now be charged with a felony rather than a gross misdemeanor. If you are not sure how the change in this law can affect your DUI case, it is best to consult with a knowledgeable attorney who can answer your questions.

What is a “constructive possession” drug charge?

In Washington state, you can be charged with “constructive possession” of drugs if law enforcement authorities believe you had dominion and control over the illegal substances in the area where they were found. For example, an individual may face this charge if the police have found drugs in a shared residence, vehicle, or a common area that many other people can also access. To prove their case, the prosecution must prove that you could take actual possession of the substances and knew of their presence. Although recent changes in state law have reclassified a constructive possession charge to a gross misdemeanor, you could still face significant penalties if convicted.

Why should I avoid posting information about my injury accident on social media?

In our modern age, most of us do not even give a second thought about posting day-to-day updates online about significant life events. Even so, if you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident or any other accident where you suffered personal injuries, you need to avoid making statements about the accident or posting pictures of the accident scene. Insurance companies have legal teams who scour social media looking for evidence they can use to reduce or deny claims. Any statements you make or photos that you post could be used against you and severely weaken your case.

What happens if I wait too long to file a personal injury claim?

The Washington state statute of limitations allows personal injury victims up to three years to file claims. There are, however, exceptions to the three-year limit, such as when the injury victim is a minor or incapacitated for an extended period. If the at-fault party is a government entity, the time you have to file a claim can be significantly shorter, so it is wise to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney as soon as possible. If you fail to file your claim within the legal time limits, your case will be thrown out, and you will lose all legal recourse to try to obtain compensation.

Do I really need to hire a defense attorney if I have been arrested for a first-time DUI?

There is a common misconception among some King County residents that being charged with a first-time DUI is a relatively minor offense and does not require legal representation. Nevertheless, a first-time DUI is generally charged as a gross misdemeanor, and if convicted, you could be ordered to spend one mandatory day in jail, serve probation, lose your license, and pay a steep fine. A DUI conviction will stay on your permanent record and cannot be sealed or expunged. Due to the severity of the legal consequences, hiring an experienced DUI attorney is the most effective way to protect your rights and freedom.

How can a DUI lawyer help me protect my driver’s license?

Washington’s DUI laws stipulate that anyone arrested and charged with a DUI is subject to their license being suspended unless they request a hearing with the Department of Licensing (DOL). A request must be made within seven days of your arrest, or your driving privileges will automatically be suspended. A DUI lawyer can represent you at the hearing and present evidence as to why you should be allowed to keep your license. The hearing is also a good way for your defense lawyer to get a preview of the evidence the state has against you.

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