If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges, you need a fierce advocate.
When the government is using their power to threaten to take your freedom, your property, and your voice, don't panic. Call me. Allow me apply my fierce work ethic and years of experience to protect you from the government's reach. Let's push back.
Shira Stefanik is not originally from Washington State, but she has lived in this region for much of her adult life. It is beneficial to bring a multitude of perspectives when approaching a conflict. Born and raised in the Chicagoland area, Shira transplanted herself on the west coast to attend The Evergreen State College in Olympia, WA. Evergreen's culture of social activism led Shira to the World Trade Organization (WTO) protests in 1999, where she and hundreds of other peaceful protesters were booked in the King County Jail for several days. That was not the last time Shira saw her peers get profiled, arrested and charged with criminal conduct. These experiences ultimately led Shira to pursue a legal education in San Diego, California, where she earned her law degree in 2008. Game on. Shira returned to the Pacific Northwest and was admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2009.
Despite earning her law license in the midst of a crippling recession that prevented many young lawyers from launching their careers, Shira began working with other defense attorneys in the Seattle and greater Puget Sound area on a contract basis, assisting with court appearances, legal briefing, case negotiations, and trials. Always one to champion the underdog, she opened the Law Office of Shira J. Stefanik in 2010, where she has steadfastly committed to defending those accused of criminal misconduct.
Shira has attended the National Criminal Defense College, an intensive two-week program focused solely on criminal defense trial work. She is an active member of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the national DUI Defense Lawyers Association, where she regularly participates in continuing legal education seminars to ensure that she is current on changes in the law and emerging defense strategies.
In her free time, Shira enjoys spending time on the water during sunny days and seeing live music, especially Phish and Grateful Dead projects.
My Approach
My work begins with a personal consultation, followed by extensive investigation. If you have not yet been charged with a crime, there are steps I can take to attempt to prevent that criminal charge, or to mitigate the effect of the charge once you are summoned into court.
When criminal charges are filed, I understand that the consequences of a criminal conviction can be life-changing. I examine every piece of evidence the government plans to use against you to determine whether it is accurate, authentic or even admissible in court.
I utilize my extensive network of the most qualified consultants, colleagues, investigators, providers and expert witnesses to address legal, factual, and scientific issues to prepare the most effective defense. With an understanding of your individualized needs and concerns, I extensively explore every tactical scenario to accomplish the best possible result in your case. I keep in regular contact with you to ensure that you are updated, involved and informed. I give you your voice back.
Whether we reach an agreed resolution or go to trial, I stand by you and I fight for you the entire way.
You will not have to go through this alone.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney Serving King County and Washington State
Welcome to the Law Office of Shira J. Stefanik
DUI Attorney Seattle Washington
There is more to your story than a number. Contact us and we can discuss options for fighting your DUI charge.
Drug Case Attorney Seattle Washington
Silence is golden – tell the cops that you want to speak to a skilled experienced Seattle defense lawyer. Then give us a call.
Criminal Defense Attorney
Experienced in fighting the government's accusations and preserving your freedom.
Marijuana/Cannabis Attorney
An aggressive Seattle marijuana/cannabis lawyer in your corner fixated on finding the weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
Domestic Violence Court Attorney
Preserving your freedom and your family.
Asset Forfeiture Attorney
Fighting the government when they are trying to take your money, your property, your house.
We Will Fight To Protect You and your Rights.
Admissions/Credentials.
- Washington State Bar Association, 2009
- United States District Court for the Western District of Washington, 2013
- Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2009 – present
- DUI Defense Lawyers Association, 2019- present
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2016
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2017
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2018
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2019
- Super Lawyers Rising Star, 2020
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Recent Blog Posts
Levels of Crimes
How do the police test your blood when they arrest you on suspicion of a DUI?
Should you talk to the Police when they suspect you of a Crime?
Recommendations
- “Shira represented me during a crisis. The man convicted of stalking me, who I had a protective order against, sought a retaliatory protective order against me after his incarceration. Although it was baseless, it was terrifying to now have to defend myself against false accusations. Luckily I di...
- “I don't represent people anymore, so when people contact me I refer them to Shira.”
- “Shira came highly recommended to us and we were not disappointed. From the first meeting until the completion of the case, we felt like we had the best representation money can buy.”
- “The police took my car and charged me with a misdemeanor and several felonies. Due to my attorney's knowledge and work she got my car back and they had to refund my fees that I had paid my attorney through the courts because of 2 their air. She got the car back and my misdemeanor dismissed then ...
- “Shira was an absolute pleasure to work with. As soon as I first spoke to her she went to work for me. It was very comforting having someone as diligent as she was to handle every aspect of my case. Eventually she got my charge completely dismissed and saved me thousands in fines and other court ...
- “I am so thankful to have had Shira Stefanik representing me. She was able to get my case entirely dismissed. It was a grueling 2+ year process partly due to Covid delays, but she made what would typically be a very stressful process much more tolerable. Professional, honest, and a true fighter.”
- “I am not sure how I would have gotten through this rough time without Shira. Not only did she listen, but she also cared. Shira is top notch, her wonderful communication skills and positive outlook made my experience as stress-free as possible. Thank you so much for your support, hard work and c...
- “Exceeded my expectations for my case! I thought I was doomed. But I wasn't, thanks to Shira.”
- “She is a bulldog!”
- “Shira was my attorney on a DUI charge which we successfully plead down to negligent driving. Her attention to detail was impeccable, and she played all these small angles that individually had small chances of success but ended up paying off big time. . . I doubt you'd get this sort of dedicatio...
- “Shira is a really amazing lawyer. Over the course of a year, I was charged with 5 crimes in Seattle. All of it was bogus. Shira got 4 of the 5 charges totally dismissed, but the City of Seattle wanted to take the last charge to trial. After a two day full trial, the jury gave me an acquittal aft...
- “Shira was AMAZING. I was dealing with a lot of legal terms and processes I have no familiarity with. She made the time to answer all my questions and did it in a way I would understand. She worked countless hours and we ended up with a final outcome that we both wanted. I truly appreciate the ti...
- “Shira made me feel like I was her only client and I know I wasn't.”
- “I was terrified when I first came to her office. I had never been in trouble before and I had no idea what was going to happen to me. She instantly made me feel safe.”
- “Shira is a great lawyer overall, hands down. I got my DUI while I was going through a peculiar time in my life. I called Shira, and right away, she explained the charges and in detail explained all possible options, including far-reaching ones. Immediately she represented me, got me the earliest...
- “Shira was amazing! From the initial consultation up till my final court date she made me feel confident with my decision to have her represent me. Shira really knows the law and helped me to understand what was happening throughout the entire process. She was always available to answer my questi...
- “I have had cases against lawyers whose clients were in the cartel, and she worked harder than those lawyers. It was very annoying.”
- “I met her as opposing counsel and I was so impressed that I reached out to her to help a family member navigate several serious charges.”
- “Shira approached my case with compassion, understanding and dedication. She has mastery of criminal law and did an excellent job representing me in an emotionally difficult case. Shira explained the law in terms I could understand and kept me well informed of the progress of the case. I would ha...
- “She is a formidable opponent who is always prepared. When I see that she has signed on to a case, I know I will be made to work to try to get a conviction.”