I devote my practice to defending people accused of crimes throughout Washington State. I have earned a reputation as an articulate, thoughtful, and passionate advocate representing clients charged with crimes of all types. I am proud of the fact that I regularly receive referrals from colleagues, prosecutors and judges – people who see my work day in and day out and trust me to fight for their friends and family.
I began my private criminal defense practice in Seattle, Washington after graduating from the University of Washington School of Law in 1999. In 2018 I relocated with my family to my hometown of Walla Walla and opened up a small criminal defense firm. I now represent clients throughout Southeastern Washington including: Walla Walla, Asotin, Garfield, Columbia, Benton, Franklin, Adams, Whitman, Klickitat and Yakima counties and various other jurisdictions.
In addition to representing clients, I am actively involved in the criminal defense and legal community. I am a longtime volunteer with and past president of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and 2014 recipient of their prestigious “President's Award.” I served as the Vice-President of the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice from 2015 to 2017 and as a member since 2007.
As a member of the Washington Women Lawyers Judicial Evaluation Committee from 2015 to 2018 and a founding board member of the Citizens for Judicial Excellence, I worked to improve the quality of judges who preside over cases in Washington.
I am regularly asked to speak at continuing legal education programs to help train other criminal defense lawyers and have published a number of articles relating to my field.
Contact:
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 509-876-0223
Awards and Recognition
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2019
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2018
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2017
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2016
- Attorney of the Year, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2015
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2015
- President's Award, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2014
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2014
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2013
- Super Lawyer, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2012
- Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation, Washington State Bar Association, 2011
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2011
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2010
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2009
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2008
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2007
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2006
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2005
- Rising Star, Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2004
Associations and Professional Organizations
- President, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2017-2018
- Judicial Evaluation Committee Member, Washington Women Lawyers, 2015-2018
- President Elect, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2016-2017
- Immediate Past President, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2018-2019
- Secretary, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2015-2016
- Board of Governors, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2014-2019
- Vice President, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2015-2017
- Legislative Committee Co-Chair, Washington Association of Criminal Defense, 2011-2016
- Member, National College of DUI Defense, 2002-2007
- Member, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2007-present
- Member, Washington State Bar Association, 1999 - present
- Founding Board Member, Citizens for Judicial Excellence, 2006
Speaking Engagements to Lawyers
- Dealing with the DOL, Cars and Crimes, WACDL CLE, 2017
- Driving, Impairment and the Law - A DUI Primer, Forging Your Criminal Defense Practice, 2016
- Swords and Shields - The Strategy of Motions in Limine, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2015
- Voir Dire, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2014
- DUIs: The Devil is in the Details, Ace the Case: Getting Started in Misdemeanor Defense, WACDL, 2014
- Legislative Update, Going Above and Beyond in Misdemeanor Practice, WACDL, 2013
- DUI and Criminal Traffic for Beginners, Getting Started in Criminal Defense, WACDL 2012
- Pre-Trial Motions, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2012
- DOL, IIL, IID and Impaired Driving FAQs, Washington Defender Association Webinar, 2011
- IID and IIL, In House CLE, 2011
- ABS of IIL, IID, CDL and FAA, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2010
- Legislative Update, Misdemeanor Practice, WACDL 2009
- CDL Disqualifications, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2009
- Cross Examination, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2008
- Commercial Drivers Licenses and DUIs, Mastering Misdemeanors, WACDL, 2006
- Commercial Drivers Licenses and DUIs, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2006
- Aggressive Ethical Defense, Defending DUIs, Washington Foundation for Criminal Defense, 2005
Publications
- Impaired Driving Legislative Update, Defense Magazine, 2016
- Legislative Update, Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice CLE written materials, 2013
- Impaired Driving Legislation - E2SB 5912, Defense Magazine, 2013
- Impaired Driving Legislative Update, Defense Magazine, 2012
- Ignition Interlock Devices and Ignition Interlock Licenses, Defending DUIs in Washington, Third Ed. 2011
- Impaired Driving Legislative Update, Defense Magazine, 2011
- Ignition Interlock Licenses and Ignition Interlock Devices: New Legislation Brings Benefits (Mostly), Defense Magazine, 2010
- Traveling to Canada with Washington DUIs, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - DUI Update, 2007
- Consequences of DUI Arrests for Washington Commercial Drivers, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - DUI Update, 2006
- When is a "Prior" not Prior for DUI Sentencing, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers - DUI Update 2006
- The DOL Labyrinth: Basic Questions - Complicated Answers, Defense Magazine, 2004
Licenses
- Washington State
- U.S. District Court Western District of Washington
Education
- University of Washington School of Law, Juris Doctorate, 1999
- Western Washington University, Bachelor of Arts, 1994
Recent Blog Posts
Recommendations
- “Patricia is professional, knowledgeable, well connected and efficient. She helped me navigate an arduous situation and not only got me the best result possible, but also helped me close out the issue years later. She is best in class.”
- “I know that Patricia is a criminal defense lawyer, but I needed a smart "on top of every detail" lawyer to renew my restraining order for the 3rd time, and I was also asking for a lifetime/permanent order. The court process is scary for anyone to go through, but with the guidance of Patricia I w...
- “Patricia answered the phone the day I made my call frantically. She immediately made the appointment for the same week. When I stepped into her office, she greeted me with a smile, took her time to understand my situation, worked with me to ensure I knew the process each step of the way. Her pro...
- Was charged with a criminal offense involving domestic violence. It was a first offense and I needed support. I contacted Patricia based upon her very professional website and I discovered an attorney who did more than expected in defending me, and also provided direction in dealing with issues t...
- I visited Patricia last year after getting pulled over for a DUI. As a benefit to my employment with a large corporation, I have a group legal plan that entitles me to (almost) free legal representation through a certain set of attorneys. After consulting with 3 different lawyers who were part of...
- Personally and professionally there is none better than Patricia. Within minutes of my consultation call she relaxed my stressed mind by informing me of the penalties I could face and then the path that we would pursue. She totally took charge of my case and kept me informed of its status. Her ex...
- I was arrested for DUI on a weekend in early March of 2008. It was a second DUI, so I was in legal territory that was unfamiliar to me. I was in crisis, and was anticipating that my personal and professional lives would be disrupted in catastrophic ways. In short, I was afraid. The next day I wa...
- Charged with DUI, I got the best possible outcome I could see, kept my license and reduced to Neg 1. Even though I talked too much to the police about a prior arrest 9 years ago. Patty was understanding, very informed and acted quickly and competently in my case. Even after the DOL screwed up and...
- Patricia was great in assisting me in getting my Drivers License back.
- I was criminally charged in a case that can best be called "bizarre". I had no prior criminal history and, quite suddenly, my livelihood and family were very much in jeopardy . Patricia was aggressive in my defense and clearly took a personal interest in my case. In the end, and solely because o...
- If you're reading this posting, you or someone you know is probably in a tough spot. After recently having my first experience with the legal system, I can sympathize with how you're feeling. You're probably scared, upset with yourself, and unsure what your next step should be. Nonetheless, you n...
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Terrific attorney who backs up her reputation with amazing competence
I had never been involved in a criminal case before and did not know what to expect. I quickly learned that in domestic violence it's your word against the accuser and a whole lot is left to interpretation and perception. My circumstances - however unfair - put me in a very vulnerable position. P... - I worked for Patricia for 10 months and the outcome of my situation couldn't have turned out better. My DUI charge was reduced to Reckless Driving because of her creative thinking, knowledge of the law and her tenacity to try the case until the very end. She challenged the prosecuters on several ...
- Well I actually just got out of court about an hour ago and I just want to say that Patricia is absolutely amazing! I have been charged with a DV assault 4 that was absolutely bogus in the first place, but I personally care about my future and was not going to have this monkey on my back forever ...
- I actually work in the law field and found myself in a spot that I never imagined I would be in facing the charge of DUI. From the start Patricia was up front and honest about everything that was going to happen and what my options were. She was available for ANY questions or concerns that I had ...
- Patricia is a very professional and knowledgeable attorney who genuinely cares about her clients. She represented me in a DV case, and was skilled at negotiations with the prosecutor's office. In court, several people were impressed with her abilities and asked for her card. I have consulted her ...
- To the freighted, confused, berated, or even guilty – please read as you will find solace: Attorney, Patricia Fulton expertly studied and handled my DUI case ensuring the best possible guidance and resolution. She is has a very sharp mind and sizes-up a situation with a deft, wait-and-see appr...
- Ms. Fulton had been the first lawyer I have ever had to hire for services regarding the law. I found Ms. Fulton and the Law offices of Geoffrey Burg through extensive research. My initial desire and need was to find a firm that was the right fit for me and for my case. I found just that with Ms. ...
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Lawyer with Integrity (at least one exists). Highly Recommend! There's a reason she's rated a 10!
If you're searching for a lawyer, just stop and pick her! I RARELY write reviews, but choosing a lawyer is not anything fun, or easy, or fast. However, I would highly recommend Patricia for your case. She was honest w/me, and firm, which I respect. Quick summary: this was basically my second DUI... - I hired Patricia after a I had an altercation with my father at the Mariner's/Yankee's baseball game. It was an alcohol related incident and I was arrested for Assault 4 with Domestic Violence since it happened with a family member. I spent 2 days in jail where the food was delicious, and my time...
- When we initially met with Patricia regarding our 18 year old son's Wreckless Driving infraction, she initially told us that her goal was to get it reduced to a Negligent (non felony) charge. Given his young age at the time, we felt that was a very reasonable expectation. Well, Patricia went SO F...
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Genuine, professional, knowledgeable, and an overall pleasure to work with.
I had been referred to Patricia by one of my friends who had a similar case and had nothing but great things to say about her. From the minute I met Patricia she put me at ease. This was for a first time DUI charge and I was extremely freaked out. Throughout the entire case she kept me updated a... - I was in a bit of a state of shock when I called to meet with Patricia. She was able to open a space on her calendar and within two hours, she and I were able to sit down together. She was compassionate, comforting, and clearly very skilled at what she does. I felt as though I was the fortunate o...
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Highly skilled professional, very diligent and trustworthy Attorney.
This is my first brush with the law and was deeply stressed out. Patricia in my first meeting with her clearly outlined the different stages my case will follow and she followed through and provided me guidance and information throughout those stages. She applied great deal of diligence and fough... - I am a 1st time offender, and had no idea what was happening once the police were done with me. I found Patricia online, and am so thankful that I found her! No judgement, very straight talk, and she was completely up front with me right off the bat. I interviewed several other lawyers, but hones...
- She took the time and really cared about me and my case. she was very knowledgeable about it all. she was great at communication and keeping me in the loop of what was going on. would recommend her to anyone!
- Ms. Fulton and Mandi continue to be thorough, responsive, and helpful with all details that I have had questions regarding. She follows up on all my questions immediately.
- If you are looking for an attorney to represent you for DUI, I would 100% recommend Patricia Fulton. I was completely overwhelmed after the arrest, as this was my first run in ever with the law. I interviewed several attorneys and Patricia stood out to me the most. After the first meeting (free 1...
- I'm a welder by trade, and I was recommended to Patricia by my Union. I would have been facing a second DUI if it hadn't been for her. She was very skilled and professional when handling my case. She kept me well informed and answered all my questions in a timely manner. She encouraged me and gav...
- I sought legal assistance on very short notice (less than one week). Patricia was very knowledgeable and kept me at ease despite the great deal of stress I was experiencing. She prepared the court documents very timely and updated me throughout this ordeal. I prevailed in my hearing and I am very...
- I would recommend Patricia in a heartbeat, I came from a different country and knew nothing about the legal system,not only did she fight hard for me, but during the duration of the case she made me understood everything, updated and informed me all the time, thanks to her I was never clueless ab...
- I know that Patricia is a criminal defense lawyer, but I needed a smart "on top of every detail" lawyer to renew my restraining order for the 3rd time, and I was also asking for a lifetime/permanent order. The court process is scary for anyone to go through, but with the guidance of Patricia I wa...
- From the first time I entered her office, Pattie exuded confidence, competence, and clarity of understanding about the way forward. Even as I was frothing mad about the way the legal system works, Pattie calmly and repeatedly refocused me to the job at hand: winning the best possible settlement I...
- Patricia answered the phone the day I made my call frantically. She immediately made the appointment for the same week. When I stepped into her office she greeted me with a smile, took her time to understand my situation, worked with me to ensure I knew the process each step of the way. Her profe...
- At the time of my offense, I met with Patricia thinking my life as I knew it had just ended, being a business executive. She not only helped me out of my situation on this my second offense. She exceeded my expectation with a final sentence of 1 day in jail, an alcohol treatment evaluation, and m...
- Patricia is professional, knowledgeable, well connected and efficient. She helped me navigate an arduous situation and not only got me the best result possible, but also helped me close out the issue years later. She is best in class.
- Patricia answered the phone when I first called. No pretense. Easy to get an appointment. Clear concise information on what was needed to work through what was an entirely new territory to navigate. Patricia shed a positive light on what felt like was an extremely dim difficult situation. Co-work...