A retired US Navy Officer with a JD from the University of San Diego School of Law, Paul Hanson has spent over 40 years practicing law in Snohomish County and North King County, a tenure that spans more than the professional lifetimes of most attorneys now working in Washington State. His firm carries both an AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell and a 10-Superb rating from Avvo, the two most widely recognized independent attorney rating systems in the country. Located at the Alderwood Business Center in Lynnwood, Washington, the practice focuses on DUI defense, traffic tickets, criminal charges, driver license matters, and car accident insurance claims. The office offers free first consultations and a 10% discount on fees for active duty military, reserve, and National Guard members.
Practice Areas
DUI defense is the core focus, and Paul Hanson investigates well beyond the police report. He examines blood and breath alcohol tests, road conditions, traffic patterns, weather at the time of the stop, environmental conditions, and medical conditions that can affect test results. This investigation addresses the evidentiary foundations of a DUI case rather than simply accepting testing results at face value.
Washington State DUI cases come in multiple categories: first offense, multiple offenses, marijuana DUI, and refusal to submit to testing. Each carries distinct legal considerations. A critical deadline applies immediately following arrest: clients have 7 days to request a Department of Licensing (DOL) hearing to contest their license suspension. Missing that deadline typically results in an automatic suspension that cannot be challenged administratively. The firm handles that hearing request as part of DUI representation.
Traffic tickets receive attention because the downstream effects on a Washington driver license and insurance record extend well past the original fine. Criminal charges across the range of district and municipal court matters in Snohomish County and North King County are also handled.
Car accident injury insurance claims are taken on a contingency basis, with fees collected only when settlements are obtained. Washington carries a 3-year statute of limitations for injury claims. A specific rule governs minors: injured minors have until their 21st birthday to file. Accident reporting is required in Washington when damages exceed $750.
Driver license suspension matters and expungement or deletion of old criminal records are additional practice areas. For clients whose prior records affect employment or licensing decisions, expungement produces significant practical consequences that outlast any sentence already served.
Attorney Profiles
Paul Hanson brings together a background that is uncommon among DUI and traffic defense attorneys. His service as a US Navy Officer provided discipline and analytical rigor that carries into legal practice. His JD from the University of San Diego School of Law and 40+ years in Washington courts means his knowledge of local court procedures, judges, and prosecutorial practices is extensive.
The AV-Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell represents the highest possible rating in both legal ability and ethical standards, based on peer review by attorneys and judges. The 10-Superb rating from Avvo reflects independent evaluation of experience, industry recognition, and professional conduct. Both ratings require sustained performance over time.
His investigation methodology for DUI cases is specific and systematic. Rather than limiting review to the officer-reported observations and the chemical test result, Hanson examines the physical conditions at the time of the stop, the testing equipment and procedures used, and any medical factors that could produce a false or inflated reading. The testing result is treated as evidence to be scrutinized, not a conclusion to accept.
The firm offers a 10% fee discount for active duty military, reserve, and National Guard members, recognizing their service while they address legal matters in the Lynnwood area.
Location and Service Area
The office is located at the Alderwood Business Center, 3500 188th St SW, Suite 205, Lynnwood, WA 98037. The phone number is 425-778-7339. The firm accepts cash, money orders, and local personal checks.
The practice covers all district and municipal courts in Snohomish County and North King County. Communities served include Lake Stevens, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Shoreline, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Marysville, Snohomish, Bothell, and surrounding areas.
Typical DUI fees range from $3,995 to $4,995 depending on the specific court. This transparent range allows prospective clients to understand what representation will cost before the first consultation.
Client Focus
The 7-day deadline for DOL hearings is the single most time-sensitive element of a Washington DUI case. Clients who contact the firm immediately after arrest preserve the ability to contest license suspension through the administrative process. Waiting can mean a suspension becomes effective by default, even if the criminal case ultimately resolves favorably.
Military service members receive the 10% fee discount across active duty, reserve, and National Guard categories. For clients with old criminal records, expungement addresses a specific practical problem: records that follow a person for years after completing any sentence can affect employment, housing, and professional licensing.
The free first consultation is available by phone or in person, making it easy for prospective clients to get an assessment of their situation without any initial financial commitment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does the 7-day deadline matter so much in a Washington DUI case?
Washington State allows drivers to contest a license suspension triggered by a DUI arrest, but only if they request a DOL hearing within 7 days. Missing that window typically results in the suspension taking effect automatically, regardless of what happens with the criminal charges. The firm handles this request immediately upon being retained.
What is the fee range for DUI representation?
Typical fees run from $3,995 to $4,995 depending on which court handles the matter. The range is provided upfront so clients can plan accordingly. Active duty military, reserve, and National Guard members receive a 10% discount.
How long do I have to file a car accident injury claim in Washington?
The standard statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington is 3 years from the date of the accident. Minors have until their 21st birthday to file. Washington also requires accident reporting when damages exceed $750.
Does Paul Hanson investigate DUI testing methods or simply accept the results?
He specifically investigates blood and breath alcohol tests, road and traffic conditions, weather and environmental factors at the time of the stop, and medical conditions that could affect test results. The chemical test result is evidence to be examined, not a conclusion to accept.
What courts does the firm serve?
All district and municipal courts in Snohomish County and North King County, including courts in Lake Stevens, Mill Creek, Mukilteo, Shoreline, Woodinville, Lynnwood, Marysville, Snohomish, Bothell, and surrounding areas.
Closing
Four decades of practice in Snohomish County and North King County, combined with peer-reviewed ratings at the highest levels from both Martindale-Hubbell and Avvo, establish Paul Hanson as an attorney with a long and audited track record in this region. The Lynnwood office at 3500 188th St SW, Suite 205 can be reached at 425-778-7339. Complete information is at attorneypaulhanson.com/