Karimi Law / Steve Karimi
Criminal Defense — Seattle & King County
Steve Karimi
Former King County ProsecutorCriminal Defense Attorney
He began his career prosecuting cases for King County. He has spent the years since on the other side of the courtroom — defending the people the State charges, with the same file read the way the State will read it.
The record, at a glance
- 1999–2004Prosecutor · King County & four cities
- 1999Practicing since · WSBA #29205
- 10.0Avvo rating · "Superb"
a platform rating - 76Client reviews on Avvo · 5.0 average
Why a former prosecutor
The other side of the courtroom.
He learned how these cases are built — by building them.
Before defending people, Steve spent roughly five years prosecuting them — for King County and four cities. He reads a case the way the people prosecuting it do.
- King County Deputy Prosecutor · 1999–2000Knows how the State decides what to charge, and what it must prove.The defense targets the elements that actually decide a case — not the noise.
- City Prosecutor — Kirkland, Shoreline, Tukwila, Sammamish · 2000–2004Knows how DV and DUI cases run in municipal and district court.Familiar ground for exactly the matters he handles — where DV and DUI cases begin.
- Criminal defense — Law Office of Steve KarimiApplies that knowledge from the defense side.A prosecutor's insight, used only for you.
Professional journey
From prosecution to defense.
- 1990 · EducationUniversity of Washington
B.B.A., University of Washington–Seattle.
- 1998 · EducationPepperdine University School of Law
Juris Doctor (J.D.).
- 1999Admitted to the Washington State Bar
WSBA #29205 — the start of a career spent entirely in criminal law.
- 1999–2000 · ProsecutionDeputy Prosecutor, King County
Charging and trying criminal cases on behalf of the State.
- 2000–2004 · ProsecutionCity Prosecutor — Kirkland, Shoreline, Tukwila, Sammamish
Misdemeanor prosecution across four municipalities, including DV and DUI.
- Defense practiceLaw Office of Steve Karimi
Private criminal-defense practice in Seattle. Cited in a Washington Court of Appeals decision (State v. C.P., 2015).
Defense philosophy
Read the case the way the State will read it.
A charge, a protection order, a DUI — read the way it will be read against you, by a former prosecutor. No promises about the outcome. A promise about preparation instead.
Every report, every statement, every procedural step the State took — examined the way a former prosecutor examines a file: looking for what holds, and what doesn't.
Credentials
Professional background.
Washington Defender Association
Citizens for Judicial Excellence
U.S. District Court, Western District of Washington
Reviews & peer recognition
Reviewed where it counts.
Platform rating
10.0
Avvo rating, "Superb" — issued and updated by Avvo, not by this office.
Client reviews
76
Reviews written by clients on Avvo, 5.0 average.
Peer endorsements
22
Endorsements from fellow attorneys on Avvo.
"Honest and down to earth… gave me peace of mind."
"Professional and knowledgeable… genuine empathy."
Where to begin
Begin with a confidential conversation.
A free consultation with the attorney who would handle your case. No obligation, and what you share stays between us.
Seattle, WA 98104