Marshall & Saunders operates as a criminal defense law firm in Seattle, Washington, specializing in sex crimes, child abuse, and domestic violence cases since 1997. The practice focuses almost exclusively on defending individuals accused of these sensitive offenses across Washington State and in federal courts. The firm has handled over 1,000 clients, conducted more than 250 criminal trials, and brings 100 years of combined defense experience to its cases.

Sex crimes defense covers charges involving both adults and children, including rape, sexual assault, indecent liberties, voyeurism, prostitution-related offenses, internet sex crimes, and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. The firm handles cases where recordings are discovered on devices, working with computer forensic experts to examine when images were placed on devices, storage locations, and upload methods while challenging law enforcement search and seizure procedures.

Child physical abuse defense addresses allegations that can devastate the accused's life. The team investigates circumstances surrounding accusations, examines medical evidence, and scrutinizes interview methods used with minors. They look for signs of coaching, lying, or how anxiety and suggestion can create false beliefs in children. The practice has demonstrated how impossibly detailed "sleep memories" from years past combined with affectionate family photos can prove accusations false.

Domestic violence defense handles assault charges, harassment cases, and violation of protection order allegations. The firm manages both criminal proceedings and civil protection order matters, understanding how these charges impact every aspect of clients' lives including relationships, employment, and custody arrangements. They work to preserve clients' freedom and future while navigating Washington's domestic violence laws.

The defense approach involves thorough investigation leveraging extensive resources and networks of experts. Attorneys challenge illegally obtained evidence, argue for dismissal of improper charges, and scrutinize prosecution cases for inconsistencies and procedural errors. In protection order cases, they examine evidence for weaknesses, prepare clients for hearings, and sometimes negotiate with petitioners' attorneys for mutually agreeable resolutions.

The attorney team includes multiple experienced practitioners. Emily M. Gause has overturned convictions in the Washington State Court of Appeals and Washington Supreme Court, received the Anthony Savage Award in 2016 for a federal Brady violation dismissal, and earned the President's Award in 2020. She's been named a Super Lawyer for several years, a distinction awarded to less than five percent of attorneys. She graduated from Seattle University School of Law and Washington State University.

Kristina L. Selset brings 28 years of criminal defense experience, winning many jury acquittals and favorable judgments. She served as Governor of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and received President's Certificates of Appreciation in 1996 and 1998. An honors graduate in English from University of Washington, she's crafted arguments for courts from trial level to the Washington Supreme Court.

Sam Sommerman has been in private criminal defense practice since 2019, securing not-guilty verdicts in cases ranging from domestic violence to sex offenses and homicide. She's admitted to practice in federal court and Washington state courts. James Herr focuses on appeals, successfully convincing the Washington Supreme Court to unanimously reverse the Court of Appeals resulting in charge dismissals. He graduated cum laude from University of Michigan Law School.

The firm serves clients throughout Washington State including King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and Kitsap County. They maintain offices at 901 Fifth Avenue, Suite 2800 in Seattle and respond to inquiries within 1-2 business days. The practice emphasizes team collaboration, pooling knowledge to brainstorm creative solutions rather than relying on single attorney perspectives for case strategy.

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