Cases We Handle

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Seattle Defense represents clients in a wide range of criminal matters ranging from misdemeanors to complex federal investigations. We handle cases in municipal, state, and federal court, as well as pre-indictment investigations, corporate internal inquiries, and regulatory enforcement actions.

Our founder, attorney Sean Coutain, has represented over 1,000 clients and regularly secures dismissals, reduced charges, and acquittals. He brings experience from both elite private practice and public defense, combining meticulous preparation with a relentless commitment to exceptional results.

We represent individuals and businesses in:

Federal Criminal Defense

All charges, including guns, drugs, fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, and other white-collar crimes.

State and Municipal Criminal Charges

Including robbery, homicide, sex crimes, DUI, assault, domestic violence, theft, drug offenses, and firearms violations.

Pre-Charge and Grand Jury Investigations

Early intervention and strategic advocacy before formal charges are filed

Corporate Internal Investigations

Discreet, independent reviews for companies facing potential legal exposure.

Regulatory Enforcement Defense

Including SEC, DOJ, and other agency actions involving compliance and disclosure issues.

 

University Disciplinary Hearings

Alleged Code of Conduct violations involving violence, sexual misconduct, drugs, hazing, or other serious offenses that could lead to expulsion or criminal charges.

FEDERAL CRIMINAL CASES

We are prepared to represent you in any federal criminal case or pre-indictment investigation

While we practice primarily in the United States District Court for Western District of Washington (Seattle and Tacoma) arrangements can be made to handle matters in any U.S. District Court.

We’ve handled matters in the following United States District Courts: 

  • Norther District of California
  • Central District of California
  • District of Hawaii
  • District of Colorado

STATE CRIMINAL CASES

We are ready to represent clients facing any state or municipal criminal charges. Our practice covers everything from misdemeanors to murders in the following courts:

  • King County Superior court (Felonies)
  • King County District Court (Misdemeanors) 
  • King County Municipal Courts (Misdemeanors):
    • Seattle Municipal Court
    • Bellevue Municipal Court
    • Federal Way Municipal Court
    • Kent Municipal Court

CORPORATE INTERNAL INVESTIGATIONS & REGULATORY DEFENSE

We offer nationwide assistance to corporate boards, compliance committees, and executives, with various regulatory and internal investigations, including:

  • Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) Violations
  • Code of Conduct Violations
  • Business Fraud
    • Embezzlement
    • Kickbacks
    • Phantom vendors
    • Intellectual Property Theft
  • Conflicts of Interest
    • Related-party Transactions
    • Moonlighting
  • Privacy/Data Security violations

Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Investigations

  • Wells Notice Responses
  • Securities Fraud (Rule 10b-5 material misstatements and omissions)
  • Insider trading
  • Section 16(b) “Short-Swing” profits
  • Market Manipulation
  • Accounting Matters (Improper Revenue Recognition, Channel stuffing, etc. )

University Disciplinary Hearings

At public universities such as the University of Washington (UW) and Washington State University (WSU), student disciplinary procedures are governed by state law. These regulations grant students the right to legal representation in certain disciplinary proceedings.

The University of Washington follows the procedures outlined in the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) Chapter 478-121, while Washington State University adheres to WAC Chapter 504-26.

If you are facing allegations involving violence, drugs, hazing, sexual misconduct, or other serious offenses that could lead to expulsion or criminal charges, it is strongly recommended that you seek legal counsel to protect your rights, as statements made in university hearings can be used against you in criminal court.

Cases We Handle

Seattle Defense Represents Clients in a Wide Range of Criminal Matters, from Misdemeanors to Complex Federal Investigations.

Corporate Internal Investigations

We advise management teams and boards of directors navigating sensitive internal investigations involving whistleblower claims, regulatory exposure, or other potential misconduct. Our investigative approach prioritizes risk mitigation, maintains strict confidentiality, and focuses on protecting the organization’s long-term interests.

White-Collar & Business Offenses

We have world-class expertise in defending clients charged with business crimes. We represent professionals and executives facing allegations of fraud, embezzlement, insider trading, and other financial crimes. We provide discreet, sophisticated defense in complex, high-stakes investigations and prosecutions.

Theft, Burglary & Robbery

We defend clients against allegations of robbery, theft, burglary, shoplifting, organized retail theft, and other forms of larceny. These cases often turn on issues of identity and intent, making thorough pre-trial investigation critical to strategically challenging weak or circumstantial evidence.

DUI & Vehicular Assault

DUIs are among the most frequently charged offenses in King County. When a DUI results in injury, it may be charged as vehicular assault. These charges can lead to license suspension, increased insurance premiums, substantial fines, career repercussions, and incarceration. We collaborate with scientific experts to challenge the accuracy of breath and blood tests and expose improper police procedures, building a strong defense to protect both your driving privileges and your criminal record.

Firearm Offenses

Gun charges in state or federal court can carry severe penalties. We represent clients facing allegations of unlawful possession, brandishing, trafficking, and firearm enhancements, with a strong focus on constitutional rights and a tactical challenges to flawed investigations and unlawful searches.

Drug Charges

Whether you’re charged with simple possession or large-scale distribution, Seattle Defense delivers aggressive defense against state and federal drug charges. We challenge unlawful searches, unreliable informants, and flawed investigations.

Domestic Violence & No-contact Orders

We represent individuals accused of domestic violence and violations of no-contact orders. These emotionally charged cases often arise from high-conflict divorces or child custody disputes, making the facts less clear and raising questions about the credibility of the accuser and potential systemic gender biases. Our strategic, evidence-driven approach is tailored to protect your rights and maximize the likelihood of a favorable outcome.

Sex Crimes

Accusations of sexual misconduct are highly stigmatizing and can result in devastating, lifelong consequences. We approach these cases with discretion, empathy, and a vigorous defense strategy focused on safeguarding your rights, protecting your reputation, and preserving your freedom.

Violent Crimes

Allegations of assault, homicide, or other violent offenses can carry life-changing consequences. We conduct thorough investigations, challenge unreliable evidence, and fight aggressively in court to protect your freedom and your future.

Federal Crimes

Federal cases are procedurally very different from state cases and require legal counsel with significant experience in federal courts. We’ve defended roughly 200 clients facing federal charges such as conspiracy, wire fraud, falsification of corporate records, drug trafficking, interference with flight crew, counterfeiting, illegal reentry, obstruction of justice, and firearms offense. Our team has the requisite experience and skills to defend you against any federal charge.

Facing Criminal Charges?
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