Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.

When results are critical.

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.

When results are critical.

Firm Overview

John Henry Browne is famous for defending clients such as serial killer Ted Bundy, Benjamin Ng, Colton Harris-Moore (the "Barefoot Bandit"), and Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales. John Henry Browne and his associate Emily M. Gause, and Colleen A. Hartl, Of Counsel, are nationally known for obtaining favorable results.

If you or a loved one are in a high-stakes criminal battle and the results are critical, turn to the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S. Our top ranked attorneys are known throughout Seattle and the State of Washington for successfully protecting the rights of accused persons in both state and federal criminal courts. For information on how we can assist you, see our practice areas overview.
Our firm regularly takes on large, high-profile criminal cases that may frighten away less-qualified criminal defense lawyers.

At the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, we believe that aggressive representation is the key to successful results. We prioritize communication with our clients and keep you informed throughout the duration of your case. Our four attorneys take weekend and evening meetings by appointment and offer a 24-hour phone number. For the convenience of our clients, our offices are located within walking distance of the King County Courthouse in historic Pioneer Square.

Main Office

Main Office
108 South Washington Street
Suite 200, Delmar Building
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone

(206) 388-0777

Fax

(206) 388-0780

Criminal Defense

The Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S., provides aggressive criminal defense against felony charges in state, federal, and appellate courts in Seattle and throughout the State of Washington.

We regularly defend clients accused of:
-Fraud
-Drug Crimes
-Murder & Homicide
-Assault
-Sex Crimes
-Arson
-State Restoration of Firearm Rights
-Vacation / Expungement of Criminal Record
-State Court Criminal Defense
-Federal Court Criminal Defense
-Appellate Practice

Firm founder John Henry Browne (JHB) is a top-ranked attorney known for his aggressive defense of clients and his decades of obtaining successful results. Along with his associate Emma Scanlan, a Super Lawyers magazine "Rising Star" for 2010, JHB guides clients and their families through the criminal justice system. We invite you to learn more about these experienced litigators and their successes by visiting our attorney profiles and press pages.

State Court Criminal Defense:
If you have been charged with violating a criminal statute in the State of Washington, it is critical that you contact an experienced defense attorney who can help you minimize your punishment or possibly avoid conviction. If you are convicted, your sentencing will depend on the court's determination of the severity of your crime. There are three classes of felonies, Class A being the most serious and Class C being the least serious. For instance, if you are convicted of first degree murder, the most serious level of Class A felonies, you could face more than 20 years in prison or even the death penalty, whereas a conviction for second degree theft, a Class C nonviolent felony, may result in substantial fines and two months of jail time. No matter the charge, conviction of a felony is a serious matter that can substantially impact your life. Consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on your rights and represent you in court.

Federal Court Criminal Defense:
The U.S. government has enacted a substantial body of federal criminal statutes, including many laws governing drug crimes. In addition, crimes under state law can become federal crimes if any part of the offense was committed across state borders. If you have been charged with violating a federal statute, you may be tried and, if convicted, sentenced under complex advisory federal sentencing guidelines. If you have been charged with violating a federal criminal statute, contact an attorney who is experienced at handling cases in the federal courts as soon as possible.

Appellate Practice:
If you have been convicted of a crime, you may have the right to appeal your conviction. However, your appeal must be based on some type of error which occurred during your trial. Even if you can prove an error occurred, not all errors will result in a reversal of your conviction, such as "harmless errors." However, "reversible errors," including improperly admitted evidence, can sometimes be enough to overturn a conviction. If you have been convicted, contact an experienced appellate attorney who can advise you on your rights as soon as possible.

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
John Henry Browne

John Henry Browne is the one to call when it's all on the line. For almost 40 years, JHB has successfully represented people charged with serious offenses in state and federal court. Honored in Best Lawyers in America since 1999, JHB is an attorney with a northwest practice and international reputation. Martindale-Hubbell consistently rates him as a "Most Preeminent Lawyer." JHB has tried over 300 criminal cases to verdict and represents a broad range of individuals faced with serious felony charges. After graduating from American University School of Law in 1971, John was a Ford Foundation Fellow at Northwestern University School of Law. Shortly after that, he began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in Olympia, Washington. He then served as the Chief Trial Attorney at the Public Defender's Office before going into private practice as a founding partner in Browne & Ressler. JHB has since gone out on his own in the exclusive practice of criminal defense. The office is now located in Pioneer Square in the historic Delmar Building.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1971
-Illinois State Bar, 1971
-U.S. Supreme Court, 1998

Education:
-J.D., American University, 1971
-B.A., University of Denver, 1968

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Awards:
-Washington SuperLawyers, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008
-The Best Lawyers in America, 2001-2002
-Fellow, Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

Education

American University
Juris Doctorate, 1971

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
John Henry Browne

John Henry Browne is the one to call when it's all on the line. For almost 40 years, JHB has successfully represented people charged with serious offenses in state and federal court. Honored in Best Lawyers in America since 1999, JHB is an attorney with a northwest practice and international reputation. Martindale-Hubbell consistently rates him as a "Most Preeminent Lawyer." JHB has tried over 300 criminal cases to verdict and represents a broad range of individuals faced with serious felony charges. After graduating from American University School of Law in 1971, John was a Ford Foundation Fellow at Northwestern University School of Law. Shortly after that, he began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in Olympia, Washington. He then served as the Chief Trial Attorney at the Public Defender's Office before going into private practice as a founding partner in Browne & Ressler. JHB has since gone out on his own in the exclusive practice of criminal defense. The office is now located in Pioneer Square in the historic Delmar Building.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1971
-Illinois State Bar, 1971
-U.S. Supreme Court, 1998

Education:
-J.D., American University, 1971
-B.A., University of Denver, 1968

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Awards:
-Washington SuperLawyers, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008
-The Best Lawyers in America, 2001-2002
-Fellow, Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

Education

American University Juris Doctorate, 1971


Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Colleen A. Hartl, of Counsel

Colleen A. Hartl, an associate attorney at the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S., is a criminal law trial attorney with over 20 years experience in criminal law as a defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney and a municipal court judge. From the first appearance in court, through negotiations and trial, Colleen seeks to provide the best defense and assistance to a person accused of a crime with knowledge and experience. She represents persons accused at the misdemeanor, felony and appellate levels. Colleen has successfully represented and obtained dismissals on cases of domestic violence crimes, felony assaults, felony sex offenses, and those accused of serious alcohol related driving offenses.

Her area of practice also includes expunging criminal arrest records, vacating criminal convictions and restoring firearm rights.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1988
-United States Federal Court, Western Division, 1990
-United States Federal Court, Eastern Division, 2012

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University, 1987
-B.A., Seattle University, 1983

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Awards

Awards:
-Washington Rising Star Attorney, Washington Law and Politics magazine, 2000

Education

Seattle University
Juris Doctorate, 1987

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Colleen A. Hartl, of Counsel

Colleen A. Hartl, an associate attorney at the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S., is a criminal law trial attorney with over 20 years experience in criminal law as a defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney and a municipal court judge. From the first appearance in court, through negotiations and trial, Colleen seeks to provide the best defense and assistance to a person accused of a crime with knowledge and experience. She represents persons accused at the misdemeanor, felony and appellate levels. Colleen has successfully represented and obtained dismissals on cases of domestic violence crimes, felony assaults, felony sex offenses, and those accused of serious alcohol related driving offenses.

Her area of practice also includes expunging criminal arrest records, vacating criminal convictions and restoring firearm rights.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1988
-United States Federal Court, Western Division, 1990
-United States Federal Court, Eastern Division, 2012

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University, 1987
-B.A., Seattle University, 1983

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Awards

Awards:
-Washington Rising Star Attorney, Washington Law and Politics magazine, 2000

Education

Seattle University Juris Doctorate, 1987


Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Emily M. Gause

Emily M. Gause is John Henry Browne's newest associate. She has been an attorney here since October 2011. While attending Seattle University School of Law, Emily worked at Northwest Defenders Association, a public defender agency in King County, and the Washington State Attorney General's Office. Emily focused on representing juveniles in dependency cases and in criminal cases. While in law school, Emily participated in many mock trial competitions and excelled in trial advocacy.

Emily grew up in Ellensburg, Washington and is proud to be a Washington State University cougar. Now, Emily enjoys defending clients throughout the State of Washington. Emily excels at writing aggressive motions and obtaining successful resolutions through motions practice. For example, after Emily wrote two motions in a three-strikes case, the prosecutor offered to resolve the case with time-served. Emily's motion practice has resulted in dismissals and substantial reductions in plea offers. Along with John Henry Browne, Emily has obtained favorable results in complex sex offense cases.

Admissions:
Washington State Bar, 2011

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 2011
-B.A., Washington State University, 2006

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education

Seattle University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2011

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Emily M. Gause

Emily M. Gause is John Henry Browne's newest associate. She has been an attorney here since October 2011. While attending Seattle University School of Law, Emily worked at Northwest Defenders Association, a public defender agency in King County, and the Washington State Attorney General's Office. Emily focused on representing juveniles in dependency cases and in criminal cases. While in law school, Emily participated in many mock trial competitions and excelled in trial advocacy.

Emily grew up in Ellensburg, Washington and is proud to be a Washington State University cougar. Now, Emily enjoys defending clients throughout the State of Washington. Emily excels at writing aggressive motions and obtaining successful resolutions through motions practice. For example, after Emily wrote two motions in a three-strikes case, the prosecutor offered to resolve the case with time-served. Emily's motion practice has resulted in dismissals and substantial reductions in plea offers. Along with John Henry Browne, Emily has obtained favorable results in complex sex offense cases.

Admissions:
Washington State Bar, 2011

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 2011
-B.A., Washington State University, 2006

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education

Seattle University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2011


Firm Overview

John Henry Browne is famous for defending clients such as serial killer Ted Bundy, Benjamin Ng, Colton Harris-Moore (the "Barefoot Bandit"), and Army Staff Sergeant Robert Bales. John Henry Browne and his associate Emily M. Gause, and Colleen A. Hartl, Of Counsel, are nationally known for obtaining favorable results.

If you or a loved one are in a high-stakes criminal battle and the results are critical, turn to the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S. Our top ranked attorneys are known throughout Seattle and the State of Washington for successfully protecting the rights of accused persons in both state and federal criminal courts. For information on how we can assist you, see our practice areas overview.
Our firm regularly takes on large, high-profile criminal cases that may frighten away less-qualified criminal defense lawyers.

At the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, we believe that aggressive representation is the key to successful results. We prioritize communication with our clients and keep you informed throughout the duration of your case. Our four attorneys take weekend and evening meetings by appointment and offer a 24-hour phone number. For the convenience of our clients, our offices are located within walking distance of the King County Courthouse in historic Pioneer Square.

Main Office

Main Office
108 South Washington Street
Suite 200, Delmar Building
Seattle, WA 98104

Phone

(206) 388-0777

Fax

(206) 388-0780

Criminal Defense

The Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S., provides aggressive criminal defense against felony charges in state, federal, and appellate courts in Seattle and throughout the State of Washington.

We regularly defend clients accused of:
-Fraud
-Drug Crimes
-Murder & Homicide
-Assault
-Sex Crimes
-Arson
-State Restoration of Firearm Rights
-Vacation / Expungement of Criminal Record
-State Court Criminal Defense
-Federal Court Criminal Defense
-Appellate Practice

Firm founder John Henry Browne (JHB) is a top-ranked attorney known for his aggressive defense of clients and his decades of obtaining successful results. Along with his associate Emma Scanlan, a Super Lawyers magazine "Rising Star" for 2010, JHB guides clients and their families through the criminal justice system. We invite you to learn more about these experienced litigators and their successes by visiting our attorney profiles and press pages.

State Court Criminal Defense:
If you have been charged with violating a criminal statute in the State of Washington, it is critical that you contact an experienced defense attorney who can help you minimize your punishment or possibly avoid conviction. If you are convicted, your sentencing will depend on the court's determination of the severity of your crime. There are three classes of felonies, Class A being the most serious and Class C being the least serious. For instance, if you are convicted of first degree murder, the most serious level of Class A felonies, you could face more than 20 years in prison or even the death penalty, whereas a conviction for second degree theft, a Class C nonviolent felony, may result in substantial fines and two months of jail time. No matter the charge, conviction of a felony is a serious matter that can substantially impact your life. Consult with an experienced attorney who can advise you on your rights and represent you in court.

Federal Court Criminal Defense:
The U.S. government has enacted a substantial body of federal criminal statutes, including many laws governing drug crimes. In addition, crimes under state law can become federal crimes if any part of the offense was committed across state borders. If you have been charged with violating a federal statute, you may be tried and, if convicted, sentenced under complex advisory federal sentencing guidelines. If you have been charged with violating a federal criminal statute, contact an attorney who is experienced at handling cases in the federal courts as soon as possible.

Appellate Practice:
If you have been convicted of a crime, you may have the right to appeal your conviction. However, your appeal must be based on some type of error which occurred during your trial. Even if you can prove an error occurred, not all errors will result in a reversal of your conviction, such as "harmless errors." However, "reversible errors," including improperly admitted evidence, can sometimes be enough to overturn a conviction. If you have been convicted, contact an experienced appellate attorney who can advise you on your rights as soon as possible.

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
John Henry Browne

John Henry Browne is the one to call when it's all on the line. For almost 40 years, JHB has successfully represented people charged with serious offenses in state and federal court. Honored in Best Lawyers in America since 1999, JHB is an attorney with a northwest practice and international reputation. Martindale-Hubbell consistently rates him as a "Most Preeminent Lawyer." JHB has tried over 300 criminal cases to verdict and represents a broad range of individuals faced with serious felony charges. After graduating from American University School of Law in 1971, John was a Ford Foundation Fellow at Northwestern University School of Law. Shortly after that, he began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in Olympia, Washington. He then served as the Chief Trial Attorney at the Public Defender's Office before going into private practice as a founding partner in Browne & Ressler. JHB has since gone out on his own in the exclusive practice of criminal defense. The office is now located in Pioneer Square in the historic Delmar Building.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1971
-Illinois State Bar, 1971
-U.S. Supreme Court, 1998

Education:
-J.D., American University, 1971
-B.A., University of Denver, 1968

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Awards:
-Washington SuperLawyers, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008
-The Best Lawyers in America, 2001-2002
-Fellow, Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

Education

American University
Juris Doctorate, 1971

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
John Henry Browne

John Henry Browne is the one to call when it's all on the line. For almost 40 years, JHB has successfully represented people charged with serious offenses in state and federal court. Honored in Best Lawyers in America since 1999, JHB is an attorney with a northwest practice and international reputation. Martindale-Hubbell consistently rates him as a "Most Preeminent Lawyer." JHB has tried over 300 criminal cases to verdict and represents a broad range of individuals faced with serious felony charges. After graduating from American University School of Law in 1971, John was a Ford Foundation Fellow at Northwestern University School of Law. Shortly after that, he began his legal career as an Assistant Attorney General in Olympia, Washington. He then served as the Chief Trial Attorney at the Public Defender's Office before going into private practice as a founding partner in Browne & Ressler. JHB has since gone out on his own in the exclusive practice of criminal defense. The office is now located in Pioneer Square in the historic Delmar Building.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1971
-Illinois State Bar, 1971
-U.S. Supreme Court, 1998

Education:
-J.D., American University, 1971
-B.A., University of Denver, 1968

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Awards:
-Washington SuperLawyers, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2008
-The Best Lawyers in America, 2001-2002
-Fellow, Ford Foundation Fellowship Program

Education

American University Juris Doctorate, 1971


Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Colleen A. Hartl, of Counsel

Colleen A. Hartl, an associate attorney at the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S., is a criminal law trial attorney with over 20 years experience in criminal law as a defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney and a municipal court judge. From the first appearance in court, through negotiations and trial, Colleen seeks to provide the best defense and assistance to a person accused of a crime with knowledge and experience. She represents persons accused at the misdemeanor, felony and appellate levels. Colleen has successfully represented and obtained dismissals on cases of domestic violence crimes, felony assaults, felony sex offenses, and those accused of serious alcohol related driving offenses.

Her area of practice also includes expunging criminal arrest records, vacating criminal convictions and restoring firearm rights.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1988
-United States Federal Court, Western Division, 1990
-United States Federal Court, Eastern Division, 2012

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University, 1987
-B.A., Seattle University, 1983

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Awards

Awards:
-Washington Rising Star Attorney, Washington Law and Politics magazine, 2000

Education

Seattle University
Juris Doctorate, 1987

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Colleen A. Hartl, of Counsel

Colleen A. Hartl, an associate attorney at the Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S., is a criminal law trial attorney with over 20 years experience in criminal law as a defense attorney, a prosecuting attorney and a municipal court judge. From the first appearance in court, through negotiations and trial, Colleen seeks to provide the best defense and assistance to a person accused of a crime with knowledge and experience. She represents persons accused at the misdemeanor, felony and appellate levels. Colleen has successfully represented and obtained dismissals on cases of domestic violence crimes, felony assaults, felony sex offenses, and those accused of serious alcohol related driving offenses.

Her area of practice also includes expunging criminal arrest records, vacating criminal convictions and restoring firearm rights.

Admissions:
-Washington State Bar, 1988
-United States Federal Court, Western Division, 1990
-United States Federal Court, Eastern Division, 2012

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University, 1987
-B.A., Seattle University, 1983

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Awards

Awards:
-Washington Rising Star Attorney, Washington Law and Politics magazine, 2000

Education

Seattle University Juris Doctorate, 1987


Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Emily M. Gause

Emily M. Gause is John Henry Browne's newest associate. She has been an attorney here since October 2011. While attending Seattle University School of Law, Emily worked at Northwest Defenders Association, a public defender agency in King County, and the Washington State Attorney General's Office. Emily focused on representing juveniles in dependency cases and in criminal cases. While in law school, Emily participated in many mock trial competitions and excelled in trial advocacy.

Emily grew up in Ellensburg, Washington and is proud to be a Washington State University cougar. Now, Emily enjoys defending clients throughout the State of Washington. Emily excels at writing aggressive motions and obtaining successful resolutions through motions practice. For example, after Emily wrote two motions in a three-strikes case, the prosecutor offered to resolve the case with time-served. Emily's motion practice has resulted in dismissals and substantial reductions in plea offers. Along with John Henry Browne, Emily has obtained favorable results in complex sex offense cases.

Admissions:
Washington State Bar, 2011

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 2011
-B.A., Washington State University, 2006

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education

Seattle University School of Law
Juris Doctorate, 2011

Law Offices of John Henry Browne, P.S.
Emily M. Gause

Emily M. Gause is John Henry Browne's newest associate. She has been an attorney here since October 2011. While attending Seattle University School of Law, Emily worked at Northwest Defenders Association, a public defender agency in King County, and the Washington State Attorney General's Office. Emily focused on representing juveniles in dependency cases and in criminal cases. While in law school, Emily participated in many mock trial competitions and excelled in trial advocacy.

Emily grew up in Ellensburg, Washington and is proud to be a Washington State University cougar. Now, Emily enjoys defending clients throughout the State of Washington. Emily excels at writing aggressive motions and obtaining successful resolutions through motions practice. For example, after Emily wrote two motions in a three-strikes case, the prosecutor offered to resolve the case with time-served. Emily's motion practice has resulted in dismissals and substantial reductions in plea offers. Along with John Henry Browne, Emily has obtained favorable results in complex sex offense cases.

Admissions:
Washington State Bar, 2011

Education:
-J.D., Seattle University School of Law, 2011
-B.A., Washington State University, 2006

Professional Memberships:
-Washington State Bar Association
-Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Education

Seattle University School of Law Juris Doctorate, 2011


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