Business Details
16 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Bellevue DUI & Criminal Defense Team
Leyba Defense is a boutique criminal defense law firm founded on the principle of providing unparalleled legal representation to individuals facing DUI and criminal charges. With over 15 years of specialized experience in DUI defense and criminal law, our team combines deep expertise in constitutional law, search and seizure protocols, and courtroom strategy to protect clients' rights. Recognized as a Super Lawyer and Top 40 Under 40 attorney by the American Society of Legal Advocates, we maintain a relentless focus on case preparation and trial readiness.Our firm's philosophy centers on personalized attention, with a limited caseload ensuring dedicated time for each client's defense. Backed by a proven track record of dismissed charges and reduced sentences, we serve Western Washington with offices in Bellevue and Seattle while maintaining 24/7 availability for client consultations.
Services
DUI Defense
Criminal Defense
Domestic Violence
Drug Crimes
Traffic Violations
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- 20+ years of specialized DUI/criminal defense experience
- Boutique firm with personalized case attention
- Available 24/7 for client emergencies
- Proven success in charge dismissals/reductions
- NHTSA-certified field sobriety test administrator
Associations and certifications
- Super Lawyers
- Seattle Met Magazine Rising Star
- American Society of Legal Advocates Top 40 Under 40
What people say
Best attorney around
Stellar results
Excellent attorney
Amazing individual
Highly recommended
Services
DUI Defense
Our specialized DUI defense practice handles all aspects of impaired driving charges. We challenge evidence through field sobriety test analysis, breathalyzer accuracy reviews, and procedural violations. With NHTSA-certified expertise and over 2000 hours of trial experience, we protect clients' driving privileges and future opportunities while maintaining a 40% case dismissal rate.
Criminal Defense
Comprehensive criminal defense representation covers felony and misdemeanor charges including assault, theft, and drug offenses. Our constitutional law expertise challenges unlawful searches and evidence admissibility while leveraging trial experience to secure charge reductions. We handle cases from initial arrest through jury trial proceedings across Western Washington courts.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence defense requires understanding both legal and social implications. We protect clients' rights against false accusations while addressing underlying issues through strategic plea negotiations or trial advocacy. Our approach minimizes long-term consequences to employment, child custody, and personal relationships through evidence-based defense strategies.
Drug-Related Offenses
Drug crime defense covers possession, distribution, and trafficking charges under Washington state law. We challenge search warrant validity, chain of custody issues, and lab analysis procedures. Our approach combines constitutional protections with rehabilitation advocacy to achieve charge dismissals or alternative sentencing options for first-time and repeat offenders.
Traffic Violations
Traffic violation defense includes reckless driving, suspended license, and commercial driver license (CDL) cases. We prevent points accumulation, license suspensions, and insurance rate increases through courtroom advocacy and negotiation with prosecuting attorneys while maintaining clients' driving privileges essential for work and family obligations.
People
Matthew A. Leyba
Owner/Attorney
Matthew Leyba is a Super Lawyer-recognized criminal defense attorney with 15+ years specializing in DUI cases. Former Spokane public defender, now handling 2000+ criminal cases with 50% trial rate. NHTSA-certified in field sobriety testing and frequent legal seminar speaker.
Questions
What should I do immediately after a DUI arrest?
Contact Leyba Defense immediately to preserve evidence and understand your rights. We'll guide you through administrative license hearings and criminal proceedings while developing defense strategies based on police report analysis.
How does your firm handle out-of-town clients?
We represent clients statewide with virtual consultations and court appearances. Our Bellevue and Seattle offices accommodate in-person meetings while maintaining flexible communication options for remote clients throughout Washington state.
Can first-offense DUI charges be dismissed?
Yes, through procedural challenges, evidence suppression, or trial verdicts. Our 40% dismissal rate comes from challenging field sobriety test validity, breathalyzer accuracy, and constitutional violations during traffic stops and arrests.
What differentiates your criminal defense approach?
We combine NHTSA-certified technical expertise with aggressive trial advocacy. Unlike volume practices, our limited caseload allows thorough investigation of police procedures, witness interviews, and forensic evidence analysis for stronger defense strategies.
Do you handle juvenile criminal cases?
Yes, we represent minors in diversion programs and court proceedings while protecting educational and future employment opportunities. Our approach focuses on record sealing and rehabilitation-focused resolutions with prosecutors and juvenile justice systems.
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