I am a lifelong resident of Clark County and I focus my law practice exclusively on defending DUIs and other driving-related criminal charges in SW Washington. This is a complex area of law that requires a fundamental understanding of all unique consequences of a conviction. For this reason, I devote my entire practice solely to this single subset of criminal law. It is important for a client to have an attorney who understands every complexity and nuance of a DUI, not just the general aspects of criminal defense. To this end, I am a co-author of “Defending DUIs in Washington (Third Edition),” which is a comprehensive textbook published by LexisNexis and utilized by attorneys throughout Washington State as a DUI practice manual.
In addition to handling criminal DUI matters in SW Washington courts, a large portion of my practice is devoted to navigating the collateral licensing issues that are often associated with those charges, including Department of Licensing administrative hearings. I have argued over 800 hundred DOL hearings, successfully obtained over 250 dismissals, and I frequently litigate post-adjudication appeals in Clark County Superior Court (including commercial licensing cases). These hearings are separate from the criminal proceedings on a DUI and they present an entirely different set of laws and regulations. In this regard, it is often important for a driver to address not only their criminal charge, but the administrative licensing ramifications that may arise as well.
Beyond criminal and administrative litigation, I have also worked closely with the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL) to draft statutory amendments and law changes relating to DUI licensing issues. In 2019, I testified in front of the state senate in support of these positive legislative changes, which have now simplified many aspects of the licensing process for drivers convicted of DUI-related offenses. Additionally, I was selected by the Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice (WFCJ) as a conference presenter on licensing topics at the statewide DUI Defense Seminar in 2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022. I continue to work closely with the statewide defense community to assist drivers in this often-overwhelming area of law. As a result of my work in both the local and statewide criminal defense community, I was awarded the “Rising Star” award by the Clark County Bar Association in 2020. In 2025, I was awarded the “Anthony Savage Award” by WACDL, which is presented annually to one lawyer in Washington who demonstrates exceptional trial performance in their first ten years of practice.
Client Reviews
Chris and his staff are amazing to work with. They are kind and professional. They work toward resolutions that are in the best interest of everyone involved in their cases. They are detailed oriented and well informed!
Alex was in communication with me from the time I hired Wheeler, Montgomery and Boyd. Alex was thorough, professional and respectful throughout the process of defending my DUI charge. He and his firm also obtained the best possible outcome given the facts surrounding my case. I would recommend Alex...
I used Chris for a custody case several years ago. It was a very difficult time and the circumstances were of a serious nature. He was professional, kind and competent. Most importantly, he did his job well and my children were kept safe. I am forever in his debt and would recommend him in a...