Stephen Hayne

Steve Hayne is widely acknowledged as one of the top criminal lawyers in the country.  He has an unparalleled list of professional accomplishments and has been the recipient of virtually every major award from his peers over a storied 30 year career in criminal law.  In 2003, the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers acknowledged his career achievements with its highest honor; the William O. Douglas Award ‘For extraordinary courage and dedication to the practice of criminal law’.

 The Douglas and other awards Steve has received are in recognition of his dedication and success in defending hundreds of cases over the years; from capital murder to reckless driving, and in particular for his handling of hundreds of DUI cases.

 Among other awards, he has been named one of Seattle’s Best Lawyers by Seattle Magazine, one of Washington’s Top Ten Trial Lawyers by the Washington Law Journal, and has been voted a Super Lawyer every year since inception of the award by Washington Law & Politics magazine. 

In terms of leadership in the Bar, Steve has served as President of the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and as Chair of the Criminal Law Sections of the Washington State Bar Association, the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and the King County Bar Association. 

Steve is often called upon to teach other lawyers how to defend cases, and has been a trial practice instructor at the University of Washington School of Law, Seattle University School of Law, the National Institute of Trial Advocacy, the Trial Masters Program, and the Northwest College of DUI Defense. In addition, he is a founding member of the National College for DUI Defense held annually at Harvard Law School. 

Steve has published numerous articles on trial practice and defending DUIs in various legal periodicals, including the Washington State Bar News, Trial News, Defense, Champion and Overruled magazines.  In addition, Steve has been a featured speaker at over 80 continuing legal education programs in the United States and Canada, including numerous “Best of the Best” seminars. 
Steve’s significant appellate cases include lead counsel/co-counsel in the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals in State of Washington v. Straka, State of Washington  v.Brayman, City of Seattle v. Allison,  State of Washington v. Scott, State of Washington  v. Ford, and City of Seattle v. Box.

Aaron Wolff

Prior to joining Mr. Hayne in February 2003, Aaron Wolff practiced as both a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.  He was a DUI prosecutor for several cities in King County handling hundreds of alcohol-related offenses during the first few years of his career.  Since then, he has limited his practice to defending those accused of DUI and other related charges.  Aaron is an aggressive and skilled advocate for his clients with extensive courtroom experience.

Aaron has also received specialized training in many subjects relating to DUI’s.  He is a NHTSA-Qualified Administrator of the Standardized Field Sobriety Tests.  He has also attended a course regarding the breath test machine and the science of evidential breath alcohol testing taught by the company that manufactures the machines used in Washington State.  In addition, Aaron has completed a drug recognition and classification overview course regarding the techniques used by law enforcement officers during a DRE investigation.  He is also a graduate of the National College for DUI Defense.

Aaron is a member of several legal organizations including the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington State Trial Lawyers Association and the National College for DUI defense.

Aaron is a long-time resident of King County.  He graduated from Emory University with a degree in Political Science in 1995.  He is also a cum laude graduate of Seattle University School of Law.