Defending Tacoma Drivers Since 1997 | Over 100 Years of Combined DUI & Traffic Defense Experience
Available 24/7 | Call (253) 473-5262
Tacoma DUI & Traffic Ticket Lawyers You Can Trust
DUI charges, traffic tickets, hit & runs, suspended licenses, and more. Led by founding attorney Barbara Bowden, we’ve helped thousands of drivers across Tacoma, Lakewood, and Western Washington fight back, including commercial drivers and repeat offenders.
Get a Free Case Review – Available 24/7
Not sure what to do after a DUI or traffic ticket? You’re not alone and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. Whether you’re facing criminal charges or a civil infraction, we’re here to help you understand your options and fight for the best possible outcome. Talk to an experienced attorney today and take the first step toward resolving your case.
DUI OFFENSES
A DUI involving alcohol, marijuana, or other substances can put your license, job, and finances at risk. But one mistake doesn’t define you. With an experienced DUI defense attorney, you have options. We take your entire case into account, including your BAC, field sobriety tests, prior offenses, and the circumstances of your arrest. Learn More ›
TRAFFIC INFRACTIONS
From speeding to seatbelt violations, traffic infractions can raise your insurance rates, put points on your record, and even lead to license suspension. Over the past 25 years, we’ve defended drivers in Tacoma, Lakewood, Pierce County, and beyond—handling tens of thousands of traffic cases across Western Washington. Paying the ticket might seem easier, but it can cost you more in the long run. Learn More ›
Meet The Attorneys
Meet some of the attorneys trusted by drivers across Washington. They aren’t just legal professionals, they’re problem solvers, fighters, and fierce advocates who know how to get results. When your license, your reputation, or your future is on the line, this is the kind of team you want fighting for your rights.
Barbara A. Bowden
Attorney and Owner
Born and raised in Western Washington, Barbara graduated from Washington State University and earned her law degree from the University of Puget Sound School of Law. She has been a licensed attorney since 1986 and has dedicated her entire legal career to defending drivers—especially those facing DUIs and traffic violations. With more than 35 years of experience, Barbara is known for her strategic approach in the courtroom and her deep compassion for the people she represents. She’s built her reputation in Lakewood and Tacoma as a fierce advocate who treats every case like it matters—because to her, it does.
Phillip “PJ” J. French
Attorney
PJ is a Seattle native and seasoned criminal defense attorney, licensed in Washington since 1980 and Hawaii since 1990. He earned his BA in Social Welfare from the University of Washington, then went on to the University of Puget Sound School of Law, where he was awarded three Am Jur Awards in Criminal Law and served as Associate Editor for the Law Review. With decades of experience in DUI and traffic defense, PJ brings sharp legal insight and calm, confident guidance to every case. Outside the courtroom, he enjoys golf, music, and time with his four children and ten grandchildren.
Firm Overview
If you find yourself arrested and charged with a DUI in the state of Washington, you are likely to be anxious, frightened, and, perhaps, even angry, if you feel you were unfairly targeted. Perhaps you have been ticketed from a moving violation and are unsure whether you should simply pay the ticket and accept the consequences or fight the charges. Whatever your issue—whether DUI, marijuana DUI, suspended license, habitual traffic offender, potential loss of a CDL, arrests and warrants or other traffic offenses—the Western Washington DUI lawyers at The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden can help. At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we consistently provide great customer service for our clients.
We are open six days a week for the convenience of our clients, and if you call our offices, you will talk to an attorney who can answer your questions and put your mind at ease during this difficult time. At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we have extensive experience as traffic ticket lawyers and DUI lawyers.
We understand that you are potentially facing one of the most difficult times in your life—we want you to feel confident in your choice of attorney, and we want you to be properly informed about your charges, your options, and the potential penalties. We can assist you in trying to retain your CDL, with a “regular” DUI, or with a marijuana DUI. At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we work hard to help individuals keep their jobs. We truly care about each client and the outcome of each case.
When you are charged with a Washington DUI, you have much at stake—your livelihood, your driver’s license, your finances, and your freedom. This one single mistake can truly turn your life upside-down, altering your future in negative ways. You do have options, however. Once you are charged with a DUI in Western Washington, your DUI attorney will take all the factors into account (your BAC, your field sobriety tests, probable cause and prior offenses), then put together a comprehensive plan of action.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Expect After a DUI Arrest?
If you were arrested by a Washington State Trooper or a County Deputy Sheriff, then you will likely be charged with DUI in the District Court in the County where you were arrested. If you were arrested by a municipal police officer, then you will likely be charged with DUI in the Municipal Court in the municipal locality where you were arrested. Some towns do not have their own courts so, in those cases, you may be charged in a different court. Read More ❯
Can I Refuse Voluntary Field Sobriety Tests?
If you have been pulled over by law enforcement or otherwise contacted by law enforcement, and you have been asked whether you will submit to voluntary field sobriety tests, you have the right to refuse to submit to these tests. There is no penalty for refusing these tests. It is unlawful for the police officer to arrest you solely for refusing field sobriety tests. Read More ❯
How We Can Help You Fight Back
One mistake shouldn’t define your life. Whether you’re facing a DUI, a suspended license, or traffic charges that threaten your job and freedom—we’re here to push back hard. At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we don’t back down. With over 100 years of combined legal experience and deep roots in Western Washington, we know the law, we know the courts, and we know how to win. Here’s how we can fight for you:
Traffic Offenses
Speeding. Running a red light. Cell phone tickets. Minor infractions can have major consequences—fines, insurance hikes, even license suspension. We work with clients across Western Washington to protect your rights and help you keep your driving record clean. Learn More ›
DUI Charges
A DUI arrest can shake your whole world. Whether it’s your first or third DUI, we will challenge every element—from field sobriety tests to breathalyzer results—and push for reduced penalties or dismissed charges. Learn More ›
Marijuana DUI
Washington’s cannabis laws can be confusing, and marijuana DUIs are often based on unclear or subjective evidence. We understand the law and know how to fight these charges with facts and experience on your side. Learn More ›
Suspended License
Whether you’re at risk of suspension or already lost your license, we can help. Our team has strong working relationships with the Washington Department of Licensing, and we’ll fight to get your license back quickly and legally. Learn More ›
Habitual Traffic Offender (HTO)
If you’ve received 3 major violations or 20 moving violations in 5 years, you may be classified as a Habitual Traffic Offender—and risk losing your license for up to 7 years. We can petition for early reinstatement and work to get you back on the road. Learn More ›
Commercial Driver License (CDL) Violations
Your CDL is your livelihood. A DUI or major traffic violation can end your career. We understand what’s at stake and fight hard to protect your license and job—because when your income is on the line, delay is not an option. Learn More ›
Arrests and Warrants
If you’ve been arrested or believe there’s a warrant for your arrest, your next steps matter. Say as little as possible and call us immediately. We’ll guide you through what to do—and what not to do—and defend your rights from day one.
Hit and Run
Washington takes hit-and-run charges seriously. Whether it was a parked car or an attended collision, you could face jail time, license suspension, and steep fines. We’ll explain your options and build the strongest defense possible. Learn More ›
Let’s Take This Off Your Shoulders
Legal trouble is stressful—but you don’t have to go through it alone. Contact The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden today for a free, no-pressure consultation. We’re available 24/7 to protect your rights, your license, and your future.
Real Results. Real Reviews.
From first-time DUI charges to suspended license appeals, we’ve helped thousands of drivers across Western Washington get their lives back on track. Here’s what just a few of them had to say.
Got Multiple Tickets Dismissed
“I can’t recommend the Law Offices of Barbara Bowden highly enough! After receiving multiple traffic citations over the years, I have always been taken care of here. They not only took the time to explain my options but also worked diligently to get my tickets dismissed. Each time they were professional, responsive, and truly had my best interests at heart. Thanks to their expertise, I avoided hefty fines and high monthly insurance rates. If you’re facing any traffic violations, don’t hesitate to reach out—you won’t regret it!”
–Zach
Ticket Handled and Insurance Saved
“Barbara and her team are clutch! I got myself in a bit of trouble (62mph in a 45 zone), and she solved the problem completely. Her fee was just a little bit more than the cost of the ticket—not counting how it may have impacted my record and insurance rates. HUGE win. Thank you, Barbara!”
–Dirk
License Saved and Court Date Moved Up
“Best traffic attorney I’ve ever seen! Got my speeding ticket completely dismissed and saved me from license suspension! They even got my court date moved up a month earlier than the original date! So many resources and amazing employees—I recommend them to anyone who needs an attorney.”
–Cheri