About The Law Offices of Barbara Bowden
Trusted DUI and Traffic Defense in Western Washington
The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden is a Lakewood-based law firm that has earned the trust of thousands of drivers across Western Washington. We specialize in DUI defense, traffic infractions, and license-related violations. For over 30 years, our firm has helped individuals tackle tough legal situations with confidence, strategy, and care. We serve clients across Pierce, King, Thurston, and Kitsap Counties, and we are proud to fight for the everyday people who keep our communities moving.
Our Story: Built to Defend Drivers
Barbara Bowden founded this firm in 1997 with a simple but powerful goal: to give people a real chance when faced with charges that could change their lives. A graduate of Washington State University and the University of Puget Sound Law School, Barbara started practicing law in 1986 and saw how overwhelming even a single DUI or traffic ticket could be. She set out to change the way people experience legal defense—with honesty, heart, and a drive to win.
That drive is still at the core of who we are. We are not here to rack up case numbers. We are here to get results for real people. Every client gets our full attention, every time.
Our Mission and Values
We are here to level the playing field for people facing DUI and traffic charges. Our mission is about more than legal outcomes. It is about showing up, standing strong, and outworking the opposition. We bring energy, empathy, and experience to every case.
- Empathy-Driven Advocacy – We listen first, judge never, and treat every client with dignity.
- Relentless Representation – We come prepared, we push hard, and we do not back down when it matters.
- Clear Guidance – We help clients stay informed and in control, from DOL deadlines to courtroom appearances.
- Access to Justice – We keep things approachable, straightforward, and built around your needs.
Our Practice Areas
DUI Charges
First-time, repeat, and felony-level DUI cases, with tailored legal strategies for each.
Drug-Related DUI
Defense for DUIs involving marijuana, prescription medications, or other controlled substances.
Traffic Infractions
Citations, speeding tickets, and other infractions that can affect your driving record.
Hit and Run Defense
Legal support for both attended and unattended hit and run accusations.
CDL Violations
Defense for commercial drivers facing license-threatening citations or violations.
Proven Local Experience
Our firm has long served as a trusted legal resource in the greater Tacoma area and throughout Western Washington. From contested infractions to complex felony DUIs, we have represented thousands of drivers with focus and grit. We know the courts, the judges, and what it takes to win in this region.
With a team of six dedicated criminal defense attorneys and over 50 years of combined experience, we have built one of the most respected practices in Pierce County. We are particularly passionate about defending traffic tickets and have successfully fought and won over 10,000 of them.
Client Support that Goes Further
Legal support should not stop when the office closes. We are with you from day one, helping you stay ahead of every deadline and prepared for every hearing. We do not just represent—we guide, remind, and support.
Every client gets access to our secure portal for license checks, court date reminders, and a library of answers to common questions. And when things cannot wait? We are available 24/7 for urgent matters.
Local Recognition and Community Trust
As a law firm based in Lakewood and proudly serving the greater Tacoma area, we have earned the trust of generations. Our reputation is built on results, transparency, and a deep commitment to defending our community.
Washington Roots
Based in Lakewood, WA and proudly serving drivers across Western Washington.
Proven Experience
100+ years of combined legal expertise guiding clients through complex cases.
Trusted Reputation
Over 250 five-star reviews across Google, Facebook, and Yelp speak for themselves.
Client-Centered Defense
Generations of drivers have relied on us to protect what matters most: their future.
From Fighting to Winning: Client Success Stories
Behind every testimonial is a win—dismissed charges, protected licenses, careers kept on track. These are not just kind words, they are real outcomes from real cases. When we say we fight hard, this is what it looks like.
Absolutely without a doubt I highly recommend using Barbara and her team to deal with anything you got. DUI, tickets, all of the above. Got in a wreck back in 2022 and the city of Lakewood finally got around to my case. And thanks to Barbara my possible DUI got knocked down to a significant lower charge and my license was saved as well. Working with her and Mr. Thomas Fossedal was the least stressful part of the whole process. Making sure I had all my T’s crossed and I’s dotted going into court made everything a faster and smoother process. Thank you to Barbara and her team!
–Hunter
A person had filed a hit and run accident report, that I didn’t do. No one was willing to help or answer any questions, except Barbara Bowden. She gave me advise and now everything has been dropped as if it never happened. I can’t thank her enough for her help.-Helena
Ready to Get Help? Let’s Talk.
We’re not here to judge — we’re here to defend. You do not have to face a traffic charge alone. Whether it is your first time or your fifth, whether it is a simple infraction or something more serious, we are ready to step in and fight for you.