Meet Our Team
When the Going Gets Tough, You Call Us
Facing traffic charges can feel like your whole life is on the line; your family, your finances, and your profession are all in jeopardy. Being arrested for DUI, receiving multiple traffic tickets, and losing your driving privileges; all of these are overwhelming and stressful experiences.
When the going gets tough and the pressure amounts, who do you call to defend you or your family member?
You call Barbara A. Bowden.
At The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden, we take what feels like an overwhelming experience and make it easier on you and your family. Whether this is your first time being charged or your third, we work with you to negotiate your charges, fight for your driving privileges, and defend your rights from being infringed upon. We believe in fair treatment by Washington State law, from police officer to judge, from prosecutor to jury.
With professionalism, precision, and zeal, we will advocate for your Washington rights in your utmost time of need. Tirelessly, we will work to the bone to defend your rights and protect your driving privileges. Our team is highly respected throughout Western Washington by judges, prosecutors, and clients alike.
The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden is open Monday through Friday, but we are your advocates 24/7.
With over 100 years of combined experience defending DUI and other traffic offense cases, we help clients throughout Western Washington. We practice law in the following areas:
- Traffic Offenses
- DUI Defense
- Marijuana DUI
- Suspended License and Habitual Traffic Offender
- Commercial Driver License (CDL)
- Arrests and Warrants
- And more.
Contact The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden today.
Meet the Attorneys
Barbara A. Bowden
Attorney and Owner
Barbara Ann Bowden was born and raised in Western Washington. She completed her undergraduate studies at Washington State University, where she graduated in 1982. Barbara continued her education and graduated from the University of Puget Sound Law School in 1985, and became a licensed attorney in the State of Washington in 1986. She has extensive experience in defending people’s traffic rights, including DUIs, traffic tickets, and more. Read more about Barbara.
Phillip J. French
Attorney
Phillip or “PJ” was born in Seattle, Washington. He received his BA from the University of Washington. He then went on to earn a law degree at the University of Puget Sound School of Law where he was awarded three Am Jur Awards in Criminal Law and was an Associate Editor for the Law Review. He has been practicing law since 1980, but outside of work is known to enjoy a game of golf and listening to music. He has four children and ten grandchildren. Read more about PJ
Martha McLaughlin
Attorney
Martha McLaughlin earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of Puget Sound in 1984. Despite working full-time as a Microbiologist with Multicare Health Systems and raising two boys while her Air Force officer husband was frequently deployed, Martha managed to graduate from Seattle University School of Law with honors in 2007.
Our Support Staff
Patty Maerkl: Criminal Paralegal/Department of Licensing Specialist
Patty Maerkl grew up in the Tacoma area, raising three children, and attending training as a paralegal at Tacoma Community College. She served as the local Amvets Ladies Auxiliary President for 5 separate years, and as the state Amvet Ladies Auxiliary President for 2 years. She has been with The Law Offices of Barbara A. Bowden for 15 years and serves as a key member of our legal team. When she is not at the office, she enjoys spending time at home with her family and her dog, Holly.
Jamie Godinez: Criminal Paralegal
Jamie Godinez started out with a strong base in paralegal work, getting her degree from Highline Community College in 1991. She later moved on to receive another associate degree in medical billing and coding from Ultimate Medical Academy to support her career in the veterinary field.
Before working at a veterinary hospital, Jamie spent 14 years in the Social Security Administration, balancing numerous calls a day and providing excellent customer support. Her background in customer service, administrative support, and her paralegal certification has allowed Jamie to transition back into the legal field, where she now manages Traffic Infractions and additional Criminal support to our attorneys.
A Washington native, Jamie grew up in Renton and now lives with her husband, two horses and two dogs in Eatonville. She enjoys spending time with her daughter and three grandkids, along with her pets. When she’s not with them, she is spending time outdoors and practicing her photography.
Julia Parks: Criminal Paralegal
Julia Parks grew up in Gig Harbor, WA. She received her bachelor’s degree in business administration with a focus in Marketing, as well as a Minor in Education from the University of Washington, graduating Magna Cum Laude.
Despite having a degree in Marketing, Julia considered multiple careers, such as copywriting, teaching, and paralegal work. Upon graduating, she joined a family law firm where she gained valuable knowledge on the foundations of law. During her time in family law, she developed a deep appreciation for the hard work and passion attorneys put into their craft and loved playing a role in helping clients navigate the legal process. Moving out of civil law and into criminal law has only increased Julia’s passion for supporting not only the attorneys but also the clients through this stressful experience.
Her hobbies include working out, reading, baking for family events, and spending time with friends.