
Kent W Underwood, Criminal Defense Attorney in Tacoma, Washington
Over 29 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatThe Law Office of Kent W. Underwood LLC
Tacoma, WA
Practicing criminal defense in Tacoma since 1997.
- 29+
- Years practicing
- 2.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
Are you Kent W Underwood?
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Quick answer
Kent W Underwood is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation. Kent has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Kent W. Underwood LLC. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Tacoma, WA
- Experience
- over 29 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Litigation
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation matters from Tacoma, WA.
- Over 29 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About Kent W Underwood: Kent W Underwood is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation. Kent has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Kent W. Underwood LLC. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Kent's practice areas in Tacoma
Kent concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, litigation, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case Kent handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Litigation
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Personal Injury
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Criminal Defense cases in Tacoma, Washington
Kent takes criminal defense matters in Tacoma, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in Tacoma, Washington
Kent takes dui/dwi matters in Tacoma, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
Litigation cases in Tacoma, Washington
Kent takes litigation matters in Tacoma, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
Personal Injury cases in Tacoma, Washington
Kent takes personal injury matters in Tacoma, Washington. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Kent agrees to represent you.
Biography
Kent W Underwood, criminal defense attorney serving Tacoma
Kent W Underwood is a member based in Tacoma, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Litigation. Kent has over 29 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of Kent W. Underwood LLC. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review. Kent works from Tacoma, Washington and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Kent W Underwood is a lawyer practicing criminal, personal injury, civil litigation and 2 other areas of law. Kent received a B.A. degree from California State University in 1990, and has been licensed for 29 years. Kent practices at The Law Office of Kent W. Underwood LLC in Tacoma, WA.
Working with Kent on a criminal defense matter
Kent W Underwood is a lawyer practicing criminal, personal injury, civil litigation and 2 other areas of law. Kent received a B.A. degree from California State University in 1990, and has been licensed for 29 years. Kent practices at The Law Office of Kent W. Underwood LLC in Tacoma, WA.
Clients Kent works with
Kent reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and litigation matters in Tacoma and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Kent studied and practices
Seattle University School of Law
J.D. · 1997
California State University
B.A. Philosophy · 1990
Jurisdictions
Kent's state bar admissions
Washington
1997 · ACTIVE
Kent studied at J.D. in Seattle University School of Law and B.A. Philosophy in California State University.
Law school and academic background
Kent completed J.D. in Seattle University School of Law and B.A. Philosophy in California State University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Kent runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Kent's legal honors and published work
Kent has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Affiliations
Kent's professional memberships and bar associations
Tacoma Pierce County and Washington State Bar Associations
membership
Locations
Kent W Underwood's office in Tacoma
Kent's primary office is at 1111 S. Fawcett Ave., Ste. 101, Tacoma, WA, 98402-2029. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Law Office of Kent W. Underwood LLC
1111 S. Fawcett Ave., Ste. 101
Tacoma, WA 98402-2029
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of Kent W Underwood — 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of Kent. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Tacoma.
2.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Kent W Underwood claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire Kent W Underwood — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Kent usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Kent charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kent's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Kent will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Tacoma, Washington
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Kent
Kent discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Kent confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Kent's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about Kent W Underwood
How much does it cost to hire Kent for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Kent walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Kent offer a free consultation?
Kent charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Kent's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Kent's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Washington typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Kent gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Kent take my case if I'm outside Tacoma?
Kent is licensed in Washington. Matters governed by Washington law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Kent will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Kent?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Kent will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Kent accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Kent's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Tacoma, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Kent handles criminal defense matters throughout Washington. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Washington
If Kent's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Tacoma handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

