Our Practice Focuses on Representing People Accused of Crimes in Washington State and Federal Courts
“Professional and Compassionate.
Ms. Gause is that rare and necessary mix in an attorney: professional and compassionate. I hired her to address an outstanding warrant from my past. I was frightened, scared, and dealing with the trauma from being in an abused relationship, and Ms. Gause kindly walked me through the necessary steps we would take to address my warrant...”
emily M. gause, PARTNER
Recognized as an aggressive defender who gets impressive results in serious cases, Emily M. Gause is committed to compassionate representation, working with clients to devise an investigation plan and craft the most effective defense strategy. She has a passion for defending juveniles facing criminal charges, as well as adults charged with serious felonies in state and federal courts across the State of Washington. Ms. Gause has overturned convictions in the Washington State Court of Appeals and Washington State Supreme Court. She is especially proud of obtaining dismissals serious felony cases, and has an impressive not guilty verdict record.
Ms. Gause has carved an impressive reputation in the criminal defense legal community as a rising star. In 2021, Ms. Gause was named a Super Lawyer, a distinction awarded to less than five percent of attorneys in each state. The Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers has awarded Ms. Gause with the Anthony Savage Award in 2016 for her impressive dismissal of felony case in federal court due to a Brady v. Maryland violation. In 2020, Ms. Gause was awarded the President’s Award for her distinguished service to the highest traditions of the criminal defense bar.
After graduating with a degree in criminal justice from Washington State University, Ms. Gause dove into law school with the intent of becoming a criminal defense attorney. Her commitment to this path never wavered.
While attending Seattle University School of Law, Ms. Gause worked at Northwest Defenders Association, a public defender agency in King County. Prior to that, she was a Rule 9 Law Clerk with the Washington State Attorney General's Office where she focused on dependency cases and juvenile law.
For the formative years of her practice as a criminal defense attorney, Ms. Gause worked alongside renowned criminal defense attorney John Henry Browne and his partner Emma Scanlan. She learned from Mr. Browne's extensive trial experience and developed a practice of defending high-profile felonies throughout the State of Washington.
In November 2014, Ms. Gause launched her own firm. At Gause Law Offices, Ms. Gause and her team are committed to providing affordable, aggressive, and compassionate advocacy for their clients.
Ms. Gause has appeared in 22 counties in State Superior Courts across Washington state, and represented clients in all five federal United States District Courts in Washington. She has argued in front of the Washington State Supreme Court and has litigated in the United States Supreme Court. Ms. Gause has handled hundreds of felony cases and obtained impressive victories in a wide range of cases, from shoplifting to murder cases and everything in between.
In 2020, Ms. Gause won a landmark victory in the Washington State Supreme Court. Her case, In re PRP of Domingo-Cornelio, allows hundreds of people who were sentenced in adult court for crimes they committed as juveniles a second chance and a new sentencing hearing.
“I was so scared upon first meeting Emily, as I had never been charged with a crime before and I was completely clueless on what to do. Not only did she explain, in detail, regularly what was going to take place - but she worked HARD to get the results I wanted. As a client, Emily opens her doors. You can reach out to her at anytime and she is so professional and knowledgeable. You will feel reassured just knowing your case is in her hands. And today, because of Emily, I am happy to report that I am conviction-free! I would recommend her to anyone and everyone. She is the best of the best!”
Education
Seattle University School of Law - J.D.
Washington State University - B.A. Criminal Justice
Washington State University - B.A. Sociology
Bar Memberships
Washington State Bar Association
Western District of Washington
Eastern District of Washington
Professional Memberships
Washington Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys (WACDL)
Washington Women Lawyers (WWL)
Washington Defender Association (WDA)
King County Bar Association
Pierce County Bar Association
Washington State Bar Association
Snohomish County Bar Association
Awards
2021-2024 Super Lawyers Award
2021 Presidents Award from the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)
2017-2020 Super Lawyers Rising Stars Award
2016 Anthony Savage Award from the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (WACDL)
2011 Recipient of National Order of Barristers Award
1st place, Seattle University School of Law Spring 2010 In-House Mock Trial Competition
2nd place, ABA Labor & Employment Law 7th Annual Trial Advocacy Regional Competition
2010 Recipient of the Washington State University Student Bar Association’s Outstanding Student Award
2006 Washington State University President's Award for Excellence in Leadership and Service
2005 Recipient of the Roberta Cline Frasier Anderson Scholarship
REVIEWS
IN THE PRESS
Emily Gause alongside John Henry Browne, on Staff Sgt. Robert Bales proceedings
William Alvarez-Calo-Drug cartel murder charge
Emily Gause-House Safety Committee on Organized Retail Theft
Federal gun charges dismissed
Washington State Supreme Court
CALL US!
206-660-8775
Destinee Turner, Paralegal
Destinee is the superstar paralegal at Gause Law Offices. Destinee has a deep passion for civil rights activism and criminal justice reform. She chose to work in criminal defense to help make a change in the lives of those effected by the system.
Destinee graduated from the University of Arizona in 2022, with a bachelor’s degree in Law. Her comprehensive knowledge of the law and court procedures makes her an asset on criminal defense team. Destinee establishes a genuine connection with clients. Empathy and understanding are the core of her approach, and she recognizes the emotional toll that legal proceedings can take on individuals and their families.
In her role at Gause Law Offices, Destinee collaborates seamlessly with the attorneys and our team, helping to foster a cohesive and formidable defense dedicated to securing the best possible outcomes for our clients.
Beyond the legal realm, Destinee is a passionate advocate for criminal justice reform, actively seeking opportunities to contribute positively to the community. Her dedication to making a difference extends beyond the courtroom, making her a true champion of justice for all.
“Upon the recommendation of a third party, we engaged Emily Gause to help with a criminal matter. Without doubt, that was an excellent choice. She is personable and reassuring. Her fee structure seemed fair and reasonable, and she was forthright and clear in explaining it in detail. Ms. Gause was considerate in trying to schedule meetings and communications at our convenience. She described the best and worst possible outcomes, promised neither, but did estimate (accurately) the likelihood of events. She followed up on every pledge and informed us of developments in a timely manner. Her demeanor with the investigators and prosecutors was defensive, naturally, but seemed marked with an appropriately measured degree of cooperation. We would not hesitate to suggest the name of Emily Gause to anyone needing the services of a criminal attorney.”