Macduffie Setter, Criminal Defense Attorney in Bellingham, Washington
Over 48 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General
Whatcom Co. Pros. Atty. Off.
Bellingham, WA
Practicing criminal defense in Bellingham since 1978.
- 48+
- Years practicing
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
Macduffie Setter is a whatcom co. pros. atty. off. based in Bellingham, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Macduffie has over 48 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Bellingham, WA
- Experience
- over 48 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Bellingham, WA.
- Over 48 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About Macduffie Setter: Macduffie Setter is a whatcom co. pros. atty. off. based in Bellingham, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Macduffie has over 48 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
Macduffie's practice areas in Bellingham
Macduffie concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case Macduffie handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Bellingham, Washington
Macduffie takes criminal defense matters in Bellingham, 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 Macduffie agrees to represent you.
General cases in Bellingham, Washington
Macduffie takes general matters in Bellingham, 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 Macduffie agrees to represent you.
Biography
Macduffie Setter, criminal defense attorney serving Bellingham
Macduffie Setter is a whatcom co. pros. atty. off. based in Bellingham, WA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. Macduffie has over 48 years of legal experience. Macduffie works from Bellingham, Washington and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
Macduffie Setter is a lawyer practicing criminal law, general, general practice. Macduffie received a B.A. degree from University of Washington in 1972, and has been licensed for 48 years. Macduffie practices in Bellingham, WA.
Macduffie's approach to criminal defense cases
Macduffie Setter is a lawyer practicing criminal law, general, general practice. Macduffie received a B.A. degree from University of Washington in 1972, and has been licensed for 48 years. Macduffie practices in Bellingham, WA.
The kind of cases Macduffie takes
Macduffie reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Bellingham and the surrounding Washington area.
Credentials
Credentials — where Macduffie studied and practices
Gonzaga University
J.D. · 1977
University of Washington
B.A. · 1972
Jurisdictions
Macduffie's state bar admissions
Washington
1978 · ACTIVE
Macduffie studied at J.D. in Gonzaga University and B.A. in University of Washington.
Law school and academic background
Macduffie completed J.D. in Gonzaga University and B.A. in University of Washington. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Macduffie runs in Washington is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Locations
Macduffie Setter's office in Bellingham
Macduffie's primary office is at 4320 King Mountain Rd, Bellingham, WA, 98226-8726. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of Macduffie Setter
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire Macduffie Setter — 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 Macduffie usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
Macduffie charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Macduffie'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; Macduffie will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Bellingham, 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 Macduffie
Macduffie 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. Macduffie confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
Macduffie'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 Macduffie Setter
How much does it cost to hire Macduffie for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Macduffie walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Macduffie offer a free consultation?
Macduffie charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Macduffie's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Macduffie'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. Macduffie gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Macduffie take my case if I'm outside Bellingham?
Macduffie 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 — Macduffie 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 Macduffie?
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. Macduffie will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Macduffie accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Macduffie'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 Bellingham, Seattle and Spokane in Washington
Macduffie 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
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If Macduffie's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Bellingham handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

