Robert O’Neal
Criminal Defense Attorney Everett WA.
Rob O’Neal spent over 22 years as a public defender (from 2002 through 2025) before opening this law firm with his friend Glen Rice.
Philosophy & Approach
Rob understands that a robust trial practice is fundamental to his professional integrity. He has proven willing and able to make compelling arguments to judges and juries throughout his career, and achieved good results. He has conducted dozens of trials in the history of his practice, averaging several full trials each year as a public defender over more than 2 decades.
He has also handled more than a thousand cases without a trial. With his reputation and experience he can often resolve matters without the risks and consequences of leaving things to a jury, through thoughtful negotiation backed up by his record and his relationships with prosecutors, judges, and others.
Rob’s overriding goal is to treat every client with empathy and an open mind. Part of his job is to educate the accused about all the complexities of a case at a time when they are under serious stress, and answer their questions and concerns with patience and compassion. He understands that accusations trigger a range of painful emotions: fear, anger, shame, anxiety and depression. His mission is to help his clients navigate the court system with dignity and hope.
Areas of Interest & Experience
Rob has particular experience and interest in accusations involving Sex Offenses (such as Child Molestation and Rape), Violent Felonies (including Assault, Robbery, Kidnapping, Drive-By-Shooting, and Murder), and complex Domestic Violence accusations.
He is comfortable engaging with a broad range of specialized issues that arise in serious criminal cases, including:
- Forensic science (DNA, blood spatter, firearm analysis, Medical reports, toxicology, etc.)
- Mental Defenses and psychological issues (Diminished Capacity, Insanity, Incompetence, etc.)
- Domestic Violence
- Child Protection investigations (DCYF and Child Interview issues)
- Addiction and Substance Use
- Family Trauma
- Youthful Offenders and Juvenile Brain Development
He works with investigators and expert witnesses to manage the evidence and issues that arise in such complex cases.
Rob also has experience in the area of civil Domestic Violence Protection Orders, Anti-Harassment Orders, Sexual Assault Protection Orders, and other such proceedings which often lead to future criminal accusations if not handled properly from the beginning.
Finally, Rob enjoys helping people move past the problems of their past. It is a pleasure to help restore rights and get relief from the burdens of old criminal convictions, including past conditions of Probation and Supervision, Sex Offender Registration requirements, Protection and No Contact Orders, and sealing and vacation of prior records of convictions.
Education & Practice Summary
Rob has extensive experience in Snohomish County and Skagit County, and has also appeared in King County, Island County, and San Juan County. He represents adults and juveniles facing everything from misdemeanors to the most serious felony charges under Washington State law. His experience is both broad and deep.
Rob received his JD from University of Washington School of Law in 2002; he graduated with Honors in his Major (Philosophy) from Whitman College, in Walla Walla in 1997; he has roots on Whidbey Island and graduated from South Whidbey High School in 1993.
He was admitted to legal practice by the Washington State Bar Association in 2002 and worked as a public defender until 2025. He has also volunteered on the Snohomish County Bar Association Board of Trustees and the Board of Directors for Snohomish County Legal Services (non-profit organizations), among other community activities.