Practice areas: DUI-DWI, Criminal Defense; view more
Licensed in Washington since: 2006
Education: Seattle University School of Law
Languages spoken: English, Hindi, Urdu
Selected to Rising Stars: 2013 - 2021 Details
Saad Qadri is a founding attorney at SQ Attorneys in Seattle, Washington, where his practice is devoted exclusively to criminal defense. He represents clients across Washington state in matters ranging from misdemeanor charges to serious felony cases, with particular emphasis on DUI and driving-related offenses. Over the course of his career, he has successfully defended thousands of clients facing allegations that carry life-changing consequences.
Mr. Qadri has deep experience in all areas of DUI defense, including alcohol- and drug-related charges, deferred prosecutions, habitual traffic offender hearings and driver’s license reinstatement. He is trained and certified in the administration of standardized field sobriety tests, giving him unique insight into law enforcement procedures and potential weaknesses in the state’s case.
Mr. Qadri’s practice also covers a wide range of criminal offenses, such as assault, domestic violence, sex crimes, theft, probation violations, drug charges and juvenile cases. In each matter, he is known for his strong advocacy, clear communication and ability to negotiate effective resolutions while also being fully prepared to take a case to trial when necessary.
Before founding SQ Attorneys, Mr. Qadri served as a public defender for the cities of Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond and Issaquah. There, he managed hundreds of misdemeanor cases and earned a reputation as a passionate advocate dedicated to securing fair results for his clients. Since entering private practice, he has continued to achieve favorable outcomes in complex felony and misdemeanor matters, often protecting clients from severe mandatory penalties.
Mr. Qadri graduated cum laude from Seattle University’s Albers School of Business and Economics before earning his law degree from Seattle University School of Law. Fluent in Hindi, Urdu and Punjabi, he is committed to serving Washington’s diverse communities with diligence and respect.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI, Criminal DefenseFocus areas
Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Law, DUI/DWI
- 50% Criminal Defense: DUI/DWI
- 50% Criminal Defense
First Admitted: 2006, Washington
Professional Webpage: https://sqattorneys.com/team/saad-qadri/
Bar / Professional Activity
- Attorney at Law Offices Of Bradley Johnson 2007–2009, 2009
- Legal Intern at Northwest Immigrant Rights Project 2003–2004, 2004
- General Counsel at Woodhouse Family Cellars 2009–present
- Legal Intern at Stein Lotzkar & Starr (Formely Known As Tucker & Stein) 2004–2005, 2005
- Managing Partner at Law Offices Of Greg Schwesinger & Saad Qadri, LLC, D.B.A. Sq Attorneys 2009–present
- Attorney at Stein Lotzkar & Starr (Formely Known As Tucker & Stein) 2006–2007, 2007
- Legal Intern at Drugstore.Com 2002–2003, 2004
Verdicts / Settlements (Case Results)
- Case Conclusion Date: August 19, 2011 Practice Area: Criminal Defense Outcome: Case Dismissed Description: Defendant charged with hit and run attended., 2011
- Case Conclusion Date: September 4, 2012 Practice Area: DUI / DWI Outcome: Dismissed Description: Client charged with second DUI within 7 years with a BAC >.15, 2012
- Practice Area: Criminal Defense Outcome: Guilty plea to a misdemeanor Description: Z.H. was charged with rape of a child. After extensive negotiations and investigation, the State prosecutor agreed to amend case down to a misdemeanor, assault in the 4th degree. Z.H. was able to sustain his job and did not have to register as a sex offender, 2001
- Case Conclusion Date: February 9, 2013 Practice Area: DUI / DWI Outcome: Dismissed Description: Client charged with a first offense DUI with a BAC >.15, 2013
- Case Conclusion Date: August 5, 2011 Practice Area: Criminal Defense Outcome: Guilty plea to misdemeanor Description: Defendant charged with child molestation. After months of negotiations, defendant pled to a misdemeanor and was granted a 24 month deferred sentence. Case will be dismissed within 24 months upon compliance, 2011
Videos
Special Licenses / Certifications
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2009
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2007
- Certificate of Completion - Misdemeanor Defense CLE Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2010
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2008
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2011
- Certificate of Completion - NHTSA Field Sobriety Testing La Pier & Associates, 2008
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2012
Pro bono / Community Service
- Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation Washington State Bar Association, 2010
- Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation Washington State Bar Association, 2001
- Humanitarian Award Council on American-Islamic Relations, 2009
- Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation Washington State Bar Association, 2009
Honors
- Level 4 Contributor Avvo, 2013
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2012
- Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation Washington State Bar Association, 2010
- Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation Washington State Bar Association, 2009
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2008
- Deans Honors List Seattle University School of Law, 2004
- Deans Presidents List Seattle University, 2002
- Rising Star Super Lawyers Magazine, 2013
- Pro Bono Publico Service Commendation Washington State Bar Association, 2011
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2010
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2009
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2007
- CALI Award for Excellence - Legal Writing II Seattle University, 2003
- Grove Book Scholarship Recipient Seattle University, School of Law, 2002
- Certificate of Completion - Misdemeanor Defense CLE Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 2013
- Washington Super Lawyers Rising Star Washington Law & Politics Magazine, 2013
- Certificate of Completion - Defending DUI's in Washington State Washington Foundation for Criminal Justice, 2011
- Humanitarian Award Council on American-Islamic Relations, 2009
- Certificate of Completion - NHTSA Field Sobriety Testing La Pier & Associates, 2008
- Deans Honors List Seattle University School of Law, 2005
- Deans Honors List Seattle University, 2002
- Cum Laude Graduate Seattle University, 2002
Educational Background
- La Pier & Associates NHTSA and IACP DWI Detection and Standard Field Sobriety Testing Qualified to perform Standard Field Sobriety Testing, 2008
- Seattle University Business Administration BA - Bachelor of Arts 2002, 2002
White Papers
- In Washington State DUI cases, police officers are not only required by law to follow specific “protocols” but are also required to follow state and federal constitutional principles when making a DUI stop and/or arrest. The following are but a few examples of the protocols and/or principles that law enforcement officers must follow. First, a police officer must have “probable cause” or “reasonable suspicion” to believe a traffic infraction or crime has been committed in order to make contact with a driver in Washington State. Second, Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (to be considered valid) must be conducted according to very specific protocols that are outlined by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (“NHTSA”). Third, if a breath or blood test is conducted, it must comply with the protocols outlined in the Washington Administrative Codes as well as the Revised Codes of Washington, and in the case of breath tests, the breath test machine used to obtain the breath sample(s) must be properly calibrated and in good working order. Because of the protocols and principles that must be followed by police officers in Washington State, it is important that in all Washington state DUI cases an accused preserve as much evidence as possible. For example, if there is an in-car camera it is imperative to request and obtain any film footage the camera may have caught during law enforcements’ contact with the accused. Similarly, if there is a camera in the room where a breath test is obtained at the police station, it is extremely important to request and obtain the film footage the camera may have caught during the accused’s breath test processing. Obtaining film footage is important because it may confirm or dispel whether all protocols and procedures were followed by the law enforcement officer during his processing of the person accused of DUI. Many folks believe, for example, that the NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Tests are designed to ensure failure; it goes without saying that a good percentage of the population will have difficulty performing some, if not all, of the tasks required. This is true because of age, weight, height and whole host of other impactful factors. The tests are “standardized” and thus how they are administered is very important. Viewing film can help determine if the tests were administered correctly, and thus can help assess whether the police officer truly did have sufficient grounds (“probable cause”) to arrest the person accused of DUI., DUI Protocols
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- If you are in the US on a visa, it is even more imperative that you follow the laws and avoid any criminal charges. Any criminal charge against you can serve as grounds to revoke your visa and have you deported back to your native country. If you find yourself in this situation, contact a criminal attorney, so he can fight for your rights and avoid severe consequences such as deportation. Many visa holders believe this means they cannot commit any major crimes, like drug crimes, assaults or violating US immigration laws. But even being convicted of simple, minor crime such as misdemeanor, can result in deportation and prevent you from returning to the US on any other type of visa for years. Shoplifting, or theft in the third degree in Washington State is an example of a "minor" crime that can lead to federal removal proceedings. Some countries do not prosecute shoplifting crimes to the extent it is done in the US, so visitors from other countries may be unaware of how potentially devastating shoplifting charges can be for their immigration status. A criminal lawyer can help you navigate through this difficult process. Foreign citizens living in Washington on visas may incorrectly believe if they steal something, all they have to do is give the merchandise back and all will be forgiven. Unfortunately, most shop owners and other retailers do not forgive theft matters so easily and many will seek to prosecute those who have taken items from their stores. In Washington, a theft can either be a misdemeanor or a felony. If the value of the merchandise stolen is over $750 then it is a felony. If it is less than $250 then it is a misdemeanor. Either offense can result in deportation. In addition to the possible jail time, community service, fines and other fees, those living in the state on student visas, temporary worker visas or with another immigrant status must also worry about the impact a shoplifting conviction can have on their immigration status. One of the conditions for holding a US-issued immigrant visa is following all US federal and state laws. When a visa holder fails to do this, there can be serious consequences. Even charges as seemingly minor as shoplifting can trigger removal proceedings because they are considered to be crimes of moral turpitude. Under federal immigration laws, theft crimes are considered crimes of moral turpitude. If a visa holder is convicted of a crime of moral turpitude, he or she may be deported from the country. A crime of moral turpitude is one that shocks the public conscious or is in contrast to community standards of justice, honesty and good morals. To be a deportable offense, the visa holder does not have to be the one who actually committed the crime. Conspiracy, attempt, aiding and abetting and/or accessory charges related to a crime of moral turpitude also can result in removal from the country. In addition to mandatory deportation, commission of certain crimes also can result in an alien not being permitted to re-enter the US for 5-20 years. Conviction for an aggravated felony, however, will permanently bar an alien from ever returning to the United States again, even on a visitor's visa. Moreover, it is not only non-immigrant visa holders who need to be aware of the impact of being convicted of a crime on their immigration status. Those who hold valid legal resident status (green card) can also face removal proceedings for violating federal and state laws. Permanent residents who are convicted of an aggravated felony may be removed permanently from the country, no matter how long they have resided in the US or if they have family living here. Legal residents who want to become naturalized US citizens may find their path temporarily or even permanently blocked if they do not have a clean record. In order to complete the naturalization process, immigrants must have good moral character. Conviction for crimes of moral turpitude may temporarily prevent an immigrant from becoming a US citizen while conviction for an aggravated felony will permanently bar a citizenship application. If you have been charged with shoplifting or another crime, it is important to contact an experienced criminal lawyer as soon as possible. US immigration laws are very complicated and can be very unforgiving. You want to have an advocate who appreciates the seriousness of your situation and can help you maneuver through the complex legal system on your side. You do not want to face these charges on your own., Crimes of Moral Turpitude Can Result in Deportation, 2013
Other Outstanding Achievements
- Attorney Washington Young Lawyers Division 2006–present, 2006
- Attorney Pierce County Bar Association 2006–present, 2006
- Attorney National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 2007–present, 2007
- Attorney Washington Defender Association 2009–present, 2009
- Attorney South Asian Bar Association of Washington 2006–present, 2006
- Attorney American Bar Association 2005–present, 2005
- Attorney Snohomish County Bar Association 2006–present, 2006
- Attorney National South Asian Bar Association 2007–present, 2007
- Attorney Citizens of Judicial Excellence 2008–present, 2008
- Attorney Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers 2006–present, 2006
- Member American Civil Liberties Union 2005–present, 2005
- Attorney Washington State Bar Association 2006–present, 2006
- Attorney American Bar Association 2006–present, 2006
- Board Member World Education Foundation 2008–present, 2008
- Attorney King County Bar Association 2006–present, 2006
- Attorney United States District Court for the Western District of Washington 2013–present, 2013
- Board Member Human Development Foundation 2010–present, 2010
Selections
9 Years Rising Stars
- Rising Stars: 2013 - 2021
