Spokane Criminal Defense, DUI & Family Law
Because for our clients, it often does. A DUI or criminal charge can cost you your job, your license, your freedom. A divorce or custody case can reshape your family for years. Schwab Law takes on both — with attorneys who concentrate in each — for clients across Spokane and Eastern Washington.
Why Schwab Law
That is not a slogan. It is how Jonathan Schwab approaches a criminal case — as if the person facing the charge were his own brother, with everything on the line.
Because that is what is actually at stake. A DUI can cost you your job, your license, and your ability to travel for work — and in Washington, a DUI conviction can never be removed from your record. A felony charge reaches further still. We treat a traffic ticket and a serious felony the same way: as the most important thing in our client's life right now, because it is.
The same standard applies on the family law side, where a divorce or custody case decides where your children live and how your life is rebuilt. Different attorneys, different law — same commitment.
We represent clients throughout Spokane, Spokane Valley, and across Eastern Washington, and we regularly travel to smaller communities and handle consultations by phone or video for clients who cannot come to us.
How We Help
Criminal defense and family law are the core of the firm, with estate planning, probate, and bankruptcy alongside them. Whatever you're facing, you work with the attorney who concentrates in it — and the whole firm stands behind them.
Criminal Defense & DUI
DUI, domestic violence, assault, drug and theft charges — from a first offense through serious felonies, defended in the Spokane courts.
With Jonathan Schwab, Jason Chenette Jr. and Norann Beidas
All Criminal Defense →Family Law
Divorce, parenting plans, child support, and spousal maintenance — handled with care when the outcome shapes your family for years.
With Taylor Schaefer
All Family Law →Probate & Estate Planning
Wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration — deciding what happens to what you've built, before someone else decides for you.
With Isaac Smith
Probate & Estate Planning →Bankruptcy
Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 — stopping garnishments and foreclosure, and finding out how much of what you own you actually get to keep.
With Jonathan Schwab
Bankruptcy →Criminal Defense & DUI
An arrest is not a conviction. From misdemeanors to serious felonies, our defense attorneys examine how the evidence was gathered, whether your rights were respected, and whether the State can actually prove its case — because a conviction reaches well beyond the courtroom, into your job, your housing, and your record.
We defend criminal and DUI charges across Washington — from Spokane and the Inland Northwest, and on the west side through our Western Division, managed by partner Norann Beidas. See where we appear.
Family Law
Divorce and custody cases determine where your children live, how your finances are rebuilt, and what the next several years look like. Most matters resolve by agreement — which is faster, cheaper, and easier on children — but agreement is only worth having when it is fair, and we are ready to litigate when it is not.
Meet the Team
Founding Attorney
Founder of Schwab Law and a Spokane native, Jonathan has built his practice defending DUI and criminal charges, and also handles bankruptcy for clients across Eastern Washington.
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Family Law Attorney
Taylor handles the full range of family law — divorce, parenting plans, custody and support modifications, de facto parentage, adoptions, and guardianships — in nearly every Eastern Washington county.
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Estate Planning Attorney
Isaac handles wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration, along with elder law, real estate, and business matters, helping Spokane families plan ahead with clarity.
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Criminal Defense Attorney
A former Spokane County deputy public defender, Jason defends everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies and white-collar charges, with a strategic, client-centered approach to every case.
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Criminal Defense Attorney
A partner at Schwab Law and a Washington native, Norann manages the firm's Western Division and brings several years of criminal defense experience from a prominent Tacoma firm.
View Profile →Probate & Estate Planning
A clear estate plan decides who inherits, who raises your children, and who speaks for you if you can't speak for yourself. And when a loved one dies, Washington's probate process is more workable than most people fear — but only if it's handled correctly from the start.
Bankruptcy
Almost nobody arrives here casually — most people have already tried consolidation, hardship programs, and extra hours. Bankruptcy is a legal tool Congress created so people can recover, and Washington's exemptions mean most filers keep far more than they expect.
Client Experiences
Hear from clients we've guided through divorce, custody, and other family law matters across Spokane and Eastern Washington.
I cannot say enough good things about the Schwab Law team. Facing a DUI charge was one of the most stressful experiences of my life, but they immediately gave me confidence and reassurance. They were professional, knowledgeable, and completely dedicated to my case.
I’m so grateful I hired Taylor Schaefer during the hardest time of my life. He handled my divorce settlement, child custody agreement, and even helped me secure a domestic violence protection order that protected me physically and mentally. Taylor is amazing in court, super dedicated, great with communication, and genuinely understanding of what his clients are going through. If you need help with divorce or family law, custody, or child support, he’s the one to call. I’ve already recommended him to friends and family, and I will continue to do so without hesitation.
Mr. Schwab is a very straightforward, respectable man. Helped me with my case, got my charges reduced and no jail time so that’s awesome! Highly recommend him if you need an attourney, he will get back to you fast and answer any questions you may have!
I am very grateful for how well Jon helped me out through this difficult time. When I first got into my dilemma with the law I was extremely nervous and all over the place. I had almost lost hope and was about to just give it up. When I met Jon, he was on the case like a firefighter fighting a wild fire. He helped me out with a consultation, he answered all of my questions, and would give the best advice during and till the end of my case. Him and his team are hard working, compassionate, and are the nicest people I’ve interacted with during this hard time. I highly recommend this law firm to anyone who feels stuck.
Reviews from Google
Common Questions
Schwab Law is a Spokane law firm built around two core practices: criminal defense and DUI, and family law. Three attorneys defend DUI and criminal charges — founding attorney Jonathan Schwab, Jason Chenette Jr., and Norann Beidas, who manages the firm's Western Division — and a dedicated family law team handles divorce, parenting plans, child support, and spousal maintenance. The firm also handles probate and estate planning and bankruptcy, serving clients throughout Spokane County, Eastern Washington, and across the state.
A DUI arrest starts two separate cases: a criminal case in court, and an administrative case against your driver's license with the Department of Licensing. The licensing case is triggered by the arrest itself and runs on a short deadline, so it needs attention immediately — well before your first court date. Washington sets mandatory minimum penalties that depend on your alcohol concentration and any prior offenses.
Washington imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period that runs from both the filing and the service of the petition, and it cannot be waived. Uncontested cases often finalize shortly after that mark, while contested matters involving custody or property commonly take six to eighteen months.
Washington's DUI penalties are largely set by statute, the license case is lost by default if the deadline passes, and a Washington DUI conviction can never be vacated — it stays on your record permanently and counts as a prior offense. Those three facts are why first offenses are worth defending rather than simply pleading out.
Washington uses a parenting plan rather than the word custody, setting out a residential schedule and how major decisions are made. Courts apply the child's best interests using seven statutory factors, giving the greatest weight to the strength, nature, and stability of the child's relationship with each parent. There is no presumption of equal time.
Yes. Isaac Smith handles wills, trusts, powers of attorney, and probate administration, and Jonathan Schwab handles Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcy — including stopping wage garnishments and foreclosure. Both practices support the firm's criminal defense and family law work.
Take the First Step
Every case starts with a conversation. Tell us what you're facing, and we'll explain your options clearly — no pressure, no jargon.
Visit Schwab Law
Schwab Law, P.L.L.C. Office 1402 W. Broadway Ave.