Melanie Thomas Dane

• Analyze case files to identify charges and formulate legal strategies that support prosecution objectives.
• Present evidence and arguments in court to support State cases.
• Collaborate with law enforcement to gather information for ongoing investigations and prosecution.
• Advise victims on legal processes, trial preparation, and available support resources.
• Draft legal documents, including information, no contact orders, jury instructions, motions, trial briefs, and exclusion motions, ensuring compliance with legal standards and aiding case progression.

• Notably, I served as a legal advisor for SHB 1493 which passed in 2024and as a l I took an active role in creating unambiguous language for practical court interpretation and implementation.
• Supported, advised, and collaborated with legislators, prosecutors, treatment experts, defense bar, and DOL on impaired driving legislation including reducing the state's BAC to .05 and DUI treatment policies for DUI offenders.
• Educated prosecutors on CDL and disqualifications related to DUI convictions, implied consent, deferred prosecutions, and masking plea deals.
• Facilitated training sessions for law enforcement and prosecutor certification programs.
• Served on the WIDAC committee.
• Liaison between prosecutors and law enforcement on emerging DUI laws.

• Appointed as judge pro tem in King and Snohomish County District Courts.
• Presided over thousands of civil and criminal cases, including 10 jury trials.
• Maintained courtroom order while managing heavy caseloads and supervising court staff.
• Oversaw civil protection orders and domestic violence docket with diligence.
• Handled complex pre-trial motions.

• Managed civil protection orders, contempt motions, and dissolution matters.

• Presided over 4,000 municipal court cases.
• Established routine court-user stakeholder meetings.
• Implemented online payment program, enhancing convenience for court users.
• Secured funding for court security.
• Drafted and submitted public grant to secure public defense funding.
• Launched video-court.

• Represented cities for criminal and civil prosecution.
• Served as managing partner, leading DUI and domestic violence prosecution efforts.
• Collaborated with judiciary, city executives, council members, and law enforcement stakeholders.
• Oversaw budgets, city code implementation, search warrants, and statutory changes.
• Supervised over 12 attorneys and staff.
• Successfully argued appeals at all levels in the State.

Civil Associate with a focus on land use, will contests, and personal injury litigation.