About Brad Meryhew

Brad Meryhew is a passionate and highly regarded advocate for individuals accused in Washington of any form of sexual misconduct. Brad’s track record of success at jury trials, negotiations, and in getting cases dismissed has earned him a reputation as a leading voice in Washington for developing effective strategies for representing those charged with sex offenses. His experience includes Federal court as well as Superior, District and Municipal courts around the state.

Brad is recognized as a leading voice among the criminal defense bar in advocating for a higher standard of practice in defending sex crimes, as well as sound and reasonable sex offender legislation and policy. He speaks regularly at continuing legal education events and at conferences, including the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington Defender Association, the Washington State Superior Court Judges Association, and the Washington Association for the Treatment of Sexual Abusers among many others. He has represented the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers and the Washington Defender Association on the Washington Sex Offender Policy Board since 2008. This Board was created by the Washington Legislature with the responsibility to review and apply the emerging research and policy analysis related to the management of sex offenders, and to make “evidence based” recommendations to the Legislature in regards to sex offender policy.

While on the Sex Offender Policy Board, Brad has been involved in various efforts to reform sex offender registration laws, improve access to community based treatment as an alternative to prison, and to enact sex offender management policies that are evidence based rather than emotionally motivated. He regularly testifies before the Washington Legislature and is actively engaged in negotiating and lobbying for Legislative action to achieve sound and reasonable policies