Award-Winning Criminal Defense in Mason, Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pierce Counties: Why Clients Trust Bret M. Woody & Leanna Cruz at Eloquence Law
When facing criminal charges, your choice of attorney can be the single most important decision you make. In Mason, Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pierce Counties, residents who want an attorney with proven results, respected credentials, and peer recognition consistently turn to Bret M. Woody and Leanna Cruz of Eloquence Law.
Bret’s career has been defined by dedication, courtroom excellence, and an unwavering commitment to his clients’ rights. Over the years, his work has earned him a series of prestigious awards, each representing excellence, leadership, and recognition from both the legal community and the people he serves. These honors make Eloquence Law not just another firm, but a standout choice for anyone seeking skilled award-winning criminal defense in the South Sound region.
Why Awards Matter in Criminal Defense
For someone seeking legal representation, awards may seem like nice extras, but they are much more than trophies or plaques. They are independent markers of trust, reputation, and performance.
Legal awards often reflect:
- Peer Recognition: Judges, fellow attorneys, and legal organizations identifying exceptional talent.
- Client Feedback: Awards tied to satisfaction ratings, reviews, and case outcomes show real-world impact.
- Proven Results: Recognition usually comes from measurable courtroom victories, strong negotiations, and client advocacy.
- Professional Excellence: Awards highlight attorneys who lead by example, raise industry standards, and go the extra mile for their clients.
When your future is on the line, an attorney’s recognition can help you separate true professionals from the rest.

The Award-Winning Criminal Defense Track Record of Bret M. Woody
Bret has consistently demonstrated his skill and leadership in Washington State courts, earning recognition at both the statewide and local levels. His awards include:
The Olympian’s Best of South Sound – Best Attorney
Voted by the community, this award highlights Bret as a trusted advocate in the South Sound region. Being recognized by everyday people who have firsthand experience with his representation—demonstrates his deep connection to clients in Olympia, Lacey, Tumwater, Shelton, Chehalis, Centralia, Tacoma, and Aberdeen.
Super Lawyers Recognition
A distinction reserved for only the top 5% of attorneys in the state, Super Lawyers honors attorneys who have achieved a high level of professional achievement and peer respect. This award places Bret among Washington’s elite criminal defense attorneys.
The Sharkey Award
The Sharkey Award is presented to attorneys who show relentless dedication to the law and fearless courtroom advocacy. It’s a testament to Bret’s reputation for tenacity, strategy, and client-focused results.
Top Lawyers in Washington State
This statewide recognition further cements Bret’s position as one of the most trusted criminal defense attorneys in Washington. It signals to clients that he has been vetted, respected, and acknowledged for excellence across the legal profession.
Additional Recognitions
Beyond these high-profile awards, Bret has also earned distinctions like the Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys and the Top 40 Under 40, reflecting both his depth of experience and his early promise fulfilled as a legal leader.
Why These Awards Should Matter to Clients in the South Sound
Residents of Mason, Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pierce Counties know that the legal system here is tough. Prosecutors take criminal charges seriously, and penalties can impact not just your present but your future opportunities.
Hiring an award-winning attorney like Bret gives clients a crucial advantage:
- Courtroom Credibility – Judges and prosecutors know Bret’s reputation, which often leads to more effective negotiations and fairer outcomes.
- Proven Advocacy – Awards are given for performance. Bret’s consistent record of success in defense strategies gives clients peace of mind.
- Community Trust – Local awards like The Olympian’s Best of South Sound show that Bret isn’t just respected by peers but also loved by the community he serves.
- Client Dedication – Honors like Avvo’s Clients’ Choice Award prove Bret is not only a legal expert but also a compassionate advocate who supports clients through every step of their case.
Setting Eloquence Law Apart
In a region as diverse as the South Sound, from the coastal communities of Grays Harbor to the bustling urban centers of Pierce County, clients need a defense attorney who can adapt, communicate, and fight relentlessly. That’s exactly what Eloquence Law provides.
Here’s what sets Bret and Eloquence Law above the rest:
- Award-Winning Criminal Defense Recognition – With statewide and community-based awards, Bret has demonstrated his ability to perform at the highest levels of criminal defense.
- Local Knowledge, Statewide Impact – Bret understands the unique dynamics of each county court system, from Shelton to Olympia to Tacoma, giving his clients a strategic edge.
- Personalized Defense – No two cases are the same. Eloquence Law builds custom strategies tailored to the charges, the client’s circumstances, and long-term goals.
- Respected Reputation – Awards from Super Lawyers and Top Lawyers of Washington State signal that Bret is recognized not just locally but across the state.
- Client-Centered Approach – Eloquence Law is built on communication, transparency, and advocacy, ensuring clients never feel left in the dark.

Awards as a Reflection of Values
Awards alone don’t win cases, but they are proof of the values that define Eloquence Law’s practice:
- Integrity – Recognition like the Sharkey Award highlights honesty and consistency in the courtroom.
- Excellence – Statewide honors prove a track record of achieving top results.
- Community Connection – Local awards show Bret’s ability to relate to and support the very people he defends.
- Relentless Advocacy – Every recognition reinforces the message: Eloquence Law will fight for clients, no matter the odds.
Serving the South Sound with Excellence
Whether you’re in Olympia, Shelton, Chehalis, Centralia, Aberdeen, or Tacoma, the criminal defense attorney you choose matters. Clients across Mason, Thurston, Lewis, Grays Harbor, and Pierce Counties consistently choose Bret M. Woody because his awards and recognitions prove what every client deserves: a defender who is respected, trusted, and relentless.
When you step into court with Bret and Eloquence Law on your side, you’re not just hiring a lawyer, you’re hiring an award-winning criminal defense advocate backed by the recognition of judges, peers, and the community alike.
The Bottom Line
Facing criminal charges is stressful, frightening, and life-altering. The attorney you hire can change the course of your future.
By choosing Bret M. Woody at Eloquence Law, you’re choosing a lawyer whose awards reflect his excellence, dedication, and commitment to justice. From the Olympian’s Best of South Sound to Super Lawyers to being recognized among Top Lawyers in Washington State, Bret’s recognition proves he is more than qualified to stand between you and the criminal justice system.
When your freedom, reputation, and future are at stake, don’t settle for less. Choose the award-winning criminal defense of Eloquence Law.