SPOKANE COUNTY, Wash. – Local attorney Joseph Kuhlman, known for his involvement in several high-profile cases, is facing legal troubles and client dissatisfaction.
Kuhlman has been charged with a DUI in Spokane County and possession of a controlled substance in Pend Oreille County.
A bench warrant has been issued for Kuhlman’s arrest regarding the DUI charge, which dates back to February 2024.
His trial was scheduled to begin last week but was canceled after he failed to appear in court.
Christina Baber, who hired Kuhlman to represent her boyfriend in a separate criminal defense case, expressed her frustration.
“I haven’t had any communication with him since the email in March,” she said.
Baber claims she paid $10,000 on May 13, 2024, for Kuhlman’s services.
She recounted visiting his office, where she said she noticed unusual behavior.
“He had offered me something to drink out of his mini fridge. I assumed water, soda, and it wasn’t. It was full of liquor, and he pulled something out, I want to say Tequila, and started drinking it,” Baber stated.
Ashley Melanson, who supported a friend represented by Kuhlman, shared her concerns.
“He was intoxicated when he came into the bar. You can definitely tell he was under the influence of something,” Melanson said.
Melanson told NonStop Local that a meeting initially set at Kuhlman’s office was relocated to a bar.
“Went to his office. Wasn’t at his office. I was told we were actually meeting at the bar across the street,” she explained.
At the meeting, Melanson noted, “(He) more wanted to talk about life, show off his tattoos. Just a really weird conversation.”
Baber received a letter from Kuhlman on March 7, 2025, explaining his suspension by the Washington State Bar Association.
Kuhlman stated the suspension was “temporary and procedural” and did not “reflect any disciplinary action, misconduct, or question regarding my fitness to practice law.”
The Washington State Bar confirmed that the suspension order makes a lawyer ineligible to practice law.
Baber has since retained new counsel and is pursuing a civil case against Kuhlman.
“No, I haven’t. I’m taking him to civil court,” Baber said when asked if she received a refund.
In an unrelated case, Kuhlman was removed from representing Benjamin Hill after a mistrial in November.
Testimony from Kuhlman’s mother, a registered nurse, revealed concerns about his health and substance use.
Kuhlman’s mom told the court he admitted to her that he was using cocaine. She said Kuhlman had signs of liver failure and was concerned for his wellbeing.
Judge Rachelle Anderson remarked, “The man that’s in the courtroom today is not the competent attorney that you hired. Currently, he is not capable of representing you adequately.”
Baber hopes Kuhlman will address her concerns.
“That he comes forward, and does what he’s supposed to – make his wrongs right,” she said.
NonStop Local reached out to Kuhlman about Baber’s claims he had not refunded her.
Kuhlman emailed NonStop Local’s John Webb back, “I’m not familiar with the specific issue being alleged. Consequently, I cannot comment on past or current clients’ matters. Additionally, since the individuals raising the allegations are not clients, I am prohibited from disclosing confidential information to address and rebut these claims. I sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. Unfortunately, the Rules of Professional Conduct limit my ability to respond in this situation. I wish you success with your story and regret any constraints this may place on your work product.”
NonStop Local’s John Webb emailed, called and went to Kuhlman’s office to offer several opportunities to respond to these allegations. He never responded.
