Misdemeanor Lawyer in Everett, WA
Protecting Your Record in Snohomish County
While misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they are serious criminal offenses that can result in jail time, steep fines, and a permanent criminal record that affects your employment, housing, and reputation. A misdemeanor conviction is often the first step toward future legal complications.
At Snohomish Law PLLC, we treat every misdemeanor charge, from DUI to theft, with the urgency and attention necessary to protect your future. Led by founding attorney Scott Lawrence, a veteran trial lawyer with over 20 years of experience, we apply thorough investigative and analytical skills to fight for a dismissal, reduction, or acquittal.
Call (425) 321-3487 or reach us online to schedule a complimentary in-office or virtual consultation with an Everett misdemeanor attorney. Our office speaks Russian and Ukrainian. Available 24/7.
Steps Our Firm Takes to Fight Misdemeanor Charges
We apply our battle-tested, methodical defense strategy to every misdemeanor case we handle.
- Immediate investigation: We do not rely solely on the police report. We initiate an independent investigation to gather favorable evidence, interview witnesses, and document the scene, using the skills Mr. Lawrence gained from years of experience as a private investigator.
- Challenging the stop: In DUI or traffic-related cases, we challenge the officer's initial basis for the traffic stop (reasonable suspicion). If the stop was unlawful, the resulting evidence is inadmissible, often leading to a dismissal.
- Filing motions: We prepare and argue key legal motions, such as motions to suppress evidence (if police searched illegally) or motions to dismiss, challenging the prosecution's case on legal grounds before trial even begins.
- Trial advocacy: As a trial lawyer with a 20+-year record, our attorney is ready to take your case to a jury when negotiation fails. Our history of courtroom success puts pressure on prosecutors to offer the most favorable pre-trial resolution.
Common Misdemeanors We Handle
Misdemeanor charges are divided into two classes in Washington, defined by the maximum penalty that can be imposed.
Gross Misdemeanors (Maximum Penalty: 364 Days in Jail and $5,000 Fine)
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Requires mandatory jail time, fines, and license suspension, even for a first offense.
- Fourth-degree assault: Often charged as a domestic violence assault, leading to a permanent firearms ban.
- Theft in the third degree: Shoplifting or stealing property or services valued at $750 or less.
- Reckless driving: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Driving while your license is suspended: Penalties vary depending on the degree of suspension.
- Malicious mischief in the third degree: Property damage valued at $750 or less (often a domestic violence charge).
Simple Misdemeanors (Maximum Penalty: 90 Days in Jail and $1,000 Fine)
- Simple assault (under certain circumstances); Assault that is less severe than fourth degree.
- Disorderly conduct: Engaging in fighting, using obscene language, or disrupting public assembly.
- Trespassing in the second degree: Unlawfully entering or remaining in a building or on property after being told to leave.
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“He is very knowledgeable in the DUI field and was able to guide me throughout the process. My case did go to trial as the public prosecutor was not giving any good negotiation. Scott analyzed the case and told me to take it to trial.”- Former Client
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“We appreciate his rapid responses to our questions, and the peace of mind knowing we had his experience on our side.”- Elizabeth
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“Not only did he win my trial, but his knowledge of the details and his negotiation skills were instrumental in achieving a successful outcome. He was able to navigate the complex legal system with ease and always had my best interests in mind.”- Former Client
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“As an experienced attorney, Scott worked diligently to present the facts of the case and ended up winning the case at trial. We would recommend Scott Lawrence, Attorney at Law, to anyone facing criminal charges.”- Former Client
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“I am incredibly grateful to Snohomish Law for their dedication and expertise in resolving my case. They were professional, compassionate, and kept me informed throughout the process.”- Justin K.
