Misdemeanor Lawyer in Everett
Evidence-Focused Defense for Your Everett Misdemeanor Charge
While misdemeanors are less severe than felonies, they are serious criminal offenses that can result in jail time, fines, and a criminal record that may affect your employment, housing, and reputation. A misdemeanor charge isn’t the same as a conviction, and the consequences depend on the alleged offense, evidence, prior record, and applicable law.
At Snohomish Law PLLC, we investigate misdemeanor charges, from DUI to theft, by examining the evidence, police procedures, and available defenses. Led by founding attorney Scott Lawrence, a veteran trial lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience, we pursue a dismissal, reduction, acquittal, or another resolution supported by the facts and law.
Call (425) 321-3487 or reach us online to schedule a complimentary in-office or virtual consultation with an Everett misdemeanor attorney. We offer Russian and Ukrainian language support and are available 24/7.
Steps Our Firm Takes to Fight Misdemeanor Charges
Our misdemeanor defense strategy can include:
- Immediate investigation: We don’t 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 examine the officer’s initial basis for the traffic stop, including whether reasonable suspicion existed. When the facts and law support it, we can seek suppression of evidence obtained through an unlawful stop.
- Filing motions: We prepare and argue key legal motions, such as motions to suppress evidence when police conducted an unlawful search or motions to dismiss when the prosecution’s case has a legal defect.
- Trial advocacy: As a trial lawyer with nearly 20 years of experience, our attorney is ready to take your case to a jury when negotiation doesn’t resolve it. That trial preparation also informs how we evaluate evidence and negotiate before trial.
Common Misdemeanors We Handle
Misdemeanor charges are divided into two classes in Washington, defined by the maximum penalty that can be imposed. A gross misdemeanor carries a maximum of 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine, while a misdemeanor carries a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. These are statutory maximums, not automatic sentences.
Gross misdemeanors (maximum penalty: 364 days in jail and $5,000 fine):
- Driving under the influence (DUI): Penalties depend on the charge, testing evidence, prior history, and current Washington law. A DUI case may also involve license consequences and separate administrative deadlines.
- Fourth-degree assault: This charge may carry a domestic violence designation. Some qualifying convictions can create firearm restrictions under state or federal law.
- Theft in the third degree: Theft of property or services valued at $750 or less, including some theft and shoplifting allegations.
- Reckless driving: Operating a vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property.
- Driving while your license is suspended: First- and second-degree violations are gross misdemeanors, while third-degree violations are a simple misdemeanor. The degree and potential penalties depend on why the license was suspended and the applicable statutory provision.
- Malicious mischief in the third degree: Property damage valued at $750 or less is generally charged as a gross misdemeanor, though damage of $50 or less may be charged as a simple misdemeanor. The charge may carry a domestic violence designation depending on the relationship and alleged facts.
Simple misdemeanors (maximum penalty: 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine):
- Disorderly conduct: Conduct prohibited by the statute can include using abusive language that intentionally creates a risk of assault, intentionally disrupting a lawful assembly, or intentionally obstructing pedestrian or vehicular traffic without lawful authority.
- Trespassing in the second degree: Knowingly entering or remaining unlawfully on premises under circumstances that don’t constitute first-degree criminal trespass.
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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.
