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Results-Driven Representation When the Stakes Are High
Reckless Driving

Reckless Driving Lawyer in Everett, WA 

Reckless driving is far more than a simple speeding ticket; it is a serious criminal traffic offense in Washington State that can follow you for a lifetime. Whether a split-second decision or a mistake in judgment led to your charge, the consequences are immediate and severe.

At Snohomish Law PLLC, we understand that a reckless driving charge can happen to anyone, and we use our unique background in investigation and forensic analysis to build a robust defense for clients in Everett and throughout Snohomish County. 

Founding Attorney Scott W. Lawrence is a trial attorney with over two decades of criminal defense experience, which can be used to help you pursue the best possible case outcome. 

Call (425) 321-3487 or reach us online to schedule a free initial consultation with an Everett reckless driving attorney. Our firm speaks Russian and Ukrainian. Available 24/7. We offer virtual consultations for your convenience.

How Snohomish Law PLLC Fights for You

We recognize that the stakes are too high to accept a conviction. Our firm takes a proactive, investigative approach to every reckless driving case.

  • Challenging “willful and wanton” intent: The prosecution must prove you acted with a specific state of mind. We use our investigative background to highlight external factors, such as road conditions, vehicle malfunctions, or medical emergencies, to demonstrate that your actions did not constitute a "willful disregard" for safety.
  • Scrutinizing police procedures: We meticulously review dashcam footage, officer reports, and witness statements. If the officer lacked a legal basis for the stop or misidentified your vehicle, we move to suppress the evidence and push for a dismissal.
  • Negotiating for charges to be amended to non-criminal infractions: Our primary goal is to keep your record clean. We use our reputation as aggressive trial advocates to negotiate with prosecutors, resulting in amended charges that are downgraded to non-criminal civil infractions, saving you from jail time and a criminal record.
  • Strategic DUI reductions: In cases where reckless driving is offered as a reduction for a DUI, we analyze the long-term impact on your license and travel rights to provide you with a clear, strategic path forward.
Put a Proven Trial Attorney on Your Side
Whether you’re facing serious criminal charges or recovering from an injury, you deserve an attorney who’s prepared to take your case all the way to trial. Get strategic, dedicated representation from a team that fights for your future.

What Is Reckless Driving in Washington?

Under Washington law (RCW 46.61.500), reckless driving is defined as driving a motor vehicle with willful or wanton disregard for the safety of persons or property. This definition is broad, giving police officers significant discretion to arrest you for driving behaviors they deem dangerous.

  • It can serve as the sole basis for a stop, arrest, and criminal charge.
  • It can be bundled as an accompanying charge to a DUI.
  • Effective September 2025, Washington law specifically includes intentionally driving more than 30 miles per hour over the posted speed limit as a distinct form of reckless driving.
    Scott was very helpful in my DUI case.
    “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
    Scott goes the extra mile when representing his clients.
    “We appreciate his rapid responses to our questions, and the peace of mind knowing we had his experience on our side.”
    - Elizabeth
    His expertise, professionalism, and attention to detail are second to none.
    “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
    Brilliant criminal defense lawyer.
    “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
    I highly recommend.
    “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.

Contact Us

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At Snohomish Law PLLC, we're always ready to take your call! Give us a call at (425) 321-3487 or fill out the form below to contact one of our team members.

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The Impact of a Reckless Driving Conviction

A conviction for reckless driving is a life-altering event that significantly impacts your liberty, finances, and ability to earn a living.

  • Criminal record: As a gross misdemeanor, a conviction results in a permanent criminal record. It is punishable by a maximum sentence of one year in jail and a fine of up to $5,000.
  • Mandatory license suspension: If convicted, the Department of Licensing (DOL) will suspend your driver’s license for at least 30 days.
  • High insurance costs (SR-22): To reinstate your license, you must provide proof of SR-22 "high-risk" insurance and carry it for three years, which can lead to thousands of dollars in added costs.
  • Habitual traffic offender status: Reckless driving is a "major moving violation." If you acquire three major moving violations within five years, the DOL will declare you a habitual traffic offender, resulting in a seven-year license revocation.
  • International travel restrictions: A reckless driving conviction, especially if reduced from a DUI, can be seen as an inadmissible offense, potentially barring entry into Canada.
  • DUI sentencing enhancements: If a DUI charge is reduced to reckless driving, it may still be counted as a "prior" DUI for sentencing enhancements if you are ever charged with a subsequent DUI in the future.

Reckless driving is a serious charge and not a simple traffic infraction. We urge you to discuss the details of your case with our Everett reckless driving attorney. Learn more about where you stand and how our firm can help you aggressively pursue a strategic defense.

Call (425) 321-3487 or submit our online contact form to request your free initial consultation today.