Violent Crime Attorney in Everett
Defense Built Around Evidence, Not Just Courtroom Arguments
Violent crime charges in Washington are felony-level offenses that move quickly through Snohomish County Superior Court. From your first appearance to trial, every decision carries real consequences. Snohomish Law PLLC is built for exactly this kind of high-stakes defense.
Scott W. Lawrence has spent nearly two decades defending clients in criminal matters across Snohomish, King, Skagit, Island, Whatcom, and Pierce Counties. His record in serious felony cases reflects a defense approach that goes well beyond legal argument.
Facing a violent crime charge in Everett? Call Snohomish Law PLLC at (425) 321-3487 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7.
What Sets Our Violent Crime Defense Apart
Attorney Lawrence holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Washington and is a certified Laboratory Chemist through the American Chemical Society. Before practicing law, he spent 12 years as a licensed private investigator reviewing surveillance footage, analyzing witness statements, and identifying procedural errors. That background shapes how we approach every case.
Physical evidence drives violent crime prosecutions. Weapon findings, injury documentation, forensic lab reports, and use-of-force claims all need to be scrutinized with the same rigor the prosecution applies in building them. We bring that scrutiny in-house rather than outsourcing it.
We report a 90 percent success rate across our cases, though no particular result can be promised since outcomes depend on case facts, applicable law, and the decisions of courts and prosecutors. Attorney Lawrence is recognized by the National Trial Lawyers Top 40. We offer free consultations, virtual appointments, and our team speaks Russian and Ukrainian.
Violent Crime Charges in Washington State
Washington law (RCW 9.94A.030) draws a clear line between “violent offenses” and “serious violent offenses.” Where your charge falls matters because it directly affects your sentencing exposure and how any prior conviction history may be used against you.
Violent Offenses vs. Serious Violent Offenses
Violent offenses under Washington law include robbery in the second degree, kidnapping in the second degree, arson in the second degree, assault in the second degree, extortion in the first degree, drive-by shooting, and manslaughter. A narrower subcategory, serious violent offenses, captures the most severe charges: murder in the first and second degree, homicide by abuse, manslaughter in the first degree, assault in the first degree, kidnapping in the first degree, and rape in the first degree.
Robbery in Washington
Robbery involves the unlawful taking of property from another person against their will through the use or threatened use of immediate force, violence, or fear of injury. Robbery in the first degree is a class A felony carrying up to life in prison and fines up to $50,000. Robbery in the second degree is a class B felony, but still carries up to 10 years and fines up to $20,000.
Sentencing Consequences & the Three Strikes Law
A violent felony conviction doesn’t end at incarceration. It can cost a non-citizen their immigration status, eliminate firearm rights, and create lasting barriers to employment, housing, and professional licensing. These collateral consequences compound the criminal sentence itself.
Washington’s Persistent Offender Accountability Act, the first “three strikes” law in the nation, requires courts to sentence a “persistent offender” to life in prison without the possibility of parole. A persistent offender is someone convicted of a “most serious offense” who has at least two prior separate convictions that also qualify as most serious offenses. That category includes all class A felonies, certain class B felonies, and any felony involving a deadly weapon finding. Even an attempt to commit a strike offense counts. On a second or third felony charge, the stakes are exceptionally high.
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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.
