Drug DUI

Drug DUI Lawyer in Everett, WA

If you have been arrested in Washington for DUI involving marijuana, prescription drugs, or illegal substances, you are facing charges just as serious as an alcohol DUI, often with more complex evidence. These cases hinge on sophisticated scientific and forensic analysis.

Snohomish Law PLLC led by Attorney Scott W. Lawrence, who combines over two decades of exclusive criminal defense experience with a strong background in chemistry and forensic investigation. This unique blend of knowledge is crucial for successfully defending against drug DUI charges across Snohomish County and surrounding areas.

Call (425) 321-3487 or connect with us online for a complimentary in-office or virtual consultation with an Everett drug DUI attorney. Our team speaks Russian and Ukrainian. Available 24/7.

What Do You Face in a Washington State Drug DUI?

A drug DUI conviction carries the same mandatory minimum penalties as an alcohol DUI, plus unique challenges that can severely harm your future.

Mandatory jail time and fines: Even a first offense results in mandatory jail time (up to 364 days), massive fines, and fees.
License suspension: Loss of driving privileges and required use of an ignition interlock device (IID) for years.
Employment and education: A DUI conviction is permanent on your record. If you are charged with a DUI involving illegal drugs, it can complicate professional licensing, military service, and educational opportunities.
Drug dependency: The court may order mandatory drug evaluations and treatment, which you are required to complete at your own expense.
Deportation risk: For non-citizens, any drug-related conviction can lead to removal (deportation) proceedings, regardless of the severity of the sentence.

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.

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Our Strategic Defense: Unpacking Forensic Evidence

Unlike breathalyzer evidence in alcohol DUIs, drug DUIs rely heavily on subjective observation and forensic science, areas where our firm’s background in chemistry and investigation is a decisive advantage.

Challenging the Stop & Observation

We immediately scrutinize the initial police interaction.

Lack of impairment: We can challenge the police officer’s subjective observations, arguing that factors like fatigue, allergies, or medical conditions (not drugs) were the cause of the driving pattern or physical signs (red eyes, slurred speech).
Drug Recognition Experts (DREs): If a DRE was involved, we can challenge their training, their 12-step evaluation process, and the scientific validity of their conclusions, showing that their methods are prone to error.

Attacking the Blood Test & Forensics

The chemical evidence in a drug DUI is often the most vulnerable element.

Forensic science review: Our attorney’s chemistry background allows us to meticulously review lab reports, gas chromatography results, and toxicology reports. We look for errors in the testing methodology, machine calibration, and proper sample preservation.
Causation: The presence of a drug in the blood does not automatically prove impairment. For marijuana, we can argue that the low levels detected were from historic use and were not high enough to impair driving at the time of the stop.
Chain of custody: We trace the blood sample from collection to testing to show its integrity was maintained. Any break in the chain of custody can lead to the suppression of the test results.

What Drugs Can Lead to a DUI in Washington?

Washington law states that a person is guilty of DUI if they drive a vehicle while under the influence of, or affected by, any drug.

Per Se DUI (Automatic Impairment)

You can be charged per se (automatic guilt) if your blood contains: Marijuana (THC) 5.00 ng/mL (nanograms per milliliter) or higher.

Unlike alcohol, where the legal limit is 0.08%, the presence of this small amount of active THC alone is sufficient for a DUI charge, even if you do not appear impaired.

Non-Per Se DUI (Impairment Must Be Proven)

You can also be charged if the amount of the drug in your system impairs your driving.

Prescription drugs: Including painkillers (opioids), sedatives (benzodiazepines), muscle relaxers, and anxiety medications.
Illegal drugs: Cocaine, methamphetamine, heroin, ecstasy (MDMA), and others.
Over-the-counter drugs: Certain cold medicines or sleep aids can also lead to a DUI charge if they cause impairment.

How Drugs Are Tested in Washington DUI Cases

Unlike alcohol, which is primarily tested via breath on the side of the road, drug DUIs require a chemical test.

Field sobriety tests and DRE evaluation: The officer first administers standardized field sobriety tests (FSTs) and may call a Drug Recognition Expert (DRE) to conduct a multi-step assessment to identify the category of drug suspected.
Blood draw: Based on probable cause (often the DRE’s conclusion), the suspect is taken to a medical facility for a blood draw. This sample is then sent to the Washington State Patrol Toxicology Laboratory for sophisticated testing.
Toxicology report: The lab uses equipment to identify and quantify the specific drugs and their metabolites present in the blood sample. This report forms the core of the prosecution’s case.

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.

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You Can Rely on Snohomish Law PLLC

DUI cases involving drugs are complex battles of science and procedure. You need a defense attorney such as Attorney Scott Lawrence, who has successfully navigated Washington’s forensic labs and courtrooms for over 20 years.

Forensic advantage: We possess the specific scientific knowledge to successfully attack toxicology reports and DRE testimony that most general practitioners lack.
Proven trial record: Our firm’s experience and 90% success rate mean we are prepared to take your case to trial to protect your rights and challenge the state's scientific evidence.
Personalized defense: We believe in honest, ethical representation, building a personal relationship with you, and treating your case with the urgency it deserves.

If you are facing a drug DUI charge in Everett or Snohomish County, the time to build your defense is now. Contact our firm before your blood sample results are even returned.

Reach us online or at (425) 321-3487 for a free case evaluation with our Everett drug DUI attorney today.