DUI Accident Lawyer in Everett, WA
If you are facing a DUI charge that involves a collision, injury, or property damage, the legal stakes are dramatically higher than a standard DUI stop. In Washington State, when alcohol or drug impairment is linked to a crash, prosecutors will pursue the most severe penalties, including potential felony charges like vehicular assault or vehicular homicide.
Snohomish Law PLLC is led by a veteran trial attorney with over 20 years of experience exclusively in criminal defense. We bring a unique combination of legal, scientific, and investigative skills to defend clients facing these high-consequence DUI accident cases across Snohomish County.
Reach us online or at (425) 321-3487 to book a complimentary in-office or virtual consultation with an Everett DUI accident attorney. Our team speaks Russian and Ukrainian. Available 24/7/
How a DUI Accident Conviction Impacts Your Life
When an accident is involved, the consequences extend far beyond standard DUI fines and jail time, creating a lifelong negative impact.
- Felony convictions: If the accident resulted in serious injury or death, the charge escalates to a felony (vehicular assault or vehicular homicide), which carries mandatory state prison time, not just county jail.
- Massive financial burden: You face criminal fines, mandatory restitution payments to injured victims, and severe financial exposure from potential separate civil lawsuits filed by the injured parties.
- Loss of freedom: Convictions result in significant mandatory minimum jail or state prison sentences, extended license revocation, and lengthy probation.
- Professional and reputational damage: A DUI conviction is permanent on your record in Washington. A felony conviction can prohibit you from specific jobs, obtaining professional licenses, and even traveling internationally.
- Ignition interlock device (IID): The IID will be required in your vehicle for years, and possibly permanently, depending on the severity and number of offenses.
Our Strategic Defense Steps for DUI Accident Cases
Because DUI accident cases require the prosecution to prove both impairment and that the impairment caused the accident, our defense strategy is focused on attacking both elements. Our unique scientific and investigative background is particularly well-suited for this purpose.
Challenging Causation (The Accident Scene)
We work to prove that the impairment did not actually cause the crash, using a defense that other lawyers may overlook.
- Accident reconstruction: We can employ accident reconstruction specialists to demonstrate that factors other than impairment, such as road hazards, poor weather, vehicle malfunction, or the other driver’s negligence, were the actual cause of the collision.
- Witness and scene analysis: We thoroughly investigate the accident scene, pulling vehicle data (if available) and re-interviewing witnesses to challenge the police's initial determination of fault.
Attacking Impairment & Testing (The DUI Evidence)
We aggressively challenge the validity of the DUI evidence, leveraging our advanced training.
- Field sobriety tests: We cross-examine the officer on the subjective nature of the tests, the conditions under which they were administered, and any medical conditions or non-impairment factors that could have affected your performance.
- Breath/blood tests: We challenge the maintenance and calibration records of the breathalyzer machine and scrutinize the chain of custody for any blood samples, looking for contamination or procedural flaws that could invalidate the results.
- Improper stop/arrest: We investigate whether the police had reasonable suspicion to stop your vehicle or probable cause for the arrest. If not, key evidence may be suppressed, and the case dismissed.
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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.