Multiple DUI Attorney in Everett
Forensic Defense for Repeat DUI Charges. Nearly 20 Years in Snohomish County Courts.
A second or subsequent DUI in Washington isn’t treated like a first mistake. Prosecutors pursue steeper mandatory minimums, judges have less flexibility, and the technical evidence against you carries more weight. What you need is an attorney who can challenge that evidence at its foundation. At Snohomish Law PLLC, Attorney Scott W. Lawrence does exactly that, drawing on a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Washington, recognition as a laboratory chemist by the American Chemical Society, and nearly 20 years of exclusive criminal defense experience in courts across Snohomish County.
Before practicing law, Lawrence spent more than 12 years as a licensed private investigator and lead case investigator. He’s also certified to administer standardized field sobriety tests through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, the same certification held by the officers who administered yours. That combination of forensic training and investigative depth lets us evaluate the evidence in your case at a level few defense firms can match.
If you’re facing a 2nd DUI or subsequent charge in Everett, contact us immediately. Washington law gives you just 7 days from your arrest to request a Department of Licensing hearing to contest your license suspension. Call (425) 321-3487 now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7.
Why Forensic Training Changes the Defense in Repeat-Offense DUI Cases
In a first-offense DUI, prosecutors sometimes negotiate. On repeat offenses, they rarely do. That shift makes the quality of the defense more consequential, because one path to a better outcome is often through the evidence itself.
Lawrence’s chemistry background lets us scrutinize breathalyzer calibration records, toxicology lab procedures, and blood sample chain of custody at a technical level that goes beyond what most defense attorneys attempt. His 12-plus years of investigative work mean we don’t rely solely on the police report. We gather our own facts. And when the evidence supports going to trial rather than accepting a plea, we go. We’ve tried DUI and criminal cases in Everett Municipal Court and Snohomish County District Court.
Washington’s Penalty Escalation for 2nd & 3rd DUI Offenses
Under RCW 46.61.5055, Washington imposes mandatory minimums on repeat DUI offenses that increase with each prior conviction and with higher BAC readings or test refusal. These are statutory floors, not predictions for your specific case.
Second Offense DUI penalties:
- BAC below .15: Minimum 30 days jail and 60 days electronic home monitoring (EHM); 2-year license revocation; ignition interlock device (IID) required; fines starting at $500 plus costs; up to 5 years probation; alcohol assessment and treatment required
- BAC of .15 or above, or breath test refusal: Minimum 45 days jail and 90 days EHM; 900-day license revocation (3 years for refusal); IID required; fines starting at $750 plus costs
Third Offense DUI penalties:
- BAC below .15: Minimum 90 days jail and 120 days EHM; 3-year license revocation; fines starting at $1,000; vehicle seizure and forfeiture possible under RCW 46.61.5058
- BAC of .15 or above, or refusal: Minimum 120 days jail and 150 days EHM; 4-year license revocation; fines starting at $1,500
A fourth or subsequent DUI with three or more prior convictions within the past 15 years can be elevated to a Class B felony, carrying potential state prison time and fines up to $20,000. All repeat DUI convictions also affect your ability to enter Canada.
How We Build Your Defense
Every multiple DUI case we take in Everett starts with the same question: where is the prosecution’s evidence vulnerable? We pursue four main lines of challenge.
Breath Test Accuracy
We review breathalyzer calibration records, machine maintenance logs, and testing protocols using Attorney Lawrence’s chemistry training to identify errors that can undermine the result.
Blood Draw Integrity
Blood cases are evaluated for chain-of-custody gaps, sample preservation failures, lab procedure deviations, and gas chromatography methodology. A result that looks precise on paper can still be challenged on how it was produced.
Field Sobriety Test Administration
Lawrence holds the same NHTSA certification as the officers who conducted your roadside tests. We measure the administration against standardized protocols, and deviations matter.
The Legality of the Stop
If the traffic stop lacked reasonable suspicion, evidence gathered from it may be suppressible under the Fourth Amendment. We investigate the stop independently, not just through the officer’s account.
When the evidence supports a reduction to reckless or negligent driving, we negotiate for it. When it doesn’t serve you, we take the case to trial.
-
“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
-
“We appreciate his rapid responses to our questions, and the peace of mind knowing we had his experience on our side.”- Elizabeth
-
“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
-
“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 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.
