Scott W. Lawrence
Proven DUI and Criminal Defense Because it Matters
Law Office of Scott Lawrence, PLLC
16708 Bothell-Everett Highway
Suite 104
Mill Creek, WA 98012
Map
Phone: (425) 488-8481 | Fax: (855) 488-8481
http://www.waDUIatty.com
http://waduiatty.com/snohomish-dui-blog/
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
DUI/DWI, Physical Control, Minor DUI, Marijuana DUI, Drug DUI, BUI, Speeding Tickets, Traffic Infractions, Hit and Run, Reckless Driving, Negligent Driving, Driving Without a License, Theft, Shoplifting, Assault, Domestic Violence, Possession of Marijuana, Possession of Drug Paraphernalia, Minor in Possession, Rights Restoration, Expungement, Deferred Prosecution, Misdemeanor Compromise and Department of Licensing Hearings.
Sub-Topics
Automotive
- DUI / DWI
Bar Admissions
WA, Aug 2006
Bar Number: 37734
Specialty Certifications
Criminal Practice Certificate.
Other Court Admissions
Washington State.
Association Memberships
Washington State Bar Association, National College of DUI Defense, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Washington Foundation for Justice (Washington Trial Lawyers Association), Innocence Project, and American Constitution Society.
Continuing Education
I believe ongoing legal education is essential in an area as technical as DUI defense. The science and the law are constantly changing. I regularly exceed the required number of required Continuing Legal Education (CLE) hours. This past year alone I have attended CLEs on the field sobriety tests, cross-examining officers in DUI cases, the annual DUI seminar in Washington, a three day DUI CLE in Las Vegas, and completed the 20 hour National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) course in administering Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST). I also attended and graduated from the National DUI Trial College in 2011. To satisfy the Constitutional Law geek in me, I regularly attend CLEs on search and seizure and other areas of constitutional law.
Papers and Publications
I write a blawg located at www.defenseadvocate.com.
Example Cases
DUI - My client gave a breath sample well above .20 and performed miserably on the field sobriety tests. To top it off this was her third offense in seven years. She was facing a mandatory minimum of 120 days in jail plus 150 days home monitoring, not to mention the fines and license suspension. We uncovered evidence that rendered the breath test invalid and were able to get the judge to exclude the results from trial. In addition, we were able to document my clients various medical conditions, showing that she could not possibly perform the roadside tests under any conditions. Without the breath evidence and no way to show my client was impaired, the State dismissed the charge.
DUI - My client was charged with (1) his 6th DUI, for being under the influence of methamphetamines at the time of driving; (2) driving on a suspended license; and (3) driving without the required interlock ignition device in his vehicle. The arresting officer pulled my client over because he was repeatedly driving over the fog line and jerking back into his lane. My client performed poorly on the roadside tests. The officer was a NHTSA certified "drug recognition expert" and conducted a full "drug recognition examination" on my client at the police station and determined that he was under the influence of a central nervous system stimulant. The subsequent blood test indicated a large amount of methamphetamines and amphetamine metabolites in my client's system. The Prosecutor's initial plea offer was 275 days in jail on the DUI plus 90 days on the Driving While License Suspended (DWLS) charge (no jail alternatives, such as home monitoring or work release). We compiled thousands of pages of documents, prevailed at several motion hearings, and effectively employed the use of a defense expert. After six months of constant pressure, the State relented. My client was offered, and accepted, 60 days work release for a plea to the charge of Reckless Driving only.
Obstructing a Law Enforcement Officer - My client exercised her rights and refused to allow officers to search her home for a wanted fugitive. The officers had information from another resident that the suspect was currently in the house. Police eventually forced their way into the house and found the individual. My client was arrested for obstruction because she refused to open the door or acknowledge the man was inside. At pre-trial, the Prosecutor said, "You can't hide someone with a warrant in your house. She needs to plead guilty." We filed a motion arguing that without permission the officers were required to obtain a warrant before entering my client's home. We were successful and all charges were dismissed.
Education
University of Oregon, School of Law
Doctor of Jurisprudence
Eugene
OR
2005
University of Oregon Alumni Scholarship Award and Pro Bono Certificate.
Criminal Practice Certificate.
University of Washington
Bachelor of Science
Seattle
WA
2000
Dean's List.
Chemistry.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Washington
Firm Focus and History
The Law Office of Scott Lawrence, PLLC is dedicated to providing quality DUI and criminal law defense. Our principal concern is effectively defending your freedom, your license and your rights. However, we also understand there are many consequences that follow from being charged with a crime beyond the potential jail time, fines, and loss of license. A criminal conviction can affect your employment, cause problems at home, create difficulty in obtaining housing, hinder travel abroad, and much more. Stress and embarrassment are common byproducts of the process as well. We recognize that everyone that walks into our office has different needs and concerns. Our goal is to tackle your case in a manner that addresses your individual needs, to leave you better off than when you started, and to provide you with the best defense possible.
In 2009, the Law Office of Scott Lawrence, PLLC was established for the exclusive purpose of representing citizens charged with a crime. Our emphasis continues to be in DUI defense, although we regularly represent individuals charged with assault and other crimes. Mainly operating on referrals from clients and attorneys, we have been growing every month since our inception.
Previous Employment Summary
I have spent my entire legal career as a defense attorney. I have successfully represented clients at the Lane County Public Defenders (Eugene Municipal and Lane County Courts), Society of Counsel Representing Accused Persons (King County Courts), Pierce County Department of Assigned Counsel (Fife Municipal, Tacoma Municipal and Pierce County Courts), Snohomish County Public Defender Association (Snohomish County Courts) and Aimee Trua, Attorney-at-Law (City of Sultan and Monroe Courts).
Prior to becoming an attorney I worked for 12 years as a private investigator. Officiating professional soccer, cooking, driving a taxi, managing a nursery, as well as sales, electronic and mechanical assembly, and various aspects of construction are just a few of my prior endeavors. The combination of these experiences allows me to bring a wealth of understanding and knowledge to the table far beyond what most attorneys can offer.
Activities and Awards
Springfield Teen Court, Judge
University of Oregon Alumni Scholarship Award
University of Washington Dean's List
Phi Beta Kappa, Information Director; President's List
American Constitution Society, Board Member
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
The ability to make an informed decision is one of the most important things we can offer our clients. I enjoy clients that take it upon themselves to learn as much as they can about the legal issues they face. The more an individual participates in their defense the better the lawyer will be able to represent them. That being said, run things by your attorney. If a defense sounds too easy (i.e. too good to be true) it probably is.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Reviewing documents prepared by your client with him or her helps in the all important process of understanding the case in a way that makes sense to that person. I am happy to review motions, cases, or anything else with my clients. Again, a client that understands the legal issues of their particular case is going to be in a better position to assist the attorney and make informed decisions about how to proceed.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I offer a free consultation to assist individuals in deciding whether they need or want to be represented by an attorney. Beyond that, I am skeptical about teaching someone to represent themselves. I'm sure you've heard the old adage, "the person that chooses to represents himself, has a fool for a client."
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
There are so many factors that went into my decision to become a lawyer, I'm not sure I can address them all in a few paragraphs. On the surface, it was (and still is) the intellectual challenge and personal interaction with the law that drove my decision. Then there was my good friend, who talked me into taking the LSAT with him. Ignoring my initial resistance, insisting that I didn't have the time or the money to dedicate to law school, he persisted. We both took the LSAT. I scored better than I ever would have imagined, while he tanked it. The next thing I knew I was getting letters of interest from all over the country.
Long story short, I went on to law school and he went to work in the other Washington. It wasn't until much later that I realized I had probably been duped into going to law school by a great friend who was tired of hearing reasons why I couldn't fulfill my dreams. However, the most important reason was distaste for the way government and law enforcement trample on the rights of ordinary people. Being able to gain the tools and authority to help people fight against was a driving force in my decision.
Bottom line is that I have wanted to be a criminal defense attorney since I can first remember. It was never a matter of what do I want to be when I grow up but, rather, how long am I going to put off what I was born to do.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
Work: Probably the most important things I learned as a public defender are not the obvious ones; criminal law, court procedures or trial techniques. Because things are often not what they seem, approaching every case, every witness and every piece of evidence with an open mind is most important. Also, my 12 years as a private investigator provided me with many tools and techniques helpful in gathering evidence and information.
Education: I earned a B.S. in Chemistry and completed a pre-med curriculum along the way. An understanding of scientific process is necessary to dissect and analyze complex technical evidence. Nowhere is this more important than in DUI defense. Much of the evidence used against a DUI defendant is of a "scientific" nature. However, the principles this "science" are based on are often flawed. In order to effectively defend someone against junk science, one must understand how scientific theory actually works.
Life experiences: This is the most valuable area of all. Trial work is about connecting with people. I have had the opportunity to come into contact with people of all walks of life on a regular basis. Because I truly like people and I have probably shared a common experience with most individuals, I am able to use this experience to bond with people when needed.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
From a very young age I came to understand that this great experiment that is America is driven by the Constitutional principles our nation was founded upon. The reason our country is so great is because of the freedoms and fundamental rights bestowed unto us. It became equally apparent through my experiences that government (and its representatives) often did not share the same reverence for these principles. In the United States we defend against government intrusion upon individual rights through the legal process instead of revolution and war. To me there is something noble and rewarding in participating in this process.
The trend in this country is moving toward the presumption of guilt. Maybe if you're lucky you can prove your innocence. This seems fundamentally wrong and I take great joy in helping my clients fight back.
What do you like best about your career?
The people I represent are number one. A close second is the constant process of learning about the ever-changing science and evolving laws surrounding DUI cases. Researching and writing effective motions are also areas of great satisfaction. Nothing is better than winning a case before I ever walk into the court.
Tell us about your law firm:
I am a solo practitioner.
What are your strengths and style?
My greatest strengths are creativity and persistence. Often we can find common goals between all parties in a case. By exploring these common goals and ways to reach them together, we can often come up with workable resolutions. In addition, I find that you rarely get what you want on the first try. You have to keep asking and keep hammering away until you get what you want. By doing all this front end work, if you don't get what you want, you are fully prepared for battle.
Personal Interests:
Outside of the law and family, soccer is my passion. I play (although not really well), referee (high school and college are my favorites) and am a big fan (go Sounders!). I also enjoy running and studying history.
Fax
(855) 488-8481
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Weekend and after hours by appointment.
Emergency calls answered 24/7.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Additional Offices
Everett Office
3306 Wetmore Avenue
Everett, WA 98201
(425) 488-8481
Monroe Law Center
212 East Main Street
Monroe, WA 98272
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
I charge flat fees for DUIs, traffic tickets and all other criminal matters. If you mention you were referred by Nolo, I will give a 10% discount.
Hourly Rates
Flat fees only.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer free consultations. A typical initial consultation lasts about an hour.
Typical Retainer
50% of flat fee on approved credit.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the state agency that licenses lawyers upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any state licensing agency.
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