Scott Lawrence Criminal Defense Trial Attorney

Experienced and Effective

Seattle criminal defense attorney, Scott Lawrence has been practicing criminal defense exclusively for more than 14 years. Whether you are currently under investigation, have been arrested or have been charged with a crime, we can help. Please feel free to contact us for experienced legal advice and to find out what your options are.

"Relentless pursuit to find a competitive edge." — Pete Carroll

Why You Need a Trial Attorney

To be a great criminal defense attorney requires much more than just having a firm grasp on the law and criminal procedures. Jury trials have often been described as theater. Your attorney\’s ability to connect emotionally with, and paint a picture for, the jury, is often the difference between guilt and vindication. These are not skills taught in law school. A great trial attorney is a student of human behavior, theater, current events, history and much more. And, of course, actual trial experience is the best teacher of all.

An experienced trial attorney not only gives you the best chance at a "not guilty" verdict, but also can help you more effectively even if you don't go to trial. Less than 5% of criminal cases actually go all the way to trial; most are resolved through negotiations. A great trial attorney can better assess how your case will be perceived by a jury than an attorney that doesn't do many trials. Known trial attorneys get better resolutions for their clients. The simple fact that the government attorneys know your attorney will take any case to trial encourages honest and meaningful negotiation.

Don't settle for just any criminal defense attorney. Get an experienced criminal defense trial attorney.

Compassion is a Big Part of What We do

It's often accurately said that "the wheels of justice turn slowly."

Being accused of, or charged with, a crime is stressful. The stigma created is often worse than the potential penalties. Put these together and it can add up to a lot of sleepless nights worrying about what is going to happen next. Seattle Law Hawks PLLC realizes that one of the many reasons that people hire us is to ease the stress in a judgment free environment. To help you put your life back together.

Misdemeanors vs. Felonies

Seattle Law Hawks PLLC has experience defending individuals against all types of misdemeanor and felony charges. The main difference between a misdemeanor is the maximum amount of jail time a person can get and the collateral consequences (employment, immigration, professional licensing, ability to travel, etc.). The tools and strategy required to provide a great criminal defense are essentially the same.

Misdemeanors carry a maximum of 90 days in jail and a $1000 fine. Gross misdemeanors can result in up to 364 days in jail and a $5000 fine. These cases are filed in City Municipal Courts and County District Courts. Each court at this level tends to have its own personality, defined by the judge, the prosecutor and the local government. Familiarity with each court, and the players therein, is important for your defense. We have appeared in almost every court in Western Washington and appear regularly in every court in Seattle, Everett, King and Snohomish County.

If you’re charged with DUI, reckless driving, negligent driving, hit and run, shoplifting, theft, assault, violation of a no contact order, trespassing, or other misdemeanor, we can help you.

Felonies are filed in Superior Court. This is where the experienced prosecutors and battle-tested trial attorneys are most often found. A felony charge can result in a maximum of 5 years to life. Charges like Robbery, Burglary, Assault, No Contact Order Violations, Drug Offenses, Felony DUI and Vehicular Assault often carry mandatory minimum prison time. They can also result in loss of the ability to get a job, loss of professional licenses, registration requirements, deportation, inability to get loans and housing, termination of family rights and much more. Thus, the stakes are infinitely higher than is district court. You must have an experienced criminal defense attorney that is willing to fight for your future. Seattle Law Hawks PLLC appears in Snohomish County Superior Court, King County Superior Court and all Superior Courts in Western Washington.

The Most Important Piece of Legal Advice You'll Ever Get

Do not speak to anyone about your case without a lawyer, especially the police. You have a Constitutional Right to an attorney under the Sixth Amendment and a Fifth Amendment Right to remain silent. If you are approached by police, demand an attorney. Then say nothing more. This won't save you from being arrested. It is often the only thing that can save you from a wrongful conviction.

The Fourth Amendment protects you from unreasonable search and seizure. Never consent to a search of you home vehicle or person. Do not resist or attempt to stop an officer if he or she decides to conduct a search anyway, but be clear that you are not consenting. If you consent you can be waiving your right to challenge what otherwise turns out to be an unlawful search.