What a DUI Attorney Can Do: Lessons from the Puyallup Crash Case

In the wake of a devastating DUI crash in Puyallup, Washington, the community is left asking hard questions about accountability, justice, and the role of legal representation. When Rex Graydon, 21, allegedly sped through a red light, colliding with a family’s Honda CRV and leaving a trail of heartbreak, the legal machinery kicked into gear. The aftermath was severe: a 3-year-old girl suffered a traumatic brain injury, her pregnant mother was rushed into an emergency C-section at just 27 weeks, and the family’s future became clouded with uncertainty.

Graydon now faces multiple felony charges in Pierce County, including three counts of vehicular assault with DUI enhancement. His driving history reveals a pattern: two previous at-fault collisions, eight speeding tickets since June 2023, and a revoked license. On the day of the crash, police had already stopped him in a Walmart parking lot for driving with a suspended license and noted a strong smell of marijuana. Surveillance footage later showed him fleeing the scene recklessly, nearly causing several more accidents before the tragic collision on state Route 512.

This is where the work of a DUI attorney becomes crucial. With charges ranging from reckless driving to obstruction of a law enforcement officer, Graydon’s legal team faces the daunting task of mounting a defense. In DUI cases like this, attorneys must navigate not only criminal statutes but also the emotional weight carried by victims and their families. They’ll scrutinize every detail: Was the traffic stop conducted lawfully? Were sobriety tests administered correctly? Is there room to challenge the prosecution’s evidence on impairment?

The stakes are immense. For Graydon, his attorney will be tasked with ensuring that his rights are protected, even as the public pressure mounts. For the victims, legal representation will fight for compensation, medical care, and justice. The family’s attorney has already reported the severity of the child’s brain injury and the mother’s critical condition, emphasizing that long-term disability is a real possibility. In cases involving catastrophic injuries, DUI attorneys must understand not just the law, but the medical realities and the potential for lifelong impact.

But the role of a DUI attorney goes beyond the courtroom. They serve as negotiators, sometimes seeking plea deals to reduce sentences or secure treatment options for their clients. In other cases, they must aggressively contest the charges if evidence is lacking or procedures were mishandled. The Puyallup crash is a textbook example of the complex interplay between legal defense and community safety. The family’s ties to local law enforcement—one member is a Puyallup Tribal Police Department officer, another a lieutenant—add another layer of scrutiny and public interest.

As the case moves forward, the legal process will be painstaking. Bail was set at $250,000, underscoring the seriousness of the charges. Witnesses described Graydon’s erratic driving and attempts to evade police, details that prosecutors will use to build their case. Meanwhile, the defense may probe into Graydon’s medical condition at the time—he was reported to be convulsing and foaming at the mouth after the crash—and whether that played a role in the events.

For those unfamiliar with DUI law, it’s important to note that an attorney’s job is not to excuse or justify reckless behavior, but to ensure the legal process is fair and thorough. They advocate for their client’s rights, challenge questionable evidence, and seek the best possible outcome under the circumstances. In some cases, that might mean arguing for rehabilitation and treatment, especially if substance abuse is a factor. In others, it means preparing for trial and facing the full weight of the law.

The impact on the victims cannot be overstated. The family faces months, if not years, of recovery and uncertainty. The three-year-old will need extensive rehabilitation, and the premature infant’s prognosis remains unclear. «It’s a lot for the family, there are a lot of unknowns especially with a 27-week-old baby with a traumatic brain injury. We don’t know what the long term effects are going to be. At the same time, they’re very grateful that everyone is still alive,» said Todd Wescott, the child’s soon-to-be stepfather.

This case, as reported by KING 5 News, is a sobering reminder of the consequences of impaired driving—and the vital role of attorneys on both sides of the courtroom. For the accused, a DUI attorney is their lifeline to due process. For the victims, the legal system is their hope for justice and support.

Ultimately, the Puyallup crash underscores how DUI attorneys operate in a world where every decision can reshape lives. Their work is not just about defending or prosecuting, but about navigating the gray space between accountability and compassion, law and recovery.