Michael A. Stewart

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Michael Stewart, known in the Tacoma legal community as Mike, has defended people in Pierce County and the South Puget Sound for 30 years. His practice is dedicated to criminal defense, with an emphasis on handling serious cases including violent crimes like assault and domestic violence, drug charges, sex crimes, murder and homicide, and all felonies.

Mike built his career on a clear belief that every step in a case must be handled with purpose. He knows a client's future often depends on it. He understands the stress and fear that follow an arrest and works to provide not only a strong legal defense but also steady guidance through a difficult time.

Dozens of cases have been covered by local and even national media because of their complexity and the gravity of the charges. He understands how to navigate the media attention his client's stories can attract to minimize the negative effects on the result. Mike has earned trust in the courtroom through his trial experience, compelling presence, and ability to communicate clearly on behalf of his clients.

As a Tacoma-based attorney, Mike is deeply connected to the community he serves. He serves on the board of local organizations and is a mentor to newer criminal defense lawyers as they prepare for trial. Mike approaches each case with persistence, respect, and a focus on protecting his client's rights while making sure their voice is heard and positioning them for a better future.

If you or someone you care about has been charged with a crime in Pierce County, King County, Thurston County, or Lewis County, we encourage you to reach out today. Call our office 24/7 or complete our online form to arrange a free confidential consultation.

Practice Areas:

• Criminal Defense

Current Employment Positions:

• I began my private practice on May 1, 1995

Past Positions:

• City of Kent, Office of the City Attorney, 1993 to 1994

Bar Admissions:

• Washington, 1994

Professional Associations:

• Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member, 2000 to Present
• Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, CLE Committee, 1995 to Present
• Washington State Bar Association, Member, 1994 to Present
• National Trial Lawyers Association, Member
• Sports Lawyers Association, Member
• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, Member
• Pierce County Minority Bar Association, Member
• Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Member

Education:

• Seattle University School of Law, Seattle, Washington, Juris Doctor - 1994
• University of Washington, B.A., Bachelor of Arts - 1991

Honors:

• Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
• Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
• Certificate of Appreciation, National Association of Legal Secretaries
• Lead Counsel Rated, Thomson Reuters

Pro-Bono Activities:

• Department of Pediatrics Courtroom Preparation for Doctors, Madigan Army Medical Center, 2016 to Present
• Rotary International, 2004 to 2015
• Tacoma Children's Museum, Board Member
• Fircrest Baseball & Soccer, Volunteer Assistant Coach
• Board Member of Greentrike, the head of the Children's Museum of Tacoma and the Children's Museum at JBLM.
• Assistant Scout Master - Help lead the troop to volunteer in the community, churches, trail maintenance and clean up. Dozens of hours per year of community service.
• Pierce County Ethics Commission - Chair Appointed by the Pierce County Council as a member of the Commission. Elected by the members of the Commission as the Chair.

Classes / Seminars:

• Michael Stewart created and gave a presentation through the Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association called, "Criminal Law: an Ethical Minefield"., 2017 to 2017