The fight against drugs in Washington mirrors that of every other state. This is a losing battle on many fronts. Prisons are filled with people in on drug charges. The morgues are lined with those who have overdosed. Despite these things, the problem does not seem to...
Your Freedom, Your Reputation, Our Mission
Year: 2019
DUIs and insurance rates
Washington police make it extremely clear that people need to avoid driving while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Throughout the summer, police conducted a “Plan Before You Party” campaign, in which officers told people to arrive home safe without putting...
What should I know about juvenile shoplifting?
There are many reasons why a juvenile might choose to shoplift in Washington state. Oftentimes, it is a result of an impulsive, one-time bad decision. However, even though a juvenile will not be charged in the state of Washington as an adult for shoplifting, it is...
Understanding tax evasion
At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart in Washington, one of the most important things we do is represent clients accused of allegedly committing a state or federal white-collar crime. Consequently, we know that you will face severe penalties if you receive a...
What are white collar crimes?
When you hear your Washington friends and neighbors talking about white collar crimes, you may not know exactly what they are talking about. Basically, according to FindLaw, a white collar crime is one in which someone defrauds someone else by engaging in some kind of...
What is the age of consent?
When is comes to sex offenses, one important factor that often comes into pay is age. The alleged victim's age could mean the difference between being charged or not being charged. It could also affect the specific charge made against you and what the court may...
Can I bounce back after a domestic violence charge?
In Washington state, the domestic violence is a heavy subject matter with a high rate of recidivism. Domestic violence includes acts against household or family members. This means that any violence or harassment against domestic partners, spouses, former domestic...
Can character witnesses help in a domestic violence case?
When facing criminal charges of any kind, the one thing you want to do is prove your innocence. This is especially true if you face domestic violence charges in Washington. Such a charge can be quite damaging to your reputation and life. However, often these cases are...
What are the penalties for a first-time DUI in Washington?
Even if it is your first run-in with law enforcement, a drunk driving arrest in Washington carries potentially serious, and lasting, consequences. Therefore, it is important for you to understand the penalties you could face if you are convicted of driving under the...
What to know about credit card fraud in Washington state
Credit card fraud is a serious crime with penalties of imprisonment and hefty fines. Data breaches, identity theft and credit card fraud are on the rise and affect millions of people. Washington state specifically outlaws making fraudulent transactions with credit...