Lakewood, WA Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

Strategic Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer Taking on Serious Felony Cases in Lakewood, Washington

If you have been accused of a violent felony offense, you should know the possible consequences of a conviction. The stakes in these cases can be high, with the potential for years in prison and a permanent criminal record. To protect your rights throughout the legal proceedings, work with a Lakewood, WA violent crime defense lawyer.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we have represented people accused of violent crimes in high-profile cases, as we have attained successful case results for clients charged with assault, murder, and more. You can rely on our firm to fight for you in court, exploring all of your options to protect your future.

Representing Clients in First-Degree Assault Cases

First-degree assault is one of the most serious violent crime charges in Washington. Prosecutors may bring this charge when they believe a person intended to cause great bodily harm and used a firearm, deadly weapon, poison, destructive substance, or force likely to cause severe injury or death. The charge may also apply when the alleged assault actually results in great bodily harm.

First-degree assault is a Class A felony. A conviction can carry life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. Sentencing may also be affected by firearm enhancements, criminal history, and the facts surrounding the alleged incident.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we understand that these cases often involve conflicting accounts. We review the evidence carefully, challenge assumptions about intent, and examine whether self-defense, mistaken identity, unreliable witnesses, or weak medical evidence may affect the prosecution's case.

What to Expect From a Robbery Charge in Lakewood, Washington

Robbery charges combine theft allegations with claims of force, threats, or intimidation. A person may face robbery charges if prosecutors believe property was taken from another person or in another person's presence through force or fear. The charge becomes more serious when the state alleges a weapon, bodily injury, or another aggravating factor. As a Class A felony, this crime should be treated seriously.

A robbery defense may focus on whether force was actually used. It may also examine whether the accused intended to commit robbery. In other cases, the reliability of the identification evidence may be the central issue. Surveillance footage, witness statements, phone records, and physical evidence may tell a different story than the one prosecutors present.

Defending Against Charges of Manslaughter and Murder

Manslaughter and murder charges involve allegations that one person caused another person's death. The difference between these charges often turns on the accused person's alleged state of mind. Murder may involve intent, premeditation, or extreme indifference to human life. Manslaughter generally involves reckless or criminally negligent conduct rather than the same level of intent required for murder.

The penalties are severe. Murder is generally charged as a Class A felony. Manslaughter in the first degree is also a Class A felony, while manslaughter in the second degree is a Class B felony, which can carry up to a decade of prison time and a fine of up to $20,000.

The defense may begin by asking whether the state can prove the accused person's actions caused the death. It may also examine the person's intent, the reliability of witness accounts, and the strength of any forensic evidence. In some cases, the facts may support self-defense, defense of another person, accident, or a lesser charge. Our defense lawyer will examine what happened, review police conduct, and challenge allegations that rest on weak or incomplete proof.

Contact a Lakewood, WA Violent Crime Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we understand the urgency of a violent crime accusation. We respond with careful preparation, direct communication, and a defense strategy built around the evidence. Call 253-442-7544 or contact our Lakewood, Washington violent crime defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.