Olympia, WA Felony Defense Lawyer

Trusted Felony Defense Attorney Standing Up for Clients in Olympia, Washington

In Washington, a conviction of a felony crime can follow you for years. Oftentimes, prison time is just the beginning. Depending on the offense, convicted individuals may struggle with paying off fines or the long-term impact of having a criminal record. A strong defense can help limit exposure to these legal consequences or fight the underlying charge. Reach out to an Olympia felony defense attorney today for assistance.

You only have one chance to fight a criminal charge. Considering the stakes, you should work with a defense attorney with a history of proven results and recognition from the wider community. The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer is well-respected across Washington state, with honors including a 10.0 Avvo rating and placement in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers Association.

Penalties for a Felony DUI in Washington

Washington DUI cases often begin with the question of impairment. A driver may face DUI charges if his or her blood alcohol concentration is 0.08 or higher within two hours of driving. Washington also sets a THC threshold of 5.00 or higher. However, prosecutors do not always need a test above the legal limit. A person may still be charged if the state claims alcohol, cannabis, drugs, or a combination of substances affected his or her ability to drive safely.

Most DUI charges are gross misdemeanors, but certain circumstances can raise the case to a felony. A DUI may become a felony when the accused has three or more prior qualifying offenses within 15 years. A felony charge may also apply when the accused has a prior conviction for certain serious impaired-driving offenses, such as vehicular homicide or vehicular assault while under the influence.

Felony DUI is a Class B felony in Washington. A conviction can carry up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. It may also lead to license revocation, ignition interlock requirements, treatment obligations, community custody, and consequences that affect work, transportation, and family responsibilities.

Representation in Felony Theft Cases

Felony theft charges can arise when the state claims property or services exceeded a certain value or involved a protected category of property. First-degree theft generally involves property or services valued at more than $5,000. Theft of a firearm and theft of a motor vehicle are treated separately and can be charged as felonies regardless of value.

These cases often depend on intent and proof of value. The state must show more than a misunderstanding, poor recordkeeping, or proximity to property that later turned out to be stolen. In some cases, the defense may challenge whether the accused meant to deprive another person of property. The dispute may also center on ownership, permission, valuation, or whether the accused knew the property was stolen.

Have You Been Charged With First-Degree Assault in Olympia?

First-degree assault is one of Washington's most serious violent crime charges. Prosecutors may file this charge when they claim the accused intended to cause great bodily harm and used especially dangerous means. A conviction will lead to Class A felony penalties, which can carry life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. A first-degree assault case may involve allegations such as:

• Use of a firearm or deadly weapon
• Conduct likely to cause severe injury or death
• Poison, destructive substances, or other dangerous methods
• Great bodily harm to the alleged victim
• Facts that prosecutors believe show intent to cause serious harm

A defense should not accept the state's version of the incident at face value. The case may turn on what happened before the confrontation, how quickly events unfolded, and whether the injury supports the charge filed. Self-defense, mistaken identity, exaggerated allegations, or incomplete evidence may change the direction of the case.

Meet With an Olympia, Washington Felony Defense Attorney

When felony charges put your future at risk, early action matters. At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we help clients in Olympia respond with a clear strategy and a careful review of the facts. Call 253-442-7544 or contact our Olympia, WA felony defense lawyer to arrange a free consultation.