Olympia, WA Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

Skilled Violent Crimes Defense Attorney Protecting Clients Facing Felony Charges in Olympia, Washington

Prosecutors and judges tend to treat violent crimes more seriously than other criminal violations. Even if you do not have a prior record, you could still face prison time and high fines, which makes an aggressive defense strategy important. An Olympia, WA violent crime defense attorney can represent you in court and guide you through your case.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we approach every case with the preparation to go to trial, especially when it concerns your future. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has over 30 years of experience, and he is well-respected for his skillful courtroom advocacy and wealth of legal knowledge.

How Does Self-Defense Factor into Violent Crime Cases in Washington?

Self-defense can play a central role in Washington violent crime cases. A person may be accused of assault, robbery, homicide, or another serious offense even when the encounter began with a threat from someone else. The key question is not simply who was injured or who called police first. The question is whether the accused person acted lawfully under the circumstances.

Washington generally does not require a person to retreat before using lawful force if he or she is in a place where he or she has a right to be. In a violent crime case, self-defense may depend on what the accused reasonably believed at the time. These cases often involve incomplete stories. Police may arrive after the danger has passed and assume the injured person was the only victim. Our firm can help restore the missing context and show why the accused person's actions should not be treated as criminal.

Penalties for Robbery in Olympia

Robbery charges in Washington combine theft allegations with claims that force, threats, or fear were used during the incident. This makes robbery more serious than ordinary theft. Prosecutors may argue that the accused took property from another person or in that person's presence while using intimidation or physical force.

First-degree robbery is a Class A felony. A conviction can carry life in prison and a fine of up to $50,000. This charge may be filed when prosecutors allege that a deadly weapon was involved, that the accused displayed what appeared to be a firearm or other weapon, that someone was injured, or that the robbery involved a financial institution.

Second-degree robbery is a Class B felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $20,000. The distinction between first- and second-degree robbery can matter greatly. A defense may review whether the state can prove force, whether the alleged threat has been overstated, and whether the accused person was correctly identified.

Representation in Vehicular Homicide Cases

Vehicular homicide charges may be filed after a fatal crash when the state claims the accused person drove under the influence, drove recklessly, or operated a vehicle with disregard for the safety of others. A tragic death does not automatically prove a crime. The prosecution must connect the death to the accused person's driving and prove the required legal standard.

These cases often require careful review of crash reconstruction, toxicology results, roadway conditions, vehicle condition, witness accounts, and police procedures. A defense may challenge whether alcohol or drugs actually impaired the driver. It may also examine whether another driver, a mechanical issue, weather, visibility, or medical emergency contributed to the crash.

Vehicular homicide is a Class A felony, so the consequences can be severe. A conviction may also result in a driver's license revocation and long-term consequences that affect work, family life, and stability. Early defense work can help preserve evidence before vehicles, road conditions, or digital records are lost.

Contact an Olympia, WA Violent Crime Defense Attorney

A violent crime charge can leave little room for delay or guesswork. At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we help clients in Olympia respond with a focused defense. Call 253-442-7544 or contact our Olympia, Washington violent crime defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation.