Puyallup, WA Violent Crimes Defense Lawyer

Experienced Violent Crimes Defense Attorney Representing Clients Facing Serious Charges in Puyallup, Washington

Criminal charges can arise from a variety of different situations, ranging from disputes within the household or a heated encounter in public. The courts often do not know the whole context behind an incident, but trying to explain things to police can sometimes do more harm than good. To make sure you are protected, reach out to a Puyallup, WA violent crime defense attorney.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we can help you push back against felony violent crime charges. With over 30 years of experience, we approach every case with an aggressive defense strategy grounded in the facts, pursuing reduced or dismissed charges based on your specific charges.

Responding to Felony Charges Involving Domestic Violence in Puyallup, WA

Domestic violence is not a single charge in Washington. It is a designation that may attach to an underlying offense when the accused person and the alleged victim have a qualifying family, household, or intimate relationship.

A felony domestic violence case may involve allegations of serious injury, strangulation, weapon use, repeated conduct, or threats that prosecutors believe justify harsher treatment. A conviction can lead to prison time, no-contact orders, firearm restrictions, supervised release, and consequences that affect parenting, housing, and employment.

These cases can move faster than you expect. A judge may enter a no-contact order early in the process, even before the accused has had a meaningful chance to respond. Our firm can review the facts, explain what the order allows, and begin challenging the evidence before the prosecution's version of events becomes the only story being heard.

Representation in Homicide Cases

Homicide cases are based on claims that the accused person was legally responsible for another person's death. These cases carry the most serious penalties in Washington, and they demand immediate, careful defense work. Common homicide-related charges include:

• Murder, which may be charged when prosecutors allege an intentional killing, prior planning, or conduct showing extreme disregard for human life
• Manslaughter, which typically involves a death caused by reckless behavior or criminal negligence instead of the intent associated with murder
• Vehicular homicide, which may be charged after a fatal crash involving alleged impairment, reckless driving, or disregard for the safety of others
• Homicide by abuse, which involves the death of a child, dependent adult, or developmentally disabled person under specific circumstances

A homicide defense may begin with causation. The state must prove that the accused person's actions caused the death. Our firm works to test the prosecution's claims against the evidence. We may also examine intent, self-defense, witness reliability, forensic evidence, police conduct, and whether the facts support a lesser charge.

Assault Laws in Washington

Assault charges in Washington vary widely, but first-degree assault is among the most serious. Prosecutors may bring a first-degree assault charge when they claim the accused acted with intent to cause great bodily harm and used especially dangerous means, such as a firearm, deadly weapon, poison, or another destructive substance. The charge may also be filed when the conduct allegedly created a serious risk of severe injury or death, or when great bodily harm actually resulted.

First-degree assault is a Class A felony. While this can carry a life sentence, in practice, the sentence will depend on the facts, criminal history, and any enhancements alleged by the state. Firearm or deadly weapon allegations can sharply increase the stakes.

A strong defense forces the state to prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. Our firm may question whether or not you were the aggressor, or if you were acting in self-defense. Questions like these can potentially unravel the state's narrative when supported by clear evidence.

Contact a Puyallup, WA Violent Crime Defense Attorney

Violent crime charges demand a serious response from the beginning. At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we help clients confront felony allegations with clear legal guidance. Call 253-442-7544 or contact our Puyallup, Washington violent crime defense lawyer to set up a free consultation.