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Problems with violating a no-contact order?

 Posted on August 06, 2025 in Uncategorized

When family matters mix with legal issues, things can get intense. Emotions often run high, especially when ex-spouses are involved and it is not unusual for disagreements to happen, particularly when discussing child visitation. Sometimes, in the heat of the moment, court orders like no-contact orders might be overlooked.

What happens if you violate a no-contact order?

A no-contact order is a legal instruction from the court. It tells you to stay away from a specific person. This usually means no physical contact, calls, emails or messages through others. Even if the other person tries to contact you, it is your responsibility to avoid communication.Violating one can lead to serious consequences. Even a brief exchange during a child visitation can result in arrest and additional charges. Penalties can include jail time, fines and a permanent criminal record. This can affect your job, your ability to rent a home and your rights as a parent.

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What is the age of criminal responsibility in Washington?

 Posted on June 23, 2025 in Uncategorized

# What is the age of criminal responsibility in Washington? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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How does Washington classify controlled substances?

 Posted on May 26, 2025 in Uncategorized

# How does Washington classify controlled substances? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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How online behavior can affect a no-contact order

 Posted on May 08, 2025 in Uncategorized

# How online behavior can affect a no-contact order | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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How can false domestic violence allegations be challenged?

 Posted on April 03, 2025 in Uncategorized

# How can false domestic violence allegations be challenged? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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When is entrapment a defense in a criminal case?

 Posted on March 11, 2025 in Uncategorized

# When is entrapment a defense in a criminal case? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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What role do deepfakes play in modern identity theft?

 Posted on January 30, 2025 in Uncategorized

# What role do deepfakes play in modern identity theft? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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Vehicular homicide vs. negligent driving: What’s the difference?

 Posted on January 03, 2025 in Uncategorized

# Vehicular homicide vs. negligent driving: What’s the difference? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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Can personal history impact a domestic violence defense?

 Posted on December 10, 2024 in Uncategorized

# Can personal history impact a domestic violence defense? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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What rights do parents have when their child is arrested for a crime?

 Posted on October 23, 2024 in Uncategorized

# What rights do parents have when their child is arrested for a crime? | The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart

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The first few hours after an arrest can be incredibly stressful, but they may also be incredibly important for your case. Anything you say during questioning could be used against you in court, even if police appear sympathetic to your circumstances. During this time, protecting your rights is absolutely critical. If you have been accused of a crime, do not hesitate to get in contact with a skilled criminal defense lawyer who can advise you on how to respond.

Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has decades of experience representing clients throughout Pierce County and the South Puget Sound in serious felony cases. When you work with our firm, your case will receive close attention from a seasoned trial attorney who will explore all of your options to fight the charges in court.

Proven experience representing clients in high-stakes criminal matters

When your freedom, reputation, or career is at risk, you need a respected and aggressive criminal defense attorney on your side. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart's successful case results speak to his diligence and willingness to fully investigate a charge. Across his 30-year career, he has obtained favorable outcomes for many clients, routinely securing sentencing terms well below the government's request as well as dismissals and not guilty verdicts.

Past case results are not a guarantee of future outcomes. Instead, they show the lengths we are willing to go to protect our clients. You only get one chance to protect your freedom and your name in a criminal case, so you should not settle for anything less than the best when looking for the right attorney.

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Case Results

Our firm has a demonstrated history of successes in criminal defense cases, frequently securing ideal outcomes through our fierce advocacy.

Felony DUI Dismissed

Achieved after court found no probable cause for the traffic stop

Felony Domestic Charges Dismissed

Secured after further investigation revealed death threats were falsified

Firearm Charge Dismissed

Achieved after it was revealed that the officer conducted a warrantless search without reasonable suspicion

Not Guilty Verdict in Rape Case

Defendant was completely exonerated after extensive cross-examination and arguments from defense

Reputable criminal defense trusted by local communities

Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has a reputation for being extremely tough in the courtroom while being approachable and personable with his clients. His main goal is to set you at ease while providing aggressive representation in court, taking a stand to protect your rights. We are available 24/7, as we remain in close communication with our clients in every case.

Our firm has also been recognized with many awards for our excellent client service and strong representation. Some of these accolades include placement in the Top 100 Trial Lawyers by The National Trial Lawyers, recognition as a Super Lawyer, and a 10.0 Avvo rating. We have also earned many 5-star reviews from clients we have personally helped through difficult situations, highlighting the trust we have built up across Tacoma and the wider community.

Strong counsel when you need it most

You can trust our firm to handle your case with the tact and care that it deserves. We know how to manage the media in cases that garner public attention—having taken on cases featured in CBS, The Washington Times, The Seattle Times, and other outlets—working to protect our clients' privacy as we build a careful defense. We also know how to navigate communication with police and prosecutors to minimize any possible risks.

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The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer

Focused on
the Best Case
Outcome

Whether you are facing property crime charges, allegations of violent crime, or sex crime accusations, our firm will seek the best possible outcome to your case. To accomplish this, we carry out in-depth investigations to uncover all of the relevant facts, allowing us to build a nuanced argument to present to the court. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart is a trial-tested criminal defense lawyer with the skills and legal knowledge to present a strong case on your behalf.

If you have any questions about how we can help with your situation, do not hesitate to reach out. Seeking early legal counsel is critical for making sure that you are fairly represented during the criminal proceedings.

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Verdict Spotlight

Felony DUI Dismissed

Achieved after court found no probable cause for the traffic stop

Felony Domestic Charges Dismissed

Secured after further investigation revealed death threats were falsified

Firearm Charge Dismissed

Achieved after it was revealed that the officer conducted a warrantless search without reasonable suspicion

Not Guilty Verdict in Rape Case

Defendant was completely exonerated after extensive cross-examination and arguments from defense

Award-Winning

Our firm has been honored with many awards for our exceptional criminal defense.

30+ Years of Experience

Attorney Michal Austin Stewart has decades of courtroom experience defending clients accused of felony crimes.

Free Consultations

We offer free consultations to any prospective clients with questions about a pending criminal case or investigation.