Tacoma, Washington Sexual Assault Defense Attorney
Skilled Defense Lawyer for Sexual Assault Allegations and Investigations in Tacoma, WA
Getting accused of sexual assault can be an extremely distressing experience. When police get involved, you might not know how to respond, putting you at risk of harming your own case. As soon as you become aware of a criminal investigation, you should seek out legal counsel. With the help of a Tacoma, WA sexual assault defense attorney, you can contest the accusation in a court of criminal law.
At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we are well-versed in sex crime allegations, and we have successfully defended clients facing rape charges in past cases. Our firm will advise you of your options and help you pursue the best path forward to protect your future.
How Is Sexual Assault Defined in Washington State?
Washington law does not use one single offense to cover every act people commonly describe as sexual assault. Instead, prosecutors may file different charges depending on the alleged conduct, the age of the alleged victim, the relationship between the parties, and whether force, threats, incapacity, or lack of consent is alleged.
In general, sexual assault allegations involve some form of unwanted or non-consensual sexual contact or sexual intercourse. The state may pursue charges such as rape, indecent liberties, child molestation, sexual misconduct, or other sex offenses based on the specific facts. A case might involve allegations of forcible compulsion, or claims that the alleged victim was incapable of consent due to age, intoxication, mental incapacity, physical helplessness, coercion, or authority dynamics.
These cases are extremely serious. A conviction may lead to prison time, sex offender registration, community custody, no-contact orders, and permanent damage to a person's reputation, work, housing, and family relationships.
How to Respond to a Sexual Assault Investigation in Tacoma
A sexual assault investigation can begin before charges are filed. Police may contact a person for an interview, ask for a statement, request access to a phone, or suggest that "clearing things up" will help. Speaking to investigators without legal guidance can be dangerous, even when the accusation is false or exaggerated.
The safest response is to contact a defense lawyer before answering any questions. Statements can be misunderstood, taken out of context, or used to build the prosecution's case. Our lawyer can communicate with investigators and help to preserve helpful evidence, protecting against unnecessary exposure.
People accused of sexual assault should also avoid posting about the allegation online, deleting messages, contacting witnesses in a way that could be misinterpreted, or violating any court order. Early decisions can shape the entire case.
Preparing Your Defense in a Sexual Assault Case
Sexual assault cases often turn on details, including timelines, communications, location data, witness statements, medical records, surveillance footage, phone records, and the consistency of the accusation over time.
Our firm may challenge whether the state can prove lack of consent, identity, intent, force, incapacity, or another required element. We can also focus on mistaken identity, unreliable witness testimony, conflicting statements, weak forensic evidence, or investigative mistakes.
False or unsupported allegations must be addressed with precision. It should expose gaps in the state's case and show where the evidence does not support the accusation. At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we are prepared to go to trial on your behalf, building a defense focused on enforcing your rights and limiting the damage. We may seek reduced charges well below what the prosecution is seeking, or even a full dismissal.
Contact a Tacoma Sexual Assault Defense Lawyer Today
At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we understand the seriousness and sensitivity of sexual assault allegations. We can respond quickly and work to protect your freedom, reputation, and future. Call 123-456-7890 or contact our Tacoma, WA sexual assault defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.
We Will Fight to Protect Your Future
Felony
DUI
Certain factors like prior convictions can lead to a DUI being charged as a felony. Our firm can work with you from the start of your case and fight to protect your criminal record and driving privileges.
Sex
Crimes
Our firm can advocate for people facing serious sex crime allegations such as rape, sexual assault, or charges involving child pornography. We will build our defense to protect you from the immediate penalties and potential collateral consequences, like sex offender registration.
Drug
Crimes
Attorney Michael Austin Stewart can help you take on felony charges of drug possession and distribution. Our firm can challenge improper police procedures and look for weaknesses in the prosecution's case to limit the potential exposure to you.
White
Collar
Crimes
We can help you fight charges of fraud, embezzlement, and other white-collar offenses. These cases often involve complex evidence and detailed investigations, which is why you need a seasoned defense attorney at your side.
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.
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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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.
1105 Tacoma Ave South, Suite A, Tacoma, WA 98402
123-456-7890
