Tacoma, Washington Homicide Defense Attorney

Trusted Defense Lawyer for Homicide Charges in Tacoma

In Washington, homicide encompasses different crimes involving the killing of another person. The potential punishments for these offenses can be life-changing, so preparing a strong defense is critical. With a Tacoma homicide defense lawyer at your side, you can make sure your rights are protected in court and explore your options to fight the charges you face.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we represent clients facing murder and manslaughter charges. We can put up an aggressive defense in court on your behalf, reviewing the circumstances leading up to the death to develop a careful legal strategy. We have secured dismissals and reduced charges in past homicide cases, so you can trust that your case will be handled by an experienced professional.

Facing Manslaughter Charges in Tacoma?

Manslaughter charges in Washington involve allegations that a person caused another person's death without the same level of intent required for murder. Even so, these are grave felony charges with life-changing consequences. The state may bring manslaughter charges after a fight, a firearm incident, a fatal crash, a workplace accident, or another event where prosecutors believe reckless or criminally negligent conduct led to death.

Washington separates manslaughter charges by the accused person's alleged state of mind. First-degree manslaughter usually centers on reckless conduct and falls under Washington's Class A felony category, with possible penalties reaching life imprisonment and a $50,000 fine. Second-degree manslaughter is based on criminal negligence rather than recklessness. As a Class B felony, it carries a possible sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a maximum $20,000 fine.

The difference between recklessness and criminal negligence matters. Prosecutors may try to frame a tragic accident as criminal behavior. A defense lawyer can challenge whether the accused caused the death, whether the alleged conduct met the required legal standard, and whether the state can prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt.

Critical Representation in First- and Second-Degree Murder Cases

Murder charges carry the harshest penalties under Washington law. First-degree murder generally involves premeditation, meaning the state claims the accused formed an intent to kill before the act occurred. Some first-degree murder cases may also involve allegations tied to other serious felony offenses.

Second-degree murder does not require the same proof of premeditation, but it remains an extremely serious Class A felony. Prosecutors may bring this charge when they allege an intentional killing without prior planning, or conduct showing extreme indifference to human life.

A murder defense requires immediate, careful attention. The evidence may include witness statements, forensic reports, surveillance footage, phone data, police interviews, and alleged motive. Each piece must be tested. Police may have made assumptions early and ignored facts that pointed in another direction.

What Is Homicide by Abuse?

Homicide by abuse is a separate Washington offense involving the death of a child under 16, a developmentally disabled person, or a dependent adult. The state must prove more than a tragic death. These cases generally involve allegations of an assault or a pattern or practice of abuse against a vulnerable person.

Because these charges often arise in emotionally charged circumstances, the prosecution may move quickly and aggressively. Medical findings, caregiver histories, family dynamics, timelines, and prior reports may all become central to the case.

A defense may involve challenging claims of abuse, disputing causation, questioning medical conclusions, or showing that investigators overlooked another explanation. These cases demand close scrutiny because assumptions can harden quickly when a vulnerable person has died.

Contact a Tacoma, WA Homicide Defense Lawyer

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we defend people facing the most serious criminal charges in Tacoma. We review the evidence, challenge weak assumptions, and build a defense focused on the facts. Call 123-456-7890 or contact our Tacoma, Washington homicide defense attorney to schedule a free consultation.