Tacoma, Washington Murder Defense Lawyer

Seasoned Defense Attorney for Murder Charges in Tacoma, WA

A murder charge is one of the most serious accusations you can ever face. In Washington, the penalties for this offense can include life in prison, depending on the facts of the case. After an arrest, the best thing you can do is to seek legal representation as soon as possible.

Fighting a murder charge demands an aggressive defense strategy. At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we have over 30 years of experience in criminal defense, and we have successfully gotten homicide charges reduced and dismissed in past cases. We will do everything we can to protect your future, looking at your specific circumstances to build a robust defense.

What Separates First- and Second-Degree Murder in Washington State?

Murder charges in Washington involve allegations that one person unlawfully caused another person's death. The difference between first- and second-degree murder often comes down to intent, planning, and the circumstances surrounding the death.

First-degree murder generally involves premeditation. In plain terms, the state may argue that the accused thought about the act before carrying it out, even if the alleged planning happened over a short period of time. First-degree murder can also involve certain deaths that occur during other serious felony offenses.

Second-degree murder is also extremely serious, but it does not require the same proof of premeditation. Prosecutors may bring this charge when they believe someone intended to cause death without prior planning, or when an alleged act showed extreme indifference to human life.

Penalties for Murder in Tacoma

The penalties for murder in Washington are among the most severe in the criminal justice system. A first-degree murder conviction carries a sentence of life imprisonment. In some aggravated cases, a person may face life in prison without the possibility of release.

Second-degree murder is a Class A felony. A conviction can carry up to life in prison and fines of up to $50,000. The actual sentence could vary based on sentencing enhancements and whether the court finds aggravating or mitigating circumstances.

Firearm or deadly weapon enhancements can increase prison time substantially. These enhancements are often mandatory, served consecutively, and difficult to avoid without successfully challenging the facts supporting them.

Does Washington Have a "Stand Your Ground" Law in Murder Cases?

Washington law 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 murder case, self-defense may become central when the accused reasonably believed deadly force was necessary to prevent death, serious bodily harm, or certain violent crimes. A claim of self-defense may depend on who acted first, what threats were made, whether weapons were present, and whether the accused's fear was reasonable under the circumstances.

Self-defense is not automatic. The defense must be built carefully through witness testimony, physical evidence, medical records, surveillance footage, and the full history of the encounter.

Other Relevant Defenses to a Murder Charge in Tacoma

A murder charge does not erase the prosecution's burden of proof. The state must prove every element beyond a reasonable doubt, and a defense lawyer can challenge the case from several angles.

One defense may focus on lack of evidence. Police may assume motive, rely on incomplete timelines, or build a case around circumstantial facts that do not prove guilt. Another strategy may involve challenging witness testimony, especially when witnesses were frightened, impaired, biased, inconsistent, or pressured by investigators.

Forensic evidence may also be contested. Ballistics, DNA, fingerprints, phone records, and medical findings can be powerful, but they are not immune from error. A defense may also examine whether police violated constitutional rights during searches, interrogations, arrests, or evidence collection.

Contact a Tacoma Murder Defense Attorney Today

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we understand what is at stake when a person is accused of murder. Call 123-456-7890 or contact our Tacoma murder defense lawyer to schedule a free consultation.