Lacey Felony Defense Lawyer

Strategic Defense Attorney Fighting Felony Charges in Lacey, Washington

Getting arrested and charged with a felony offense can feel like your world is crashing down around you. Law enforcement may urge you to talk to them under the pretense of "helping you out," but this can hurt your case much more than you think. Instead, your best course of action after an arrest is to seek strong legal representation.

At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, our Lacey, Washington felony defense attorney can represent you in court for a variety of serious charges, including violent crimes, drug crimes, and sex crimes. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart's defense work has been featured in national media outlets, as he is not afraid to take on high-profile cases.

Felony Sex Crime Representation in Lacey

Felony sex crime charges in Washington carry some of the most serious consequences a person can face in the criminal justice system. Charges such as rape, child molestation, and indecent liberties are prosecuted aggressively throughout Thurston County, and many of these offenses are classified as Class A or Class B felonies. A conviction can lead to years in prison, mandatory sex offender registration, and restrictions on where a person can live and work long after the sentence ends.

An accusation alone can damage a person's reputation, career, and family relationships before any evidence is heard in court. Our attorney takes these cases seriously from the first meeting. We review police reports, forensic results, interview recordings, and digital communications to look for inconsistencies, gaps, and constitutional problems. Many sex crime cases turn on witness credibility and the reliability of the investigation, and a careful defense examines both.

When Is DUI Classified as a Felony in Washington?

A DUI in Washington is usually charged as a gross misdemeanor, but certain circumstances can raise the charge to a Class B felony. Under state law, a DUI becomes a felony if the driver has three or more prior impaired driving offenses within the past 15 years. A DUI can also be charged as a felony if the driver has a prior conviction for vehicular homicide or assault while under the influence.

A felony DUI conviction can come with prison time, steep fines, a lengthy license revocation, and an ignition interlock requirement. Our attorney examines whether each prior offense qualifies under the law, whether the traffic stop was lawful, and whether breath or blood test results were handled properly. Some defendants may also be eligible for a treatment-based sentencing alternative that reduces time in custody.

Defending Against Charges of First-Degree Assault and Murder

First-degree assault and murder charges are among the most serious felonies prosecuted in Washington. First-degree assault generally involves an assault committed with the intent to inflict great bodily harm, often with a firearm or other deadly weapon. It is a Class A felony that can carry a sentence of up to life in prison. Murder charges, whether filed in the first degree or the second degree, are also Class A felonies, and a first-degree murder conviction carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 20 years.

Prosecutors in violent crime cases often move quickly and build their case around physical evidence, witness statements, and expert testimony. A strong defense requires an equally thorough investigation. Depending on the facts, possible defenses can include self-defense, defense of others, mistaken identity, lack of intent, or challenges to how evidence was collected and tested.

Reducing a charge to a lesser offense can also change the outcome of a case in significant ways. Our firm will review your charges in detail, making sure nothing is overlooked when building your defense strategy.

Contact Our Lacey, WA Felony Defense Attorney

An arrest is not the same as a conviction. At The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer, we give every client honest answers about the case and a defense strategy built around the specific facts of the charge. Contact our Lacey, Washington felony defense lawyer or call 253-442-7544 to set up a free consultation.