I worked in the mental health field for a number of years prior to attending Law School at the University of Montana. I was a prosecutor in Yakima County for 8 years and also acted as a Judge Pro-Tem for the City of Yakima. Since 2009 I have been practicing as a criminal defense attorney. I accept private cases and typically operate on a flat-fee basis with the option to pay in installments.
I enjoy problem-solving and helping people deal with what can be a confusing criminal justice process
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Chat withState: Washington
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
306 S. 1st St, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Margaret | April 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This lawyer is the best lawyer you can find. I'm not kidding. He thoroughly reviewed my case, which was a lot and he defended me so well. I could barely keep my composure and not break out into sobs as he defended me and my situation. It was an unforgettable experience for me and if you want a g...
Posted by Sheila | July 8, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
Mr. Laws was in the Burlington courtroom while I was being indicted for malicious mischief. He was very helpful in explaining the process to me and provided information that I could use to pursue my defense. I really appreciate Mr. Laws.
Posted by anonymous | February 8, 2022 | Hired Attorney
Micheal took my case last minute and directed me through the whole process and he was very good with communicating with me at any givin time!
Posted by anonymous | January 26, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
Michael D. Laws persuaded me 8 years ago (at a very young age) to plead guilty and accept a deal to an offense I did not commit in order to lighten his case load. His strategy was “if we go to trial they could give you the maximum sentence which would be 2 years in prison”. Me being a fresh out of hi...
I'm sorry that you feel like you had a negative experience. If you'd like to reach out to me I would be happy to see if there is anything that can be done to address the issues that you're facing. That having been said, I am confident that I tell ALL of my clients that my job is to do with their case what THEY want done with their case as long as that is legal, within the court rules that I'm obligated to follow, and with an understanding that my name is Michael, not "Gandalf the wizard". I am obligated to present clients with any offer that is received, but it is ALWAYS the client's choice to accept or reject any offer. Ultimately the decision about whether to go to trial or enter a guilty plea and accept an offer comes down to the client's comfort level with being exposed to the risk that their conviction and sentence after a trial could wind up being greater or more severe than the agreed recommendation contained in a plea offer. I have done many trials for clients where I recommended against going to trial, and I'd say that most often my assessment of the client's chances at trial is borne out by the results, but I've certainly been wrong and won cases that I didn't think we would have much of a shot at. Similarly I've gone to trial on cases where both myself and my client believed we had a better than even chance of winning, and we wound up losing. I do my best to give clients an honest assessment. If you feel like your situation was unfair, I'd certainly like to hear from you and see what, if anything, can be done to take corrective action on your behalf.
Posted by Lauren | November 1, 2018 | Hired Attorney
I had the best of luck having Michael laws appointed to help me on my case. He always did everything he could to make sure everything that was happening was in my best interest. He was helpful and knowledgeable and genuine. I would highly recommend Michael to anyone. He always had my best interest at...
"I endorse this lawyer. Mike used to work for the Yakima County Prosecuting Attorney's Office. He was a great prosecuting Attorney for Yakima County and also, a Pro Tem Court Commissioner and Judge for the City of Yakima. I believe those skills really has taught Mike to look at both sides of the law when representing clients in criminal defense. I would firmly recommend Mike to anyone wanting a strong and zealous criminal defense attorney."
"As I former prosecutor with the City of Everett I have gone to trial on the opposing side of Mr. Laws. He is a talented and competent advocate for his clients. As a young lawyer I learned a lot from Mr. Laws. I respect his work and hope to emulate him as I develop in my career."
"Mr. Laws and I are members of Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. I have had the pleasure of dealing with Mr. Laws through this organization and I can recommend him without reservation as an excellent and principled attorney who not only zealously advocates for his clients but who also supports his colleagues in the ultimate pursuit of justice."
"Understands the legal system and will be able to defend your rights if you are facing a criminal matter."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Government lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
DUI and DWI lawyer
2005 - 2009
Judge Pro-Tempore, Municipal Court - City of Union Gap
2003 - 2008
Judge Pro-Tempore, Municipal Court - City of Yakima
2000 - 2003
Sociology Instructor, Yakima Valley Community College
1995 - 1997
County-Designated Mental Health Professional, Benton County Crisis Response Unit
1995 - 1997
Sociology Instructor, Yakima Valley Community College
2010 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2000 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember
2000
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
Master of Social Work
1993
BA - Bachelor of Arts
English
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