Michael D Laws

Michael D Laws

4.3
Rating: 8.1

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Mount Vernon, WA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense

306 S. 1st St, Mount Vernon, WA

About Michael

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Washington for 25 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Mountain Law, PLLC

306 S. 1st St, Mount Vernon, WA, 98273

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Michael D Laws's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.3 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

5 star (5)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (1)

Posted by Margaret | April 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr. Laws had my back

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...reat lawyer that will have your back you found him right here. I was so scared going to court that I would have another lawyer that didn't even read my email correspondence but this lawyer did and was completely prepared when it was time to face the judge. I would very highly recommend Mr. Laws.

Posted by Sheila | July 8, 2022 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Appreciation

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

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent

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

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Ruined my life

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...gh school and recently enrolled in college young guy was deathly afraid of what prison would do to me so I took his “advice” and plead guilty. Now 8 years later with two kids I have trouble finding a job to support my family because of a charge that is on my record. Needless to say, would not recommend.

Michael Laws

Replied last April 29, 2022

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

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing lawyer

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... heart, and has continued to be of help. Michael laws is a wonderful lawyer.

See All Client Reviews

Michael D Laws's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Michael
Daniel Dean Clark headshot
Daniel Clark

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Other

"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."

John Tymczyszyn headshot
John Tymczyszyn

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"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."

Luke Edward Baumgarten headshot
Luke Baumgarten

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Samuel J Wolf headshot
Samuel Wolf

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Understands the legal system and will be able to defend your rights if you are facing a criminal matter."

Meredith Virant Hutchison headshot
Meredith Virant Hutchison

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Well-rounded Seattle attorney."

Jonathan J. Lewis headshot
Jonathan Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christine Lynn Baker headshot
Christine Baker

Criminal defense lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Always looking out for his clients best interest."

Alberto Guadagno headshot
Alberto Guadagno

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Very dedicated to fighting for his clients rights."

Jason T Schwisow headshot
Jason Schwisow

Criminal defense lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Luke Edward Baumgarten headshot
Luke Baumgarten

Criminal defense lawyer

John Tymczyszyn headshot
John Tymczyszyn

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Dean Clark headshot
Daniel Clark

Government lawyer

Jonathan J. Lewis headshot
Jonathan Lewis

Criminal defense lawyer

Christine Lynn Baker headshot
Christine Baker

DUI and DWI lawyer

Samuel J Wolf headshot
Samuel Wolf

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jason T Schwisow headshot
Jason Schwisow

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.1 (Excellent)

Work Experience

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

Associations

2010 - Present

Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2000 - Present

Washington State Bar Association

Member

Education

2000

University of Montana School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1995

Walla Walla College

Master of Social Work

1993

Central Washington University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution