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Michael Austin Stewart is a Tacoma criminal defense attorney with more than three decades of experience representing people accused of serious crimes throughout Pierce County and the South Puget Sound. His practice is devoted exclusively to criminal defense, including cases involving homicide, assault, domestic violence, drug offenses, sex crimes, and other felony charges.
Since opening his private practice in 1995, Mike has handled numerous complex and high-profile cases, several of which have received local or national media coverage. He understands that criminal charges can affect a client’s freedom, reputation, career, and family. He therefore approaches every stage of a case with careful preparation, strategic judgment, and a clear focus on protecting the client’s rights.
Mike is known for his extensive courtroom experience, direct communication, and ability to advocate effectively in difficult cases. He also understands how media attention can influence a criminal matter and works to limit its potential impact on the defense. His goal is to ensure that every client is heard, treated with respect, and provided with steady guidance throughout the legal process.
Mike earned his Juris Doctor from Seattle University School of Law and his Bachelor of Arts from the University of Washington. He is active in several professional organizations, including the Washington Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the Washington State Bar Association, and the Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association. He also mentors newer criminal defense attorneys and has presented continuing legal education programs on criminal law and professional ethics.
Outside the courtroom, Mike has served in civic and community leadership roles, including work with the Pierce County Ethics Commission, Greentrike, the Children’s Museum of Tacoma, Rotary International, youth sports programs, and local scouting organizations. He brings the same persistence, preparation, and sense of responsibility to his community service that he brings to the defense of his clients.
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Practice Areas
Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
State: Washington
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Mobile
1105 Tacoma Ave South, Suite A, Tacoma, WA, 98402
michaelaustinstewart.com/
Other places you can find Michael online.
39 Client Reviews
Showing 11 - 15 of 21 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by Steve | August 21, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Thank You Michael!! He will take care of you!
I found myself in a stupid situation and needed a good attorney to solve things. A friend sent me to Michael and he was awesome to work with in resolving my issue. Thank you Michael for helping me out!! I would use him again in a heartbeat, but hopefully I don't need too. He will definitely do all h...
Posted by anonymous | August 16, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Hands down, the best attorney..... period!!!
If you are being accused of any crime, this guy will help you immensely. he is not only an excellent attorney in the court house, Mr. Stewart also cares about you as a person. He is approachable and easy to reach, he will promptly return your calls and or texts. He makes you feel as if you're not ...
Posted by Michael K | May 02, 2018 | Hired Attorney
Fought 3 felonys
Best attorney ever!!!! Worked very hard for me to fight 3 felonys and I had prior felonys in the past. I was facing 3 years in prison, he got the prosecutor to drop it to 60 days home monitoring. He saved my life and I'm very grateful for getting 2nd chance in life. He is worth EVERY penny. I will de...
Posted by Alee | March 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney
I AM GRATEFUL BEYOND WORDS
Last year I found myself in jail charged with 2nd degree assault. I was facing prison time and a strike. I'm a single father with a 10 year old daughter. The King County Prosecutor's Office was trying to take me away from my daughter and take away everything I've worked for in life. I've dealt w...
Posted by Heidi | June 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney - Professional, Attentive, & Knowledgeable
My son needed a lawyer. As I live on the East Coast, I was in a quandary. A friend highly recommended Michael Stewart and very quickly it was evident why. Attorney Stewart proactively jumped into the case and handled it smoothly and professionally. We could not have asked for a better outcome t...
"Michael and I have represented co-defendants together in a number of cases. We are also friends. Michael is a fierce advocate for his clients and always has the bigger picture in the back of his mind. He is tough, smart and very articulate. Everything you would want in an attorney. You could not do better."
"I have known Mr. Stewart for over twenty years. Initially, we worked together as prosecuting attorneys. Since that time I have had several cases against Mr. Stewart, and we have worked together on many cases over the years. Mike is tenacious and highly skilled. He works tirelessly to maximize every advantage in his case. He is an extremely effective negotiator, and achieves outstanding results for his clients."
"Michael is a fierce advocate for his clients and always has the greater picture in mind. He is tough, smart and very articulate. Michael is extremely personal and effective in representing his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I want to take a moment and write to you about Michael... He is a great trial lawyer but also a great father and husband. I have seen him in both settings and am very impressed. In court, he is an old school Warrior who fights aggressively for his clients. If you are considering hiring him, please go meet him and then make your decision..."
"Mike is extremely personal and effective in representing his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer"
"I endorse this lawyer. I endorse this lawyer. I have had the pleasure of working with Michael on several Criminal matters that raised Immigration consequences for the client. Michael has always been extremely thorough in his work and takes great pains to ensure that his clients are getting the best possible advice. He goes out of his way to ensure that he does all he needs to in order to get the best result for his clients."
"Mike Stewart is the genuine article in criminal defense law practice. He is a relentless, unflinching advocate for his clients and he routinely delivers positive results. If you are confronted by a predicament in the criminal justice system, you will want Mike by your side. I endorse this lawyer without hesitation."
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2026
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2026
Peer-Rated Ethical Standards: Notable, Martindale-Hubbell®
2026
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2025
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2024
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2023
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2022
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2021
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2020
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2019
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2018
Lead Counsel, Rated Attorney
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2016
department of pediatrics, courtroom preparation for Doctors, Madigan Army Medical Center
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2015
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2014
Lead Counsel Rated, Thomson Reuters
2014
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2013
Rated Attorney, Lead Counsel
2013
Certificate of Appreciation, National Association of Legal Secretaries
N/A
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
1994 - Present
Attorney, The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer
1995 - 1995
Attorney, Department Of Assigned Counsel
1994 - 1995
Prosecuting Attorney, City Of Kent
2004 - Present
Rotary International
2000 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1995 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationCLE Committee
1994 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMembership
Dismissal
Dismissal
Not Guilty
Manslaughter
1994
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2013
Emerging Issues in DUI
2013
Marijuana DUI Under I-502
2011
DUI
2010
Developments in Criminal Law
2026
2026
2026
2026
English
Spanish