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Michael Austin Stewart
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About Michael
Biography
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.
We are defined by how we meet life's challenges. Let's meet and traverse these challenges together!
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
75%
DUI and DWI
25%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2019 2018 2014
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 31 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1994
No misconduct found
Location
The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer
(253) 201-0502
Mobile
1105 Tacoma Ave South, Suite A, Tacoma, WA, 98402
michaelaustinstewart.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Michael online.
Michael Austin Stewart's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
39 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 21 - 21 of 21 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by Keva | December 05, 2013
No nonsense attorney who works hard for the best interests of his client.
So thankful for Michael for working for my son at the most difficult time in his life. A first time offender who had no idea what was going to happen. Michael did an amazing job for our family. He is very self confident about his abilities and rightfully so. I would defiantly recommend Michael Stewar...
Michael Austin Stewart's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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..."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mike is extremely personal and effective in representing his clients. I highly endorse this lawyer"
"I 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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Mike is an aggressive, highly competent advocate for his clients. I endorse him wholeheartedly."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. A superb and aggressive criminal defense attorney."
Conor McCarthy
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Harry Steinmetz
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Elizabeth McMullen
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Experience
Honors
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
Work Experience
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
Associations
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
Sample of Legal Cases
USA v. Tate
Dismissal
State v. Dockstader
Dismissal
State v. Sakellis
Not Guilty
State v. Nemetz
Manslaughter
Education
1994
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
University of Washington
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2013
NALS of Pierce County
Emerging Issues in DUI
2013
Marijuana Pot-Pourri I-502
Marijuana DUI Under I-502
2011
DUI CLE
DUI
2010
TCPBA Year End Pot-Pourri
Developments in Criminal Law
Publications
2026
The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer
Case Results
2026
The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer
Reviews
2026
The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer
News
2026
The Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart Criminal Defense Lawyer
Blog
Languages
English
Spanish