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Tested by Trial, Trusted Advocates
Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyers

We are Tacoma criminal defense lawyers who fiercely protect your rights. We believe that people who make mistakes deserve second chances. Our attorneys have been fighting for the accused for over 25 years in Tacoma and beyond.

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Your Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyers

At The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC, you have two veteran trial lawyers, a former law enforcement investigator and certified paralegals working the details of your case. Their skill and dedication consistently produces acquittals, dismissals and reduced charges.

We practice in the criminal courts of Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap and King counties. Our Tacoma DUI lawyers are equipped for any offense involving drunk driving. We also handle misdemeanors and assault, domestic violence, weapon charges and major felonies. As Tacoma criminal lawyers, we also regularly defend military personnel whose careers or gun rights are jeopardized and help non-citizens address the immigration consequences of criminal charges.

Case Results

Not Guilty
First Degree Assault (Four Counts)

Tacoma client charged with four counts of assault in the first degree after he fired four shots during an exchange of gunfire at a local club. Defense able to show, from a lack of damage to the building, that the shots were fired in the air as warning shots.

Tacoma client charged with four counts of assault in the first degree after he fired four shots during an exchange of gunfire at a local club. Defense able to show, from a lack of damage to the building, that the shots were fired in the air as warning shots.

Dismissed
Second Degree Assault

Domestic violence case. Kent client charged with strangling wife and threatening to shoot her. Convinced prosecutor about factual discrepancies and legal deficiencies.

Domestic violence case. Kent client charged with strangling wife and threatening to shoot her. Convinced prosecutor about factual discrepancies and legal deficiencies.

Reduced Plea Bargain
Second Degree Assault

Domestic violence case. Guided Tacoma client through treatment and used this to negotiate diversion, a major reduced plea bargain.

Domestic violence case. Guided Tacoma client through treatment and used this to negotiate diversion, a major reduced plea bargain.

Pled Down
Residential Burglary

Olympia client plead to misdemeanor violation of a no-contact order after able to use two separate experts to create doubt as to clients ID.

Olympia client plead to misdemeanor violation of a no-contact order after able to use two separate experts to create doubt as to clients ID.

Dismissed
Civil Domestic Violence Protection Order

Tacoma/Pierce County Civil Domestic Violence Protection Order against Client was dismissed after showing that a court had already made rulings against the petitioner on the same allegations. Smith & White went on to compel the petitioner to return all of our clients property.

Tacoma/Pierce County Civil Domestic Violence Protection Order against Client was dismissed after showing that a court had already made rulings against the petitioner on the same allegations. Smith & White went on to compel the petitioner to return all of our clients property.

Dismissed
Assault/Domestic Violence

Lakewood domestic violence case against army officer was dismissed after defense showed that Officer was already taking measures through the military to remedy the situation.

Lakewood domestic violence case against army officer was dismissed after defense showed that Officer was already taking measures through the military to remedy the situation.

Case Vacated
Assault/Domestic Violence

Kitsap County case vacated (changed from conviction to dismissal) so that client could get the job of her dreams.

Kitsap County case vacated (changed from conviction to dismissal) so that client could get the job of her dreams.

Dismissed
Assault/Domestic Violence

Olympia domestic violence assault prosecution agrees to dismiss case in exchange for client engaging in needed mental health treatment.

Olympia domestic violence assault prosecution agrees to dismiss case in exchange for client engaging in needed mental health treatment.

Not Guilty
Second Degree Murder

Tacoma client charged as a participant after a knife fight resulted in another’s death. Defense able to show client was not involved in decision to seek revenge on victim.

Tacoma client charged as a participant after a knife fight resulted in another’s death. Defense able to show client was not involved in decision to seek revenge on victim.

Reduced
DUI

Countless DUIs reduced to Reckless Driving or Negligent Driving: With a 100 point checklist, the opportunity to find some procedural or legal irregularity that can have the case reduced is high. WE review all the steps that King, Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap County law enforcement must follow to validly prosecute you for DUI.

Countless DUIs reduced to Reckless Driving or Negligent Driving: With a 100 point checklist, the opportunity to find some procedural or legal irregularity that can have the case reduced is high. WE review all the steps that King, Pierce, Thurston and Kitsap County law enforcement must follow to validly prosecute you for DUI.

Reduced
DUI

Tacoma Pierce County ecstatic when 5th DUI with BAC over. 15 was reduced to no jail time. Avoiding jail kept client from losing job.

Tacoma Pierce County ecstatic when 5th DUI with BAC over. 15 was reduced to no jail time. Avoiding jail kept client from losing job.

More Results

Practice Areas

DUI Defense
Domestic Violence
Assault Charges
Weapon Offenses
Military Personnel Defense
Immigrant Criminal Defense
Drug Crimes
Record Expungement
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Client Testimonials

“I needed a criminal defense attorney for my son... Attorney White was very generous with his time answering all my questions and putting me at ease. He did not try to pressure me into hiring him...Attorney White is very professional, knowledgeable in his field, compassionate, straightforward and honest and I felt he sincerely cares about people’s lives. When talking to a bails bondsman about my experience with Attorney White she said she deals with a lot of attorneys and Attorney White was one of the best defense attorneys in Tacoma. She said I couldn’t have found a better Attorney. I had a very positive experience with Attorney White and would not hesitate hiring him....

Sara

“I contacted James after my charge for reckless endangerment, and right from the start he was informative and reassuring. James worked hard to get me the best possible outcome, and was always very quick to return a call or text. He was straightforward and honest with me about my case, explaining both the good and the bad in a way that was reassuring without being misleading. Overall, I highly recommend Smith and White to anyone who is looking for the most professional representation in their legal matters.”

Matthew B.

“Attorney James White is dedicated to his clients. He is strategic, compassionate and a relentless attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients. His experience makes him uniquely qualified to provide the practical advice that matters most to clients.”

Mark G.

“Mr. White and his team of legal professionals are extremely caring and invested when it comes to navigating the legal system for their clients.”

Bobby H.

“Dealing with the legal system can be both overwhelming and frightening. Mr. Smith and Mr. White are both attentive, responsive and helped put me at ease immediately. Thanks to their expertise my case was resolved fairly quickly and in my favor. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to use them on two separate cases. I highly recommend them.”

Daniel C.

“Very thorough, knowledgeable, and informative. Derek went above and beyond to make sure my case had the best possible outcome. Highly recommended!”

Amanda C.

“The Law offices of Smith and White are top notch when it comes to legal advice and criminal defense. They are knowledgeable, efficient and extremely effective at what they do. If you want to win your case or if you feel trouble brewing, call this office for advice.”

Keith W.

“James White was all I ever could have hoped for in representation for my DUI. Professional. Respectful. Thorough. Savvy. He was able to work with the prosecutors to come to a fair resolution. I hope I never have to use him again– but if I do, I won’t hesitate.”

Mr. Draper

“I have worked as opposing counsel with this firm for the last four years. I have always been impressed with their zealous representation and skill. Should any of my friends or family ask for a criminal defense recommendation, I will be suggesting this fine firm.”

Tye G.

"They are beyond Great! My case has been going on and affecting my life for way too long. The Law office of Smith & White heard me and understood me as a person and handled my case fast and professionally. I HIGHLY recommend them, and hope if any one needs assistance in law would be blessed to find them!"

D. Coopa

"Derek smith was by far the best attorney i have had representing me. he was diligent in how we handled my not only one case but multiple. He was able to be contacted from my support in the community and was very quick to return any communication to me while in jail. I highly recommend Mr. Smith. He knows what he is doing and is extremely knowledgeable in what he does."

Cortney C.

"I reached for guidance and a direction of representation for a no contact order. The firm went way above and beyond representing me. Not only was the case dismissal completed, but James stood beside me through everything. Making sure everything was resolved and standing by your side. This is a firm that will go above and beyond to stand beside there client and do whatever is need to resolve and represents them."

Kristen

“They were right along side me during my DUI case. I emailed them at 8:00 at night and literally got a reply within the half hour. Night or day they stay around.”

Jessica B.
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Telling Your Story, Protecting Your Future

People make mistakes. That doesn’t make you a criminal. Yet criminal charges will threaten your job, your license, your freedom and your family. Our attorneys will take the time to listen your concerns and get to know you. We then take the full story of your situation to help you in the courtroom. Our compassion for people and passionate approach to criminal defense makes a real difference.

We Can Help Today. Get An Expert Consultation.

Please contact our Tacoma criminal defense attorneys immediately if you are charged with a crime or your loved one has been arrested. The sooner we get involved, the more we can do to protect the rights of the accused and improve the outcome an Expert Consultation, the cost of which will be deducted from your case fees when you decide to retain our services. For aggressive and effective defense – no matter what the charges – call (253) 525-8036, chat, or use the email form below. Hablamos Español.

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Our Team

Derek Smith

Derek served 15 years as a criminal prosecutor, which helps him challenge the government’s evidence. He is a recognized authority on Washington state gun laws and protection orders.

More About Derek
James White

James has spent his career as a public defender and criminal defense lawyer. He leads our DUI defense team and also handles criminal cases that threaten immigration status.

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Danely Bravo

Ms. Bravo has always sought to help the underserved and the underprivileged. As lead paralegal, she serves persons wrongly accused of a crime, ostracized from their family because of an allegation, or who have difficulty understanding the legal system.

More About Danely

Spanish Speakers On Staff

The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC, is proud to be a resource to the Hispanic/Latino community in the Tacoma area. Attorney James White speaks Spanish, and our support team is bilingual.

En Español

Awards & Recognitions