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
Practice Areas
Client Testimonials
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.
Call Our Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyer for a Free Case Review
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 Free 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) 203-1645, chat, or use the email form below. Hablamos Español.
Our Team
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.
Awards & Recognitions
Being Arrested in Tacoma is a Scary Experience
Facing criminal allegations can feel overwhelming and uncertain. When the government is trying to take away your freedom, having a strong and experienced legal advocate on your side becomes critical. An experienced Tacoma criminal defense attorney can help protect your rights, explain your options, and stand between you and the prosecution.
In the hours and days that follow an arrest, one of the most important things you can do is request legal counsel and avoid answering questions without an attorney present. Statements made during an investigation may later be used by prosecutors in court. It is also important to remember that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. You still have constitutional protections and the right to defend yourself against the allegations. Having an experienced defense lawyer speak on your behalf can help safeguard those rights from the very beginning of the case. Our team takes every criminal matter seriously and works aggressively to pursue the strongest outcome possible for each client.
You Are Not Alone
When you are facing criminal charges, the stakes often extend far beyond the courtroom. Your future, finances, career, and family life may all feel uncertain. Choosing the right attorney means placing a great deal of trust in the legal team representing you, and we understand the seriousness of that responsibility.
Our approach goes beyond basic legal representation. We work to provide guidance, communication, and reassurance throughout the legal process so that our clients feel informed and supported at every stage of their case. Fighting for our clients and protecting their future is something we take great pride in.
Our Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Can Help
No matter what led to your arrest, having knowledgeable legal representation can make a major difference in the direction of your case. Attempting to navigate the criminal justice system without an experienced criminal defense attorney can expose you to severe consequences, including fines, probation, mandatory programs, and incarceration. A conviction may also affect your career, reputation, finances, and personal relationships long after the case ends.
Effective criminal defense requires more than simply appearing in court. It demands strategy, preparation, challenging evidence, and an understanding of how prosecutors build cases. Our Washington criminal defense lawyers have represented clients facing a wide range of charges and understand how to challenge the government’s evidence and tactics. Whether you have recently been accused of a crime or believe mistakes were made in your prior case, it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.
We are committed to protecting our clients’ constitutional rights, pursuing favorable resolutions whenever possible, and taking cases to trial when necessary to secure justice. Smith & White has handled matters in state and federal courts throughout Washington State. Our work has been featured in the media and published writings related to notable cases. While we are experienced in handling high-profile matters, we also recognize the importance of discretion and privacy for many individuals we represent. Our focus is always on protecting our clients’ interests and helping them move forward.
Call Our Tacoma Criminal Defense Lawyers Today
You deserve an attorney who regularly handles cases like yours in the same courts where your charges are pending. Local courtroom experience matters. You need a lawyer who understands the courts, procedures, and practices that can influence how your case is handled. You also need a defense attorney who is prepared to take your case to trial if necessary and who will not hesitate to challenge the prosecution in court.
Strong representation also means having access to the experience, preparation, and resources needed to fully investigate and defend your case. Your attorney should take the time to listen carefully, answer your questions, and clearly explain every available option. The right legal team will guide you through the process from beginning to end instead of only appearing beside you during court hearings.
At Smith & White, we have spent decades helping clients defend themselves against criminal allegations and pursuing positive results in difficult cases. Our firm is known for responsive client service, strategic defense representation, and a commitment to fighting for the best possible outcome in every case.