
Tested by Trial, Trusted Advocate.
We 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.
Your Tacoma Criminal Defense Team
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, equipped for any offense from drunk driving and misdemeanors to assault, domestic violence, weapon charges and major felonies. We regularly defend military personnel whose careers or gun rights are jeopardized and help non-citizens address the immigration consequences of criminal charges.
Your Tacoma Criminal Defense Team
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, equipped for any offense from drunk driving and misdemeanors to assault, domestic violence, weapon charges and major felonies. We regularly defend military personnel whose careers or gun rights are jeopardized and help non-citizens address the immigration consequences of criminal charges.
Case Results

Criminal Law
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.
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 A Free Consultation.
We Can Help Today. Get A Free Consultation.
Please contact us 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. The initial consultation is free and you can call us 24/7. For aggressive and effective defense – no matter what the charges – call 253-363-8662, chat, or use the email form below. Hablamos Español.
Thousands Of Criminal Cases
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 DerekJames White
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 DanelyClient Reviews

I was represented by James White and have been nothing but satisfied with the outcome. James is very efficient and eliminates much of the stress that the judicial system can place on an offender. I am very grateful to have such a great attorney and owe him my gratitude for helping me when times were rough. Not only is he professional, but he is also someone you can talk to on a personal level. I highly recommend James White and would undoubtedly use him again in the future. If you are in search of an attorney, do yourself a favor and have the law offices of Smith & White represent you.
— Mike D.
Derek Smith guided us through a troubling legal situation with absolute professionalism. This was my first experience with a trial situation and Mr. Smith was able to address all of my questions and concerns in a way that helped address some of the fear I had regarding the legal system. Mr. Smith was highly effective during the trial and the result ended up in our favor. Legal troubles are scary and it was great knowing we had a fantastic legal team on our side to help navigate the somewhat confusing situation. My wife and I emphatically recommend this law firm.
— Steve B.
Attorney James White was a beacon of hope for me at a time when my options appeared limited and the likeness of a satisfactory resolution seemed close to nothing. Not only was he able to defend me in a specific sticky situation in which I hired him for, I felt as though he also went above and beyond in efforts to provide me with the best outcome possible. His calm and professional demeanor offered such a great assurance to myself and those I care about around me. I am completely grateful for his service and I most definitely recommend Mr. White.
— Leyasha J.
Mr. Smith was wonderful to work with. He was professional, knowledgeable and effective!! He takes the time to listen, which is amazing and can be a hard quality to find! He is informative and straight forward, which I truly appreciate! He was quite helpful on another matter that I asked his advice on. Thank you!!!
— Melika
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.
Client Reviews
I was represented by James White and have been nothing but satisfied with the outcome. James is very efficient and eliminates much of the stress that the judicial system can place on an offender. I am very grateful to have such a great attorney and owe him my gratitude for helping me when times were rough. Not only is he professional, but he is also someone you can talk to on a personal level. I highly recommend James White and would undoubtedly use him again in the future. If you are in search of an attorney, do yourself a favor and have the law offices of Smith & White represent you.
— Mike D.
Derek Smith guided us through a troubling legal situation with absolute professionalism. This was my first experience with a trial situation and Mr. Smith was able to address all of my questions and concerns in a way that helped address some of the fear I had regarding the legal system. Mr. Smith was highly effective during the trial and the result ended up in our favor. Legal troubles are scary and it was great knowing we had a fantastic legal team on our side to help navigate the somewhat confusing situation. My wife and I emphatically recommend this law firm.
— Steve B.
Attorney James White was a beacon of hope for me at a time when my options appeared limited and the likeness of a satisfactory resolution seemed close to nothing. Not only was he able to defend me in a specific sticky situation in which I hired him for, I felt as though he also went above and beyond in efforts to provide me with the best outcome possible. His calm and professional demeanor offered such a great assurance to myself and those I care about around me. I am completely grateful for his service and I most definitely recommend Mr. White.
— Leyasha J.
Mr. Smith was wonderful to work with. He was professional, knowledgeable and effective!! He takes the time to listen, which is amazing and can be a hard quality to find! He is informative and straight forward, which I truly appreciate! He was quite helpful on another matter that I asked his advice on. Thank you!!!
— Melika
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.
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.
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.




