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 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 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

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.

Case Results

NOT GUILTY

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.

Case Results

NOT GUILTY

Client charged with forcibly taking a van from another person and acquitted at trial after the defense was able to impeach the victim.

Case Results

DISMISSED

Client charged with strangling wife and threatening to shoot her. Convinced prosecutor about factual discrepancies and legal deficiencies.

Case Results

Criminal Law

Military Personnel Defense

Immigrant Criminal Defense

Drug Crimes

Record Expungement

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.

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 253-363-8662, chat, or use the email form below. Hablamos Español.

We Can Help Today. Get An Expert 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 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.More About James

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

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.

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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.

See more testimonials

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

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