Sentencing in Washington criminal cases can be complicated. Even a small change in how prior offenses are counted can make a significant difference in the outcome. In 2023, the Legislature amended Washington’s Sentencing Reform Act to limit the use of juvenile adjudications in calculating offender scores. The appellate case State v. Gardner shows how courts […]

When prosecutors pursue felony charges, they must prove each element of the crime beyond a reasonable doubt. If the State cannot meet that burden, convictions cannot stand. Washington vs McKinlay highlights this principle. The decision shows how courts scrutinize evidence for assault and attempting to elude. It also shows why a defendant’s actions cannot be […]

If you’ve been arrested for DUI in Tacoma or elsewhere in Pierce County, one of your first questions is likely: “How long will this affect my record?” The answer is more complex than you might expect. Below, our Tacoma DUI defense attorneys at Smith & White explain how long a DUI stays on your criminal […]

Many Washington drivers assume that if they feel sober, they are safe to drive. But for frequent cannabis users, that may not always be the case. Even after the intoxicating effects of marijuana have faded, residual THC in the bloodstream can sometimes exceed Washington’s legal limit for driving. Below, our DUI defense attorneys explain what […]

If you’re facing a marijuana-related DUI in Tacoma, Lakewood, or elsewhere in Pierce County, you may wonder: do Washington’s THC rules actually reflect real impairment? The short answer is no. Washington’s law treats THC like alcohol — assuming a specific number in your blood equals intoxication — even though every major scientific body says the […]

If you’re stopped in Tacoma or elsewhere in Pierce County on suspicion of driving under the influence, one of the first questions you may ask is: Is a marijuana DUI treated the same as an alcohol DUI in Washington? The short answer: No. Washington’s DUI law covers both alcohol and cannabis, but the standards, science, […]

Drunk driving may seem like it is just a more severe traffic offense, but the penalties for DUI are truly criminal penalties.  You should always take these cases seriously and work with a lawyer to defend you and potentially work to get charges reduced or dismissed. A DUI conviction can result in fines, a license […]

Dealing with domestic violence charges can be difficult. Not only might you face serious criminal penalties, including jail time, but you might be unable to see your children or other family members while your case is pending. Even so, our legal team may be able to help you fight your charges and possibly see your […]

Assault charges in Washington are not always straightforward. The severity of the charge often depends not only on the act itself but also on how the court interprets your intent. In some cases, legal principles like “transferred intent” can elevate a lower-level offense into a felony. A recent Washington case highlights how these doctrines play […]

Drivers in Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, and across Pierce County often ask: Do I have to stop at a DUI checkpoint? Could refusing to comply make things worse? The answer is straightforward but surprising to many. Unlike some other states, Washington law currently prohibits sobriety checkpoints. Below, our Pierce County DUI defense attorneys explain what this […]