The Smith & White Blog

Under Tacoma and Washington law, domestic violence designations can significantly affect sentencing in criminal cases. The prosecution must produce adequate evidence to support domestic violence aggravating factors, including proof of an ongoing pattern of abuse over a prolonged period. As shown in a recent Washington case, if they fail to do so, the courts should […]

The Pierce County Court Resource Center (CRC) is designed to help individuals involved in the criminal justice system by offering free and low-cost services to support rehabilitation, compliance with court requirements, and successful reintegration into society. Many people who step into court every day—whether for a DUI, domestic violence charge, or other criminal matter—don’t realize […]

Are Police Officers ‘Coaching’ Witnesses in Tacoma Domestic Violence Cases? In Tacoma, WA domestic violence investigations—particularly those involving alleged strangulation—law enforcement officers often ask specific, targeted questions during witness interviews. These questions are rooted in training protocols designed to protect victims and identify potentially fatal assaults. But what happens when those well-intentioned questions begin to […]

If you or someone you know has been charged with a misdemeanor in Tacoma, you may have heard about Tacoma Community Court. This program offers an alternative approach to traditional court proceedings by addressing the root causes of criminal behavior. Below, we’ve answered common questions to help you understand how Community Court works and whether […]

In criminal cases, evidence of past actions is not always admissible, especially if it risks prejudicing the jury against the defendant. As demonstrated in a recent Washington court decision, this principle plays a crucial role in ensuring fair trials, particularly in cases involving sensitive accusations like domestic violence. If you are accused of a crime […]

The police have a lot of power when it comes to investigating crimes and searching for evidence. Even so, their power is not limitless, and you have rights that must be protected. If the police ask for permission to search your car and you say no, they cannot search without a warrant. However, the police […]

In Washington, assault charges do not always arise out of one person striking or hitting another. Instead, they can be based on conduct deemed offensive under the law. When reviewing convictions arising out of such charges convictions, courts consider both the intentionality of the act and its impact on the victim. A recent Washington case […]

What to Do After Getting a DUI in Tacoma, Washington Getting arrested for DUI can leave you with a stack of paperwork, an upcoming court date, and a lot of uncertainty. You may be worried about losing your license, missing work, or what a conviction could mean for your future. There are things you can […]

If you face a DUI charge in Washington, deferred prosecution may allow you to avoid a conviction. However, the program requires much more than asking a judge to postpone your case. Washington offers deferred prosecution to certain defendants who need treatment for a substance use disorder, mental health disorder, or another qualifying condition. Participants must […]

A criminal record is an official document that contains information about an individual’s criminal history, including arrests, charges, convictions, and sentences. In Washington State, a criminal record is created when a person is arrested, charged, or convicted of a crime. This information is recorded in various databases, including those maintained by the Washington State Patrol […]