The Smith & White Blog

In the high-stakes, adversarial arena of legal defense, the intensity of the courtroom can often lead to heated exchanges and fierce competition. However, amidst this battlefield, the significance of maintaining a professional and cordial tone with opposing counsel cannot be overstated. It not only upholds the decorum and dignity of the legal process but also […]

If you face criminal charges in Washington, you may wonder what happens if your case goes to trial. Who chooses the jury? Will you have to testify? What happens if jurors cannot agree on a verdict? A criminal jury trial follows a series of steps, from selecting jurors to presenting evidence and reaching a verdict. […]

If you are facing criminal charges in Pierce County, WA, you may be wondering: Can I get my case dismissed? The answer is yes, in some situations—but it depends on the facts of your case, the strength of the evidence, and the skill of your defense attorney. This post will walk you through the most […]

Q: What are the key qualities of an effective criminal defense attorney? A: The best criminal defense attorneys are characterized by their extensive legal knowledge, experience in local courts, strong negotiation skills, and a deep commitment to defending their clients’ rights. They should also be excellent communicators, both in explaining the legal process to their […]

Q: What constitutes a felony violation of a no-contact order in Tacoma, WA?RCW 10.99.040 A: In Washington state, including Tacoma, a violation of a no-contact order typically becomes a felony if the individual has two or more prior convictions for violating similar orders. If the individual does not have prior convictions, such violations are usually treated […]

What Exactly Is Probable Cause in Washington State? Probable cause is a foundational legal concept that protects your rights under both the U.S. and Washington State Constitutions. In Tacoma and throughout Washington, police must meet this standard before they can arrest you, search your property, or seize evidence. But what exactly does that mean? Understanding […]

You can refuse certain DUI tests in Washington, but the consequences depend on which test police are asking you to take. A portable breath test offered during a traffic stop is voluntary. Refusing an official breath test after an arrest, however, can cost you your driver’s license for a year or longer. The distinction is […]

One of the tenets of the criminal justice system is the right to a trial before an impartial and fair jury of one’s peers. As such, if a juror demonstrates a bias, it is unlikely that they will be seated on the jury. If they are and the defendant is subsequently convicted, they may have […]

Many Washington drivers have a baseline understanding of what a driving under the influence (DUI) conviction might mean for their personal freedoms. The potential penalties a judge could impose may include incarceration, fines and probation. Will Your License Be Suspended After a DUI Conviction in Washington? It is also quite common for the courts to […]

In Washington, a defendant can be convicted of DUI crimes based on circumstantial evidence, such as the result of field sobriety testing, or direct evidence, such as a BAC level. Regardless of the character of the evidence presented, the prosecution must provide sufficient evidence that the defendant was operating a vehicle while under the influence […]