Domestic violence is often treated differently from most other criminal offenses because it tends to involve people or family members with deep, personal, and complicated ties. The police may have broad authority to arrest even if no witnesses are present. You may be arrested for domestic violence even if the police do not have any […]

Civil protection orders (CPOs) and no-contact orders (NPOs) are not synonymous, though they are used in similar contexts. And despite their differences, violating civil protection or no-contact orders carries similar consequences in Washington State. Individuals seek civil protection orders by filing petitions with civil courts, while judges overseeing criminal cases involving domestic violence-related offenses often […]

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, […]

If you were found with a gun that wasn’t yours, it can still lead to criminal charges.  In fact, many situations can result in even more charges if the gun isn’t yours. If you were found in possession of a gun that wasn’t yours, and that possession was illegal or you used the gun to […]

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 […]