Being charged with a crime like assault is bad enough. Being charged with domestic violence assault or any crime designated as domestic violence in Washington is horrible. You’ve got the usual penalties that are attached to any crime looming over you like jail time and fines. Plus there are other penalties that come with a […]

You’ve heard the expression “don’t judge a book by its cover”? Perhaps you even believe it and practice it in regards to people. So, perhaps you’re thinking, “It shouldn’t matter how I dress for court, I should simply be judged in regards to the merits of the case.” Maybe you’re right and maybe in a […]

As you are discovering, if you are accused of domestic violence assault in Washington it is taken very seriously and there are many potential consequences. You’re already worried about the potential jail time and fines as well as other potential penalties such as mandatory treatment. You’re also probably concerned about the no contact order (NCO) […]

There is a major difference in the arrest process of domestic violence crimes of which you should be aware.The difference is on the rules of making an arrest. Washington police officers have in the past been held civilly liable for not properly protecting a victim of domestic violence. This resulted in there now being a […]

Have you been accused of domestic violence assault in Pierce County / Tacoma or other parts of Washington? You  may have just discovered that a domestic violence charge may also threaten your firearm rights. Almost every citizen is aware of the second amendment and that it gives Americans the right to “bear arms”. So, it is […]

You were arrested for DUI, you were tried and you were convicted.  Or perhaps you plead guilty.  If you had the assistance of Smith & White, PLLC then you likely plea bargained to a reduced charge that does not have mandatory jail, can come off of your record and does not have a 5 year […]

Charged with Interfering with Reporting Domestic Violence in Tacoma? Know Your Rights Being accused of domestic violence is overwhelming. But when that charge is followed by an additional allegation—interfering with the reporting of domestic violence—the situation becomes even more serious. At Smith & White, we represent people facing these difficult cases in Tacoma, WA and […]

Have you been charged with assault or a related crime? Is there a domestic violence designation attached? You’re living in a nightmare. You’re worried about the potential jail time, and the fine, and any other consequences. Plus you may already be feeling the stigma that is placed by many, sometimes even friends and relatives, upon […]

The Washington Court of Appeals recently rejected defendant Daniel James Jackson’s argument that his assault conviction should be reversed because his trial counsel’s ineffective assistance caused him to involuntarily plead guilty. In August 2014, Jackson entered an Alford plea to his charge of fourth-degree assault. (An Alford plea is when the defendant pleads guilty without […]

You’re being either accused of DUI or are under investigation for a crime. Perhaps you’ve even had to go through the stress of arrest and arraignment. This is the most stress you’ve probably ever been under. You’re worried. Your family is worried. Your friends are worried. Everyone is saying, “Get a lawyer.” You want to […]