The Smith & White Blog

Felons need Real IDs as much as anyone else if they plan to fly anywhere in the United States. But will their criminal record stop them from obtaining this documentation? Or are they just as eligible for a Real ID as anyone else? Felons who are Washington residents and can produce the required documents can […]

Criminal charges are not just for adults. Many young people face charges, but their cases must go through the juvenile justice system, which treats them far differently from adult offenders. If your child is charged, you should hire an experienced defense attorney as soon as possible. Do not allow one mistake to ruin your child’s […]

We may defend each assault case differently. Charges, facts, and circumstances vary, making self-defense viable in some cases and lack of intent viable in others. Let us start working on your defense immediately so we have ample time to prepare before trial. We may use text messages, witness statements, video footage, and other evidence in […]

Domestic violence crimes are often taken very seriously. Intimate partner violence is often recurring and is something the legislature has sought to stop. Because of this, the penalties for domestic violence crimes may be increased. One of the worst tragedies in our society today is that of domestic violence. One of the most surprising statistics […]

When you are involved in any kind of criminal law issue, information is a vital resource in defending your best interests. With the help of a criminal defense attorney, you can fight your charges and explore opportunities to minimize, beat or dismiss your charges, all while getting the information you need along the way. Instead […]

(And What You Need to Know If You Live in Tacoma or Pierce County) Clearing a criminal record is a powerful step toward a better future—but it can also feel confusing and frustrating. In Washington State, there are two key legal processes that can help: expungement and vacation of conviction records. These tools can give […]

During a criminal trial, prosecutors must ensure that their arguments remain within constitutional limits, particularly when commenting on the absence of defense evidence, and if they fail to do so, the defendant may have grounds for challenging the results of their trial. The standard courts apply when evaluating alleged prosecutorial misconduct is narrow, however, as […]

Mental health sentencing alternatives (MHSA) are designed to provide therapeutic interventions for defendants with serious mental illness, but they carry stringent compliance requirements and judicial oversight. A recent Washington case explored the balance between a defendant’s obligations and the responsibilities of third parties such as community corrections officers and treatment providers. If you face sentencing […]

If you have a previous DUI on your record, you might already be familiar with the process.  However, what you might not know is that there is a mandatory minimum sentence for all levels of DUI for a second offense. For each DUI conviction you receive in Washington state, the penalties increase. However, you should […]

Just because you’ve served your sentence doesn’t mean the punishment is over. Criminal convictions—especially for gross misdemeanors and felonies—can follow you long after probation or jail time ends. They may appear on background checks, limit your ability to secure employment or housing, and impact your right to own a firearm. Clearing Your Criminal Record After […]