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Weapons Charges

Tacoma, Kent, Port Orchard & Olympia Firearms, Gun Rights & Self Defense Lawyer

Confronting an intruder, discharging a weapon, or using deadly force to protect your life are all overwhelming experiences that have the potential to result in homicidal charges. It is important to seek out an experienced Tacoma firearms lawyer in these situations and the Law Offices of Smith & White can provide much needed counsel.

What to do Directly Following the Use of Lethal Force in Self-Defense (or in Defense of Others):
  1. Before the arrival of Law Enforcement
    • Ensure personal safety – scan the environment for threats. Make sure the attacker is downed without access to a weapon. Verify that any and all accomplices have fled. Once the environment is safe re-holster your personal firearm. You may wish to place the firearm in a secure location away from your person so that Law Enforcement does not over-react to an armed individual.
    • Call 911. Provide your name and location. Explain that YOU ARE THE VICTIM, and request police be dispatched immediately. See “What to do after you have just shot someone” for more information.
  2. Arrival of Law Enforcement
    • Take a nonthreatening posture. Keep hands visible and follow all police commands as quickly and carefully as possible.
    • Remain silent and request for a gun rights lawyer immediately. Stressful experiences raise the risk of a person saying something which might incriminate themselves. Your adrenaline will make you want to talk. Law Enforcement is very good at getting people to talk. They may act like by not talking then you must be the criminal. Know this, law enforcement has a rule of NOT talking about an incident where they use deadly force for 24 hours. They understand that the stress of the situation causes confusion. So, follow their rule and do not talk about the incident. Ask for your Tacoma Defense Lawyer.
Contact a Tacoma Firearms Lawyer

Law enforcement conducts thorough investigations whenever deadly or excessive force is used against an intruder. The Tacoma firearms lawyer at the Law Offices of Smith and White can intelligently argue your side of the case and present evidence to make your case more compelling. However, when law enforcement determines the force used what not justified, you may face charges for felony assault, unlawful discharge of a firearm, murder or negligent homicide. This is part of why it is important to consult with your attorney BEFORE making a statement as to the incident.

Our Tacoma self defense lawyers understand the level of preparation and commitment necessary to present a sound self-defense strategy. If you have questions regarding a self-defense strategy, contact the Law Offices of Smith & White to arrange a free consultation with a Tacoma firearms or gun rights lawyer. It should be noted that self-defense cases may be entitled to have the State pay you back the cost of your legal defense if a jury finds that you were not guilty and that you were not guilty because you were reasonably defending yourself or others.

Client Reviews
★★★★★
I was represented by James White and have been nothing but satisfied with the outcome. Jame is very efficient and eliminates much of the stress that the judicial system can place on an offender. I am very grateful to have such a great attorney and owe him my gratitude for helping me when times were rough. Not only is he professional, but he is also someone you can talk to on a personal level. I highly recommend James White and would undoubtedly use him again in the future. If you are in search of an attorney, do yourself a favor and have the law offices of Smith & White represent you. Mike D.
★★★★★
I contacted James after my charge for reckless endangerment, and right from the start he was informative and reassuring. James worked hard to get me the best possible outcome, and was always very quick to return a call or text. He was straightforward and honest with me about my case, explaining both the good and the bad in a way that was reassuring without being misleading. Overall, I highly recommend Smith and White to anyone who is looking for the most professional representation in their legal matters. Matthew B.
★★★★★
Attorney James White was a beacon of hope for me at a time when my options appeared limited and the likeness of a satisfactory resolution seemed close to nothing. Not only was he able to defend me in a specific sticky situation in which I hired him for, I felt as though he also went above and beyond in efforts to provide me with the best outcome possible. His calm and professional demeanor offered such a great assurance to myself and those I care about around me. I am completely grateful for his service and I most definitely recommend Mr. White. Leyasha J.
★★★★★
Derek Smith guided us through a troubling legal situation with absolute professionalism. This was my first experience with a trial situation and Mr. Smith was able to address all of my questions and concerns in a way that helped address some of the fear I had regarding the legal system. Mr. Smith was highly effective during the trial and the result ended up in our favor. Legal troubles are scary and it was great knowing we had a fantastic legal team on our side to help navigate the somewhat confusing situation. My wife and I emphatically recommend this law firm. Steve B.
★★★★★
Mr. Smith was wonderful to work with. He was professional, knowledgeable and effective!! He takes the time to listen, which is amazing and can be a hard quality to find! He is informative and straight forward, which I truly appreciate! He was quite helpful on another matter that I asked his advise on. Thank you!!! Melika