The Law Offices of Smith and White, PLLC

The Law Offices of Smith and White, PLLC Criminal Defense Attorneys Serving Tacoma, Olympia, Kent & Port Orchard. Smith and James J. White of The Law Offices of Smith and White, PLLC.
(1)

In Pierce County, King County, Kitsap County, Thurston County and the Puget Sound area, the attorneys you should contact are Derek M. We boldly protect your rights against law enforcement overreach and other factors that may have worked against you, leading to your arrest. Our law firm possesses almost 40 years of combined experience, in-depth knowledge of Washington's criminal and DUI legal proc

ess along with Federal Criminal and DUI procedures. We understand strategies that could minimize consequences and provide attentive personal service for you and your family. Contact The Law Offices of Smith and White, PLLC, to schedule an initial free case analysis. We maintain locations in Tacoma and Vashon to serve you better. If you reach us from a jail or police station, we can arrange to meet with you there. Do not speak to law enforcement about your case until you have spoken with us. Weekends and after hours appointments available.

There is a common belief that if law enforcement does not read your Miranda rights, your case is automatically dismissed...
08/12/2026

There is a common belief that if law enforcement does not read your Miranda rights, your case is automatically dismissed. In reality, the situation is more nuanced.

Here is a brief overview of what to know:

🔹Miranda rights apply only when you are both in custody and being questioned.
🔹Not all police encounters, like traffic stops or brief questioning, require Miranda warnings.
🔹Violations of Miranda rights may exclude statements from evidence but do not automatically dismiss the case.
🔹Prosecutors can still rely on other evidence, such as witness testimony or physical proof.
🔹However, it does remain true that if key statements are excluded, it can weaken the prosecution and strengthen the defense.

Understanding how and when your rights apply can make a meaningful difference in your case.

As always, if you or a loved one is navigating criminal proceedings and believe that your Miranda rights have been violated, contact us today to discuss your options.

When you are facing criminal charges, it is natural to want to explain your side of the story or seek advice from people...
07/28/2026

When you are facing criminal charges, it is natural to want to explain your side of the story or seek advice from people you trust. However, speaking about your case with anyone other than your attorney can create serious and often irreversible consequences. Swipe for more information.

If you or a loved one is navigating a criminal charge, our team is prepared to safeguard your rights and guide you with the level of care and precision your case demands. Give us a call to set up a confidential consultation.

Hear directly from our customers — their experience speaks volumes.
07/16/2026

Hear directly from our customers — their experience speaks volumes.

In the criminal justice system, probation is often used as an alternative to incarceration. However, it still carries le...
07/15/2026

In the criminal justice system, probation is often used as an alternative to incarceration. However, it still carries legal obligations and long-term implications. Swipe to learn more.

Legal outcomes can vary widely, but one thing is certain. Having a skilled defense attorney can make a significant difference. Give us a call today.

There are many common misconceptions about what can happen to passengers during a driving under the influence (DUI) stop...
07/08/2026

There are many common misconceptions about what can happen to passengers during a driving under the influence (DUI) stop. Our firm believes it is important for people to understand that passenger rights and responsibilities matter. Knowing the difference can protect your future. Swipe for more information.

If you have recently been involved in a DUI case and have questions about your rights or legal options, reach out to our firm today. Our team is prepared to help you understand your situation and move forward with confidence.

With the Fourth of July top of mind, we wanted to share a timely reminder to not drink or drive as you celebrate. Drinki...
07/03/2026

With the Fourth of July top of mind, we wanted to share a timely reminder to not drink or drive as you celebrate.

Drinking and driving can lead to serious consequences, such as a driving under the influence (DUI) or driving while intoxicated (DWI) charge, crashes, and serious injury to both drivers and others on the road. Swipe for more tips on how to celebrate safely.

We encourage you to celebrate responsibly and make safety a priority in your Independence Day plans this year. As always, if you or someone you know needs legal guidance after a DUI or DWI, contact our office. We are here to support you.

If law enforcement asks to search your phone, you might not know the specifics of what is and is not allowed. In many si...
06/24/2026

If law enforcement asks to search your phone, you might not know the specifics of what is and is not allowed. In many situations, police need legal authority, such as a warrant, to search the contents of a cell phone. However, there are expectations regarding when searches are and are not appropriate. Swipe for more information.

Understanding your legal rights in situations like this can make all the difference. If you or a loved one needs guidance during a criminal investigation, do not hesitate to reach out to our office. We are here to support you.

We strive for excellence — and it's always rewarding to hear when we've delivered.
06/17/2026

We strive for excellence — and it's always rewarding to hear when we've delivered.

Being arrested can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, understanding the process can help you or someon...
06/10/2026

Being arrested can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. However, understanding the process can help you or someone you care about navigate the steps following an arrest. Swipe for details on what typically happens after an arrest.

Navigating the legal system can be complicated, but having an experienced attorney by your side can help ensure that your rights are protected every step of the way. If you or someone you know is arrested, do not hesitate to reach out to our team. We are here to defend you.

In honor of Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in taking time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made...
05/25/2026

In honor of Memorial Day, we invite you to join us in taking time to remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect our country and preserve our freedom.

Please note that our office will be taking calls on the holiday but will not be fully staffed. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 26th, and will respond to any messages received during the closure as promptly as possible.

Wishing you a respectful and meaningful Memorial Day.

Address

717 Tacoma Avenue S. Suite C
Tacoma, WA
98402

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when The Law Offices of Smith and White, PLLC posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to The Law Offices of Smith and White, PLLC:

Shortcuts

Share