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.
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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 process 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.

Most of us know what arrests and bail are, but the term “arraignment” may be lesser known. That’s why our team wanted to...
09/15/2026

Most of us know what arrests and bail are, but the term “arraignment” may be lesser known. That’s why our team wanted to break down what an arraignment is and what someone facing a criminal charge can expect at these hearings.

Swipe for more information.

And as always, if you have any questions or need support, our team of lawyers is here to help. Give us a call today, and we can find a time to connect.

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With increased traffic and a rise in impaired-drivi...
09/07/2026

Labor Day weekend is one of the busiest travel weekends of the year. With increased traffic and a rise in impaired-driving incidents during holiday celebrations, it is important to prioritize safety before heading out on the road.

If your plans include celebrating with alcohol over the holiday weekend, consider arranging a safe ride home in advance. Whether that means using a rideshare service, choosing a designated driver, or staying overnight, planning ahead can help prevent serious accidents and keep everyone safer.

Please note that our office will be closed on Labor Day and will reopen on Tuesday morning, and our team will be back to assist you then.

We wish you and your family a safe, enjoyable, and relaxing Labor Day weekend.

While it might sound like a technicality whether your case is tried at the state level or federal level, it can actually...
08/26/2026

While it might sound like a technicality whether your case is tried at the state level or federal level, it can actually change everything about how your case unfolds, who is sitting across from you in court, and what you could be facing if convicted.

Swipe through for a breakdown of how the two compare across the areas that matter most.

Facing criminal charges or have questions about your situation? Know that our team is here to fight for your rights. Give us a call today, and we can connect.

Attorney-client privilege is one of the most important protections in the legal system, but it is often misunderstood. A...
08/25/2026

Attorney-client privilege is one of the most important protections in the legal system, but it is often misunderstood. At its core, this privilege is designed to keep certain communications between you and your attorney confidential. Swipe through for a detailed overview.

Understanding how attorney-client privilege works is essential to protecting your legal interests. If you have questions about your rights or need legal guidance, contact us today. Our team is here to help.

A criminal record and a court record are related, but not the same, and understanding the difference is crucial for unde...
08/23/2026

A criminal record and a court record are related, but not the same, and understanding the difference is crucial for understanding how both of these key records may impact your life. Swipe for more details

Our firm helps clients understand their records, their options, and the legal steps that may help protect their future. If you have questions about what may still appear on your record, contact our firm today to discuss your situation.

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.

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717 Tacoma Avenue S. Suite C
Tacoma, WA
98402

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