How Much Should a DUI Lawyer Cost in Washington? When facing a DUI charge in Washington, the cost of hiring a lawyer can vary significantly based on several factors, including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the specific county in which the charge is being handled. Here’s a detailed overview of what […]

Understanding Reasonable Suspicion in Washington Q: What is reasonable suspicion, and how is it defined across Washington State? A: Reasonable suspicion is a legal standard that empowers law enforcement officers in Washington State to stop and briefly detain individuals when they have specific, articulable facts suggesting that someone may be engaged in criminal activity. This […]

What Makes the Best Criminal Defense Attorney? At Smith and White, we believe that the best criminal defense attorneys embody a blend of expertise, dedication, and a profound commitment to justice. Here are some of the key strengths that our firm offers, which align with these crucial qualities: A Record of Trust:  More important than the […]

As we approach the two-year anniversary of the landmark State v. Sum decision by the Washington State Supreme Court, it’s timely to reflect on its profound implications, especially as they intersect with the commemoration of Juneteenth. This ruling, delivered on June 9, 2022, marked a pivotal shift in how legal systems recognize and address the […]

In criminal cases, the prosecution must establish each element of the charged offense in order to demonstrate guilt. In cases involving assault of law enforcement agents, this often means the prosecution has to demonstrate the defendant acted with intent. As discussed in a recent Washington assault case, intent can be established by circumstantial evidence. If […]

In DUI cases, the prosecution will often rely on chemical testing demonstrating a defendant’s BAC to establish guilt. Guilt can be established via other means, though, such as circumstantial evidence. Further, as shown in a recent DUI case, merely because a court admits a defendant’s pre-arrest statements, does not mean a conviction should be vacated. […]

People subject to no-contact orders can be charged with domestic violence crimes if they violate the terms of the orders. Generally, such violations must be willful. As discussed in a recent Washington case, however, the prosecution can demonstrate a person’s actions were willful by showing they acted knowingly. If you are accused of a domestic […]

The cost of hiring a criminal defense lawyer in Washington State can vary widely depending on several factors including the complexity of the case, the lawyer’s experience, and the specific charges involved. Here’s a broad overview: Hourly Rates and Retainers: Many criminal defense attorneys charge by the hour, with rates typically ranging from $300 to […]

Under Washington law, violating a no-contact order is a criminal offense. Convictions for such offenses can carry significant penalties, particularly if the defendant has an extensive criminal history. If the prosecution does not establish that the defendant possessed the mental state required to commit the crime, however, the defendant may be able to escape a […]

The Washington Constitution, like the United States Constitution, grants criminal defendants the right to be tried before an impartial jury of their peers. While the courts generally rule in favor of protecting that right, they generally decline to extend it beyond the scope of the statutory language. This was demonstrated in a recent Washington ruling […]