Under Washington law, there are numerous assault crimes that the state can accuse a person of committing. The severity of the charges depends, in part, on the level of harm the alleged victim suffered due to the assault. As discussed in a recent opinion issued in a Washington assault case, the prosecution can establish serious […]

The Washington court will issue no contact orders when they determine that doing so is necessary to protect a person from further harm at the hands of their assailant. As such, if a person violates a no-contact order, they may be charged with one or more crimes. If the no-contact order is deemed constitutionally insufficient, […]

What Are the Penalties for a DUI in Washington State? Q: What are the general penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington State? A: The penalties for a DUI conviction in Washington State can vary significantly depending on factors such as the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) at the time of arrest, prior DUI convictions, and […]

What happens immediately after failing field sobriety tests or a portable breath test? If you fail the field sobriety tests or a portable breath test, the arresting officer will likely arrest you for suspicion of driving under the influence (DUI). You will be placed in handcuffs, informed of your rights, and transported to a police […]

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. […]