Felonies & Misdemeanors

When it comes to felonies and misdemeanors, many people feel hopeless. The good news is that there is hope. Derek Smith and James White, the lead attorneys for The Law Offices of Smith & White team, bring to the table the experience of nearly fourty years combined. The team at Smith & White know the ins and outs of criminal defense and will sit down with you so that they understand your case completely. With knowledge in hand, they will then prepare a defense strategy that will be rigorous and comprehensive enough to get you the best possible results.

Possible Charges

The Law Offices of Smith & White can help you with your criminal case. The following are some possible cases that you might be facing:

Violent Offenses

Violent crimes often reap some of the harshest consequences. You might be facing life in prison or even something worse. Hiring a Tacoma criminal defense lawyer who has experience in this area of the law is the best thing you can do for yourself. At The Law Offices of Smith & White, we will represent you in cases involving:

• Murder, Homicide and Manslaughter
• Assault, Harassment & Robbery.
• Domestic violence and kidnapping.

Serious Traffic Offenses

This includes a DUI charge, as well as other serious traffic crimes. In order to make sure your record is protected, you will need professional help in the form of a Tacoma criminal defense attorney. We will work to protect your record and license in addition to contesting charges to obtain the lightest possible sentence for your charges.

Drug Offenses

Unfortunately, there are severe fines and penalties for any crimes that are drug related. The good news is that we are experienced in this area of the law and will work hard to minimize the penalties that you are given for your drug crime.

Property Crime Offenses

Property crimes often carry a fine as well as a prison term. We are experienced in this area of the law as well and can defend you in cases involving:

• Theft, shoplifting, and burglary.
• Identity theft.
• Money Laundering.
• Arson.

If you are in District or Municipal Court then your case is a misdemeanor. Most Misdemeanors are gross misdemeanors—meaning they are punishable by up to 364 days in jail and/or a $5,000.00 fine. Superior Court has general jurisdiction meaning it can handling felonies and misdemeanors. However, the court is so busy that misdemeanors are generally left to the district and municipal courts. So, as a general rule, if you do not know what type of case you have, if you are in Superior Court then it is a felony. If you are in District or Municipal Court then it is a misdemeanor.

Even if you are charged with a felony in Superior Court, a strong challenge to the case may result in the prosecutor being willing to plea bargain down to a misdemeanor. This case will still be in Superior Court but the penalties and the record are all greatly reduced.