Vernon A. Smith

The day I got my DUI was one of the worst of my life. I felt like I had no chance of getting the DUI off my record and I would have to live with it for the rest of my life. Being young and not having a lot of money, I nearly went the Public Defender route, but after talking with friends and family tw...o of them recommended Vern. After a consultation we worked out an affordable payment plan and he assured me based on my case that we had a shot at getting it dismissed. Throughout the process Vern kept me updated on everything I would need to know and prepare for when my case went to trial. On the day of my testimony, about a month before I was set to go to trial, Vern showed me why he had come so well recommended. He was relentless in arguing my case and I couldn't have been more relieved to hear the words "this case will be dismissed" come from the judge. I never would have thought this outcome was possible, but all along the way Vern showed me it was and why we were going to get it off my record. An enormous weight has been lifted off my shoulders and I truly owe that to the hard work of Vern!

Vern represented me on a DUI case which was dismissed as a result of his thorough and detailed handling. I would recommend Vern, without hesitation, to anyone in a similar situation. He took great pains to prepare me and my case. Immediately, he had me write down what happened, in detail. This wa...s vital for both of us. Then he explained the procedures we'd go through, and the possible and likely outcomes. He had me proactively take the drug assessment and attend the one-day counselling and training, obtain a copy of my driving record, and prepare to get the driving interlock in place for the administrative suspension. Vern warned me that, despite a relatively low BAC (.099), that the state was pursuing DUI convictions aggressively. Although a plea was likely, it was by no means guaranteed. In the event, the prosecutor did not offer a plea and Vern presented motions for dismissal. The motions process was (to me) where Vern really shone. He prepared me ethically and well. At no time did he suggest I share anything but the facts, but he did tell me to be clear and straightforward. He had minutely examined the arrest report and -- during the motions hearing -- very painstakingly questioned me and the arresting officer. He raised a number of objections to the state's case (some detailed items on the stop, the Field Sobriety test and the BAC test process; some more obscure points regarding the law) and in the end, the judge upheld these objections and dismissed the case. At all times, Vern kept me informed. If anything, he kept my expectations low and the result was both a surprise and a relief. I cannot recommend him more highly.

Vern was great. I had one prior DUI (had a PD at the time) and I couldn't afford another. He never pressured me to take a deal and he took the time to explain the pros and cons of each offer. After months of negotiations, the DUI charge was reduced. I highly recommend Vern Smith. He was patient,... compassionate and understanding AND always answered my questions promptly!

I hired Vern after receiving my dui and he handled every step of the process in an expert and professional manner! He was always very kind, showed up to court early and sent me a reminder, and was always over prepared. Vern got my case completely dismissed. It was obvious that he was well respected b...y prosecutors, fellow lawyers, and judges. I highly recommend his services!

I was a first year UW student, heading from Seattle to Hawaii for some much needed sun. I had recently brought my pistol up (properly and legally) from Florida to Seattle. In a hurry to catch my flight, I had forgot to take the handgun out of my bag (it was still in it's FAA approved safe/carrier). ... I went through security with a Glock 9mm in my carry on! Can you get any more dense than that? Of course, it took all of 30 seconds before police started racing to the security point and before they could ask me a question I realized what was happening. After missing my flight, the port police had clearly wanted to question me. I answered a few basic questions before letting them know I wasn't a criminal and that I was uncomfortable speaking without an attorney. I received charges 2 weeks later in the mail. Vern Smith came HIGHLY recommended so I setup an appointment. He agreed to take the case, and after watching him walk into the courtroom, I knew I had a well respected attorney. He knew EVERYONE, and EVERYONE had absolute respect for Vern. Most impressive was how much the judge seemed to respect Vern. It was alsmost as though MR. Smith was His Honor. After 30 minutes in the courtroom, I walked out with the charges dismissed. I had to agree to a minor amount of community service for my stupidity, but a clean record was the result! You will not find an attorney that is more highly regarded, and capable! If Vern Smith says he will take your case, it's because he is confident that he can help you! He will not take your money if he doesn't feel he can make a difference! Don't get me wrong, if he takes your money, it won't be the lowest cut rate around! You will pay a premium that's well worth it!