Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
17 Client Reviews
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Derek Michael Smith
also known as Derek Smith
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About Derek
Biography
Derek brings more than 20 years of criminal law experience to the Tacoma attorney team of Smith and White. His work as a prosecutor, judge, and defense attorney provide him valuable insight into Washington criminal defense law.
Derek tried hundreds of criminal defense cases, including in the state Court of Appeals and Washington State Supreme Court, as a prosecutor with the cities of Seattle and Kent. He’s worked on or negotiated more than 15,000 criminal defense cases ranging from DUI to felony crimes.
Derek served as a vice and narcotics liaison for the Seattle City Attorney’s Office and received the Seattle Police Department Chief’s Award for his handling of dozens of civil asset forfeitures. He has also presided over thousands of cases as a judge pro tem in Federal Way, Pacific and Des Moines.
He graduated with honors from Seattle University School of Law in 1996.
Derek volunteers his time to local nonprofits including serving as president of the Tacoma Art Museum Activities Council in 2010 for the museum’s 75th Anniversary Gala. He served as vice president then president of St. Mark’s Lutheran by the Narrows church council. He currently serves on the Stewardship Council for St. Marks and assist his wife, the director of Sunday School for St. Marks. He is a member of his sons' school PTA and is active in other local charities.
He lives in Tacoma with his family.
The Law Offices of Smith and White. Compassionate Counsel, Passionate Defense.
Veteran of thousands of criminal felony and misdemeanors. Compassionate Counsel, Passionate Defense.
Do you need a savvy negotiator or a veteran trial attorney? Compassionate Counsel,Passionate Defense
Veteran of thousands of criminal felony and misdemeanors. Compassionate Counsel, Passionate Defense.
Practice Areas
9
Practice Areas
Cannabis Law
12%
Criminal Defense
12%
30 years | 15,000 cases
DUI and DWI
12%
30 years | 2,000 cases
Domestic Violence
12%
30 years | 2,600 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2013 2012 2011
2012 2011
Licenses
Licensed in Washington for 29 years
State: Washington
Acquired: 1996
No misconduct found
Licensed in North Dakota for 13 years
State: North Dakota
Acquired: 2012
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Derek online.
Derek Michael Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | April 27, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Look no further.. you’ll be in great hands.
Derek has defended me in 2 separate cases. A 4th degree assault DV with far reaching implications for my future. We decided to take it to trial and through some back and fourth between alleged victim and prosecutors it was dismissed. The second case was a hit and run with alleged injury. Was also dis...
Posted by Chris | January 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very helpful and direct. Apreciatted.
Even though my case was dismissed very early on I will respect and appreciate ho direct and helpful Derek was. He helped me in understanding what was important at the moment and what would be important later. He was totally upfront with a with what might happen, could happen and what the best case sc...
Posted by Michelle | August 14, 2014
my DUI experience, and retaining counsel.
Mr. Derek Smith handled my case with the utmost professionalism, intelligence, wisdom and knowledge. Mr. Smith, & his Law Partner, James White, both worked on my case, and they both uncovered multiple discrepancies on the opposing side. Derek Smith & James White always kept my mind at rest, and w m...
Posted by butterflykissesx6 | December 30, 2013
Best in the business by far!!!!
Mr. Derek Smith is a no nonsense lawyer. He is personable an obviously well regarded in the lawyer field. We interviewed several lawyers and even hired another lawyer before finding Derek. Our previous lawyer said there was "nothing more he could do" and it was either trial or face jail time. He ...
Posted by Karl | October 2, 2013
A lawyer you can trust!!
I was face with a situation that could had a huge impact on my personal life and career life, But Mr. Smith was very understanding, attentive and determined to assist and resolve my situation. From the first meeting to the over and over continuance this attorney was honest and to the point without ev...
Derek Michael Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"All the attributes that made Derek a strong and effective prosecutor make him a tremendous defense attorney. His experience on both sides gives him a unique perspective that will be a huge advantage to his clients. Derek is a smart, thorough and prepared attorney who is also compassionate advocate for his clients."
"Derek Smith is a highly skilled attorney with remarkable expertise in criminal law and DUI cases. I am constantly impressed with his passionate representation and his strong commitment to justice and integrity. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"As a former prosecutor and judge his experience will vastly improve his clients chances of winning. DA's know that he knows what they know. Experience counts! Read his reviews and endorsements and than hire him. KUDOS"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Derek. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Derek is a great attorney and a great person. I first met him while I was in law school and he was always willing to spend time to share his knowledge. In my years of practice since, this has not changed. I don't generally practice criminal law and when I have a question related to criminal defense, Derek is the first one I turn to. His responses are quick, accurate, well-reasoned and most importantly well-explained. His vast experience in both criminal prosecution and defense make him a great resource. I don't hesitate to recommend him to my friends and clients and I'm proud to publicly endorse him as well."
"I endorse this lawyer. I had the pleasure of working alongside Mr. Smith during a hard fought trial in Seattle Municipal Court with multiple co-defendants. He is a very knowledgable, skilled trial attorney who fights hard for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Smith is a considerate and passionate member of the legal community. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Derek when he was both a prosecutor at the Seattle City Attorney's Office and as a criminal defense attorney. He is an encyclopedia of knowledge as far as legal issues, works his cases incredibly hard, and is passionate and understanding. He is a mentor to many young lawyers and any client would be very lucky to work with him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Derek Smith at the City Attorney's office in Seattle when we were both prosecutors. He was one of our senior top trial attorneys in the office and for good reason; his trial skills are excellent and he has a strong command of the law, case law and procedural rules. He was an amazing mentor to me and other young attorneys coming up the ranks. He is very personable and articulate and his talent is really evident in the courtroom as he is able to work the room and be very persuasive with judges and jurors. As a defense attorney, Derek now has knowledge of how the other side works and he is a force to be reckon with, prosecutors will have a hard time with him as he is a fierce advocate and fighter for his clients. I highly recommend my colleague. He is one of our region's best attorneys."
"I endorse this lawyer. He provides detailed and insightful analysis to questions posed by AVVO subscribers. The detailed responses and thorough explanations provided here display a vast knowledge of the law. He is an asset to the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Derek Smith is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Smith provides detailed and honest postings on AVVO assisting those with various areas of criminal and civil litigation questions. Also, his comments show his genuine compassion for his clients. Attorney Smith has a proved track record proving zealous representation for his clients and advocating for justice. A true professional"
"Attorney Smith exemplifies the very best attributes of an active attorney and a level of professionalism we should all aspire to. Honesty, dedication and a love of the law which means. giving back to others who lack our understanding of the law. The thousands years of combined legal experience of professionals activity participating in forum represent some of the very best of our profession, which is after all, at its base is desire to those in need. This Attorney’s experience allows to obtain excellent results for his clients. Most importantly, this Attorney is willing to help complete strangers (as is the case in this forum) with legal problem for which we may have some helpful information and thereby demystify the legal process as much as possible. I would recommend this Attorney without any hesitation for all practice areas listed."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Derek is an experienced lawyer who has an excellent understanding of the law and fights for his clients"
Cathleen Gormley
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Brendan Brophy
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Experience
Honors
2008
Chief of Police Award, Seattle Police Department
2008
Merit Award, Seattle City Attorney's Office
1996
Graduated Cum Laude, Seattle University School of Law
1996
Licensed to Practice, US Federal Court Western District of Washington
N/A
Client's Choice, Martindale-Hubbell
N/A
Top Contributor, Martindale-Hubbell
Work Experience
2011 - Present
Partner, Law Office of Smith and White, PLLC
2010 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, Des Moines Municipal Court
2010 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, Pacific Municipal Court
2010 - Present
Judge Pro Tem, Federal Way Municipal Court
1900 - Present
Member, Smith & White, PLLC
2002 - 2010
Assistant City Attorney, Seattle City Attorney’s Office
2000 - 2002
Senior Prosecutor, City Of Kent Prosecutor's Office
2000 - 2000
Domestic Violence Prosecutor, City Of Kent Attorney's Office
1996 - 2000
Prosecutor, City Of Kent Attorney's Office
1995 - 1996
Rule 9 Legal Intern, City Of Kent Attorney's Office
1994 - 1995
Legal Intern-Institutions Project, Puget Sound Legal Assistance Fdn
Associations
2018 - Present
Salvation ArmyAdvisory Board
2013 - Present
Hon. Robert J. Bryan American Inn of CourtAssociate Member
2012 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationMember
2011 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember
2012 - 2013
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, CLE CommitteeMember
2012 - 2015
Washington State Bar Association, Character and Fitness BoardMember
2011 - 2013
St. Marks Lutheran by the Narrows Executive CouncilPresident
2010 - 2015
Washington State Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2010 - 2012
Washington State Bar Association, Court Rules and Procedures CommitteeMember
2009 - 2010
Tacoma Art Museum Activites CouncilPresident
2008 - 2009
Tacoma Art MuseumVice President
2007 - 2008
Tacoma Art Museum Activites CouncilChair-Procurement Committee
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. J. Doe
Reckless Driving Deferred Sentence
State v. J. Doe
Case dismissed
Tacoma v. J. Doe
Dismissed
Seattle v. Colacurcio
Guilty
Kent v. Beigh
Washington State Supreme Court agreed and overruled Court of Appeals
Kent . Marilyn Snell
Guilty
St. v. Jane Doe
reduced to Negligent Driving in the first degree
Education
1996
Seattle University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1991
University of California - Davis
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2018
Gun Law in Washington
Firearms Law
2018
Criminal Law CLE Topics
Firearms Law
2017
Gun Law in Washington
Firearms Law
2016
Marijuana Law in Washington
Ethics of Marijuana
2016
Gun Law in Washington
Firearms Law
2009
Internal CLE
Firearms Law
2008
West Precinct Advisory Counsel
Vice and Narcotics Effects on the Community
2008
South Precinct Advisory Committee
Vice and Drug Effects on Motels
2008
East Precinct Advisory Counsel
Drug Law Offenses and Neighborhood Effects
2007
Seattle University School of Law Extern Program
Real World Criminal Law
2006
Seattle University Externship Program
Real World Criminal Law
2005
Seattle University School of Law Externship Program
Real World Criminal Law
2002
Washington State Criminal Justice Institute Officer Training
Report Writing for Officers
2001
Field Sobriety Test Training Program
Report Writing
2000
Spring Conference 2000
Ethics in Prosecution
1998
Winter Conference 1998
Evidnence in Domestic Violence Cases
Publications
2013
Aspatore Book publication
Strategies for Defending Firearms Offence Charges
2011
2011
2011
Avvo
Firearms Law in Washington
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
Derek earned significant contribution points in 2012.
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I revoke my now ex girlfriends bail? We live in yakima county Washington state
17 Dec 2018
Q&A
Can the DMV arrest you, If you have a bench warrant?
18 Dec 2018
Q&A
My friend is on trial for a big felony case and isent suppose to leave WA state if he dose what are the consequences?
18 Dec 2018
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Three things not to do at your arraignment to ensure that you go home afterwards
31 Dec 2011
Legal Guide
Tips for dealing with suspended licenses
22 Dec 2011
Legal Guide
Some Practical Do's and Don'ts Involving Use of Deadly Force in Washington State
02 Dec 2011