Derek Michael Smith
Open for Business- Tacoma, WA
- Licensed for 25 years
- Free consultation
About Derek
The Law Offices of Smith and White. Compassionate Counsel, Passionate Defense.
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.
Practice areas
- Criminal defense: 40%
25 years, 15,000 cases
- Domestic violence: 25%
25 years, 2,600 cases
- Gun Law: 15%
- Violent crime: 11%
25 years, 200 cases
- DUI and DWI: 3%
25 years, 2,000 cases
- Cannabis Law: 3%
- Military law: 3%
Languages spoken
English
Photos and videos
Contact
Derek Smith
717 Tacoma Ave. S, Suite C
Suite C
Tacoma, WA, 98402
- Office (253) 203-1645
Resume
| State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
|---|---|---|---|
| ND | License Expired | 2012 | 11/26/2021 |
| WA | Active | 1996 | 11/13/2021 |
| Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
|---|---|---|
| Chief of Police Award | Seattle Police Department | 2008 |
| Merit Award | Seattle City Attorney's Office | 2008 |
| Graduated Cum Laude | Seattle University School of Law | 1996 |
| Licensed to Practice | US Federal Court Western District of Washington | 1996 |
| Title | Company name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Partner | Law Office of Smith and White, PLLC | 2011 - 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 | 2010 - Present |
| Assistant City Attorney | Seattle City Attorney’s Office | 2002 - 2010 |
| Senior Prosecutor | City Of Kent Prosecutor's Office | 2000 - 2002 |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic Violence Prosecutor | City Of Kent Attorney's Office | 2000 - 2000 |
| Prosecutor | City Of Kent Attorney's Office | 1996 - 2000 |
| Rule 9 Legal Intern | City Of Kent Attorney's Office | 1995 - 1996 |
| Legal Intern-Institutions Project | Puget Sound Legal Assistance Fdn | 1994 - 1995 |
| Association name | Position name | Duration |
|---|---|---|
| Salvation Army | Advisory Board | 2018 - Present |
| Hon. Robert J. Bryan American Inn of Court | Associate Member | 2013 - Present |
| Washington Defender Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
| Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association | Member | 2011 - Present |
| Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, CLE Committee | Member | 2012 - 2013 |
| Washington State Bar Association, Character and Fitness Board | Member | 2012 - 2015 |
|---|---|---|
| St. Marks Lutheran by the Narrows Executive Council | President | 2011 - 2013 |
| Washington State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section | Member | 2010 - 2015 |
| Washington State Bar Association, Court Rules and Procedures Committee | Member | 2010 - 2012 |
| Tacoma Art Museum Activites Council | President | 2009 - 2010 |
| Tacoma Art Museum | Vice President | 2008 - 2009 |
| Tacoma Art Museum Activites Council | Chair-Procurement Committee | 2007 - 2008 |
| Publication name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Aspatore Book publication | Strategies for Defending Firearms Offence Charges | 2013 |
| Avvo | Firearms Law in Washington | 2011 |
| Avvo | Three things not to do to ensure you come home after your arraignment | 2011 |
| Avvo | Tips for Dealing with Suspended Licenses | 2011 |
| Avvo | Three reasons to get a DV attorney | 2011 |
| School name | Degree | Graduated |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle University School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1996 |
| University of California - Davis | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1991 |
| Conference name | Title | Date |
|---|---|---|
| Gun Law in Washington | Firearms Law | 2018 |
| Criminal Law CLE Topics | Firearms Law | 2018 |
| Gun Law in Washington | Firearms Law | 2017 |
| Marijuana Law in Washington | Ethics of Marijuana | 2016 |
| Gun Law in Washington | Firearms Law | 2016 |
| Internal CLE | Firearms Law | 2009 |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | 2008 |
| Seattle University School of Law Extern Program | Real World Criminal Law | 2007 |
| Seattle University Externship Program | Real World Criminal Law | 2006 |
| Seattle University School of Law Externship Program | Real World Criminal Law | 2005 |
| Washington State Criminal Justice Institute Officer Training | Report Writing for Officers | 2002 |
| Field Sobriety Test Training Program | Report Writing | 2001 |
| Spring Conference 2000 | Ethics in Prosecution | 2000 |
| Winter Conference 1998 | Evidnence in Domestic Violence Cases | 1998 |
| Case name | Outcome |
|---|---|
| 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 |
The best attorney I have ever worked with!
5.0 stars
Posted by Greg
September 8, 2011
Knowledgeable Legal Advice
5.0 stars
Posted by Angela
December 26, 2011
Look no further.. you’ll be in great hands.
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
April 27, 2021
Very helpful and direct. Apreciatted.
5.0 stars
Posted by Chris
January 22, 2018
my DUI experience, and retaining counsel.
5.0 stars
Posted by Michelle
August 14, 2014
Best in the business by far!!!!
5.0 stars
Posted by butterflykissesx6
December 30, 2013
A lawyer you can trust!!
5.0 stars
Posted by Karl
October 2, 2013
Best attorney ever
5.0 stars
Posted by Chris
September 5, 2013
Excellent Representation and Results
5.0 stars
Posted by anonymous
September 4, 2013
A force to be reckoned with!
5.0 stars
Posted by Paul H
March 6, 2013
Attorney endorsements
(28)
Briteney Mercer, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 29, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Heather Straub, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 4, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
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.
Peter Marek, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 1, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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
Hovanes Margarian, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jul 30, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse Derek. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.
Mikolaj Tempski, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 11, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Keola Siu, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 10, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Bryce Fetter, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Noah Weil, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 14, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Smith is a considerate and passionate member of the legal community. I fully endorse this lawyer.
Stefanie Dorn, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 14, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter
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.
Gregg Stark, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 28, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Henry Chae, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 28, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Bradley Fisher, Unknown Attorney on Mar 9, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Jennifer Vickers Freeman, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 22, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer. Derek Smith is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney.
C. Abbott, Domestic violence Attorney on Jan 17, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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
Joseph Ostrowski, Divorce and separation Attorney on Jan 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
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.
Rostyslav Saciuk, Unknown Attorney on Jan 10, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Jason Sarver, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Christian Lassen, Unknown Attorney on Dec 27, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Aaron Walls, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 22, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Derek is an experienced lawyer who has an excellent understanding of the law and fights for his clients
Lennard Nahajski, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 21, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Having known Ms. Smith for many years, and having faced him in court on many occasions, I have always been impressed with his legal knowledge and professionalism.
Andrew Huff, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 21, 2011
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter
Derek is an absolute professional and well-respected in his field and always goes that extra mile for his clients. I highly endorse his work.
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