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James J White

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Avvo Rating9.9
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Legal guides written by James White

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James J White
James J White
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About James

I am happy to talk law all day if you want to talk law all day.  Or I can just keep it simple and easy.  We have a complex and nuanced legal system that works surprising well.  Of course it has flaws and could be better.  But sometimes those flaws can benefit you.  I'll guide you through this dynamic system to get the best outcome for you. 

Practice areas

  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    26 years, 4,000 cases

  2. DUI and DWI: 30%

    26 years, 600 cases

  3. Domestic violence: 11%

    26 years, 1,500 cases

  4. Cannabis Law: 3%

  5. Military law: 3%

  6. Violent crime: 3%

    26 years, 1,500 cases

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

26202 1323906082

26202 1326221060

26202 1357854449

26202 1357860111

26202 1534879677

Contact

Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC

717 TACOMA AVE S.
Suite C
Tacoma, WA, 98402

Website
http://www.smithandwhite.com 

    Kitsap County Courthouse

    614 Division St.
    Port Orchard, WA, 98366

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    WAActive199705/07/2022
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers1216
    Legal guides10
    Awards
    Award nameGrantorDate Granted
    Lead Counsel Rated 2016Martindale-Hubbell2016
    SDL Rated 2016Search DUI Lawyers2016
    Client Distinction Award 2015Martindale-Hubbell2015
    Client Choice Award 2015AVVO2015
    Top Contributor 2014AVVO2014
    Lead Counsel RatedMartindale-Hubbell2013
    SDL CertifiedSearch DUI Lawyers2013
    Top 100 DUI AttorneysThe National Advocacy For DUI Defense2013
    Superb Ratingavvo2012
    Client Choice Award 2012avvo2012
    Top Contributor 2012avvo2012
    Seattle Municipal Court Panel AttorneySeattle Municipal Court2012
    Superb Ratingavvo2011
    Class A Qualified Panel AttorneyDepartment of Assigned Counsel2011
    Excellent AwardAVVO2011
    A RatingBetter Business Bureau2011
    Dedication AwardNational College for DUI Defense2010
    Valuable ServiceKing County Mental Health Court2004
    Lead Attorney King County Mental Health CourtAssociated Counsel for the Accused2002
    Felony PositionAssociated Counsel for the Accused1999
    Law ClinicSeattle University School of Law1996
    Who's Who in Law School StudentsWho's Who Legal1996
    Am Jur Evidence LabSeattle University School of Law1995
    Rule 9 AttorneyDepartment of Assigned Counsel1995
    Who's Who LegalWho's Who in Law School Stusdent1995
    99.9% ScoreLaw School Admissions Test1992
    Who's Who in High School StudentsWho's Who1987
    Mathmatics ExcellenceUpward Bound1987
    ValedictorianLeggett Valley High School1987
    Excellence in EnglishLeggett Valley High School1987
    Shakespeare ExcellenceUpward Bound Program1987
    Rotary ScholarshipRotary Club1987
    Kiwanis ScholarshipKiwanis Club1987
    MVP Varsity BasketballLeggett Valley High School1986
    110% Varsity BasketballLeggett Valley High School1986
    Mathmatics ExcellenceUpward Bound1986
    4th Place Regional Cross CountryCalifornia Athletics Varsity Cross Country1986
    MVP Varsity BasketballLeggett Valley High School1985
    Mathmatics ExcellenceUpward Bound1985
    work experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    PartnerLaw Offices of Smith & White, PLLC2011 - Present
    AttorneyLaw Offices of James Egan, LLC2009 - 2011
    Trial AttorneyLegacy Legal, PLLC2006 - 2009
    AttorneyAssociated Counsel for the Accused1997 - 2004
    AttorneyDepartment of Assigned Counsel1994 - 1997
    AttorneyCentro Latino1994 - 1997
    associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    United State District CourtAttorney in the US District Court2013 - Present
    Washington State Bar Association, Civil Rights Law SectionMember2011 - Present
    Washington State Bar Association, Solo and Small Practice Sectionmember2011 - Present
    Washington State Bar Association, Criminal Law Section2011 - Present
    Washington State Bar Association, Litigation SectionMember2011 - Present
    Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember2011 - Present
    National College of DUI DefenseMember2009 - Present
    Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2009 - Present
    Vashon Island Junior BasketballBoard Member2005 - Present
    Washington Defender Associationmember1997 - Present
    Washington State Bar Associationmember1997 - Present
    King County Bar Associationmember2008 - 2009
    American Immigration Lawyers Associationmember2005 - 2006
    ABA/Microsoft Immigration Pro Bono ProjectLead Attorney2005 - 2005
    Washington State Trial Lawyers Associationmember2004 - 2005
    King County Mental Health CourtLead Counsel2002 - 2004
    Seattle Municipal Mental Health CourtAttorney1999 - 2002
    Casa LatinaLead Attorney1996 - 1998
    HOLAExecutive Assistant1994 - 1996
    publications
    Publication nameTitleDate
    Tacoma Criminal Lawyer BlogJames White Criminal Law Blawg2016
    AVVOField Sobriety Tests for DUIs2012
    avvoConstructive Possession and Unwitting Possession2012
    AVVOHow to Get the No Contact Order Dropped2012
    AvvoSo You Admitted You were Driving2012
    avvoWhere You Read Your Rights?2012
    AvvoTop Ten Responses to Being Interrogated by Law Enforcement2011
    AvvoWhat to Bring to Your Arraignment2011
    AvvoStopped for Lane Travel2011
    AVVODo You Need to Intend a DUI2010
    Law School BulletinArguments Against the Death Penalty1993
    Law School BulletinArguments Against the Death Penalty Reply1993
    In Your FaceLos Lobos1991
    EditorialYear Book1987
    Short FictionYear Book1987
    Short FictionYear Book1986
    School CollectionCoyote1985
    education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Seattle University School of LawJuris Doctorate1996
    Berkeley (CAL): University of CaliforniaBachelor's of Science1991
    San Francisco State UniversityMinor1990
    California State University, Humboldt State UniversityMinor1990
    speaking engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    Seattle University Legal Externship OrientationReal World Criminal Law2007
    Political CaucusCandidate Qualifications2007
    Seattle University Legal Extern OrientationReal World Criminal Law2006
    Seattle University Legal Extern OrientationReal World Criminal Law2005
    Mental Health ConferenceMental Health issues in criminal defense2004
    Gains Conference in Las VegasMental Health & Criminal Defense2004
    International Judges touring King County Mental Health CourtMental Health & Criminal Defense2003
    Baptismal of J.QBaptism2001
    CLE PresentationImmigration Update to Criminal Defense2001
    Association of College EntrepeneursStudent Representative1990
    Leggett Valley GraduationValedictorian1987
    Student ElectionsStudent President1986
    Interschool Council ElectionsPresident Elections1986
    Fort Bragg School Board MeetingExchange Student Program1986
    Student ElectionsStudent President1985
    legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    State v. Alfred G.Not Guilty in under an hour
    State v. Joshua E.Client released
    3rd DUI in 7 years reduced to Reckless Driving3rd DUI in 7 years reduced to Reckless Driving
    2nd Fastest Trial Not GuiltyNot Guilty verdict in under 15 minutes.
    State v. Kenny C.New Trial Granted
    See all Legal Cases

    Reviews

    5.0 stars4.9 (27)
    5 Star
    		96%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		4%
    Review James J White

    Best lawyer in town, maybe the state.

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Spectacular!

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    BEST EXPERIENCE

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Friendly, knowledegable, effective

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Mr.White

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    James J White's response: Thank you Emily. I am so glad I could help.

    Leo S.

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    5 star recommendation

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney
    James J White's response: Ms. Jones, It was my privilege to help with your sticky situation. I'm glad we were able to keep your professional aspirations on track. Best luck with your schooling!

    Inexpensive and really good at his job.

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    Great Criminal Defense

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    the gift of life

    5.0 stars

    Posted by

    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (53)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
    Lawyer Andrew C Huff

    Andrew Huff, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 19, 2011
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have known James for some time and have personally observed his work in the courtroom. He is truly an exceptional attorney who always represents his clients extremely well.

    Lawyer James Egan

    James Egan, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 8, 2010
    Relationship: Supervised lawyer

    Mr. White is a very sharp and persuasive advocate for all his clients. He has a particular knack for convincing prosecutors to negotiate, and has developed relationships with many of them in the King County area. He is a tireless advocate for clients, and is well-versed in the area of criminal and DUI law. He has done countless jury trials, and always makes a good impression in any court.

    Lawyer Rahul Aggarwal

    Rahul Aggarwal, Unknown Attorney on Feb 28, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    An excellent lawyer who treats clients with patience, care, understanding, and utmost professionalism - an even better person and I wholeheartedly recommend for future services.

    Lawyer Mark Lynwood Rowe

    Mark Rowe, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 12, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Attorney James White is a powerful advocate for his clients. He is always prepared and very successful in the courtroom. The client who trusts his case to Justin makes a wise decision, and I highly recommend his work.

    Lawyer Keith M. Fletcher

    Keith Fletcher, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    An experienced defense lawyer who can help you in your worst of times.

    No photo

    Ali Ebrahimzadeh, Unknown Attorney on Jan 9, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Mark V. Clay

    Mark Clay, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 19, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly endorse Mr. White. Very experienced and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help.

    Lawyer H. Scott Aalsberg

    H. Aalsberg, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 22, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    James White Esq, is a Great Lawyer who gets the Best Results his clients I endorse him.

    Lawyer Mark Wayne Girdner

    Mark Girdner, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 14, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    James is an experienced, highly respected attorney who always represents his clients with the utmost of skill, knowledge and understanding.

    No photo

    Lyle Dickson, Unknown Attorney on Jan 12, 2015
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Philip Israels

    Philip Israels, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 10, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Attorney James White is a very active member here in the Avvo community posting accurate and helpful legal answers for folks needing some advice on their case. He is a valuable member in our profession. I fully endorse him.

    Lawyer Mariya Furman

    Mariya Furman, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 3, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse attorney James White. He gives back to the community by posting excellent legal answers in Avvo for people who have asked for advice on their case. A valuable member in the legal industry.

    Lawyer Victoria L Clemans

    Victoria Clemans, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 2, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. A picture is worth a thousand words.. and that is one awesome picture of Mr. White.

    Lawyer Shadan Kapri

    Shadan Kapri, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 8, 2014
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer. He is very bright and highly respected in the community.

    Lawyer Dmitriy Shakhnevich

    Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Domestic violence Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Bob Giannini

    Bob Giannini, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 22, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I highly endorse James White. James is a knowledgeable and well respected attorney. Plus, he is one of the good guys. Recently I personally sought his advice on a matter of great importance to me. James gave me excellent advice and counsel. I recommend James White to anyone needing effective and thorough representation in the Tacoma - Seattle - Olympia areas. Call James. You will be glad that you did.

    Lawyer John Michael Phillips

    John Phillips, Unknown Attorney on Sep 20, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    With a great track record of published answers to consumers' questions on Avvo.com and the recommendations from clients and attorneys alike, it is easy to see that attorney White is skilled and knows the law well too. If you have a legal question in his area of expertise, he is your answer.

    Lawyer Leslie E. Fourton

    Leslie Fourton, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 16, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community.

    Lawyer Lee Thomas Hotchkin Jr

    Lee Hotchkin, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 9, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr White is a very professional and effective criminal defense lawyer.

    Lawyer William Hilton Ridings Jr

    William Ridings, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 8, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Hovanes Margarian

    Hovanes Margarian, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 19, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Lawyer Michael S. Waddington

    Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Jun 3, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card

    Legal guides written by James White

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