Atty. Derek Smith
I was a prosecutor for 15 years for the cities of Kent and Seattle. I serve or have served as a pro tem judge for the cities of Kent, Federal Way, Des Moines, Algona/Pacific and Issaquah.
Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving Tacoma, WA · 30+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Derek Smith at a Glance
Derek Smith is a Member based in Tacoma, Washington, practicing at Smith & White, PLLC. They have 30+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1996. Their practice focuses on personal injury, criminal defense, and civil rights. Admitted to practice in Washington (1996) and North Dakota (2012). Educated at Seattle University, School of Law (J.D., 1996) and University of California - Davis (B.A., 1991). Active member of Washington State Bar Association North Dakota Bar Association. Serves clients in Tacoma, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Derek Smith
- I was a prosecutor for 15 years for the cities of Kent and Seattle
- I serve or have served as a pro tem judge for the cities of Kent, Federal Way, Des Moines, Algona/Pacific and Issaquah
- Since 2011 I have practiced as a defense attorney doing criminal defense, civil rights restoration, and protection order litigation
- I represent individuals on cases from murder in the first degree to traffic infractions
- Featured Cases and Matters Murder in the second degree – Not guilty at trial – February 2015 Four counts of Assault in the First Degree – Not guilty at trial December 2015 Robbery in the first degree – Not guilty at trial December 2014 Burglary in the second degree – case dismissed September 2018 Theft in the first degree – case dismissed March 2016 Assault in the second degree domestic violence – case sent to diversion April 2018 Assault in the second degree domestic violence – case dismissed April 2018 Assault in the second degree – case dismissed March 2018 Articles Gun Law in Washington: May 2016 Title 2 Firearms- unique and misunderstood November 2017 State and Federal Firearms Law Title 1 Firearms Title 2 Firearms Liability Concerns for Gun Owners/Dealers Ethical Considerations When Representing Gun Owners November 2018 State and Federal Firearms Law Title 1 Firearms Title 2 Firearms Liability Concerns for Gun Owners/Dealers Non-Legal Activities Judicial Candidate 2018, City of Tacoma Past President, St. Marks Professional & Bar Association Memberships • Washington State Bar Association Member Since: 1996 Rules Committee – 2012-13 Character and Fitness Board 2013-15 • North Dakota Bar Association Member Since: 2012
Practice Areas Explained
Derek Smith's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Derek Smith handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Tacoma.
Personal Injury in Tacoma
Personal injury attorneys help accident victims recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain & suffering. Most work on contingency — no fee unless you win.
Derek Smith is one of 262,557 personal injury attorneys indexed nationally. Browse personal injury attorneys in Washington →
Criminal Defense in Tacoma
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Derek Smith is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Washington →
Civil Rights in Tacoma
Civil rights attorneys for discrimination, police misconduct, constitutional rights, and civil liberties cases.
Derek Smith is one of 69,634 civil rights attorneys indexed nationally. Browse civil rights attorneys in Washington →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Tacoma
Practicing law in Washington. Legal matters in Washington are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Tacoma are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Washington state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Washington brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Washington courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Tacoma Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Tacoma-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Tacoma Choose Derek Smith
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Derek Smith's practice in the field of personal injury, criminal defense, and civil rights.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Derek Smith brings 30+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Washington and North Dakota, Derek Smith can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering personal injury, criminal defense, and civil rights, Derek Smith can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Tacoma
A Tacoma-based practice means Derek Smith attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
Case Types
Common Legal Issues Derek Smith Handles in Tacoma
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters Derek Smith has experience with under Washington law. If your situation involves one of these case categories, this attorney may be well positioned to help you understand your options.
This list is illustrative, not exhaustive. Contact Derek Smith directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find Derek Smith Online
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Derek Smith's Practice Areas & Specializations
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