Atty. James White
James White graduated from UC Berkeley, and started his legal career in Tacoma at the Department of Assigned Counsel. In 1997, he joined the Associated Counsel of the Accused in King County, where he served as public defender.
Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving Tacoma, WA · 29+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About James White at a Glance
James White is a Member based in Tacoma, Washington, practicing at Smith & White, PLLC. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi, asylum, criminal defense, and immigration. Admitted to practice in Washington (1997). Educated at Seattle University School of Law (J.D., 1996) and University of California - Berkeley (B.S., 1991). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Active member of Washington State Bar. Serves clients in Tacoma, WA and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About James White
- James White graduated from UC Berkeley, and started his legal career in Tacoma at the Department of Assigned Counsel
- In 1997, he joined the Associated Counsel of the Accused in King County, where he served as public defender
- He was selected to serve as lead counsel for King County’s District Mental Health Court, where he became an impassioned advocate for mentally ill defendants
- In 2004, James returned to the South Sound area to work on Tacoma and Pierce County criminal defense and gained valuable experience with immigration and asylum law
- After joining a private criminal defense firm in Seattle to learn the intricacies of DUI law, he and partner Derek Smith founded their own firm, Smith & White, PLLC. James engages in pro bono work and volunteer legal expertise for Centro Latino
- He coaches youth sports, enjoys dancing and is a founding member of Broodcomb Games
- He spends his days on Vashon with his two sons and their French bulldog, Charlemagne
- Past Employment Positions King County District Court for the Mental Health Court, Counsel Pro Bono Activities Volunteer, Tacoma nonprofit organization Centro Latino Professional & Bar Association Memberships • Vashon Island Junior Basketball Member Since: 2005 • Washington State Bar Member Since: 1997
Practice Areas Explained
James White's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases James White handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Tacoma.
DUI / DWI Defense in Tacoma
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James White is one of 29,739 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in Washington →
Asylum & Refugee in Tacoma
James White is one of 1,767 asylum attorneys indexed nationally. Browse asylum 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.
James White is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Washington →
Immigration Law in Tacoma
Immigration attorneys help with green cards, visas, citizenship, asylum, and deportation defense. Find a verified immigration lawyer for your case.
James White is one of 40,259 immigration attorneys indexed nationally. Browse immigration 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.
Looking for additional Washington attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Tacoma or all attorneys in Washington.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Tacoma Choose James White
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 James White's practice in the field of dui/dwi, asylum, criminal defense, and immigration.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
James White brings 29+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering dui/dwi, asylum, and criminal defense, James White 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 James White 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 James White Handles in Tacoma
Below is a representative sample of the types of matters James White 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 James White directly to discuss the specifics of your situation.
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How People Find James White Online
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James White's Practice Areas & Specializations
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