1. Hester Law Group
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 130+ years combined experience and multiple 10.0 Superb Avvo ratings
Practice Areas: Violent crimes, white collar crimes, DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes
Background: When prosecutors want you to suffer the maximum legal penalties, your defense is to work with an aggressive team of experienced Tacoma criminal defense lawyers. At Hester Law Group, the firm brings more than 130 years of combined experience to each case taken. The team comprises numerous 10.0 Superb Avvo Rated lawyers who know what it takes to help clients protect their rights and avoid a criminal conviction. Whether you were charged with a violent crime or a white-collar offense, count on the team to help you make use of your legal options. The firm pursues justice and explores sensible solutions for those represented and their families. The firm is there to fight for Constitutional Rights, negotiate optimal results, and go to trial if justice so requires. Hester Law Group has successfully tried cases in both state and federal courts throughout Washington, Oregon, Alaska, California, Nevada, Montana, Idaho, and Arizona.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Contact: (253) 300-3034 | https://www.hesterlawgroup.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
2. The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC
Focus Area: Criminal defense with former prosecutor and 25+ years combined experience
Practice Areas: DUI, domestic violence, assault, weapon charges, drug crimes, sex crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: At The Law Offices of Smith & White, PLLC, you have two veteran trial lawyers, a former law enforcement investigator, and certified paralegals working the details of your case. Their skill and dedication consistently produces acquittals, dismissals, and reduced charges. The firm practices in the criminal courts of Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, and King counties. Derek served 15 years as a criminal prosecutor, which helps him challenge the government’s evidence. He is a recognized authority on Washington state gun laws and protection orders. James has spent his career as a public defender and criminal defense lawyer. He leads the DUI defense team and also handles criminal cases that threaten immigration status. The firm’s Tacoma criminal defense lawyers have been fighting for the accused for over 25 years in Tacoma and beyond.
Location: Tacoma, Washington (serves Pierce, Thurston, Kitsap, and King Counties)
Contact: (253) 203-1645 | https://www.smithandwhite.com/
Consultation: Expert consultation available
3. Pacific Point Defense
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 400+ five-star Google reviews and Client’s Choice Award for eight consecutive years
Practice Areas: DUI, drug crimes, assault, theft, domestic violence, sex crimes, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: Pacific Point Defense is one of one the largest criminal defense firms in Washington and has been owned and operated by Angela Horwath since 2008. She has extensive experience as a criminal defense attorney and is well respected in the legal community. Prior to opening the firm she gained valuable trial experience as a public defender at The Department of Assigned Counsel located in Pierce County, Washington. While there, she was the Lead Counsel on hundreds of criminal cases and trained several attorneys in the practice of criminal law. In addition to her extensive trial experience, Angela has authored hundreds criminal legal motions and briefs. Since opening the firm in 2008, she has obtained dozens of favorable trial outcomes and secured hundreds of dismissals for clients. Owner Angela Horwath has attained highest AVVO rating of Superb and has also been awarded the “Client’s Choice Award” for the last eight years in a row with over 100 client reviews on the public website and 400 five star reviews on Google.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Contact: (253) 620-0033 | https://pacificpointdefense.com/
Consultation: Free consultation available
4. Law Office of Michael Austin Stewart
Focus Area: Criminal defense with reputation for courtroom toughness and high-profile case experience
Practice Areas: Domestic violence, DUI, assault, drug crimes, theft, sex crimes, felonies
Background: One of Tacoma’s most respected and dedicated criminal defense lawyers. Attorney Michael Austin Stewart has a reputation for being extremely tough in the courtroom but easy to talk to in-person. Michael will put you at ease while he is working with you, but he will aggressively stand up to the authorities when defending your rights. Whether you are facing a domestic violence charge, a DUI-related charge or something more serious, the firm will fight tooth and nail to help you reach the outcome possible. “We are not defined by the mistakes we make; rather, we are defined by how we meet life’s challenges.” The firm has handled some of the most high-profile criminal cases in the state of Washington, and is there for you, too. You do not have to go through the toughest time of your life alone.
Location: Tacoma, Washington
Contact: Available through website | https://www.michaelaustinstewart.com/
Consultation: Available for consultation
5. Washington State Attorneys (Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe)
Focus Area: Criminal defense with 50+ years combined experience and focus on client communication
Practice Areas: DUI, assault, domestic violence, drug crimes, theft, traffic offenses, felonies, misdemeanors
Background: If you’ve been charged with any crime in Washington State, you should immediately contact the qualified Tacoma criminal defense lawyers at the Law Office of Jason S. Newcombe. The professional litigators are ready to help you face this challenge head-on, and will aggressively fight to defend your legal rights. Whether you are ready to admit your guilt, or believe you are innocent of the charges against you, taking that first step and contacting a Tacoma lawyer is often the most difficult. The Tacoma criminal attorneys urge you to contact the law firm as quickly as possible, because you are facing some of the most important decisions in your life. The attorneys have a combined 50 years of legal experience serving clients across the state of Washington. The firm strives to give every client-focused, individualized attention with the goal of achieving outcomes for their cases.
Location: 1201 S. I St. Helens Ave #204B, Tacoma, WA 98402
Contact: (844) 925-2943 | https://www.washingtonstateattorneys.com/
Consultation: No-cost initial consultation available
Criminal Defense Laws in Washington
Felony Classifications
Washington classifies felonies into three classes:
Class A Felony: Includes first-degree murder, first-degree kidnapping, and first-degree rape. Maximum life imprisonment and $50,000 fine.
Class B Felony: Includes second-degree assault, first-degree burglary, and vehicular homicide. Maximum 10 years imprisonment and $20,000 fine.
Class C Felony: Includes third-degree assault, second-degree theft, and possession of controlled substances. Maximum 5 years imprisonment and $10,000 fine.
Misdemeanor Classifications
Gross Misdemeanor: Includes DUI, fourth-degree assault, and stalking. Maximum 364 days in jail and $5,000 fine.
Simple Misdemeanor: Includes disorderly conduct and minor in possession. Maximum 90 days in jail and $1,000 fine.
Vacating Convictions
Washington allows “vacating” convictions rather than traditional expungement:
Misdemeanors: May be vacated 3 years after completion of all conditions of the sentence.
Class B Felonies: May be vacated 10 years after completion of all conditions of the sentence.
Class C Felonies: May be vacated 5 years after completion of all conditions of the sentence.
Class A Felonies: Generally cannot be vacated.
Effect: A vacated conviction is treated as if it never occurred for most purposes, though it may still be considered in some circumstances.
DUI Laws
Washington DUI applies to driving with BAC of .08% or higher (.04% commercial, .02% under 21). First offense is a gross misdemeanor with 1-364 days jail (minimum 1 day), $940-$5,000 fine, 90-day license suspension, and ignition interlock device. Second offense within 7 years carries 30-364 days jail, $1,120-$5,000 fine, 2-year license revocation, and ignition interlock device. Third offense within 7 years carries 90-364 days jail, $1,970-$5,000 fine, and 3-year license revocation. Fourth offense within 10 years is a Class B or C felony.
Frequently Asked Questions
What courts handle criminal cases in Tacoma?
Criminal cases in Tacoma are handled by multiple courts depending on the offense. Tacoma Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors. The Court is located at 930 Tacoma Ave S, Rm 841, Tacoma, WA 98402. Phone: (253) 591-5357. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M. Pierce County District Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and some felony preliminary matters. Pierce County Superior Court handles felony trials and appeals. Federal criminal cases are handled by the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. Having a Tacoma criminal defense attorney familiar with local judges and prosecutors provides an advantage.
What are the consequences of a DUI conviction in Pierce County?
Washington has strict DUI penalties. A first offense DUI is a gross misdemeanor with minimum 1 day jail (24 consecutive hours), $940-$5,000 fine, 90-day license suspension (or 1 year if you refused the breath test), ignition interlock device for 1 year, and alcohol/drug evaluation. Enhanced penalties apply for high BAC (.15%+): minimum 2 days jail. A second offense within 7 years carries minimum 30 days jail (or 60 days with electronic home monitoring), and 2-year license revocation. A third offense within 7 years carries minimum 90 days jail and 3-year license revocation. A fourth offense within 10 years becomes a felony. A Tacoma criminal defense attorney can challenge the traffic stop, field sobriety tests, and breath test results.
What is the difference between vacating a conviction and expungement in Washington?
Washington uses the term “vacating” rather than expungement. When a conviction is vacated, the court sets aside the finding of guilt and the case is dismissed. The effect is that you may legally answer on most applications that you have not been convicted of that crime. However, the arrest and court records still exist and may be accessible in some circumstances. Law enforcement can still access the records, and vacated convictions may still be considered for certain purposes like immigration consequences or subsequent sentencing. Not all convictions are eligible for vacation; Class A felonies and certain sex offenses generally cannot be vacated. A Tacoma criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and file the appropriate petition.
What diversion programs are available in Pierce County?
Pierce County offers several diversion programs and alternative sentencing options. Drug Court provides treatment-based alternatives for non-violent drug offenders. Mental Health Court addresses defendants with mental health issues. Veterans Court serves veterans with service-related issues. Pierce County also offers alternatives such as suspended sentences, diversion programs, community service, and drug or alcohol treatment programs. These programs may be available depending on the circumstances of the case. Successful completion may result in dismissal or reduced charges. A Tacoma criminal defense attorney can evaluate eligibility and advocate for treatment alternatives.
What are the penalties for drug possession in Washington?
Washington decriminalized simple drug possession following the Blake decision and subsequent legislation. Under current law (as of 2023), simple possession of a controlled substance is a misdemeanor with maximum 90 days jail and $1,000 fine for first two offenses, and a gross misdemeanor thereafter. The focus is on treatment referrals rather than incarceration. However, possession with intent to distribute, manufacturing, and drug trafficking remain serious felonies with significant prison terms. Possession of marijuana (over 40 grams) and sales without a license remain criminal offenses. A Tacoma criminal defense attorney can evaluate your case and advocate for treatment alternatives.