Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
5.0 /5.0
36 Client Reviews
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David R Yannetti
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About David
Biography
Boston Criminal Defense Attorney David Yannetti’s polished trial skills and professional demeanor have earned him the respect and admiration of clients, peers, competitors and judges throughout Massachusetts and the country. Attorney Yannetti has successfully tried important, high-stakes cases that were broadcast gavel-to-gavel on Court TV, New England Cable News and other networks, earning high praise from other commentators and legal experts. Mr. Yannetti himself has appeared as a legal analyst on Fox News, CNN, and I.D. Channel. Attorney Yannetti competed in the 2008 “Battle of the Lawyers” sponsored by Massachusetts Lawyers Weekly, a charity event designed to showcase masterful trial lawyers re-creating their famous closing arguments. Attorney Yannetti was chosen by a celebrity jury to have given the “Most Compelling Argument”, thereby naming him the winner of the event.
Boston Magazine 2024 “Super Lawyer”
Attorney Yannetti has been selected to the exclusive Massachusetts and New England “Super Lawyers” list in Boston Magazine every year since 2007. In order to be named a “Super Lawyer,” an attorney must survive a rigorous and discerning selection process. Lawyers nominate other lawyers, who are then evaluated by a blue-ribbon panel consisting of top attorneys within each practice area. The blue-ribbon panel considers such factors as an attorney’s honors and awards, his experience, his scholarly lectures and writings, his education and employment background and other outstanding achievements. In the end, only 5% of Massachusetts lawyers are selected for inclusion in the Super Lawyers list. Attorney Yannetti is proud to be among them, as a highly rated criminal defense attorney. Read Attorney Yannetti’s Super Lawyers profile page.
An “AV- Rated,” Pre-Eminent Lawyer
Attorney Yannetti has earned an “AV” Rating* – the highest rating possible – from the Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings* every year since 1999. These ratings reflect the confidential opinions of judges and fellow lawyers regarding two aspects of an attorney’s practice: his or her legal ability and general ethical standards. An AV-Rated attorney is recognized to be pre-eminent in the practice of law and highly ethical. In fact, Attorney Yannetti’s AV Rating has qualified him for inclusion in The Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers* every year since 1999. Only 5% of all U.S. law firms qualify and are included — confirming that Attorney Yannetti is one of the most distinguished and respected criminal defense lawyers in the country.
One of the “Best Lawyers in America” for 2021
U.S. News and World Report recently named Attorney Yannetti one of the “Best Lawyers in America” for the second straight year and featured him in its magazine. According to its website, “Best Lawyers® is the oldest and most respected peer-review publication in the legal profession. A listing in Best Lawyers is widely regarded by both clients and legal professionals as a significant honor, conferred on a lawyer by his or her peers. For more than three decades, Best Lawyers lists have earned the respect of the profession, the media, and the public, as the most reliable, unbiased source of legal referrals anywhere. [The] lists of outstanding attorneys are compiled by conducting exhaustive peer-review surveys in which tens of thousands of leading lawyers confidentially evaluate their professional peers. If the votes for an attorney are positive enough for inclusion in Best Lawyers, that attorney must maintain those votes in subsequent polls to remain on the list for each edition.”
Boston Magazine "Super Lawyer," U.S. News & World Report "2024 Best Lawyers in America," 2026 AV-Preeminent Rated.
David Yannetti is a highly rated criminal defense expert, leading a team of experienced attorneys.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
37 years | 10,000 cases
DUI and DWI
15%
Domestic Violence
15%
37 years | 4,000 cases
Drug Crime
15%
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2016 2015
Licenses
Licensed in Massachusetts for 36 years
State: Massachusetts
Acquired: 1989
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
David R Yannetti's Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (27)
Recommendation (20)
Advocacy (18)
Practice Area Knowledge (13)
Professionalism (10)
Responsiveness (9)
Character & Conduct (7)
Communication Style (6)
Compassion (6)
General Knowledge (6)
Trustworthiness (6)
Cost of Services (4)
Staff & Support (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Punctuality (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Chris | May 18, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Miracle worker
Mr. Yannetti very knowledgeable, wise and a diligent worker. I was arrested in Boston for a false Domestic Violence charge. Before the arraignment I hired a different attorney. While the arraignment went fine the case started to go south quickly. I then realized I needed a solid attorneys. After inte...
Posted by Ron | November 10, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Focus on Family
David helped our family navigate a very challenging scenario with our teenage son. Throughout the process he represented the family with a high level of professionalism while not losing sight of the trauma and stress our family was experiencing. As commentary for anyone about to experience the ...
Posted by anonymous | September 25, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Very impressed from day one!
I first called for a free consultation on Labor Day and was surprised that it was David himself that answered the phone (on a holiday)! Right off the bat, he had a lot of knowledge about my sort of case and walked me through what would happen. He asked questions that I would not have considered mysel...
Posted by Cliff | January 01, 2012 | Child Custody
David Yannetti Is Hands Down The Best Lawyer In Boston
David Yannetti is not just a great Lawyer he is a great Man. He took on my case with the conviction and energy of a real intelligent, strong, caring, Lawyer who has alot of heart. In my case David took the time to make me feel comfortable and understand the legal system. The case against me was built...
Posted by anonymous | March 20, 2009 | Criminal Defense
David Yannetti is an example of "zealous advocacy" at it's finest
David Yannetti skillfully litigated a very serious set of felony allegations filed against me. While in law school, I was wrongfully accused of 5 felonies and as a result faced losing my home, my job, and my freedom. David carefully evaluated my situation, and most importantly, believed in me whe...
David R Yannetti's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am a criminal attorney with twenty three years on the job, first as a prosecutor, now as a defense lawyer. Over the years, I have observed many lawyers practice their craft. There are many lawyers. There are precious few good ones. David stands out as one of the best. When he was a prosecutor, I admired his scrupulous ethics. In his defense of his clients, he is a force to be reckoned with. He is universally respected, credible, forceful and smart. Above all, he is a supremely decent, humble and kind human being. Having said all that, I can't leave out the gifted team of lawyers that work with him! I wholeheartedly endorse David - and his entire team."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Simply said, David is a great DUI lawyer."
"David is an excellent attorney and well respected in the community. As a fellow lawyer I think this is who I would hire if I ever got in jam myself!"
"David is a driven and fearless advocate for his Clients. Highest endorsement."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I knew Dave when he was with the district attorney's office. He was one of the best DAs in the court but he's a better defense attorney."
"David is a bright and phenomenal lawyer who really understands client service."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Worked with and referred cases to him. Really cares about his work and Clients. Would always recommend him."
"Having worked with Attorney Yannetti when I was a Middlesex County Assistant District Attorney, I was consistently impressed by his expertise, his professionalism, and his easy collegial manner with other attorneys and court employees."
"I have known Attorney Yannetti for many years and have found him to be one of the hardest working and knowledgeable criminal defense lawyers in Massachusetts. Attorney Yannetti is an excellent litigator and skilled advocate. I have referred many cases to him and every client has been very pleased with the results. I would definitely recommend David to anyone needing a criminal attorney in Massachusetts."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Terrific attorney."
"I have known David Yannetti since the early 90s when we worked for the Middlesex County District Attorney's Office. In court he demonstrates a real command of criminal law and procedure and defends his clients with passion. In a profession that has no shortage of mediocre lawyers, Attorney Yannetti is a gifted trial lawyer. I highly recommend him."
"I am so proud to put him over the top. Truly superb."
"Attorney David Yannetti is one of the finest criminal lawyers I have met over the course of my career. The success he has enjoyed over the past two decades has so impressed me that when a family friend was charged with a very serious crime a few years ago, I didn’t hesitate to refer him to Attorney Yannetti. I was confident my friend would be in excellent hands. And he was. David defended the case superbly. The friend - and his wife - were thrilled with the outcome and continue to be very grateful for my recommendation."
"David Yannetti is the best. If a friend or family member needed a criminal lawyer, I would not let them go anywhere else."
Murat Erkan
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Bialys
DUI and DWI lawyer
John Tenn
Criminal defense lawyer
Randy Chapman
Criminal defense lawyer
Steven Topazio
Criminal defense lawyer
Kevin Mahoney
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter Bellotti
Personal injury lawyer
John Fulginiti
Divorce and separation lawyer
Edmund Mathers
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Michael Sams
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Christopher Kenney
Business lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
AV-Rating, Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings
2016
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2015
New England Super Lawyers, Boston Magazine
2015
2015 Best Lawyers in America, U.S. News & World Report
2015
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2014
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2013
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2012
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2011
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2010
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2009
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2008
Most Compelling Argument, 2008 Battle of the Lawyers
2008
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2007
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
1991
John C. Droney Award, Middlesex District Attorney's Office
1989
Mr. & Mrs. Joseph F. Gill Award, Boston College Law School
1989
Mock Trial Competition Champion, Boston College Law School
1989
Northeast Regional Champion, Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
1989
Northeast Regional Mock Trial Competition Champion, Boston College Law School
1989
Hardy C. Dillard Award, Jessup International Law Moot Court Competition
1988
Grimes Moot Court Competition Finalist, Boston College Law School
Work Experience
1999 - Present
Lead Attorney, Yannetti Criminal Law Firm
1995 - 1996
Instructor, Boston University Law School
1989 - 1999
Assistant District Attorney, Middlesex County District Attorney's Office
Associations
2007 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - Present
Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2002 - Present
Massachusetts Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
1999 - Present
Massachusetts Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
Attorney Yannetti wins aquittal in 1st-degree murder case
Not Guilty Verdict
Attorney Yannetti wins acquittal in domestic assault case
Not Guilty Verdict
Professional man cleared of rape charges
Not Guilty Verdict
Education
1989
Boston College Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
1985
Bowdoin College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2015
Criminal Defense in Practice
Private Practice Issues
2007
Boston College Law School Trial Practice Class
Criminal Defense & Prosecution Issues
2000
Suffolk University Law School Criminal Law Class
Practical Issues in Massachusetts Criminal Law
1995
Boston University Law School Legal Research and Writing Class
Research/Writing/Oral Argument
Publications
2003
Commonwealth v. Phinney
Successful Brief and Record Appendix filed in the Supreme Judicial Court in opposition to the Commonwealth's appeal of a Superior Court judge's allowance of the defendant's motion for new trial
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides