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David Joel Shrager
also known as David J. Shrager
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About David
Biography
David J. Shrager is an experienced and well-known Pittsburgh DUI lawyer and criminal defense attorney who focuses exclusively on defending individuals charged with serious criminal offenses, including DUI, drug crimes, violent offenses, and white-collar matters.
He is lead counsel at his Pittsburgh-based law firm, Shrager Defense Attorneys, where he has spent over 25 years successfully representing clients and defending complex criminal trials and DUI cases throughout Western Pennsylvania.
David is frequently featured in local news media, including WTAE, WPXI, and KDKA, where he is asked for commentary regarding his high-profile cases as well as legal insight on broader criminal law issues.
A lifelong Pittsburgh native, Attorney Shrager brings deep local knowledge of Allegheny County courts, prosecutors, and judges to every case he defends. He is known for his strategic, composed, and aggressive defense style, combining meticulous preparation with a calm courtroom presence.
Attorney David J. Shrager is a member of the Allegheny County Bar Association, Pennsylvania Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL), and the Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (PACDL).
David offers free and confidential legal consultations 24/7 on his cell phone.
Arrested or Under Investigation? Don’t Be Scared; Be Prepared!™ Call 24.7.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
30%
27 years
DUI and DWI
30%
27 years
Sex Crime
20%
26 years
Violent Crime
10%
27 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Licenses
Licensed in Pennsylvania for 26 years
State: Pennsylvania
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 27 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1999
No misconduct found
Location
Shrager Defense Attorneys
(412) 888-0469
Mobile
437 Grant St #617, Frick Building, Pittsburgh, PA, 15219
shragerdefense.comGallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find David online.
David Joel Shrager's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
19 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (19)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 6 - 10 of 19 reviews
Posted by anonymous | June 26, 2020 | Hired Attorney
Excellent
Cory Ricci went above and beyond to help me out of a situation. He was clear about what I was to do and say. I felt confident to let him speak for me.
Posted by anonymous | November 19, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Worth Every Penny for DUI Defense
Called the consultation line immediately after my arrest, and was told the resolution would take approximately a year. David and his staff, particularly Erin, were helpful and supportive with navigating the intricacies of my situation and were invaluable in keeping me employed. They even went the ext...
Posted by Anonymous | June 05, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Shelly Duff is amazing !
Shelly is truly an amazing defense attorney ! Thorough, prepared and was absolutely wonderful to work with. Would highly recommend her to anyone that needs council. A + work and very professional. Thank you Shelly !
Posted by Lin | January 09, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Sex Crime
They will fight for you when you need help.
My son was arrested for failure to register for Megan’s law. I was so worried and had trouble finding an experienced lawyer nearby who would take this on case. When I called Attorney David J. Shrager’s office I was immediately connected to a lawyer who was able to describe to me the legal process and...
Posted by Christopher L Cox | October 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Shrager Deense Attorneys
Thanks to David Shrager for taking my case and Lyle Dresbold for representing me at my hearing. Top notch Law Firm. Thankful that Lyle Dresbold got my charges reduced to summary offense. I would highly recommend these attorneys for anyone charged with a crime.
David Joel Shrager's Lawyer Endorsements
"David is an exceptional defense lawyer and I would highly recommend him to individuals in the Pittsburgh area who are facing sex crime charges."
"I can confidently endorse attorney David Shrager without hesitation. He has handled hundreds of criminal cases with professionalism."
"I endorse Attorney Shrager for all criminal defense and DUI cases. He has a stellar reputation in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shrager is a consummate professional and takes the time to assist you in every facet of your case."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Shrager is a very knowledgeable and experienced attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Shrager. Very knowledgeable and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shrager is a skilled defense lawyer who is well-versed in the law. I found him to be very insightful about how to organize facts and themes to produce winning results at trial. Clients will be well served, both because of his experience, but also because he cares enough about his clients to follow through with the subtle nuances of their case."
"Highly respected and overall a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is highly respected in his field."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I strongly endorse David. Highly respected in the legal community with an outstanding reputation for client advocacy and dedication."
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney and highly recommended as an asset to this community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Shrager is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2025
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2025
Best DUI Lawyers in Pittsburgh, Expertise
2025
ThreeBestRated® Award, ThreeBestRated®
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2022
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Selected to Super Lawyers, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
2021
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2020
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2019
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2018
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2017
Selected to Super Lawyers, Pennsylvania Super Lawyers
2014
Top 10 DUI Attorneys, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2013
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, The National Trial Lawyers
2013
Top 100 DUI Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
Work Experience
2001 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorney, Shrager Defense Attorneys
1999 - 2001
Litigation Attorney, Reed Smith
1996 - 1998
Law Clerk, Hoppe & Stokes
Associations
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Pennsylvania Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
Pennsylvania Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
Member
Allegheny County Bar Association, Criminal Litigation Section
Fellow
Sample of Legal Cases
Aggravated Assault of a Police Officer Charges Withdrawn
Charges Withdrawn
Education
1998
University of Miami School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1995
University of Pittsburgh
Languages
English