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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.
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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 11 - 15 of 19 reviews
Posted by Brandon | December 31, 2015 | Hired Attorney
Highly recommend!
I was referred to David and he has represented me twice now. Both times he went above and beyond expectations. Returns phone calls promptly and keeps you informed. His staff at the office is also very polite and professional. I had a lot to lose and David worked diligently for favorable results. Hi...
Posted by Ron | November 02, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Great work
A little late writing this review, however, back last year my family was in a battle, long story short; Attorney Shrager did his job well and everything turned around quickly in our favor. What most impresses me about Attorney Shrager is his knowledge of the court system, and he answers his phone per...
Posted by anonymous | October 01, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Total professional
Attorney Shrager was recommended to me by several people. It was the first time I had ever been in trouble and if I ended up with a criminal record, my life was over. David returned all my calls, was extremely professional and I kept my record clean! He really lived up to all the hype.
Posted by Amy | July 21, 2014 | DUI & DWI
Life Saver
Attorney Shrager has represented me on two occasions. Once for DUI and once for an incident that happened in a bar. Both times he was excellent. He personally answers his cellphone and is always available for questions and explains things in plain English. You can tell when you talk to him he really ...
Posted by anonymous | July 08, 2014
My gratitude
I just wanted to express my sincere thanks and appreciation for what you did for my daughter. She has struggled with addiction for the last two years as a result of a traumatic event. Your kindness and concern renewed my faith that there are still good people in the world.
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