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About Dwane
Biography
Dwane M. Cates is not only a nationally recognized Criminal Defense Lawyer and Crisis Communication Expert, he has appeared on Fox News, CNN, HLN, Fox Business, CNBC and radio stations throughout the United States as a legal expert. He is also Certified by the State Bar of Arizona as a Certified Specilist in Criminal Law. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Arizona State University with a degree in Communication / Persuasion and then from the Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law (formerly Arizona State College of Law). Prior to that he was a salesman. He learned how to persuade, then he went to school to learn why what he did worked and now he is ready to put his experience and training to work for you.
In the area of criminal law, Mr. Cates has experience handling a variety of cases from major felonies in Federal Court to misdemeanors in municipal court. No matter what the case, Mr. Cates, has the experience to handle your case effectively and at a reasonable rate.
Mr. Cates founded the firm in 1997 and has owned and managed the firm to the present. He has experience at all levels of criminal law from first degree murder cases in Federal Court to misdemeanor DUI cases in municipal court. He has handled several high profile cases including the "baby formula" case in federal court and the matricide murder case. Mr. Cates has experience handling a variety of cases from major felonies in Federal Court to misdemeanors in municipal court. No matter what the case, Dwane Cates, has the experience to handle your case effectively and at a reasonable rate.
Dwane Cates is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, the American Bar Association, Criminal Law Section; the Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section; the American Association for Justice, Criminal Law Section; and attended the Arizona College of Trial Advocacy.
Dwane M. Cates has a wealth of life experiences ranging from the oil fields of Wyoming to various sales positions here in the valley. This wide variety of life experience is extremely valuable in the representation of the diverse clientele found here Phoenix and the state of Arizona.
Areas of Practice:
Criminal Law
DUI/DWI
White Collar Crimes
Felonies
Drug Crimes
Sex Crimes
Federal Court
Misdemeanors
Municipal Court
Bar Admissions:
Arizona, 1997
Education:
Arizona State University, College of Law, Tempe, Arizona
J.D.
Honors: Oral Argument Competitions, Trial Advocacy Team
Arizona State University
Honors: Summa Cum Laude
Major: Communication / persuasion
Professional Associations and Memberships:
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
American Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
Member
Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
Member
American Association for Justice, Criminal Law Section
Member
Arizona College of Trial Advocacy
22 Years Experience in Criminal Law, Certified Specialist by State Bar. Tom Karas Award winner 2019 (criminal defense attorney of the year) We can Help 602-806-8316
22 Years Experience in Criminal Law, Certified Specialist by State Bar. Tom Karas Award winner 2019 (criminal defense attorney of the year) We can Help 602-806-8316
22 Years Experience in Criminal Law, Certified Specialist by State Bar. Tom Karas Award winner 2019 (criminal defense attorney of the year) We can Help 602-806-8316
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
78%
29 years | 2,200 cases
Sex Crime
22%
29 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Awards
2018 2011
Licenses
Licensed in Arizona for 28 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Cates & Reed, PLLC
(480) 620-8568
Fax
7310 North 16th Street, Suite 330A, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
dwanecates.com/Online Presence
Other places you can find Dwane online.
Dwane M Cates's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 54 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by David | July 31, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Attorney and Staff!
Dwane handled my case and I found his expertise and knowledge comforting. He was there for me every step of the way and Samantha is super helpful and I'm thankful for my outcom.
Posted by Nicole | April 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
I would hire him again.
I highly recommend Mr. Cates for his exceptional legal services. He demonstrated thoroughness in explaining every aspect of my case, ensuring I fully understood the process. Mr. Cates patiently addressed all my questions, no matter how trivial, with clarity and professionalism. Even during challengin...
Posted by anonymous | July 23, 2024 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Grateful
I simply cannot say enough kind things about Dwane Cates and his law firm: he’s kind, a fantastic listener, excellent people skills ~he is so relatable and easily approachable, super fast results and highly professional. His legal acumen is top tier. The friendly people in his office are same.
Posted by James | July 18, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
An Amazing Attorney who Never Gives Up!
Since I hired Mr. Cates to work on my case a few years ago, everything has been a total success. He was able to eliminate/seal almost every felony charge off my record that the Court remanded to the Grand Jury. In addition, he was able to change my sentencing from a felony to a simple misdemeanor wit...
Posted by Emily | June 6, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hire him NOW!
When I first found Dwane my life was in shambles, now I can start to pick up the pieces. This was an excruciating, and emotional process but I got my life back, quickly. I remember one of the first things he told me was that just a phone call from him to the prosecutors would do a lot and I firmly...
Dwane M Cates's Lawyer Endorsements
"Attorney Dwane Cates is an amazing advocate and a deeply respected figure in the field of criminal defense. His sharp legal mind, strategic command of complex cases, and steadfast dedication to his clients define his practice. Dwane combines decades of experience with an unwavering commitment to justice, guiding his clients through the most challenging moments with confidence and integrity. Dwane is not just an exceptional attorney but also a true pillar of advocacy within the legal community. I endorse him fully."
"I endorse Mr. Cates. Dwane is an experienced, professional attorney who has vast knowledge of the criminal justice system. He has been getting great results for quite some time."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen Mr. Cates in court many times over the years. He is an extremely talented lawyer and his clients are lucky to have him."
"I endorse this lawyer for their dedication to their clients."
"Dwane is an excellent attorney. He is very knowledgeable, organized and an experienced and aggressive trial attorney. I strongly endorse him."
"I met this lawyer at NACDL's Forensic Science CLE recently and was struck by his passion for the system and his actions doing the talking, namely http://www.courtminutes.maricopa.gov/docs/Criminal/032014/m6194627.pdf."
"Dwane is a tireless advocate for his clients. As a result of his dedication and drive to provide the best representation possible, Dwane obtains incredible and positive outcomes for his clients usually far beyond their expectations."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Dwane Cates for several years as a partner in a law firm. He is a skilled negotiator and attorney. I have seen him obtain amazing results for clients in his criminal practice. He takes every case to heart and works for the best results for his clients. I would highly recommend him for any criminal manner."
"Dwane is a tremendously dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and is a true zealous advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dwane is an experienced and aggressive criminal defense lawyer. His years of trial work make him very knowledgeable in the criminal world."
"Mr. Cates is a tremendous attorney. He’s a tenacious defender of liberty. He cares about his clients. I’d hire him."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dwane Cates is a nationally recognized criminal defense attorney. I have worked for him professionally and had the privilege of watching his work for many years. He has a brilliant legal mind and it is an honor to have him as my mentor. Dwane does a tremendously effective job for his clients. The best of the best. I highly recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cates has a wonderful reputation, only exceeded by his courtroom presence. I would recommend him to anyone!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Dwane Cates brings enthusiasm and innovative defenses to every case I have seen him involved in. His success in plea bargains is outstanding."
"I currently work for Dwane Cates and have observed the incredible work ethic with which he addresses his work. He listens to each one of his clients and approaches each case with a unique client oriented goal. He is always professional and friendly. He has developed many great relationships throughout the legal community which is a testament to his character as a person. I have spoken with many of his former clients who have expressed that to me that they were extremely satisfied with the services that they received from Dwane Cates."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. Dwane and I have handled very serious criminal matters together. I do not hesitate at all to endorse his work and his entire office. We both practice criminal defense and I respect his experience and attention to detail."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2014
Accredited, Better Business Bureau
1998
Most Visits to a Homeless Shelter, Homeless Legal Assistance Project
1997
Most Visits to a Homeless Shelter, Homeless Legal Assistance Project
Work Experience
2022 - Present
Managing Partner, DwaneCates.Com, PLLC
2020 - Present
Of Counsel, Cates & Garvey Law Group, PLLC
2014 - 2020
Managing Partner, Dwane Cates Law Group, PLLC
2010 - 2014
Managing Partner, Cates & Sargeant Law Group, PLLC
1997 - 2010
Managing Partner (founder), Cates, Hanson, Sargeant & Schoenau, PLC
Associations
2017 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaCertified Specialist in Criminal Law
2006 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2017 - 2020
State Bar of ArizonaExecutive Committee of the Criminal Law Section
2000 - 2022
American Bar AssociationMember Criminal Law Section
2000 - 2014
American Association for Justice, Criminal Law SectionMember
1999 - 2013
Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Davis
Not Guilty
State v. Lonon
Not Guilty
State v. Mathews
Not Guilty after a full Jury Trial
State v. Client
Probation no jail.
State v. Client
Case Dismissed
Education
1996
Arizona State University Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Juris Doctor
1993
Arizona State University
Bachelors Degree
Speaking Engagements
2018
Criminal Law Essentials: How to Survive in the Criminal Courts.
Arizona Criminal Court Systems
2018
"Working With Domestic Violence" Origins, Impact, Solutions
Legal Implications of Domestic Violence
2015
Courtroom Challenges: Exculpatory Evidence and Actual Misconduct
Prosecutor Misconduct
2014
The Media and Crisis Communication
How to Handle the Media
2013
Jodi Arias Trial
Criminal Law
2011
TV Legal commentator
Criminal Law
2011
TV Appearance on Tru TV (Court TV)
Criminal Law
2011
James Ray Trial
Jame Ray Manslaughter Trial
2011
Fox News National TV Appearance
Casey Anthony Trial
2010
Small Firm Hiring Practices
Small Firm Hiring Practices
2010
Noon Lunch Group
Drug Crimes and DUI experiences
2000
Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law
Starting your own Law Firm and Law Firm Management
Publications
2015
Phoenix New Times
Robbed at Gun Point
2009
HG.org articles
Civil Forfeiture in Criminal Cases
2009
HG.org Articles
Stopped on an Arizona Highway and Charged with a Drug Crime
2009
24/7 Press Release
Highway Drug Stops In Arizona
Languages
English
Polish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is it Legal in the state of Arizona for a 18 year old to have sex with a 17 year old?
29 Jan 2017
Q&A
Why are charges being brought up four years after incident?
07 May 2014
Q&A
Why is my bac level not on my citation?
12 Apr 2010