Dwane M Cates

PRO

Dwane M Cates

4.5
57 reviews
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 28 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Phoenix, AZ
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Sex Crime, Federal Crime ... +2 more

7310 North 16th Street, Suite 330A, Phoenix, AZ

About Dwane

Biography

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

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 30%

I have handled everything from major drug cases involving over 1000 pounds of Marijuana to first degree murder cases in federal court. I travel throughout Arizona handling major felony matters in every court in the State.

29 years | 2,200 cases

30%
Federal Crime 20%

We have the experience, skills, and resources to defend against the full breadth of these charges, from violent crimes to white-collar crimes. Our attorneys at Cates & Reed, PLLC can adapt our strategies to meet the specific demands of just about an

29 years

20%
Sex Crime 20%

We handle sex crimes of all kinds.

29 years | 500 cases

20%
Violent Crime 20%

We understand that facing charges related to violent crimes can be a stressful and intimidating experience. That’s why we approach every case with compassion and understanding, while also aggressively fighting for our clients’ rights.

29 years

20%
Domestic Violence 10%

Our firm is unwaveringly committed to providing top-notch legal representation, protecting your rights at every turn, and striving for the best possible outcome in your case. With our extensive experience and dedication, you can trust us to be your s

29 years

10%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2018 2011
Silver Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 28 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 1997

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Cates & Reed, PLLC

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 11 - 13 of 13 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by Alan and Jill | October 16, 2009 | Criminal Defense

A Lawyer We Will Never Forget

I wanted to write a review explaining how satisfied we were with Mr. Dwane Cates’ performance in and out of court during case preparation especially with dealing with the county attorney and superior court judge. What a nice professional, kind and qualified lawyer he is! I have used other lawyers in ...my past and would give him a 10 as far as being honest, reliable and qualified. He graduated top in his class and he really knows criminal law and can handle any case with expertise. He is very competent with understanding law, procedures and people. His office assistance Vanessa was also a joy to work with. As far as stress goes on the family, he took a lot of stress off us. I would highly recommend him as your lawyer to handle any criminal case and you will be pleasantly surprised how favorable the results will be for you, as they were for us. Now that the case is over, I can’t imagine getting a better judgement anywhere, with anyone, at any time. I’ve had many remarks from friends that my son was very lucky to come out doing so well considering his plea to 7 non-dangerous felony charges- no jail time except for time served and 3 years probation. My advice is a top lawyer like Dwane Cates could make a tremendous difference in your life and you would be smart to protect yourself as much as possible by utilizing Dwane Cates. I’m glad we were smart and will always appreciate what Mr. Cates did for our son and family.

Posted by Kevin | October 16, 2009 | Lawsuits & Disputes

I Highly Recommend Dwane Cates - AS YOUR LAWYER

Dwane Cates did an Excellent job for me and I Highly RECOMMEND HIM. I had a very complicated case. He conceived the proper strategy, though I did question it at the time, he executed the strategy perfectly and delivered the results I and soo wanted. What makes him so effective is that he knows th...e law better than most of his opposition and he knows the opposition better then he knows the law. As a result, he is able to get to anyone he needs to and he is able to make your case for you because they will listen. They know Dwane Cates knows what he’s talking about. Dwane charged me a fair rate for his services and he never nickeled and dimed me for more money because of "Extenuating Circumstances. He even did additional work for me that was not clearly defined when I retained him without any claim for additional fee. In comparison, most of the other attorneys I priced came in at 200% of his rates

Posted by ERICHARD | February 16, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Dwane Cates and his Staff saved my husbands life!!!!

My husband retained Mr. Cates in Oct. 2010 after he was arrested and wrongfully charged with possession of marijuana and transportation of marijuana for sale. Both charges were serious F2 felony violations and to add fuel to the fire my husband was not a "legal" u.s. citizen (but was in the process ...of obtaining legal status). Upon contacting Mr. Cates he was very confident he could be of assistance and very knowledgeable of the law. I'll admit after 2 1/2 months my husband and I became a bit pessimistic about the outcome of the case but Mr. Cates always assured me he was putting for a valiant effort. Well needless to say I received a call from Mr. Cates assistant on 2/15/11 stating the charges against my husband were being dropped!!! Mr. Cates remained confident the state's case was weak and he would go to bat for us. I say if you need a good criminal defense attorney PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CALL MR. CATES!! HE CANNOT WORK "MAGIC" BUT HE WILL DO HIS BEST TO ENSURE FAIR & JUST OUTCOME.

See All Client Reviews

Dwane M Cates's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Dwane
Hayley L Worrell headshot
Hayley Worrell

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 28

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Aaron J Reed headshot
Aaron Reed

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Andrew R. Alex headshot
Andrew Alex

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Paul E Knost headshot
Paul Knost

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer for their dedication to their clients."

John R Gaertner headshot
John Gaertner

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dwane is an excellent attorney. He is very knowledgeable, organized and an experienced and aggressive trial attorney. I strongly endorse him."

Karla Mariel Reyes headshot
Karla Reyes

Criminal defense lawyer | May 27

Relationship: Other

"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."

Max N Hanson headshot
Max Hanson

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Robert Douglas Fischer headshot
Robert Fischer

Criminal defense lawyer | May 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

Karen A Schoenau headshot
Karen Schoenau

Criminal defense lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Gregg R Woodnick headshot
Gregg Woodnick

Criminal defense lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dwane is a tremendously dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and is a true zealous advocate."

Bradley A TenBrook headshot
Bradley TenBrook

Criminal defense lawyer | May 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Eric English headshot
Eric English

Criminal defense lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Cates is a tremendous attorney. He’s a tenacious defender of liberty. He cares about his clients. I’d hire him."

Tomasz P. Lichwala headshot
Tomasz Lichwala

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 16

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"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."

Matthew Leon Lopez headshot
Matthew Lopez

Criminal defense lawyer | May 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

David Black headshot
David Black

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cates has a wonderful reputation, only exceeded by his courtroom presence. I would recommend him to anyone!"

William P Sargeant headshot
William Sargeant

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 22

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

William Pierce Sargeant IV headshot
William Sargeant

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Co-worker

"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."

Julio Laboy headshot
Julio Laboy

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

View All Endorsements
Tomasz P. Lichwala headshot
Tomasz Lichwala

Criminal defense lawyer

Max N Hanson headshot
Max Hanson

Family lawyer

Karla Mariel Reyes headshot
Karla Reyes

Criminal defense lawyer

William Pierce Sargeant IV headshot
William Sargeant

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Douglas Fischer headshot
Robert Fischer

Divorce and separation lawyer

Bradley A TenBrook headshot
Bradley TenBrook

Child abuse lawyer

Eric English headshot
Eric English

Criminal defense lawyer

Karen A Schoenau headshot
Karen Schoenau

Family lawyer

William P Sargeant headshot
William Sargeant

Family lawyer

Julio Laboy headshot
Julio Laboy

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Arizona

Certified Specialist in Criminal Law

2006 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2017 - 2020

State Bar of Arizona

Executive Committee of the Criminal Law Section

2000 - 2022

American Bar Association

Member Criminal Law Section

2000 - 2014

American Association for Justice, Criminal Law Section

Member

1999 - 2013

Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

Member

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

See More Legal Cases

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

2009

24/7 Press Release Highway Drug Stops In Arizona

Languages

English

Polish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution