Arizona Criminal Attorney Dwane Cates, born in Wyoming, channels his cowboy roots into his fearless and independent approach to law. As a leading figure in criminal defense, Dwane's personal experiences, including his recovery from alcoholism, amplify both his compassion and understanding of life's adversities. Known for his integrity, he adheres to the belief that "a man’s word is his bond." Dwane's clients work directly with this Board Certified attorney, benefiting from his personal commitment and expert guidance. He sees each client as unique, tailoring legal strategies to achieve positive outcomes. Drawing on his unrivaled trial skills and collaborating with top experts, Dwane ensures comprehensive case preparation. His relentless pursuit of justice and excellence has cemented his reputation as one of the most sought-after criminal defense attorneys in Arizona. Trust Dwane to navigate your legal challenges with skill and dedication.
5
Practice Areas
29 years | 2,200 cases
29 years
29 years | 500 cases
29 years
We have not found any cost information for this lawyer
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Fax
7310 North 16th Street, Suite 330A, Phoenix, AZ, 85020
dwanecates.com/Other places you can find Dwane online.
Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Compassion
Posted by Nicole | April 18, 2025 | Hired 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 David | May 20, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Professional
Being charged with 3 felonies and having 5 prior felonies I was looking at possibly serving the rest of my life in prison. My wife hired Mr. Cates to handle my bond hearing and right from the start Mr. Cates got my bond reduced so I could bond out. After meeting with Mr. Cates and him telling me he ...
Posted by Elaine | September 01, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Awesome!
I was very impressed by the staff at Dwayne Cates Lawgroup. They were compassionate and very easy to work with. They answered their cell phones, returned messages promptly, and were easy to communicate with. Tomasz Lichwala is a SUPER STAR!! He handled our case personally and was a fierce advocate fo...
Posted by Vicki | October 19, 2009 | Contracts & Agreements
Truely cares about his clients
I have actually have retained Mr. Cates on 3 different occasions for 3 completely different matters over the last 5 years. On all 3, The one previously listed, one breach of contract regarding a shipping of a horse, and a divorce case. All 3 cases ended with results that made me very happy. I foun...
Posted by David | October 16, 2009
Professional, available and efficient
Mr Cates handled my case in a efficient, and expedient manner. He was always very available for any of my questions and willing to listen and give me honest feedback. My case was resolved in the best possible manner, something which I'm more than certain would not have been the outcome without his he...
"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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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
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
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
Not Guilty
Not Guilty
Not Guilty after a full Jury Trial
Probation no jail.
Case Dismissed
1996
Juris Doctor
1993
Bachelors Degree
2018
Arizona Criminal Court Systems
2018
Legal Implications of Domestic Violence
2015
Prosecutor Misconduct
2014
2013
2011
2011
2011
2011
2010
2010
Drug Crimes and DUI experiences
2000
2015
2009
2009
2009
English
Polish
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Is it Legal in the state of Arizona for a 18 year old to have sex with a 17 year old?
29 Jan 2017
Why are charges being brought up four years after incident?
07 May 2014
Why is my bac level not on my citation?
12 Apr 2010
