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James David Smith
also known as Dave Smith
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About James
Biography
Mr. Smith is a U.S. Army Desert Storm war veteran. I work hard to deliver the highest quality counsel and representation in all Criminal, DUI, and Traffic Offense cases. Contact me today at. I provide my clients with intelligent, aggressive, and impassioned legal protection. I am well prepared to defend you. I am a well-prepared trial attorney, who provides a comprehensive defense against the State’s charges, and I have gained a reputation as an aggressive defender in the courtroom.
I attended the University of Phoenix and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Thereafter, I attended law school at night for two years while at the same time working as a civil litigation paralegal during the day at one of the Nations's largest international law firms located here in Phoenix, Arizona. During my two years in law school, in addition to taking a full load of classes each semester and working days, I also split time as a staff editor on the Phoenix Law Review. I graduated cum laude from Phoenix School of Law in 2008.
Following law school, I started practicing criminal law at a large private firm. I quickly gained courtroom experience and honed my skills by managing a high volume of criminal defense caseload. I had immediate successes in the courtroom. My trial experiences amounted to superior results at one of the largest criminal law firms in Arizona. I am experienced in handling all kinds of felony and misdemeanor cases and highly emphasize DUI/DWI defense.
Accepting New Cases. Go to court with a lawyer that fights for you! Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney That Is An Aggressive Advocate With Proven Results. Contact Today at 480-400-1194. Consultations Safely By Phone or Video Now Available.
Accepting New Cases. Go to court with a lawyer that fights for you! Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney That Is An Aggressive Advocate With Proven Results. Contact Today at 480-400-1194. Consultations Safely By Phone or Video Now Available.
Accepting New Cases. Go to court with a lawyer that fights for you! Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney That Is An Aggressive Advocate With Proven Results. Contact Today at 480-400-1194. Consultations Safely By Phone or Video Now Available.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
50%
DUI and DWI
50%
17 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2017
Licenses
Licensed in Arizona for 16 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Rosenstein Law Group,
8010 E. McDowell Road, Suite 111, Scottsdale, AZ, 85257
scottsdale-duilawyer.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find James online.
James David Smith's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
33 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (33)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Posted by Ryan | November 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Dave is awesome!
All I've got to say is Dave Smith is the man!! Communication was great and he was persistent on getting my wrongfully convicted criminal traffic ticket dismissed. I highly recommend him!
Posted by anonymous | February 05, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Testimonial
Several months ago I found myself in an unfortunate situation and received a ticket for an extreme DUI. I had never been in trouble before a day in my life. The worst I ever had was a speeding ticket 15 years ago. So as you can imagine, this was a horrible situation for me. Someone recommended Ros...
James David Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"Merely endorsing Mr. Smith would be a true understatement. Mr. Smith goes well above and beyond the basic needs of his clients. Leaving no stone unturned and thinking outside the box are only a couple of qualities he excels with. Mr. Smith is well known and respected in our community, and he fights every step of the way for clients. I endorse, as well as highly and strongly recommend, this lawyer."
"Dave Smith is a highly skilled, professional and smart defense attorney. His passion for defending the rights of others, paired with years of experience, makes Dave invaluable to anyone seeking a lawyer to defend them in a criminal case. It is without reservation that I endorse Dave Smith"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known James David Smith for over a decade. I have also worked with him for several years. He is a hard working, knowledgeable, and experienced attorney. Great DUI lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. He will turn over every stone and investigate every lead to ensure your rights are protected. Zealous representation to be sure."
"Dave is one of the best trial lawyers I have seen in a courtroom. His litigation skills and knowledge of DUI and Criminal law is excellent and I consistently call on him for advice in handling my own cases. Dave's aggressive advocacy is consistently effective in getting his clients great results. I would highly recommend Dave to anyone accused of DUI or any criminal offense."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"You will not find a more competent, capable and diligent attorney, who also happens to be a terrific person in general. I have consulted with David on numerous matters where our practice areas have overlapped and have always found his advice to be excellent."
"Dave Smith is a relentless advocate for his clients. I worked along side Mr. Smith on several matters including DUI cases and personally observed his tireless efforts to accomplish the best possible results. I fully endorse this lawyer."
"Dave Smith is a well respected, intelligent, and aggressive defense attorney. If you are charged with a criminal offense whether it be a misdemeanor or felony, I highly recommend Dave Smith as he is both a brilliant negotiator and fierce trial attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Smith recently won a hard fought motion to suppress in court and got the case dismissed as a result. I know from personal experience winning those motions is very difficult and winning it shows great skill on his part."
"Mr. Smith is a highly effective and aggressive defense attorney. Any client would be fortunate to have him on their side. I strongly endorse this lawyer."
"J. Dave knows his DUI like none-other. He will work your case to the bone, and will leave no stone unturned until he achieves the best result possible for you."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I fully endorse Dave Smith. In addition to being an excellent attorney and a wealth of knowledge, he is among the most dedicated advocates I have had the pleasure to work with. Anyone facing a DUI or criminal charge would be well served to have Mr. Smith in their corner."
"Mr. Smith is an extremely dedicated attorney, who vigorously defends his clients. He is excellent in trial, and is a skilled negotiator."
"David is meticulous with his clients' cases. He will find each and every issue in a case. I highly recommend David if you have a DUI in Arizona."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dave smith is the Attorney that I would call if I were to ever find myself in a criminal situation. I have been practicing for many years now and I still find myself in need of answers to legal questions, when that happens Dave is my go to guy. He is very well liked in the legal community and has a reputation as a bulldog in the courtroom."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Smith for several years, first as a law student that assisted my firm with a case that had to be tried several times before we successfully prevailed. Over the years, I have seen him practice in court and listened to his trial(s) and can say without any hesitation that he is an excellent attorney that comes to court and trial prepared and ready to carry the burden for his client(s). The firm he practices also has an excellent reputation like Mr. Smith for standing up and announcing ready for trial when necessary."
"Attorney Smith is a talented and well respected criminal attorney who I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lawyer who really cares about his clients and will represent his client's interests with passion and professionalism."
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Experience
Honors
2023
The Best Lawyers in America®, Best Lawyers
2020
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2008
Graduate Cum Laude, Phoenix School of Law
2008
Excellence for the Future Award - Contracts, CALI
2008
Excellence for the Future Award - Commercial Law, CALI
2007
Excellence for the Future Award - Torts/Personal Injury, CALI
2006
Excellence for the Future Award - Legal Writing, CALI
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Attorney, Rosenstein Law Group
2010 - 2012
Attorney, The Law Offices Of David Michael Cantor
2009 - 2009
Attorney, Tharpe & Howell
2002 - 2008
ABA Certified LA, Greenberg Traurig, LLP (Phoenix, Az)
Associations
2012 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2012 - Present
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
2010 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
State v. Mr. R: ARS 28-1381(A1) & ARS 28-1381; ARS 28-1382(A1) Extreme; ARS 28-1382(A2) Super Extreme
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Ms. M: ARS 28-1381(A1) DUI Impaired & ARS 28-1381 (A2) DUI above .08 BAC
All Criminal Charges Dismissed
State v. Ms. N: ARS 28-1381(A1) DUI Impaired & ARS 28-1381 (A2) DUI above .08 BAC
Not Guilty All Criminal Charges
State v. Ms. H: ARS 28-1381(A1) DUI Impaired & ARS 28-1381 (A2) DUI above .08 BAC
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. C: ARS 28-1381(A1) & ARS 28-1381; ARS 28-1382(A1) Extreme
Not Guilty All Charges
State v. Ms. R: ARS 28-1381(A1) DUI Impaired & ARS 28-1381 (A2) DUI Above .08
Not Guilty All Charges
State v. Mr. T: ARS 28-1381(A1) Impaired Slightest & ARS 28-1381 (A2) BAC above .08; ARS 28-1382(A1) Extreme BAC above .15
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Ms. M: ARS 28-1381(A1) Impaired & ARS 28-1381 (A2) BAC above .08
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Ms. G: ARS 28-1381(A1) & ARS 28-1381 BAC above .08
All Criminal Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. W
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. L
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. W
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. W
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. B
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. C
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. V
Not Guilty All Charges
State v. Mr. C
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Ms. S
Plea to Diversion
State v. Mr. H
Plea to Diversion
State v. Mr. F
All Charges Dismissed
State v. Mr. A
Not Guilty All Charges
State v. Mr. R
All Charges Dismissed
Education
2008
Phoenix School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor Cum Laude
2001
The University of Phoenix
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2022
BNI
Driving Under the Influence - Defeating Reasonable Suspicion to Stop
2020
National College for DUI Defense
2020 Annual Convention/Seminar Attendee
2020
National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Annual Convention/Seminar Attendee
2019
National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Annual Convention/Seminar Attendee
2018
National College for DUI Defense
2018 Annual Convention/Seminar Attendee
2016
National College for DUI Defense
2016 Annual Convention/Seminar Attendee
2012
Toastmasters
What To Do When Stopped After Drinking
Publications
2020
Attorney at Law Magazine
2020 Veterans in Law
2014
scottsdale-duilawyer.com
Can a DUI Conviction be Set-Aside?
2014
scottsdale-duilawyer.com
REQUEST POST-CONVICTION RELIEF
2014
scottsdale-duilawyer.com
Does the Officer Have to Sign the Ticket?
2014
scottsdale-duilawyer.com
Courtroom Nuances and Procedures
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What will happen for my class 4 felony DUI case?
31 Mar 2026
Q&A
What should I do?Fight it or not?
07 Dec 2025
Q&A
What are the possibilities of not getting prison time for poss of contr sub,dui, and poss of firearm being a convicted felon
09 Aug 2023