Daniel Martin Smith

Daniel Martin Smith

also known as Dan Smith, San Diego Defenders

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 35 years

State, local, and municipal law Lawyer at Chula Vista, CA
Practice Areas: State, Local And Municipal Law, White Collar Crime, Federal Crime ... +2 more

585 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA

About Daniel

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

State, Local, and Municipal Law 45%

Asset Forfeiture defending against Government overreach of Civil Forfeiture laws is a substantial portion of our practice. Defending common people that find their hard earned cash, vehicle for work and everyday life .

36 years | 2,800 cases

45%
Federal Crime 20%

Former Federal Defender and Defending all types of Federal Crimes including conspiracy, mail and wire fraud, drug importation 21 USC 952, 960, 21 USC 841, 846, 18 USC 2 etc. Last federal jury trial for importation of 25 kilos resulted in not guilty

36 years | 584 cases

20%
White Collar Crime 20%

Federal Asset Forfeiture and Seizure Defense including Federal Wire and Mail Fraud and Conspiracy cases. Clients are generally business people that are accused of theft or embezzlement from the Government and Drug Distribution.

36 years | 255 cases

20%
DUI and DWI 10%

DUI's and Military USMJ. Flat fee for DMV hearing, all court appearances "we go to court for you" , legal motions to dismiss all included. Don't let a DUI ruin your future! Payment Plans free telephone consult 619-258-8888

36 years | 2,806 cases

10%
Criminal Defense 5%

Combined 56 years experience in misdemeanor and felony criminal cases and jury trials. Dan Smith and Jon Pettis are the most successful criminal defense team in San Diego. Payment Plans and Flat Fees. Call us (619) 258-8888

36 years | 2,605 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Arizona for 34 years

State: Arizona

Acquired: 1991

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in California for 35 years

State: California

Acquired: 1990

Active

No misconduct found

Location

San Diego Defenders

585 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA, 91910

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

Daniel Martin Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | May 07, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Best Lawyer in San Diego

Dan Smith and his team are the best option for anyone facing any kind of legal problem. I have never been in any kind trouble or needed an attorney before, so I was very inexperienced when I was placed under arrest and facing four felony charges. I thought my life was over and could not stop the cons...tant flow of tears. Dan was able to alleviate my distress by being supportive, confident and determined to help me figure out what steps to take next. From the beginning of my case, he knew what to do WHY and HOW to do it, which made all the difference for me. We prepared for the case together and he walked me through my entire case. He kept me informed and stood by me in all of those decisions. He went above and beyond in all aspects, making phone calls, working weekends, and even traveling out of town on my behalf. It has been three long, stressful months and Dan was able to make a deal with the prosecutor that ended with me being charged with one misdemeanor and three years' probation, down from four felony charges. He literally saved my life, and gave my the opportunity to start over. Dan treated me and my family like his own and made sure he was doing the best he could for us at all times. I would recommend Dan to anyone, and I hope that people understand that having a lawyer that is truly invested and cares about helping you makes all the difference in the outcome of your case. I hope to never need Dan's assistance again but I will never forget what he's done for me. Thank you!

Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Dan Smith did a great job

(En español más abajo) When my husband was arrested it was a complete surprise to me and I felt completely lost and confused as to what would happen to him and our family. After meeting with Dan Smith, it was immediately clear to me that I was in good hands. He exuded confidence in his ability to h...andle the case and was backing it up with his experience dealing with federal criminal cases in San Diego. Dan Smith was crucial in my ability to face life without my husband which was almost traumatizing at first. He prepared all legal documents so I could deal with my family’s affairs and was extremely compassionate towards me and my situation. He took great pains in explaining the legal process and the time frame in which events would unfold. At first I was very nervous and questioned many things but he was patient in explaining everything to me while keeping the course. Looking back I have to admit that everything happened the way he said it would happen and his expertise allowed my husband to mount the best legal defense possible under the circumstances. As a result he got the best possible sentence. Still today, both my husband and I cannot believe how short the sentence turned out to be compared to others in his situation. Who knows what could have happened if we had another lawyer or if Dan Smith had allowed my fears to change his course! If you are currently in my situation look no further and stick with Dan as your criminal defense lawyer. You will not regret your decision. El arresto de mi esposo fue una sorpresa total y me sentí perdida y confundida en cuanto a lo que le sucedería a él y a mi familia. Después de hablar con Dan Smith, me quedó inmediatamente claro que me encontraba en buenas manos. Se mostró confiado en su capacidad de manejar el caso y lo respaldaba con su experiencia en tratar casos criminales federales en San Diego. Dan Smith tomó un papel crucial en mi habilidad para enfrentar la vida sin mi esposo lo cual parecía traumatizante en el inicio. Él preparó todos los documentos legales para poder administrar los asuntos administrativos de mi familia y se mostró muy compasivo hacía mí por la situación que atravesaba. Se empeño en explicarme el proceso legal al cual se enfrentaba mi esposo y me dio una idea de los tiempos que llevaría cada fase. En el inicio cuestionaba todo pero fue muy paciente en explicarme cada punto mientras mantenía firme el curso que había trazado. Al mirar hacia el pasado debo admitir que todo sucedió de la forma que él había dicho y que su dominio de la ley resultó en que mi esposo recibiera la mejor defensa legal posible en las circunstancias. El resultado fue que recibió la mejor sentencia posible. Aún el día de hoy me es difícil creer que tan corta fue la sentencia a comparar con otros presos en la misma situación. Quien pudiera decir lo que hubiera sucedido con otro abogado o si Dan Smith hubiera permitido que mis miedos cambien su curso de acción. Si estas enfrentando la misma situación que yo no busques más y quédate con Dan como abogado de defensa criminal. No lamentarás tu decisión.

Posted by Eric | April 13, 2011 | Criminal Defense

Best Criminal Defense Team in San Diego

I contacted Dan Smith with the United Trial Group in San Diego for my brother who was wrongfully arrested for a serious Felony. Dan was very calm with my mother who was very nervous. Dan was a professional through the entire process and when it was our turn to talk in court, Dan was a fireball! We... really felt like he was fighting for my brothers life! I can not say enough good things about their staff. From Shari at the front desk who always greeted us with a smile to Tom, who helped us get the law firm hired. My brother now wants to get into law for his career so he can help someone like Dan did. Incredible experience for all of us.

See All Client Reviews

Daniel Martin Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Daniel
Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Dan Smith is one of the most skillful defense attorneys I have known in my 15 years of practice in San Diego. When you add to that how sincerely concerned about his clients he is, it is a combination that makes an excellent advocate. Whether it is negotiating a plea or taking the case to trial, I would tust him to handle any criminal matter."

Michael Stephen Berg headshot
Michael Berg

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Dan for over 10 years. He is a terrific attorney and very dedicated to his work. He has an excellent reputation throughout all courts in San Diego County with judges, prosecutors and fellow criminal defense attorneys. He is knowledgeable in the law and is a tireless advocate on behalf of his clients."

David Lawrence Baker headshot
David Baker

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer."

George Anthony Munoz headshot
George Munoz

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Daniel is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."

Samuel Eugene Spital headshot
Samuel Spital

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Attorney Dan Smith is a preeminent San Diego criminal defense lawyer. We have collaborated on countless cases over many years and I endorse him for his knowledge, skills, legal analysis and proven strategies."

Guy D Levy headshot
Guy Levy

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dan Smith is an excellent lawyer who truly cares for his clients. I endorse him."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Daniel. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer.An extremely motivated, honest, caring, and intelligent attorney who works hard for the clients rights. He keeps up with the law by attending law seminars on a regular basis. I wholeheartedly recommend this attorney."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith is an exemplary attorney. I would refer anyone and everyone to him on a regular basis. Despite the fact that I have been a judge, magistrate, prosecutor, and private attorney for over 24 years, I continue to learn from him daily from his Avvo posts. I would recommend that you hire him in an instant."

Anna Reese Yum headshot
Anna Yum

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith is an excellent attorney! He has a wonderful court presence and a very professional demeanor. He is a very experienced attorney with a great reputation in the legal community. I highly endorse his work."

Christopher Francis Morales headshot
Christopher Morales

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Daniel is an outstanding advocate for his clients."

Okorie Okorocha headshot
Okorie Okorocha

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Riccardo Lorenzo Ippolito headshot
Riccardo Ippolito

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Alfred Patrick Boland headshot
Alfred Boland

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Dan for more than 20 years. He is a strong and zealous advocate for the rights of defendants. Thus I highly recommend him."

George L. Aldrich headshot
George Aldrich

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I met Mr. Smith while I was an intern at the Chula Vista, CA courthouse. Mr. Smith taught me the proper way to present myself to the court, not just the rote, what to say, but more importantly how to say it. Every case I had the pleasure of watching Mr. Smith work on highlighted his care for his clients, respect for the profession, and excellence as an attorney. I highly recommend Dan Smith."

Michael Larson Stuart headshot
Michael Stuart

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Daniel Smith is an excellent criminal defense attorney in both federal and state courts. His knowledge of the law and keen ability to apply the facts of any given criminal case yields results for his clients that are unmatched in our local criminal justice system. I routinely refer all of my federal clients to Attorney Smith because I know they will be treated properly, both as people and criminal defendants. I would recommend anyone looking for a skilled and compassionate criminal defense attorney to hire Attorney Daniel Smith"

Keith Howard Rutman headshot
Keith Rutman

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith is a hard working criminal defense attorney who puts his client's needs first."

Brian Mccarthy headshot
Brian Mccarthy

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Dan is one of the finest lawyers in the county."

Vincent Ronald Ross headshot
Vincent Ross

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Dan Smith professionally for 20 years. He is a consummate professional. I endorse him without reservation"

View All Endorsements
Susan Lynn Margolis headshot
Susan Margolis

Litigation lawyer

Richard Mark Barnett headshot
Richard Barnett

Criminal defense lawyer

Samuel Eugene Spital headshot
Samuel Spital

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter Michael Liss headshot
Peter Liss

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael L. Crowley headshot
Michael Crowley

Criminal defense lawyer

Donald Gray Drewry headshot
Donald Drewry

DUI and DWI lawyer

Okorie Okorocha headshot
Okorie Okorocha

DUI and DWI lawyer

Christopher Francis Morales headshot
Christopher Morales

Criminal defense lawyer

Riccardo Lorenzo Ippolito headshot
Riccardo Ippolito

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert Elmer Weig headshot
Robert Weig

Personal injury lawyer

George L. Aldrich headshot
George Aldrich

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Larson Stuart headshot
Michael Stuart

Criminal defense lawyer

James H. Dippery Jr headshot
James Dippery

General practice lawyer

Kerry Lee Armstrong headshot
Kerry Armstrong

Criminal defense lawyer

Keith Howard Rutman headshot
Keith Rutman

Criminal defense lawyer

Vincent Ronald Ross headshot
Vincent Ross

Criminal defense lawyer

Bradley R Corbett headshot
Bradley Corbett

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Joseph McCabe headshot
Michael McCabe

Criminal defense lawyer

David Lawrence Baker headshot
David Baker

Criminal defense lawyer

Tracy Lynn Nation headshot
Tracy Nation

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2019

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2019

Best Lawyer (DUI), Expertise

2018

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2017

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Best DUI Lawyers in San Diego, Expertise

1989

American Jurisprudence Award - Trial Practice, American Jurisprudence

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Founder Supervising Attorney, San Diego Defenders, APC

2011 - Present

Supervising Attorney, DS Criminal Law Group

2010 - 2011

Lead Trial Attorney, United Trial Group APC

2008 - 2010

Lead Trial Attorney South Bay District, Pacific Law Center, San Diego, Ca

1993 - 2008

Trial Attorney, Law Offices of Daniel M. Smith

1992 - 1993

Trial Lawyer, Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.

Associations

2011 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2011 - Present

DUI Defense Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

1991 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1991 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

1991 - Present

American Bar Association

member

1991 - Present

State Bar of Arizona

Member

1990 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1990 - Present

San Diego Bar Association

Member

1997 - 1999

Gaslamp Association Board of Directos

Board Member

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. Juan Labrada-Padilla 17-CR-2239-LAB

Not Guilty by Jury Trial

United States v. Solis-Bobadilla

Plea to Title 21 Section 834(b) Telephone Count with a 48 month maximum

People v. Bradley Austin Smith

Voluntary manslaughter w/knife 12 year determinite sentence

People v. Jose Garcia

Determinate Sentence of 22 years

People v. Marquez

Jury Trial - Not Guilty Verdict

Underage DUI with high BAC

Dry Reckless Driving VC 23103 - Avoided up to 6 months in jail and dismissal of Navy applicaion

See More Legal Cases

Education

1990

California Western School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1988

Arizona State University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2014

Chula Vista City Council Debate Chula Vista City Council

2014

Chula Vista City Council Debate Candidates Square Off

2013

Guest Lecturer - Government

Criminal Procedure - Case Study

2010

Public Interest Law Foundation Conference

Starting your Criminal Defense Career as a Federal Public Defender

2009

Dateline NBC with Natalie Ramirez

School Bomb Prankster Strikes a Deal

Publications

Languages

English

Spanish

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