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also known as Dan Smith, San Diego Defenders
I am the founder of San Diego Defenders, the preminent private Civil Rights law firm in San Diego. We are a team of lawyers. That means that two lawyers are always working on your case. We offer in-house payment plans in a comfortable boutique law firm setting with free parking and state of the art conference room and digital screens for viewing and listening to evidence such as the important video received almost all cases. We work hard to get the best results and our reviews show that to be true!
I began my law career as a trial lawyer for Federal Defenders of San Diego. I am a 3rd generation lawyer beginning with my grandfather R.G. Smith who began his practice in 1916 during the prohibition era and my father, Raph Smith, and 1950 Northwestern Law graduate and former judge in Phoenix, Arizona. I graduated 1987 Arizona State University with a BS in Economics followed by a law degree 1990 California Western School of Law where I received the American Jurisprudence Award in trial practice. My first job was with former Federal Defenders and later hired as a trial lawyer. My father taught me many trial skills and he actually tried a case with a young Chief Justice William Renquist before he was appointed to the United States Supreme Court.
My goal as a lawyer, first and foremost, is to fight for my clients rights civil rights and obtain the best result whether a favorable disposition, a dismissal or an aquittal at trial. I want hel get my client's life back to normal as soon as is possible.
Call San Diego Defenders 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at to talk to Dan Smith directly!
5
Practice Areas
36 years | 2,800 cases
36 years | 584 cases
36 years | 255 cases
36 years | 2,806 cases
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$0 first 30 minutes
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Chat withState: Arizona
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
State: California
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
585 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA, 91910
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...
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...
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...
"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."
"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."
"Daniel is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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"
"I have known Dan Smith professionally for 20 years. He is a consummate professional. I endorse him without reservation"
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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
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.
2011 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
DUI Defense Lawyers AssociationMember
2008 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1991 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1991 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
1991 - Present
American Bar Associationmember
1991 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember
1990 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1990 - Present
San Diego Bar AssociationMember
1997 - 1999
Gaslamp Association Board of DirectosBoard Member
Not Guilty by Jury Trial
Plea to Title 21 Section 834(b) Telephone Count with a 48 month maximum
Voluntary manslaughter w/knife 12 year determinite sentence
Determinate Sentence of 22 years
Jury Trial - Not Guilty Verdict
Dry Reckless Driving VC 23103 - Avoided up to 6 months in jail and dismissal of Navy applicaion
1990
JD - Juris Doctor
1988
BS - Bachelor of Science
2014
2014
2013
Criminal Procedure - Case Study
2010
Starting your Criminal Defense Career as a Federal Public Defender
2009
School Bomb Prankster Strikes a Deal
2014
2013
2012
2009
2009
English
Spanish
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
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Can I get my statutory rape felony expunged?
23 Mar 2012
CBP Asset Forfeiture of Vehicle - Election of Proceedings Difference Between Petition and Claim
15 May 2020
San Diego Attorney Warns Border Travelers of ‘Blind Mule’ Scams
21 Jul 2019
San Diego DUI Defense Lawyers Warn Against Drinking and Driving During the Holiday Season
29 Mar 2011