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Daniel Martin Smith
also known as Dan Smith, San Diego Defenders
About Daniel
Biography
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!
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
State, Local, and Municipal Law
45%
36 years | 2,800 cases
Federal Crime
20%
36 years | 584 cases
White Collar Crime
20%
36 years | 255 cases
DUI and DWI
10%
36 years | 2,806 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Arizona for 34 years
State: Arizona
Acquired: 1991
No misconduct found
Licensed in California for 35 years
State: California
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
San Diego Defenders
585 3rd Ave, Chula Vista, CA, 91910
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Daniel Martin Smith's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
28 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (20)
Advocacy (16)
Recommendation (11)
Professionalism (9)
Character & Conduct (8)
Communication Style (7)
Cost of Services (5)
General Knowledge (5)
Practice Area Knowledge (5)
Staff & Support (5)
Responsiveness (4)
Compassion (3)
Trustworthiness (3)
Payment Plans (2)
Free Consultations (1)
Showing 1 - 5 of 9 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Made Miracles Happen!
I was facing a 10 year mandatory minimum conspiracy indictment which involved camera pole surveillance, wiretaps and everything else you can imagine. My criminal past was nearly non-existent but could have still muddied my case. Dan was positive, encouraging and worked hard to not only enable me to b...
Daniel Smith
Replied last May 29, 2019Thank you very much. Dan, Jon, Layla and Ashley....we are all on your team and will do our best to finish strong. I would love to see you get a good job and keep your future positive. Clients like you make me look good! Kind Regards, Dan
Posted by anonymous | June 22, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Immigration
Definition of Legal Tenacity
Daniel Smith is the definition of legal tenacity. My immigration case was complex. He worked diligently for over two years. With his extensive knowledge, he was able to exhaust all avenues and obtain a winning solution to my situation. Thank you San Diego Defenders!
Daniel Smith
Replied last June 22, 2018Thank you! You might find it interesting to know that I talked with an agent of one of the ABC "agencies" yesterday. And it turns out that the officer that inputs the record probably "mis-recorded" the actual incident and he or she can go in an make a change. But when 29 years has gone by, it makes it difficult to locate the author of the record. After 28 years you might think you have seen it all. But that is never the case and that is why we have to latch on like a Bull Mastiff and keep on going. I am super glad we could clear your record of something that never happened. It can cost people their jobs and that is what I stressed in your case. Irreparable harm to your reputation and that is, in my opinion, what made it real for the reviewing agent! Dan
Posted by Camilo | September 07, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Amazing Lawyer
My case started as a Misdemeanor Battery in October of 2016, it involved pepper spray and the other party placing me in a private persons arrest. During the initial contact with the officer I was asked about my dashboard camera. Unfortunate for me the officer took my dashboard camera as evidence agai...
Daniel Smith
Replied last September 07, 2017I am late commenting on this case, but I had to! This was a bogus charge that was brought by the San Diego Port Police using code sections for assault and another specifically for use of pepper spray. The fact was our client was acting in self defense and we were not going to let him get shoved into a crime of violence that would end his job as a Lyft or Uber driver as soon as a background check was ever done. We had to beat it and we knew it. Myself, Daniel Smith, supervising attorney and Jon Pettis, my partner, worked this case until we got it dismissed. When a law firm has a reputation that they do not back down, and that IS our reputation, the prosecutor knows that we are good trial lawyers and we win cases. Bragging? Maybe a little, but it is true. We took a payment plan that is even lower than usual because our client impressed us as being a straight up guy. That is also why we do not quote fees over the phone, because we want to meet you and get an impression of who you are. Not all cases are the same and not all clients are the same! Call us and set an appointment. If the lawyer wants to quote a fee over the phone, beware! That is kind of like a auto body shop saying we charge the same to fix any fender on any car, Huh? How can you do that and do a good job? We want to continue to earn the reputation as the best criminal defense lawyer team in all of San Diego! Dan
Posted by Michael | August 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Bogus DUI Averted
I was riding in the passenger seat of my friends car. We were pulled over by the police claiming we hit the median of the street. I was subsequently charged with a DUI even though I was the passenger and the drive was stone sober. I hired Mr Smith and Mr Pettis to defend me and they did an excellent ...
Daniel Smith
Replied last August 11, 2017Michael, Thanks for your kind words. It is important to note that we took this case all the way through the system and set it for trial before the District Attorney caved to our demands and were given our investigation notes concerning the witness. This case was a real win for us too! We feel the DA has respect for our trial skills in litigation. Dan
Posted by Linda | August 24, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
I strongly recommend SAN DIEGO DEFENDERS to represent your criminal case!
I was extremely pleased with how my case was handled. Thank you Mr. Daniel Smith for getting my case dismissed. I realize every case is different . But I can attest to the fact that you will have an attorney with experience , passion for the law, and dedicated to putting the interests of the clients ...
Daniel Martin Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"Dan Smith is an excellent lawyer who truly cares for his clients. I endorse him."
"I endorse Daniel. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
"Daniel is an outstanding advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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"
"Mr. Smith is a hard working criminal defense attorney who puts his client's needs first."
"I endorse this lawyer. Dan is one of the finest lawyers in the county."
"I have known Dan Smith professionally for 20 years. He is a consummate professional. I endorse him without reservation"
Susan Margolis
Litigation lawyer
Richard Barnett
Criminal defense lawyer
Samuel Spital
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter Liss
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Crowley
Criminal defense lawyer
Donald Drewry
DUI and DWI lawyer
Okorie Okorocha
DUI and DWI lawyer
Christopher Morales
Criminal defense lawyer
Riccardo Ippolito
Criminal defense lawyer
Robert Weig
Personal injury lawyer
George Aldrich
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael Stuart
Criminal defense lawyer
James Dippery
General practice lawyer
Kerry Armstrong
Criminal defense lawyer
Keith Rutman
Criminal defense lawyer
Vincent Ross
Criminal defense lawyer
Bradley Corbett
Criminal defense lawyer
Michael McCabe
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David Baker
Criminal defense lawyer
Tracy Nation
Litigation lawyer
Experience
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 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
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
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
2014
Blurb Publications
Judge's Top Secret Guide to Beating a DUI
2013
2012
ABC News 20/20
Classroom Confidential
2009
Union Tribune
Lesser charges for star student in bomb prank
2009
NBC News
School Bomb Prankster Strikes a Deal
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Will the judge convict a dui with child endangerment charge if the person was past out in the car and child in the back?
13 Jul 2017
Q&A
Will I be denied to join the the military because of a dui my blood ACL. Was 0.01
16 Jun 2017
Q&A
Can I get my statutory rape felony expunged?
23 Mar 2012
Legal Guides
Video Legal Guide
CBP Asset Forfeiture of Vehicle - Election of Proceedings Difference Between Petition and Claim
15 May 2020
Legal Guide
San Diego Attorney Warns Border Travelers of ‘Blind Mule’ Scams
21 Jul 2019
Legal Guide
San Diego DUI Defense Lawyers Warn Against Drinking and Driving During the Holiday Season
29 Mar 2011