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Gerald Edward Smith
About Gerald
Biography
Attorney Gerald E. Smith grew up in Superior , Wisconsin . As a youth, he consistently made the honor roll, while competing with the Traveling All-Star Hockey Team in national tournaments throughout the Northern States. He was also proficient in the Martial Arts, both as an Instructor and Full Contact Fighter. After attending three years at the University of Minnesota , he transferred to the University of Texas where he obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree.
Prior to his decision to pursue his career as an attorney, Mr. Smith had a highly successful career as a Texas Police Officer, ultimately obtaining the rank of Sergeant . In addition, he was a member of the Department’s SWAT Team. He was recognized not only for his work while on duty as a police officer, but also for the implementation of a Drug Educational Program (DARE) in three school districts . Also, he achieved his Instructor’s Certification from Texas Commission Law Enforcement Officers Standards and Education (T.C.L.O.S.E.) and taught various topics to new officers in the Academy. However, as a result of an injury sustained while on duty, Mr. Smith was forced to pursue another career and decided to attend law school. As a law clerk, Mr. Smith interned for the U.S. Attorney’s Office and in the private sector for a small civil firm. After graduating from Thomas Jefferson School of Law in 1993, he passed the February 1994 Bar Exam.
Mr. Smith is a member of the State Bar of California and the Federal Bar in Central, Eastern and Southern Districts of California. Mr. Smith was a former prosecutor with the city of San had previously worked for a large criminal defense firm and exceptionally handled the firm’s serious felony cases (e.g., murder, attempt murder, robbery, rapes, sexual assaults, child molestation, assault, battery, domestic violence, drug charges, theft related charges, and DUI's). Mr. Smith is highly respected by both judges and prosecutors, and has been very successful in negotiating cases where a trial was not in the best interest of his clients.
Mr. Smith is an aggressive, experienced attorney who has handled a multitude of cases with impressive results. He believes in earning the trust from his clients and getting to know them personally, so they do not feel that they are just a file number. For most of his 15 years as an attorney, Mr. Smith has used his experience and skill defending the rights of the wrongfully accused.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 31 years
State: California
Acquired: 1994
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021
Location
Law Office of Gerald E. Smith, P.C.
402 W Broadway, Suite 1500, San Diego, CA, 92101
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Gerald Edward Smith's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (13)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 5 of 10 reviews | Advocacy
Posted by Zubayr | March 09, 2016 | Hired Attorney
The Best
This is an attorney who will keep it straight with you and do everything in his power to help. Him and Attorney Tom Miranda gave me my life back.
Posted by anonymous | February 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
The Trolley Trolls
I had an issue with the Trolley "police" where I was subject of a severe issue and falsely accused. Gerald had the Trolley "Police" completely shocked. He is a good guy. It ended where they The "Police" didn't show up.
Posted by Nicholas | July 31, 2015 | Criminal Defense
The Best Decision I Ever Made
Retaining Gerald Smith was most likely the best decision I ever made. Not only did he go above and beyond his job requirements, He would show concern and for my well being in a health issue by becoming my advocate to gain speedy medical service. My peticular case was sensitive and was punishable by m...
Posted by Joyce | August 24, 2014 | Family
Victory!!
Atty. Gerald Smith did an outstanding job as my attorney against the "Agency". CPS had taken all of my children under false accusations. During the hearings he asked questions and brought out the truth. In the end the judge; who listened and didn't back down; ruled in my favor and I got all my child...
Posted by Karla | April 15, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Law office of attorney Gerald Smith
I spoke to two different attorneys before speaking to Mr. Smith, and I immediately noticed a big difference in levels of experience amongst them. From presentation to knowledge, to the way they explained the process and the way they took notes. Gerald's hard work and dedication as well as all of the ...
Gerald Edward Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"Knowledgeable and fearless in the courtroom, Gerry is an upper echelon trial advocate and a skilled negotiator. I would without reservation have Gerry represent my closest friends and family if they were ever charged with a crime. I have personally witnessed Gerry's work and have seen him in action-he is without questions one of the best. I strongly endorse Gerald Smith."
"highly endorse Mr. Smith. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."
"Mr. Smith is a skilled criminal defense attorney. I highly recommend him."
"Mr. Smith is a superb attorney in San Diego County! He treats his clients with the utmost care and professionalism. His advocacy for his clients is unmatched. His clients greatly benefit from a multitude of experience in the courtroom. I am proud to endorse Mr. Smith."
"Mr. Smith is a skilled professional in his field with several years of experience. I highly recommend him for any criminal defense matter."
"I have had the pleasure of personally working with Mr. Smith. Simply put, his abilities as an attorney are unparalleled. Mr. Smith is renowned within the San Diego community for his ability to handle and resolve domestic violence and criminal cases in trial and prior thereto. Having personally tried cases alongside Mr. Smith I can legitimately attest to his unmatched courtroom skills and mastery of the nuances that challenge other less experienced attorneys. Mr. Smith has my highest recommendation."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
"Mr. Smith is a well versed, experienced and talented criminal defense attorney. He always does everything possible to helpe his clients and is well respected throughout the courts."
"I have known Gerald Smith since 2004 and worked with him for several years. In that time I had the pleasure of observing his great client service and many successes in court. I strongly endorse him for his skill in criminal defense litigation. He cares about his clients, and in turn they receive excellent representation."
"Jerry Smith is one of the best in the business. If I ever got arrested, he’d be my first call."
"I endorse this great man and great attorney. Gerald Smith is a hard working criminal defense lawyer who is highly respected by key judges and prosecutors in the San Diego Superior Court. Gerald sets his sights high - and gets great results."
"As a former co-worker and friend of Gerald Smith for the past 2 1/2 years, I highly endorse his work to all potential clients. Gerald Smith is a phenomenal resource for criminal defense attorneys in his community. His tireless efforts for his clients are rarely matched by other attorneys in San Diego. Even when he is in trial, which is quite often due, he makes himself available to any and all who wish to seek his counsel and expertise. He personally mentored me when I first started practicing in San Diego in 2007 and continues to do so."
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2021
updated on 01/30/2024This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Work Experience
2008 - Present
President/Owner, Law Office of Gerald E. Smith, APC
2003 - 2008
Associate, Large Criminal Defense Firm in San Diego
2001 - 2001
Prosecuting Attorney, City Of San Diego, Criminal Division
1994 - 2001
Attorney, Law Office of Gerald E. Smith
1981 - 1990
Sergeant, Longview Texas Police Department
Associations
2011 - Present
United States District Court Eastern District of CaliforniaMember
1995 - Present
United States District Court Central District of CaliforniaMember
1994 - Present
United States District Court Southern CaliforniaMember
1994 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1988 - Present
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and EducationAdvanced Certificate
1988 - Present
Texas Commission on Law Enforcement Officer Standards and EducationInstructor's Certificate
2007 - 2007
National Criminal Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2004 - 2009
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
NOT GUILTY ALL COUNTS
Not Guilty All Counts
NOT GUILTY BY REASON OF INSANITY
Not Guilty by Reason of Insanity August 2011 defendant was released from Patton State Hospital and put in residential treatment program
Education
1993
Thomas Jefferson School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1988
University of Texas
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
2014
Having an Estate, Will, & Trust
Estate Planning
2014
Guest Speaker for MCLE
Substance Abuse
2009
Host for a Weekly Radio Show
Know your Rights
2008
Continued Learning Education
How to Use Jury Instructions in a Criminal Trial
Publications
2009
union tribune
Judge rules man in Chula Vista ax attack legally insane
Languages
Spanish
Tagalog
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Does a police officer have to read your rights before placing you in handcuffs and putting you into the police car?
25 Sep 2013
Q&A
If i missed community service for a dui but i completed dui classes, how can i avoid jail? my dui is from over a year ago.
05 May 2013
Q&A
In California can a felon own & possess a bow & arrow?
05 May 2013