Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay

Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 14 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Administrative Law ... +6 more

402 W. Broadway Ste. 400, San Diego, CA

About Ricson

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 14 years

State: California

Acquired: 2011

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Dakanay Law Group

402 W. Broadway Ste. 400, San Diego, CA, 92101

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Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

140 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 140 reviews

Posted by Michael | March 22, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Excellent and Professionally Competent Lawyer

I had the opportunity to retain Mr. Ricson Dakanay twice on two different criminal cases, and have no regrets. Each time he represented me in court, he was able to get me the most favorable outcome possible. Rest assured, Ricson Dakanay is a lawyer that will go above and beyond to get the results y...ou want to receive. He has great communication skills, tremendous insight and experience regarding courts and rule of law, and professionally competent. For whatever your case may be, if you’re looking for the best possible representation in court he is definitely the right one to reach out to. Thank you for everything you have done for me Mr. Ricson Dakanay. I am forever grateful and appreciate having you as my lawyer.

Posted by Kambiz | December 19, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Honest, passionate and professional.

There are two types of people in the professional world: those who work strictly for money, and those who are driven by passion. Mr. Ricson Dakanay clearly belongs to the latter. From the beginning, he treated me not just as a client, but as a person—more like a family member or a brother—showing gen...uine care and respect throughout my case. My Certificate of Rehabilitation case was transferred from Chula Vista to Joshua Tree, and Mr. Dakanay traveled numerous times for my appearances without charging any additional fees, staying fully committed until the certificate was successfully secured. I cannot express enough gratitude and respect for his dedication, integrity, and outstanding legal representation. I highly recommend Ricson Dakanay and the Dakanay Law Group.

Posted by Jess | July 28, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thank you Ric!

I am beyond grateful for the support and guidance I received from Ricson Dakanay. He came to see me in jail, took the time to truly hear me out, and advocated for a path forward that prioritized my mental health after a devastating betrayal from my ex. Thanks to his professionalism, kindness, and unw...avering commitment, I was able to enter a program that has been life-changing. Rickson’s communication is exceptional—he kept me informed every step of the way and made sure I never felt alone during one of the darkest times in my life. With his help, I’ve made real progress in my recovery and have started rebuilding my life from a place of strength and healing. If you’re looking for an attorney who genuinely cares, listens, and fights for what’s right, I highly recommend Rickson Dakanay. His compassion and dedication make all the difference.

Posted by Donny | March 08, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

A Genuine Lawyer That Delivers Great Results

I want to give a big shout-out to Ricson at Dakanay Law Group for the amazing work he did on my case. I don’t write reviews and this one has been a long time coming which should say a lot! After doing my research on other lawyers, Ric stood out the most in a great way and he gave me the results that ...I wanted. He guided me through my court matters and resolved everything. Thanks so much, Ric! If you're looking for an attorney, I strongly suggest reaching out to him. He genuinely cares about his clients and goes above and beyond to support you. Highly recommended!

Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Expungement

Best eye candy, smart, easy going lawyer

He has very fair price. I had a flat fee . I was introduced to him by a random person in holding who has worked with him in the past. He is very easy to talk to. He is tall, dark and handsome and towers over other lawyers. He helps you through the process and appears to genuinely care about you. He d...oes not seem to be money driven but client driven and wants the best for his clients. He as able to create a diversion plan with the city attorney and petition to expunge all the misdemeanor charges. I would highly recommend him hands down.

See All Client Reviews

Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Ricson
Gregory Alan Rollins headshot
Gregory Rollins

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 01

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Ricson is what you want in an attorney. He is professional, sharp, and is passionate about defending the rights of his clients. When I would have cases with him back when I was a DA, I always took Ricson seriously because he presented his cases well and argued persuasively for his clients. I endorse Ricson as a criminal defense attorney."

Mohammad Z. Qazi headshot
Mohammad Qazi

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Dakany is an excellent lawyer and aggressive advocate for his clients. He is always prompt and professional in his court appearances and is well respected by Judges and Prosecutors."

Michael Yap headshot
Michael Yap

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Dakanay has been my go to Attorney for all criminal matters. He is professional, knowledgeable, and aggressive. Mr. Dakanay has helped some of my own family members and friends with their cases. I highly recommend him for all criminal issues!"

Neeraj Dayal Singh headshot
Neeraj Singh

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Very passionate and extremely competent attorney."

John Murray headshot
John Murray

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I've seen Ricson at work and have entrusted him on my own cases. He is a hard working and incredibly intelligent attorney."

Brian Douglas Shapiro headshot
Brian Shapiro

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Ricson Dakanay. He is a true advocate for his clients, leaving nothing on the table. I highly recommend Ricson."

Michael Anthony Scafiddi headshot
Michael Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. Hard working caring lawyer who has a great passion and desire to serve his clients. Well respected for his command of the law and dui case Rick is a great advocate for his clients. I have had the pleasure to watch rick recently in a dui trial. He controlled the courtroom. I highly recommend him !"

Dennis M Kuntz II headshot
Dennis Kuntz

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I strongly recommend Mr. Dakanay."

Gerald Joseph Schnaus headshot
Gerald Schnaus

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent record as a great defense attorney. Keeps his clients up to date and explains technical matters in a way clients can understand."

Megan Elizabeth Scafiddi headshot
Megan Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dakanay always fully dedicates himself to his work so that his client can obtain the best possible resolution. Mr. Dakanay also keeps up to date on the newest information by attending workshops to help his clients."

Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I met Ricson at SFST DUI training in California. He has a wealth of knowledge on the subject and is taking the extra steps to help represent his clients. I would not hesitate to give him a call for representation."

Benjamin Ray Cates headshot
Benjamin Cates

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I worked with Ricson for several years as an associate in the same office. He works extremely hard to make sure that he receives the best results for his clients and he puts in countless hours guaranteeing that he is always prepared. Ricson has especially excelled at DMV hearings where he has saved many licenses for happy individuals. I strongly endorse Ricson."

Jared Daniel Bartell headshot
Jared Bartell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ricson works hard for his clients. He is one of the few lawyers that personally goes to the DMV and court to fight for his clients."

Jeanne M. Normandeau headshot
Jeanne Normandeau

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ricson is a skilled and compassionate advocate. He works hard for his clients to get them the best possible outcome on their cases. He is highly respected by the District Attorney's office as well by the judges that he practices in front of. He has an excellent reputation among the defense bar and is always willing to help other attorneys. I strongly endorse Ricson as an amazing attorney that will fight hard for you."

Jeremy J. Waitman headshot
Jeremy Waitman

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Stephen Troy Allen headshot
Stephen Allen

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is knowledgeable, an excellent advocate and well respected throughout the land courts. He knows the judges, prosecutors and has an excellent reputation."

Scott Daniel Henry headshot
Scott Henry

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Dakanay is a great criminal defense attorney. He is compassionate towards his clients and is a zealous advocate on their behalf. Mr. Dakanay is respected throughout Southern California by opposing counsel, the bench and the defense bar. He truly cares about each and every client. Lastly, through hard work and determination Mr. Dakanay obtains nothing but favorable results for his clients. I without hesitation endorse Ricson Dakanay."

Malalai Farooqi headshot
Malalai Farooqi

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ricson is a wonderful attorney who always goes the extra mile for his clients. He treats each case with the utmost care."

Kareem A. Ramadan headshot
Kareem Ramadan

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Friend

"I have known Ricson for several years and I highly endorse him for his criminal defense skills. Ricson is an extremely well-versed attorney and a sharp in-court litigator that you want on your side. He consistently demonstrates to judges and peers alike that he will always be prepared to defend his client's interests. He provides his clients with the effective advocacy that brings real results."

Mark Issa Murad headshot
Mark Murad

Unknown lawyer | Mar 01

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer. He is a great lawyer!"

View All Endorsements
Gregory Alan Rollins headshot
Gregory Rollins

Criminal defense lawyer

Mohammad Z. Qazi headshot
Mohammad Qazi

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael Yap headshot
Michael Yap

Employment and labor lawyer

Eve Maestre headshot
Eve Maestre

Criminal defense lawyer

Brian Douglas Shapiro headshot
Brian Shapiro

Personal injury lawyer

Solomon A Cheifer headshot
Solomon Cheifer

Chapter 7 bankruptcy lawyer

Dennis M Kuntz II headshot
Dennis Kuntz

Criminal defense lawyer

Alicia Claire Freeze headshot
Alicia Freeze

Criminal defense lawyer

Gerald Joseph Schnaus headshot
Gerald Schnaus

Business lawyer

Megan Elizabeth Scafiddi headshot
Megan Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer

Martin W. Judnich headshot
Martin Judnich

DUI and DWI lawyer

Brian Shui-Chun Yin headshot
Brian Yin

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeanne M. Normandeau headshot
Jeanne Normandeau

DUI and DWI lawyer

Stephen Troy Allen headshot
Stephen Allen

Criminal defense lawyer

Jared Daniel Bartell headshot
Jared Bartell

DUI and DWI lawyer

Scott Daniel Henry headshot
Scott Henry

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy J. Waitman headshot
Jeremy Waitman

DUI and DWI lawyer

Malalai Farooqi headshot
Malalai Farooqi

Criminal defense lawyer

America Vidana headshot
America Vidana

Criminal defense lawyer

Kareem A. Ramadan headshot
Kareem Ramadan

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Client's Choice, Avvo

2017

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

2016

Client's Choice, Avvo

2015

Client's Choice, Avvo

2015

NHTSA Standardized Field Sobreity Test Practitioner, Robert La Pier & Associates

2015

10 Best Attorneys for Client Satisfaction in California, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys

2014

The Mike Riddell Distinguished Alumni Award, St. Thomas Aquinas High School

Work Experience

2011 - Present

Lead Riverside County Attorney, Law Offices Of Michael A. Scafiddi, Inc.

2010 - 2011

Legal Intern, Cozen O'Connor

2009 - 2009

Certified Legal Intern, San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office

2008 - 2008

Legal Intern, Law Office of Miriam B. Riedmiller

Associations

2018 - Present

Filipino American Lawyers of San Diego

Member

2015 - Present

West End San Bernardino County Bar Association

Member

2015 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section

Member

2015 - Present

US District Court - Central District of California

Member

2015 - Present

US District Court - Southern Division

Member

2012 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2011 - Present

San Bernardino County Bar Association

Member

2011 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

2011 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Education

2010

California Western SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

2006

Univ of California Irvine

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2017

Winning Strategies for Winning Lawyers"

DUI Law, Speedy Trial Rights, Informants

2017

State of the Courts, Sentencing, People v. Sanchez, MJ Legalization, Expert Witness Hearsay

2017 Criminal Practice Bench Bar Symposium

2017

Child Sexual Abuse Sexual Accommodation Syndrome (CSAAS)

How to Debunk and Challenge CSAAS in Trial

2016

Professional Responsibility for Practitioners

Refresher Course on Professional Responsibility Law and Principles

2016

Bias, Ethics, Substance Abuse Blitz

Bias, Ethics, Substance Abuse Blitz

2015

NHTSA DWI Detection and Standardized Field Sobriety Testing: Student Course

Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST's)

2015

Gang Seminar and Investigations

Gang Charges and Enhancements

2015

Body Cameras in Law Enforcement

Body Cameras in Law Enforcement

2014

St. Thomas Aquinas High School 2014 Graduation

Commencement Speaker

2014

San Bernardino County Mock Trial

Aquinas High School Mock Trial Attorney-Coach

2014

ADA Basics Workshop

Legal Overview of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990

2012

Occupy San Diego

State of DUI Law and Current Trends

2011

Bridging the Gap

Introduction into the Legal Profession

Publications

2023

NBC 7 News Felony Vandalism

2022

Press Enterprise Watson Murder Dropped

2020

2019

The Press Enterprise Juvenile Matter - Riverside County

2019

2018

CBS 2 News Hate Crime

Languages

Tagalog

Avvo Rating

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