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Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay
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About Ricson
Biography
Ricson C. Dakanay is a first generation American from the Philippines. His parents emigrated to the United States when Mr. Dakanay was 3 years old and they fostered a selfless household which valued old-school principles and modern-day pragmatism. He was raised in San Bernardino and attended St. Thomas Aquinas High School where he excelled in leadership positions and varsity sports, and was instilled the lifelong practice of social justice.
He attended University of CaliforniaI Irvine and double-majored in Economics and Political Science. Mr. Dakanay graduated with honors and was admitted into the prestigious honor societies, Pi Sigma Alpha and Golden Key International. After graduating, he took a sabbatical and interned at a prestigious immigration law firm in Washington, DC. While there, his appreciation for the law deepened and his resolve to assist those systematically and institutionally marginalized strengthened.
Mr. Dakanay attended California Western School of Law and graduated in 2010. He sharpened his litigation and advocacy skills interning at the District Attorney’s Office while finding a passion working with troubled youth at San Diego Teen Court and becoming an instructor with Street Law. Mr. Dakanay passed the California Bar Exam in 2011, and since then, has devoted himself to provide steadfast, aggressive representation for his clients.
As a practitioner, Mr. Dakanay has handled countless of cases and jury trials with outstanding success in varying jurisdictions across California. He has been called on to handle high-profile cases and achieved momentous, life-saving results for those clients and their families. He has earned an outstanding reputation, and is well-respected by those on the Bench, Prosecutors, and colleagues alike.
Mr. Dakanay prides himself with providing holistic, ethical representation such that each and everyone one of his clients achieve justice and are set-up for long-term success. The mission at Dakanay Law Group is compassionate lawyering. Mr. Dakanay embodies that ethos and spirit.
Please contact Mr. Dakanay for a free consultation as he will guide you through the legal process with due care and zealous advocacy.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Relentless Advocacy. Personalized Defense Strategy. Protecting Your Rights, Freedom & Future. Call Today
Fighting for Your Rights Through the Administrative Process.
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney. Relentless Advocacy. Personalized Defense Strategy. Protecting Your Rights, Freedom & Future. Call Today
Aggressive DUI Defense. Strategic Representation.
Compassionate Advocacy. Strong Juvenile Defense.
Practice Areas
14
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
Licenses
Licensed in California for 15 years
State: California
Acquired: 2011
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Ricson online.
Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
148 Client Reviews
Client Insights
AI-summarized from Avvo client reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 148 reviews
Posted by Sonny | October 19, 2026 | Hired Attorney
When I Felt Like No One Was on My Side, Ricson Stood Up for Me
I don't usually write testimonials, but this one is different. I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to Ricson Dakanay, an attorney who stood by me during one of the most difficult and helpless moments of my life. Seven years ago, I was arrested for DUI. I have always believed in personal accou...
Posted by anonymous | September 11, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Best dui lawyer
I highly recommend Rick. He was always honest and professional and never gave me false hope about my DUI case. He was able to get my DUI reduced to a wet reckless, and I’m very grateful for the outcome. Great attorney and straight to the point.
Posted by Nelson | September 08, 2026 | Hired Attorney
You’re in good hands with Ricson
Ricson was incredibly helpful through the entire legal process. He made to where I basically didn’t have to worry about anything except what I needed to do. Can’t imagine where I’d be without his help. Absolute pleasure to work with, you are most definitely in good hands with Ricson
Posted by anonymous | September 03, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Best Lawyer you'll ever have.
Ric has been helping me with my case since 2021 in San Diego, while I was living in Oregon. From the beginning, I was very intimidated and worried about the charges I was facing. Rick’s experience, professionalism, and ability to explain the entire legal process helped me feel more informed and prepa...
Posted by Harvey | September 02, 2026 | Hired Attorney
Great attorney!
Mr. Dakanay was very professional. Was clear from the beginning on what I needed on my case and definitely patient. Received clear information about what to expect on outcome and was very timely on dates and communication. Very satisfied with his work and definitely will aquire his help if ever d...
Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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!"
"Very passionate and extremely competent attorney."
"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."
"I endorse Ricson Dakanay. He is a true advocate for his clients, leaving nothing on the table. I highly recommend Ricson."
"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 !"
"I strongly recommend Mr. Dakanay."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"Ricson is a wonderful attorney who always goes the extra mile for his clients. He treats each case with the utmost care."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is a great lawyer!"
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Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2024
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2023
Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
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 DiegoMember
2015 - Present
West End San Bernardino County Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
Riverside County Bar Association, Criminal Law SectionMember
2015 - Present
US District Court - Central District of CaliforniaMember
2015 - Present
US District Court - Southern DivisionMember
2012 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2011 - Present
San Bernardino County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
2011 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
Education
2010
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2023
Criminal Law - Pro Bono Assistance
2017
DUI Law, Speedy Trial Rights, Informants
2017
2017 Criminal Practice Bench Bar Symposium
2017
How to Debunk and Challenge CSAAS in Trial
2016
Refresher Course on Professional Responsibility Law and Principles
2016
Bias, Ethics, Substance Abuse Blitz
2015
Standardized Field Sobriety Tests (SFST's)
2015
Gang Charges and Enhancements
2015
Body Cameras in Law Enforcement
2014
Commencement Speaker
2014
Aquinas High School Mock Trial Attorney-Coach
2014
Legal Overview of the American with Disabilities Act of 1990
2012
State of DUI Law and Current Trends
2011
Introduction into the Legal Profession
Publications
2025
2025
2023
2022
2020
2019
2019
2018
Languages
Tagalog