State Years

California - CA 22 years

Washington - WA 23 years
Licensed for 22 years

State CA

Acquired 2001

Status
Active No misconduct found
Licensed for 23 years

State WA

Acquired 2000

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

Timothy Allen Scott

Personal injury Attorney at San Diego, CA

About
Contact
Reviews
Cost
Resume

Mike Sanders

Mr.

I’m very grateful to Mr. Scott and his firm. We never felt like ‘clients.’ He viewed us as individuals of incalculable worth. He understood that we put the most difficult situation of our lives in his hands and he wasn’t going to let us down. It was obvious that Mr. Scott valued the truth and justice of our situation over his own ego. He is the farthest thing from the stereotypical attorney. Every attorney and paralegal in his office was equally qualified and motivated. Their work gave us peace of mind and confidence throughout the mediation and trial processes. They were extremely attentive to detail, and able to uncover significant details that we had not noticed despite being more intimately aware of the situation. They sifted through enormous amounts of data and properly distinguished the most important elements of the case from those of lesser importance. The storyline of our situation was patiently woven together over the course of the trial and the jury was not lacking any important elements. He was never too busy to answer a call, email or text. He was factual rather than emotional. Our trial ended more quickly and favorably than we anticipated as a result of Mr. Scott’s professional and human excellence.

About Timothy

Learn Timothy’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

NOT TAKING A PLEA? CALL US FOR FEARLESS TRIAL ADVOCACY AND AGGRESSIVE MOTIONS PRACTICE:

J.D., Stanford Law School

B.A., Whitworth College, summa cum laude.

Consistently ranked by peers as a “San Diego Super Lawyer,” and “Southern California Super Lawyer” in both the criminal defense and appellate categories, Timothy A. Scott is the rare advocate who combines the skills of an accomplished trial lawyer, appellate attorney, and legal scholar.

Mr. Scott maintains a vigorous trial practice, with approximately 60 jury trials to his credit. His recent victories include: United States v. An Individual, 14cr192-CJC (solicitation to murder federal judge, hung jury); United States v. an Individual, 08cr1094-WDK (tried in 2015) (acquittal on all charges in federal health-care fraud prosecution); United States v. an Individual, 13cr0885 (acquittal or dismissal of 16 of 19 charges in federal fraud case, client free on bond pending appeal of remaining counts); People v. an Individual, Case No. 3WA02116 (hung jury and dismissal on theft charges); United States v. an Individual, 12cr0918-BEN (securities-fraud, acquitted on six counts, hung jury on remaining counts); California v. an Individual, Case No. SCS242736 (obtained dismissal of murder charges following three-day preliminary hearing); United States v. an Individual, Case No. 11 CR 2611 (assault on a federal officer case, obtained dismissal during second day of jury trial); United States v. an Individual, (Navy Court-martial alleging double rape; all charges dismissed after Article 32 preliminary hearing); California v. an Individual, Case No. SCS242736 (acquittals on all counts in case alleging aggravated assault with great bodily injury); United States v. an Individual, Case No. 09 CR 3330 (obtained jury trial acquittal in case alleging alien-smuggling with alleged confession); United States v. an Individual, Case No 05 CR 0069 (obtained jury trial acquittals of first-degree murder and gang conspiracy charges).

Mr. Scott’s success at the Ninth Circuit has been as broad and frequent as his trial court victories, and include: United States v. Spanier, 17-50128 (2018) (securities-fraud conviction reversed for jury-instruction error); United States v. Millan, 15-50445 (2018) (wire-fraud conviction reversed for erroneous admission of expert / summary testimony); United States v. Garcia, 14-50567 (government conceded error and dismissed appeal after opening brief filed); United States v. Spanier 14-50306 (securities-fraud conviction dismissed for Speedy Trial violation, remanded); United States v. Johnson, 10-50439 (9th Cir. 2012) (reversing federal bank-robbery conviction and twenty-seven-year sentence); United States v. Cardenas, 09-50472 (9th Cir. 2011) (reversing federal identity theft conviction); United States v. Caruto, 532 F.3d 822 (9th Cir. 2008) (reversing importation conviction and 14-year sentence for Doyle error in case of first impression); United States v. Rangel-Rodriguez, Case No. 06-50519 (9th ) (reversing federal alien-smuggling conspiracy conviction); United States v. Wells, Case No. 04-50296 (9th Cir. 2006) (reversing RICO/attempted murder conviction and 30-year sentence); United States v. Lombera-Valdovinos, 429 F.3d 927 (9th Cir. 2005) (reversing conviction in re-entry case); United States v. Bautista, 362 F.3d 584 (9th Cir. 2004) (reversing counterfeiting conviction for Fourth-Amendment violation); United States v. Juvenile (Christian O.), Case No. 03-50488 (9th Cir. 2004) (reversing importation case and obtaining acquittal on appeal).

Mr. Scott’s mastery of federal criminal law may also be assessed by his authorship of, in collaboration with a sitting federal district judge, The Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (Lexis-Nexis/Matthew Bender). This restatement of criminal law is relied upon by practitioners and judges alike throughout the Ninth Circuit, and includes a Forward from the Chief Judge of the Ninth Circuit. Mr. Scott also contributed the Fourth-Amendment chapter to the 2010 edition of the nationally renowned treatise, Defending a Federal Criminal Case, published by Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc.

Mr. Scott graduated from Stanford Law School in 2000, and received his undergraduate degree from Whitworth College in 1997 summa cum laude. He began his career as a trial attorney with Federal Defenders of San Diego, Inc. before starting his own firm in 2004. He is a frequent lecturer, speaker, and demonstrator for the bench and the bar

Awards

Client's Choice

2022 2020 2019 + 2 ...

Contact Timothy

McKenzie Scott PC

(619) 597-1920 Office

1350 Columbia Street

Suite 600

San Diego, CA, 92101

mckenziescott.com

Message Get Directions

Reviews

Write A Review

5.0 / 5.0

32 customer reviews

5 Star

100%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Mike | January 21, 2023

Mike Sanders

Tim is an excellent attorney. He presents the facts; stands by them and doesn't waiver from the truth. I would highly recommend him.

Posted by Chris | December 16, 2022

Mr.

Read less

Posted by Ruben | October 20, 2022

Excellent Attorney

An Excellent Attorney, very knowledgeable and capable professional. Kept my best personal interests in mind when dealing with the prosecution, undoing 99 percent of the charges. Very straight forward and honest person.

Posted by Sheila | June 6, 2022

Family member review

I was extremely impressed with Mr. Scott.. He was really professional and was able to explain the law and made it make sense. He was able to procure bond against the prosecutors objections and got a really reasonable disposition of my family members case..

Posted by Gary | June 6, 2022

Very satisfied client

Mr.Scott did a great job with case...My case involved large quantities of drugs and significant prison time...He was willing to fight from day one, not just accept the first plea deal get his check and be on his way...he filed motions on my behalf even when I thought they were doomed to fail and he prevailed...I highly recommend Mr. Scott

Read less

Posted by April | May 31, 2022

Couldn’t ask for better!

Mr. Scott and Mr. Bourassa helped our family tremendously. We were able to meet with the team immediately to address important matters. I was very comfortable with them and their concern for my family’s welfare. Our very stressful time ended up without consequence because of the effort they put into the case. Ultimately our day in court never came and no charges were made. I am thankful to have chosen this team and I would definitely recommend to others needing defense attorneys.

Read less

Posted by JL | August 12, 2020

Top-Rate & Trustworthy

Hands down, Tim Scott is the gold standard in criminal legal defense, a praise that I do not give lightly as a fellow practicing criminal defense attorney. Multiple attorneys I respected referred me to Tim, whom they would trust if their own family needed criminal legal assistance. After observing his skill level, work ethic, and genuine care for our family, I can say without reservation that Tim should be the first person you call if you need legal help. Tim was responsive and returned my call within an hour on a Saturday morning. He was astute in how he analyzed the case, listening for key facts and asking great questions. He outlined a clear plan for how he would proceed and was open-minded to my questions and suggestions. Tim did not waste time with fluff and got right to the main issues. I was seeking someone who not only had a stellar trial record but who could also effectively intervene in the early stages of the case. After he was retained, Tim maintained clear, consistent, and efficient communication about his progress in the case. Astoundingly, twelve days after the arrest, Tim actually got the prosecutors to dismiss the case. Tim far exceeded my expectations. My opinion of Tim's work is not based solely on the incredible outcome he achieved. Rather, I respected how ethically and diligently Tim worked to get the best possible outcome for us. For example, Tim is by no means afraid of going to trial (just look at his impressive trial record), but he did not put his ego ahead of the client's best interest. Tim could have taken his time on the case to be able to charge more (as I know some attorneys tend to do), but he did not do that and instead worked quickly to intervene far in advance of the first court date. Tim also patiently took the time to answer questions and counsel us throughout the case. His sense of humor quickly put us at ease. His deep humility belies his incredible skills and accomplishments. We felt safe with him. If you or your family find yourself in need of criminal legal representation, make sure you are in good hands. Not only is Tim Scott at the top of his field, he is someone you can trust.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | August 10, 2020

Genuine. Ethical. Trustworthy.

Timothy was recommended by 2 other top-tier attorney's. They both spoke highly of Tim. After talking to him over the phone, my cluttered mind was clear. I knew he was the man I needed to hire. In the preliminary meeting he showed empathy, a quiet confidence, and even suggested approaches on how to approach my case. Upon retaining him as my attorney, he was swift in his actions and followed through on his word. In result, my case is being dropped. I really could not ask for more. I'm fortunate to be able to write a positive note about attorney's because I'm so used to hearing the stereotype. Tim and team, thank you for all that you've done. I owe you big time. -Phuong I've never hired Timothy and his team went above and beyond before trial.

Read less

Posted by Tiffany | March 6, 2020

Wonderful attorney

It certainly has not been easy finding a trustworthy, smart, and caring attorney. Tim and his team were angels sent from above. They worked hard and diligently against a very formidable adversary and got his client acquitted. I can’t thank Tim enough. He is now a friend and our family attorney if we ever need one. I highly recommend Tim and his team to anyone needing a great attorney!

Read less

Posted by MH | February 24, 2020

The Best Exeptional Trial Lawyer in America

Dear Tim Scott and John Lemon, I wanted to take this opportunity to sincerely thank you for all your hard work and seemingly tireless efforts in representing me. Words cannot begin to express how fortunate I consider myself to have had you both as my legal counsels. Your professional guidance was not only a comfort to me but extended to my entire family. You both went beyond being professional skilled attorneys and you made me feel like you invested personally in me and treated me and my family as friends. My family and I cannot emphasize enough how comforting that feeling of friendship was to us during such a stressful time. You truly care about our family and what we are going through. Although both of you are fierce contender in the courtroom, your calm and humble manner, helps to put us at ease. Both of you are the best exceptional trial attorneys, and a kind and gracious men. I’m so grateful to both of you for everything you have done, and continue to do for us. After four week jury trial , both of you worked so hard to fight the case for me – which required of lot of works in preparing the application of complex intellectual-property concepts, patent law and federal criminal law which applied to the medical-device regulation and the resulted are WOW ..that we won the case with 20 acquittals. Although this was an event in my life that I wish had never happened and would like to forget, I am eternally grateful to the both of you and thankful to consider you both now as good friends.

Read less

Posted by anonymous | February 23, 2020

Super Hero that saved the day

Mr. Timothy Scott came highly recommended by one of the toughest DAs in the county, that gave us the get go to hire Timothy Scott without a doubt. We considered him a super hero and without him our outcome would've been completely a disaster. He is extremely knowledgeable and very well respected by the prosecutors and judges. He went above and beyond to assure us that everything will be okay His experience and confidence put us at ease during the course of the court. We got the results we wanted. Highly recommended.

Read less

Posted by Aldo | December 3, 2019

Defense lawyers

First time getting a lawyer and Tim Scott was amazing. He explained many things very clearly. The whole team he's got has been very helpful and respectful. Thank you and the team!

Posted by anonymous | September 3, 2019

Attorney Scott is the only way to go!!

Attorney Scott and his team are extremely talented and knowledgeable attorneys. They were able to get results for me that I was not expecting. I am definitely a satisfied client!

Posted by Royce & Family | July 25, 2019

Over $1 MILLION SETTLEMENT with compassion & decency

We have chosen their team because I love what I heard the first time we do the teleconference (yes, I told them that they don’t need to come personally to meet us in Bakersfield, CA as at that time we are still in the process of selecting who would be representing us - although their team offered upfront that they wanted to meet us personally). Their main office is in San Diego, CA but distance didn’t hindered or delayed any of the process. They controlled everything from the go time when we endorsed our case to them. Assuring us not to worry about the case and concentrate on my wife and family’s recovery. Atty. Tim responded very promptly on our inquiries even on his personal / vacation time and never leaves us hanging in the air. He listen to everything we said and answered with full of information and options. Due to their competence we are able to get the maximum possible settlement with the Insurance company. If you are looking for an attorney that you want to represent you with utmost care and knowledge of the law then you should put all your marbles to their team. THE BEST THERE IS.. WE CANNOT THANK THEM MORE ESPECIALLY WITH THEIR COMPASSION, GENEROSITY, EXCELLENT SERVICES, PROFESSIONALISM AND VERY BIG HELP.. SURELY YOU CANNOT GO WRONG WITH ATTY. TIM AND HIS TEAM.. MORE POWER & GOD BLESS..

Read less

Posted by anonymous | March 21, 2019

Pristine Lawyer

My husband and I absolutely recommend Mr. Timothy Scott’s service. He is a pristine lawyer that is extremely intelligent, competent and very personable. This year a federal indictment literally turned our world upside down. We were in unfamiliar territory and frightened to no end. Being law abiding federal employees with many years of dedicated service never dreamed we would find ourselves on the other side. It is my humble belief that it was divine intervention that pointed us to Mr. Scott through a referral. We felt instantly comfortable in his presence and appreciated his straight forward advice. This is rare for us because we are individuals that are suspicious by nature due to our professions. Mr. Scott has such a glorious but modest presence that can’t be taught only admired but also should be feared by his opponents, as he is truly a force to be reckoned with. My husband is a hard grader (aka stubborn nature:) and I could only sit in amazement how he was still able to instinctively navigate through with his empathetic disposition and consummate expertise to determine the best approach that ultimately resulted in a favorable resolution to our case. Mr. Scott has a fan forever that will include ready referrals. May God bless you always Mr. Timothy Scott.

Read less

Posted by Roberta | January 14, 2019

Persistent and aggressive

I wholly recommend Timothy Scott’s service. Federal allegations can be frightening but Tim was encouraging and informative about all the risks and options. Then he dove into the case. He was an aggressive advocate and provided straightforward advice. At one point Timothy challenged the prosecution in the appellate court and won both appeals. He ultimately helped with a favorable resolution to the case. Thank you so much Timothy Scott. You are a gem!

Read less

Posted by Mayra | December 21, 2018

Excellent Attorney

I highly recommend this Scott to anyone. He's been very good at communicating with me on husband's case. My husband was looking on getting more than 25 years on a case and Scott worked hard to get my husband out in less than 5 years. Don't know how to thank him. God bless him.

Posted by Steve | November 16, 2018

Gold Standard

I did quite a bit of research (plus a few trial-and-errors) on lawyers for my case. On appearance, Mr. Scott seemed rather out of my league. But I am so glad I did choose him for my trial. Aside from being extremely smart and competent he is also fair, personable and very honest (which according to him is actually a low bar for lawyer). The things impress me most are his laser sharp focus and instant adaptability to the constant courtroom changes and last minute trial bombs. He handled all adversities admirably with extreme dignity, never losing his cool or resorting to low ball. He is a true gentleman, a real trial lawyer of gold standard.

Read less

Posted by RS | October 18, 2018

Great Law

Tim was a pleasure to work with. He was professional, knowledgeable, and very sensitive to our matter. I can't thank him enough for all of his hard work.

Posted by Star | October 9, 2018

Highly recommended

Mr. Timothy Scott was genuinely involved in our life when our options appeared to be bound by the law. He stepped in and helped us recover and get through this difficult time by defending us with his empathetic disposition and well experienced reputation. We are truly grateful for his time and effort. Mrs. Star Gonzales

View all reviews

View less reviews

Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Founder, Trial Lawyer
McKenzie Scott PC
2004 - Present

Trial Attorney
Federal Defenders Of San Diego, Inc.
2001 - 2004

Associate
Gordon Thomas Honeywell
2000 - 2001

Education

Stanford Law School
J.D.
2000

Whitworth College
B.A.
1997

Legal Cases

United States v.____, 14cr0192-CJC
Hung Jury

United States v. __, 11CR2611-JAH
Obtained dismissal during second day of jury trial

People of the State of California v. _____, Case No. SCS242736,
Murder charges dismissed after contested preliminary hearing.

View all legal cases

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Superlawyer
San Diego Magazine
2017

Criminal Defense SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2016

Appellate SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2016

Trial Lawyer of the Year
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association
2016

Criminal Defense SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2015

Appellate SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2015

Criminal Defense SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2014

Appellate SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2014

Criminal defense SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2013

Criminal Defense SuperLawyer
Southern California Super Lawyers
2012

View all awards

Publications

Matthew Bender publication
Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2016)
2016

Matthew Bender publication
Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2015)
2015

Matthew Bender publication
Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2014)
2014

Matthew Bender publication
Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2013)
2013

Matthew Bender publication
Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2012)
2012

Matthew Bender publication
Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2011)
2011

Defending a Federal Criminal Case
Fourth Amendment Practice and Procedure
2011

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Criminal Justice Act / Federal Defender Seminar
Voir Dire
2013

Criminal Justice Act / Federal Defender Training
Cross-Examination Techniques
2011

2011 Bar Association Mock Trial
Demonstrating Closing Argument
2011

Federal Bar Association Lunch Seminar
Demonstrating Opening Statements
2009

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (3)

Given (2)

Endorse Timothy

Somair Alam

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Timothy is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Recommended with complete confidence."

Harrison Le

Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 15
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"I worked under Tim Scott on several complex criminal cases. He is one of the most reliable, hardest working attorneys in San Diego. Proven and trustworthy."

Joshua Braddock

Litigation Attorney | Aug 13
Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Tim Scott is one of the finest attorneys in his practice area. I have worked with him on criminal matters and fought alongside him at trial since starting in this business. He has been both a mentor and a friend. Knowledgeable, compassionate, and fiercely dedicated to his clients, there is no one better to have in your corner than Tim. I recommend him without hesitation to anyone in need of his services."