Timothy Allen Scott

Timothy Allen Scott

5.0
Rating: 7.6

Licensed for 25 years

Civil rights Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Civil Rights, Federal Crime, Personal Injury, Criminal Defense

1350 Columbia Street, Suite 600, San Diego, CA

About Timothy

Biography

Fees and Rates

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 24 years

State: California

Acquired: 2001

Active

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2024

Licensed in Washington for 25 years

State: Washington

Acquired: 2000

Active

Location

McKenzie Scott PC

1350 Columbia Street, Suite 600, San Diego, CA, 92101

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Timothy Allen Scott's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

32 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (32) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 8 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by JL | August 12, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 h...is 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.

Posted by MH | February 25, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Federal Crime

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 n...ot 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.

Posted by Roberta | January 15, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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!

Posted by Mayra | December 23, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 J | July 24, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Litigation

#1 Trial Attorney in my opinion and as awarded by San Diego Bar.

I personally have been represented by Mr. Scott. I speak from personal experience of having dealt with him for a number of years. There is a reason why Timothy Scott was awarded by the San Diego Bar Association as the #1 Trial Attorney. See link here and look at top right of website. http://sco...tttriallawyers.com/timothy_scott I found this to be well earned in his personal representation of me. I have worked with attorneys in various capacities for over 15 years. Before working with Mr. Timothy Scott, I had hired the best team of attorneys with money not being a question. Throughout trial the attorneys I used frequently referred to a "cliff notes" version of the law that was written by Timothy Scott in conjunction with other judges. I personally saw my attorneys prior to Mr. Scott use this "cliff notes version" in my case. -http://scotttriallawyers.com/handbook. It was used everyday in my trial. I though if this doesn't go exactly the way that I want the next attorney I will use will be this Mr. Scott. There is a reason attorneys use his book. There is a reason he was rated #1 out of thousands of attorneys. I have personally seen it in my case. What more can be said? He knows the law and still fights in the courtroom. He hasnt retired as some scholar writing books in an ivory tower. He is out there still fighting for individuals in the courtroom He never promises you anything and shoots you straight. Despite his success and top ratings and obvious knowledge in and out of the court room what is most impressive is it hasn't gone to his head. He is down to earth, nice, and humble. Sadly that is not the case with most attorneys and they sometimes forget who is the client. Not with Tim. I consider Tim more than just the best attorney but has become a friend. If you are lucky enough to have Tim take your case you will sleep better at night.

See All Client Reviews

Timothy Allen Scott's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Timothy
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 headshot
Harrison Le

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Cole Braddock headshot
Joshua Braddock

Litigation lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Marcus Sean Bourassa headshot
Marcus Bourassa

White collar crime lawyer

Samuel Dordulian headshot
Samuel Dordulian

Unknown lawyer

Experience

Rating:  7.6 (Very Good)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024.

Public reproval with/duties issued in CA, 2024

updated on 01/30/2024

A censure or reprimand issued by the Supreme Court or the State Bar Court that is not a matter of public record unless imposed after the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. No period of suspension is imposed. The reproval may be imposed with duties or conditions.

Honors

2017

Superlawyer, San Diego Magazine

2016

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

2015

Criminal Defense SuperLawyer, Southern California Super Lawyers

2015

Appellate SuperLawyer, Southern California Super Lawyers

2014

Criminal Defense SuperLawyer, Southern California Super Lawyers

2014

Appellate SuperLawyer, Southern California Super Lawyers

2013

Criminal defense SuperLawyer, Southern California Super Lawyers

2012

Criminal Defense SuperLawyer, Southern California Super Lawyers

Work Experience

2004 - Present

Founder, Trial Lawyer, McKenzie Scott PC

2001 - 2004

Trial Attorney, Federal Defenders Of San Diego, Inc.

2000 - 2001

Associate, Gordon Thomas Honeywell

Sample of Legal Cases

United States v. __, 11CR2611-JAH

Obtained dismissal during second day of jury trial

United States v. ___, Case No.05cr0069-VAP

Acquitted of all murder and murder conspiracy charges after jury trial.

United States v. __, 08cr2860-MJL

All charges dismissed one week before trial in light of diminished capacity and insanity defense.

People v. ______, Case No. SCD221241

All charges dismissed two weeks before trial on strength of defense investigation and preliminary hearing.

United States v. ________, Navy Court-martial

All charges dismissed after contested Article 32 preliminary hearing.

Mendez et al v. San Diego Medical Transport, et al, 37-2009-00081919-CU-PA-CTL

Recovered $1,030,000.00 settlement for the client.

United States v. _ , 07cr2521-WQH; United States v. __ 08-cr-00886-WQH; United States v. ____, 10cr4389-LAB,

In each case, all charges were dismissed shortly before jury trial in light of derivative-citizenship defense. Successfully litigated immigration issues, obtaining permanent U.S. citizenship for each client.

People of the State of California v. _____, Case No. SCS242736,

Murder charges dismissed after contested preliminary hearing.

United States v. an Individual, 12cr0918-BEN

Hung jury on remainder of counts

United States v.____, 14cr0192-CJC

Hung Jury

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Stanford Law School

J.D.

1997

Whitworth College

B.A.

Speaking Engagements

2013

Criminal Justice Act / Federal Defender Seminar

Voir Dire

2011

Criminal Justice Act / Federal Defender Training

Cross-Examination Techniques

2011

2011 Bar Association Mock Trial

Demonstrating Closing Argument

2009

Federal Bar Association Lunch Seminar

Demonstrating Opening Statements

Publications

2016

Matthew Bender publication Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2016)

2015

Matthew Bender publication Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2015)

2014

Matthew Bender publication Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2014)

2013

Matthew Bender publication Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2013)

2012

Matthew Bender publication Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2012)

2011

Matthew Bender publication Ninth Circuit Criminal Handbook (2011)

2011

Defending a Federal Criminal Case Fourth Amendment Practice and Procedure

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2024
    Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution