David Philip Shapiro
also known as David Shapiro, David P. Shapiro
About David
Biography
Arrested for a crime he, admittedly, did commit in 2004, David experienced firsthand the same fear, uncertainty, and concern for his future and freedom so many of his clients undergo when arrested or under investigation for allegedly committing a crime. That experience motivated David to dedicate his career to helping good people regain control of their future when charged with a crime.
In addition to its accolades and accomplishments for his clients inside the courtroom (see ) David's greatest joy is the work he does for our community, via fundraisers, donations of money and time, and simply helping out wherever and whenever there is a need. David's firm has historically been connected with such great organizations such as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, Second Chance, Genesis Recovery, and San Diego’s Friendship Soccer League.
Practicing exclusively criminal defense in San Diego since 2007, David has built one of San Diego's most respected criminal defense firms since opening its doors in 2010. Some of his best accolades include:
2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
One of San Diego's Most Influential People (SD per the San Diego Business Journal (2025, 2024, 2022)
LOODPS being recognized as one of the nation's fastest growing (as recognized by Law Firm 500 from 2018-2021) law firms.
San Diego's Next Top Business Leaders under 40 (2018)
San Diego's Top 40 Under 40 Business Leaders by San Diego Metro Magazine (2018)
Leaders in Law Finalist by the San Diego Business Journal (2019-2022)
SuperLawyers Rising Star for 7consecutive years (2015-2021) & SuperLawyer (2023)
UB Fast 46 Finalist (2021-2023) recognizing the fastest growing businesses in the world owned by University at Buffalo alumni (#22, #23, & #20)
3 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Diego per Three Best Rated (2017-present)
Martindale Hubbell AV-Preeminent rating (2019-present)
A native of New York City, David moved to San Diego in 2006 after living in New Orleans from 2003-2006.
*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
19 years | 1,750 cases
19 years
19 years
19 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
1 %
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 18 years
State: California
Acquired: 2007
No misconduct found
Location
David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys
2550 Fifth Avenue, Suite 1050, San Diego, CA, 92103
David P. Shapiro Criminal Defense Attorneys
270 E. Douglas Ave., Suite 101, El Cajon, CA, 92020
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
David Philip Shapiro's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
113 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Expungement
Posted by anonymous | May 06, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Expungement
A blessing!
We found ourselves in a tough situation with our child facing a strike felony with a sentence of up to 7 years. I made several calls to find an attorney we were comfortable with but had not made a decision due to not really knowing what was to come and how fast the initial court date was scheduled fr...
David Shapiro
Replied last May 06, 2020Glad we were able to protect your child's future. We all make mistakes, especially when we are young. Believe me, if I got caught for every irresponsible thing i did (even deep into my 20s)....
Posted by ana constanza dickerson | March 17, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Expungement
The lawyer you don't want to need, but glad you know him when you do.
From our first consultation, David was nothing but professional, informative and caring, making a very humiliating and scary situation bearable. As the case progressed, he worked diligently to reduce my sentence to a much lesser degree, keeping me informed every step of the way. In comparison, other ...
Posted by anonymous | October 08, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Expungement
Great lawyer that knows what he's doing
I found Mr. Shapiro after posting a question about my case and he was one of the few in the surrounding area that answered. After shopping around for other attorneys that dealt with expungement cases, Mr. Shapiro seemed to be the best choice. He is straightforward and explains everything clearly. ...
Posted by Kristin | April 05, 2015 | Expungement
Truly the best!
I hired David Shapiro to represent me back in February 2011. I was charged with a couple of felonies and was scared out of my mind. I had never been in trouble before and I didn't know what to do. I felt hopeless. I thought my life was over because no one gets hired at any job with a criminal record ...
Posted by erin.piskura | June 09, 2014 | Expungement
GREAT and SKILLED Attorney - depends on your needs...
Attorney Shapiro is skilled in his profession. He is a competent attorney and I believe he worked hard for the best outcome in my case(s). If, however, you are charged with a first time and are nearly as scared as I was, he may not be the best fit. Although he is a great attorney, I did not find him...
David Shapiro
Replied last June 09, 2014I believe the great majority of our clients prefer that I tell it like it is, as opposed to sugar coating the issues and creating unrealistic expectations. My experience the past 7 years, and with 1,000 clients, has been that you can not please every client you represent, irrespective of the number of messes you get them out of or the countless nights and weekends you spend addressing their unrealistic expectations about their case(s). Nevertheless, we appreciate the feedback and the references to David Shapiro as a "nice guy," a "great attorney" who is "skilled in his profession," and someone who "will go to bat" for his clients.
David Philip Shapiro's Lawyer Endorsements
"I highly endorse attorney David Shapiro. I have known David for several years, including currently having an office right next door to him. I see him interact with clients every day, and I know that he deeply cares for his clients and does everything he can for them. David has done numerous jury trials, getting great outcomes for those he represents."
"David Shapiro is an aggressive trial attorney who has proven to garner favorable results for his clients. He has an excellent reputation in the San Diego legal community and he is highly regarded by both the bench and fellow attorneys."
"I endorse David Shapiro. He is a thoughtful and professional lawyer who takes his clients matters to heart. He has an excellent reputation within the legal community."
"David is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Recommended with complete confidence."
"I highly recommend David Shapiro. He is sharp and energized and really cares about the outcomes for his clients. He is committed to his local community and has achieved great results. I would not hesitate to refer my trusted San Diego clients and referrals to Mr. Shapiro."
"I have referred numerous cases to David over several years because he consistently impresses with the outcome. His conscientiousness and attention to detail is exceeded only by his court persuasiveness. I highly recommend David as an exceptionally-skilled criminal lawyer!"
"David is an experienced and well learned attorney with the trial skills to match. Zealous advocacy is all that David believes in when it comes to his clients. I have personally witnessed David's work and endorse him without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"David is a Brilliant Lawyer. I endorse him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Facing DUI or criminal accusations is never easy, but obtaining the assistance of an experienced criminal defense attorney can alleviate some of the stress and give you a fighting chance. Attorney Shapiro has the experience you're looking for."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This lawyer provides excellent services to clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney David Shapiro. Very active in providing outstanding legal answers on Avvo to assist folks seeking help. He is an asset to the legal industry."
"I endorse attorney David Shapiro. A strong advocate for his clients and a respected by his colleagues within the legal community."
"I endorse attorney David Shapiro. He is hard working and dedicated to his clients. He donates his times to provide excellent answers on Avvo from citizens seeking legal advise. Respected member in the legal industry."
"Mr. Shapiro has an excellent reputation with outstanding results. 4 years of contributions to the avvo community, impeccable local endorsements and a vast number of very satisfied clients as his reviews attest to. READ THEM. If you are in or near San Francisco do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation."
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Licensing lawyer
Personal injury lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Immigration lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
General practice lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2024
H.E.A.L. Advocacy Award, Youth Empowerment
2024
SD500 - Most Influential People in San Diego, San Diego Business Journal
2024
Fastest Growing Private Companies: 2021-2023 = #35, San Diego Business Journal
2024
Leaders of Influence in Law, San Diego Business Journal
2024
Fast 46 (38th Fastest Growing Alumni Led Business in the World), University at Buffalo
2024
Superlawyer, Superlawyers
2023
Fast 46 (20th Fastest Growing Alumni Led Business in the World), University at Buffalo
2023
Fastest Growing Private Companies - #36 (2020-2022), San Diego Business Journal
2023
Fastest Growing Law Firms in the U.S.- #105 (67 % Growth), Law Firm 500
2023
Leaders in Law, San Diego Business Journal
2023
Super Lawyer, SuperLawyers
2022
Fastest Growing Private Companies - #17 (2019-2021), San Diego Business Journal
2022
Leaders in Law - Finalist, San Diego Business Journal
2022
UB Fast 46 - Fastest Growing UB Alumni Owned Businesses (#23), University at Buffalo
2022
SD 500 - Most Influential People in San Diego, San Diego Business Journal
2022
Fastest Growing Law Firms in the U.S. - #94 (127%), Law Firm 500
2021
UB Fast 46 - Fastest Growing UB Alumni Owned Businesses (#22), University at Buffalo
2021
Fastest Growing Law Firms in the U.S. - #73 (108% Growth), Law Firm 500
2021
Leaders in Law - Finalist, San Diego Business Journal
2021
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2020
Fastest Growing Small Law Firms in the United States - #30, Law Firm 500
2020
Job Readiness Training Class 240 Class Champion, Second Chance
2020
3 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Diego, Three Best Rated
2020
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2019
Leaders in Law - Finalist, San Diego Business Journal
2019
Fastest Growing Law Firms in the United States - #24, LawFirm500
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2018
AV PreEminent Rating, Martindale-Hubbell®
2018
Fastest Growing Law Firms in the United States - #218, Law Firm 500
2018
Top 40 Under 40, SD Metro Magazine
2018
Next Top Business Leader Under 40, San Diego Business Journal
2018
Top Lawyers, Three Best Rated
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2017
Best of the Bar, San Diego Business Journal
2017
Top Lawyers, Three Best Rated
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2016
Best of the Bar, San Diego Business Journal
2016
Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association
2016
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2015
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2014
Best of the Bar, San Diego Business Journal
2014
Top Attorney, San Diego Daily Transcript
2014
Top Contributor for DUIs, Avvo
2013
Clients Choice in Criminal Defense, Avvo
2013
Top Young Attorneys, San Diego Daily Transcript
2012
Top Young Attorneys, San Diego Daily Transcript
2011
Top Young Attorneys, San Diego Daily Transcript
2009
Best Attorney/Parolee Mentor Match of the Year, VIP Mentors of San Diego
2003
Excellent Scholarly Achievement, The State University of New York at Buffalo
Work Experience
2010 - Present
Founder/Owner/Managing Partner, Law Office of David P. Shapiro
2007 - 2010
Associate Attorney, Steigerwalt & Associates
2007 - 2007
Owner, The Law Office of David P. Shapiro
2006 - 2007
Post-Bar Law Clerk, Office of the Public Defender - San Diego County
Associations
2023 - Present
Golden State BalletBoard Member
2016 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationBoard Member
2011 - Present
Better Business BureauAdmitted
2007 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) - CaliforniaAttorney Member
2007 - Present
California Public Defenders Association (CPDA) - CaliforniaAttorney Member
2007 - Present
The State Bar of CaliforniaAdmitted
2007 - Present
San Diego Criminal Defense Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2006 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
Member
2019 - 2019
Second ChanceJRT Class 232 Class Champion
2016 - 2024
How To Manage a Small Law FirmMember
2016 - 2022
Genesis RecoveryBoard Member
2009 - 2009
National Criminal Defense College (Macon, GA)Alumnus
2003 - 2006
The Criminal Law Society - Tulane UniversityPresident
Sample of Legal Cases
Temporary Restraining Order (TRO Dismissed)
Probation
Dismissed at Trial
Plea to "Wet Reckless;" DUI dismissed
Reduced Plea
Dismissed on First Day of Trial by Prosecution
Recent Good Results
Not Guilty on All Charges After Jury Trial
All Charges Dismissed; South Bay
Sole Felony Charge Dismissed
NOT GUILTY ON ALL CHARGES AFTER JURY TRIAL
NOT GUILTY AFTER JURY TRIAL
All Felony Charges Dismissed After Prelim. Hrg.
Education
2006
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1999
High School Diploma
N/A
JD - Juris Doctor
N/A
N/A
Speaking Engagements
2019
2019
2018
2018
2015
2015
2014
Judging of Student Advocacy
2014
2013
Aaron Hernandez Criminal Case
2012
Legal Clinic
2010
Sex Offenders & The Chelsea King Murder
2009
Overcrowding in California's Prisons
2009
Arrest of Chargers Linebacker Shawne Merriman
2009
DUI Laws in California
2009
Veteran's Rights in Criminal Court
2009
What it's like being a Criminal Defense Attorney
2008
What it's like being a Criminal Defense Attorney
2006
Innocence & The Death Penalty
Publications
2019
2018
2018
2018
2017
2016
2016
2015
Languages
English
Spanish
Italian
Farsi
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
My daughter has a paid attorney paid in full up to trial. how does she fire him ?
27 Jan 2022
Does the San Diego County Work Furlough Program give good time credits?
02 Nov 2021
Can i get bail if im already out on bail?
01 Nov 2021
Legal Guides
Arrested for a DUI in San Diego, but How Do You Avoid Getting Convicted?
21 Jun 2012
What Does the Prosecutor Have to Prove to Convict Me of a DUI in California
08 Mar 2011
What is an "Experienced" Criminal Defense Attorney?
03 Oct 2010