Gary Wenkle Smith
About Gary
Biography
I have been a nominated member of the National Trial Lawers Top 100 Trial Lawyers for the years 2014 and 2015. This is an honor given to few, and for which I am most grateful.
Please visit my website: and read my "Trial Victories" section. Read all of my website:
GO TO:
for a video to see what former clients say about me, and how I present myself.
Read my endorsements on this page. Read all of my posts about my work and writings. Google me and see the many articles about my many victories.
Read everything I have to say, and verify it.
I have been an attorney for thirty-seven years. I have focussed primarily upon criminal defense during my career. These past several years I have handled mostly serious felonies, such as murder, and other allegations of violent crimes. I will represent persons injured through the intentional misconduct of law enforcement persons--civil rights violations in serious cases, including deaths and beatings.
I am a very well trained trial lawyer. I participate in training regulary each year with nationally renowned trial lawyers from all over the United States through Gerry Spence's Trial Lawyer's College. This will be my 17th year training with TLC.
I have tried at least 100 serious felony cases. Some of my victories on behalf of my clients have received significant media attention. I am not afraid to take on the government in the combat of the courtroom. Through my training and extensive experience, I am almost always able to guide the jury in finding in favor of my clients. I have tried at least 200 jury trials.
I am not a "high volume" caseload lawyer. I cannot and will not maintain the pace of work required to handle a big caseload. Therefore, my clients recieve a good deal of my time and attention. If they are in custody, I meet with them regularly to prepare for trial. If they are out of custody, we meet regulary at the office, where we can prepare for trial, often using "mock juries" in order to better prepare for trial.
As is posted here on AVVO, and the State Bar website, I have suffered discipline through the State Bar of California, my licensing agency. The conduct for which I was disciplined was not related to the practice of law. That conduct was part of my drug and alcohol related problems, resulting in me entering into recovery through Alcoholics Anonymous and The Other Bar, an organization for judges and lawyers in recovery from drugs and alcohol. I celebrated 19-years of sobriety in May 2016, and look forward to my 20th year in 2017.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
47 years | 1,000 cases
29 years | 20 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 46 years
State: California
Acquired: 1979
Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 1996
Location
Gary Wenkle Smith
198 North Arrowhead Ave, San Bernardino, CA, 92408
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Gary Wenkle Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 39 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | December 21, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
Gary reached out
Thank you for your insight . It was a pleasure hearing from you. Happy holidays
Posted by Kimberly | October 6, 2017 | Hired Attorney
Highly Recommended Criminal Defense Attorney. AAA+
I was wrongfully accused of numerous serious felony charges. As a scared client, accused of something I did not do, lost and looking for help. I was extremely fortunate and relieved to find Gary. I will have to say that the best part of this horrible experience was the day I met Gary Wenkle Smith. I ...
Posted by anonymous | October 19, 2016 | Hired Attorney
The Deputy at the Court told us "You hired the finest Attorney I've ever seen"
And we have to agree....our son was facing a murder charge, and even though it was self defense, it was a very difficult case to beat, with some very unusual and difficult circumstances. We interviewed 3 attorneys but the third attorney referred us to Gary...saying he would be the best guy for this p...
Posted by Chris | December 18, 2014
Best Defence Attorney Ever
Gary Wenkle Smith is by far the best defence attorney attorney that I have ever encountered. In my case I had a different attorney (A well known Attorney from LA county) up to my preliminary hearing. He never made me feel like he really cared about keeping me out of jail. To me it seemed like h...
Posted by Johnny | December 14, 2014
Self Defense with Knife
A true blessing when I needed one. The case was stacked against me from the start. Gary was the right lawyer to deal with a very nasty case. He worked extremely hard for me and with me to get my life back. He saw the truth when things looked very dim. I can't thank him enough.
Gary Wenkle Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I am so proud and delighted to count Gary as a friend. He is an amazing lawyer and human being. I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known Gary almost my entire life. He's been a friend of the family, a mentor and a colleague. The man is a brilliant lawyer. He's a true believer in the cause of fighting for the little guy against the power of the state. He is passionate about his work. And he's an extremely skilled and experienced litigator. You just can't get a better advocate."
"I have known Gary for many years and actually tried a case against him when I was a DDA in Riverside. Gary was one of the finest defense attorneys I had ever gone to trial against when I was a DDA. I have the upmost respect for Gary, and the way he fights for his clients. He gets extremely good results for his clients by using his integrity and wisdom. I highly recommend Gary!!!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Gary. He is a true champion of his client's rights and is extremely knowledgeable about all things related to criminal law. His expert guidance will serve any client well."
"Gary Wenkle Smith has a reputation in the legal community as a formidable opponent and excellent attorney. Having opposed Mr. Smith in a criminal matter it became readily apparent that his reputation was spot on. He was ethical, straightforward and a vigorous advocate for his client. Mr. Smith won my respect in how he dealt with not only the legal issues in the case, but also the emotional needs of his client and client's family."
"I have known Gary Wenkle Smith for several years, both as a colleague and as a friend. I consider Gary to be a very knowledgeable, skillful and dedicated criminal defense attorney and on several occasions, I have referred persons seeking a criminal defense attorney to him."
"I endorse this lawyer. There are a multitude of reasons for such an endorsement. Gary is one of the most consistent trial lawyers in seeking education from the best to work on his skills. He invests countless hours in time and money to train and sharpen advocacy for others in a criminal setting. He understands that you may be innocent of a crime, you cannot control being accused of it. Furthermore, he teaches his own peers better and more effective methods in advocacy. This is my endorsement and it means there is far more to Gary than an AVVO score. Look beneath the surface and discover what a true lawyer is meant to be."
"I not only endorse Gary, I highly recommend him! I have known Gary for years. Gary is a superb attorney with incredible courtroom skills. He is well respected by fellow criminal defense attorneys and prosecutors alike. You are lucky to have Gary in your corner!"
"I have known Gary for 10 years as of October 2013. Not only has he been very helpful in assisting me in resolving cases, but his wealth of knowledge of the criminal law and extremely well thought out strategies are superb. I have worked on cases with Gary and can personally attest that he is a hard worker for his client and is completely honest. I know that I am a better lawyer because of being blessed to know him."
"Gary's Avvo score definitely does not represent what he is about. Gary is very committed to his clients, and is an aggressive advocate for them. I have seen this first hand opposing him in court. He's been clean and sober for a long time, and serves as a strong example of what challenges people can overcome. I recommend him without hesitation!"
"I endorse this lawyer. Gary is one of the finest criminal defense/civil rights lawyers I know. If someone I cared about was charged with a crime or had his or her rights violated in the Inland Empire, Gary is the first lawyer I would recommend. I have seen Gary in trial. I have discussed cases and legal issues with him for years. He represented a family member of mine and did a brilliant job, for which I will always be grateful. Gary cares deeply about his clients and about justice. He is a brilliant trial lawyer. Anyone who Gary represents is so lucky to have found him. I endorse him wholeheartedly!"
"I have known Gary for most of the 27 years I have been practicing law. He is one of the leading criminal defense attorneys in the Inland Empire. It is without hesitation that I strongly endorse Gary."
"I have had the privilege of knowing Gary Smith for a number of years and I can honestly say that I feel he is without a doubt a very dedicated, skilled, and knowledgeable trial attorney. There have been numerous occasions that I have gone to Gary and leaned on him for his expertise in the area of criminal defense. It is my feeling that Gary is not only an outstanding attorney, he is an outstanding person, and I am glad to call him a friend! I would highly endorse this attorney!"
"I have known Gary Smith for decades as being one of our area's top criminal defense lawyers. The dedication he demonstrates to his clients is equalled by the intensity he puts into each case he handles. I do endorse Gary. Bill Shapiro"
"Gary Smith's representation proceeds him when he walks into every criminal law courtroom in the County of San Bernardino. In the last year alone, Mr. Smith has achieved two not guilty verdicts in cases where the defendants faced charges that could potentially result in life in prison commitments. I remember talking to Mr. Smith and admiring his determination to ensure his clients receive true justice in every case. He often wakes up in the early morning hours when he is in trial. He doesn't take a case unless he knows that he can put the right amount of work into it to achieve a successful outcome. Disregard his avvo rating - his results speak for themselves. Mr. Smith also volunteers in the local bar association to further the administration of justice in his community. If I ever knew someone that needed a criminal defense attorney, I would whole-heartedly endorse and recommend this lawyer."
"I have known Gary, and have known of and have witnessed his work, for over 20 years, and I find him to possess as high a level of ethics, reliability, and legal competence of any lawyer I know. Moreover, his courage and deternination to stand against the gusts of faction and power, and with his clients' interests, are second only to my own qualities in that regard. I recommend Gary to those in need of criminal defense without reservation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I am a friend and have worked with Gary on criminal matters for over ten years. We have tried several cases together and he has been a mentor to me during that time. He has a special way he relates to jurors that I have seen very few lawyers possess. I would trust him with my life."
"I endorse this lawyer. Gary Wenkle Smith is second to none in Southern California for criminal defense matters. I have seen Gary in action and I'm a better attorney for this. He will fearlessly and zealously advocate for you. I feel so confident in Gary that I would send my own family members to him for representation."
"I endorse this lawyer.I agree with Attorney Jeff Bullard Gary Smith is simply the Best Trial Attorney in the Inland Empire. I hav known Gary since 1992 and I have seen Gary win cases that other Attorney's were afraid to even take to Trial. He is a warrior who recently won a case in Victorville were his client shot three people and was charged with three counts of Murder. The DA offer was life in prison. The jury was out less than a day the Verdict NOT GUILTY (self defense). I could go on and on about all of his trial wins. I can honestly write if any of my family needed a great trial Attorney I would hire Gary in a New York minute! But the best thing about Gary is his complete and 100% honesty with everyone he meets whether client fellow lawyers or Court Officers you will always know where you stand with him. I can not express properly how great an Attorney Gary is or what a wonderful person he is. I strongly endorse Gary Smith !"
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Experience
Professional misconduct
This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 1996.
Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 1996
updated on 01/20/2016This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.
Honors
2014
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2014
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
1978
John Lewis King Memorial Scholarship, Numerous scholarship and grants as a law student
1978
Editor-in-Chief, Law Review, University of La Verne College of Law
Work Experience
1979 - Present
Attorney, Gary Wenkle Smith, Attorney at Law
Associations
2014 - Present
National Trial LawyersTop 100 Trial Lawyer's
2010 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeCACJ
2010 - Present
San Bernardino County Bar AssociationArbitrator Fee Disputes
2001 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysGraduate
2000 - Present
Gerry Spence Trial Lawyers CollegeStudent past sixteen years
2000 - Present
Alumni at Trial Lawyer's CollegeGraduate/Ranch Club Member
2000 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationPrivate Counsel Member
2000 - Present
Federal Bar Association (California chapter)FBA Inland Empire
2000 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersNACDL
1999 - Present
The Other BarPast Board Member; current member
1985 - Present
Supreme Court of the United States BarAttorney Member
1979 - Present
San Bernardino County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
1979 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaAttorney
1979 - Present
Legal Aid Society of San BernardinoVolunteer Lawyer
2004 - 2008
East Valley Second ChanceBoard Member
1999 - 2016
Cedar House Life Change CenterBoard Member; Immediate Past President
Sample of Legal Cases
Not Guilty all counts.
Not Guilty all counts
Not Guilty all counts.
Education
2002
2000
N/A
law
N/A
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2012
Publications
2007
2007
2006
2005
2004
2003
2003
2002
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Prelim hearing today in san bernadino county for felony charge. Can i ask for a continuance?
23 Apr 2018
My house was raided while no one was home and what they left did not seem like a search warrant
23 May 2012
The fbi is accusing me of a crime i did not commit what do i do
05 May 2012