Benjamin Ray Cates

Benjamin Ray Cates

also known as Ben Cates

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Temecula, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Sex Crime ... +2 more

43460 Ridge Park Dr., Suite 200F, Temecula, CA

About Benjamin

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 25%

17 years | 500 cases

25%
DUI and DWI 25%

17 years | 500 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 17 years

State: California

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Cates Law Office - Temecula Location

43460 Ridge Park Dr., Suite 200F, Temecula, CA, 92590

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Benjamin Ray Cates's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

31 Client Reviews

5 star (31)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by Cameron | May 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great, communicative lawyer

Ben was a fantastic lawyer! I hired him back in August of 2021, though my case took very long to go to trial he took care of everything. Finally as I write this review my case was closed and he handled all of it. I cannot thank this man enough. If you're military as well this is the guy you need to h...ire!!

Posted by anonymous | June 12, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Helped family member with DUI

So happy to use services of Ben.. he was so nice and helpful… he makes you feel comfortable and took great care of everything. . So easy to talk to and I am so happy to have found him.. thank you Ben. Appreciate your hard work. I would definitely recommend Ben ….

Posted by Mario | December 4, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best lawyer for our case

Mr. Cates is on top of his game! My stepson was accused of sexually assault in Riverside . Which really was the family of his girlfriend making stories up. Five years later it was dismissed! Ben always knew the DA office game. He was always there when we had questions. With his knowledge and experi...ence we felt comfortable with him. Our family would highly recommend him.

Posted by anonymous | July 8, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The best choice!

Ben by far is the best Attorney I have hired. As a mom of a defendant he made me feel so comfortable through the whole process, he was honest and calm which is exactly what this nervous mother needed. He kept his word and explained every detail step by step through the process. The outcome was better... than we imagined it would be. I thank God he was with us in the courtroom and would reccomend him to anyone in our situation. Highly experienced and a top notch Attorney!

Posted by Xochitl | May 14, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Client

Benjamin is an excellent attorney. Resolved my case in less than a month. He took care of everything himself; not once did I have to make a court appearance. He is extremely friendly and very easy to talk to. He answers any questions you may have and explains everything very well. He got me the resul...ts I wanted and desperately needed. I was extremely satisfied with his services. Would definitely recommend.

See All Client Reviews

Benjamin Ray Cates's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Benjamin
James Melvin Taylor headshot
James Taylor

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ben for many years. He is a hard working attorney. He has a great personality and is well respected in the courts. He is not afraid to put in the late hours."

Jeanne M. Normandeau headshot
Jeanne Normandeau

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I am currently working with Ben on a co-defendant criminal matter. I have been impressed with his knowledge of the law and thorough investigation into the facts of our case. Ben Cates is an experienced and conscientious lawyer that achieves great results for his clients. I strongly endorse Ben Cates to have in your corner if you ever need an experienced criminal lawyer."

Scott Daniel Henry headshot
Scott Henry

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Ben is a great attorney with a stellar reputation throughout the legal community. He is respected by Judges, Prosecutors and the Defense Bar throughout Southern California. Mr. Cates truly cares about each and every one of his clients and it shows by the hard work and dedication he puts into each and every case. I without hesitation would recommend him as a great attorney!"

Hilda Heredia Zamora headshot
Hilda Zamora

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse Mr. Cates. He fights to protect the rights of his clients and understands the importance and the need for justice. He is a true asset to the practice of criminal defense."

Dawn Kirk headshot
Dawn Kirk

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ben is the consummate professional and truly cares for his clients. Ben is extremely quick on his feet and is always up to date on the latest case law. Ben is always prepared for whatever hearing, negotiation or trial is coming up and is not afraid to think outside of the box. I highly recommend Ben Cates for all those seeking a competent criminal defense attorney - his clients are lucky to have him on their team."

Jeremy J. Waitman headshot
Jeremy Waitman

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ben stands out as a lawyer who is passionate about what he does. In a profession where so many lawyers have lost that zeal, it is refreshing to work alongside him in the courtroom."

Jared Daniel Bartell headshot
Jared Bartell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 09

Relationship: Friend

"Over the years Ben and I have discussed many cases together. I am honored to call him a friend and you would be honored to call him your lawyer."

Ronald Allen Powell headshot
Ronald Powell

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Ben Cates is an excellent attorney and a credit to our profession. He just completed a trial, and it was amazing to see the time he put in to make sure the client received great representation. Ben Cates is an excellent attorney!"

Megan Elizabeth Scafiddi headshot
Megan Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Co-worker

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Cates is extremely knowledgable inthe areas of criminal defense, DMV hearings, as well as appeals and writs. Mr. Cates is dedicated to his clients and always gives everything he can when defending them. He works with the team to ensure the best resolution possible. I would recommend Mr. Cates to anyone seeking representation who Is facing with criminal charges."

Scot Thomas Neudorff Esq headshot
Scot Neudorff

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Ben Cates since our days in law school together. Ben was always a strong student who took his studies seriously. He now has that same commitment to becoming the best lawyer he can be. He is very knowledgeable, experienced, and a very good lawyer. I fully endorse Benjamin Cates as a lawyer!"

Roderick Andrew Daly headshot
Roderick Daly

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Co-worker

"I wholeheartedly endorse Ben Cates. He is personable, quick-witted, and has a tireless work ethic. He is well respected by both sides of the bar, and commands respect whenever he sets foot in a courtroom. He is very effective lawyer because he is always prepared, knows the nuances of the law, and is able to adapt his legal strategies to fit specific clients and specific courts."

Eric Raymond Hunt headshot
Eric Hunt

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the opportunity to get to know Ben Cates over the past several years. He is a confident and very knowledgeable attorney, who is willing to work until the job is complete. Along with being able to think quickly on his feet, he is also intellectually gifted and able to explore novel approaches to complex areas of law. I highly endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Benjamin. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Stephen Troy Allen headshot
Stephen Allen

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Mr. Cates for about 4 years and he is an excellent attorney with a lot of experience in the Riverside/San Bernardino courts. A respected, dedicated attorney!"

Gary Wenkle Smith headshot
Gary Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 13

Relationship: Friend

"I endorse this lawyer. Ben Cates is my friend. He is a fine lawyer. We tried an attempted murder case together. His background as a Marine was invaluable, as the case involved a former Marine--our client, and all of the witnesses were in the military. Ben knew things that I did not. He saw things that I could not. He is hard-working, dedicated to perfection, and will not be defeated."

Jeffrey George Moore headshot
Jeffrey Moore

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 07

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Cates for several months and have had the opportunity to observe his work both in and out of court. He is extremely experienced and skilled with the DMV administrative process, and is a master of DMV-related writs and appeals. In the criminal courts, he is a zealous and knowledgable advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Neil Shouse headshot
Neil Shouse

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Ben Cates is the go-to lawyer for any issues involving the DMV, APS hearings, writs and appeals. He knows the system inside and out and gets terrific results for his clients."

Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay headshot
Ricson Dakanay

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Co-worker

"Ben Cates is an attorney I can always count on for help and advice.He is very knowledgeable about criminal defense law and exemplifies what it means to be a "zealous advocate". He truly cares about the clients and their needs, and he will to go great lengths in ensuring everything that could be done, was indeed carried out. I consider him a great mentor and a friend. I highly endorse Ben."

Sarah Elizabeth Powell headshot
Sarah Powell

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Co-worker

"I have the pleasure of working with Ben, who I consider a very talented and knowledgeable attorney. He certainly works for the best interest of our clients. His knowledge of the DMV hearing has led to very successful results for our clients. He extremely personable and well-liked by judges, attorneys and clients. I definately endorse his work."

Michael Anthony Scafiddi headshot
Michael Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Supervised lawyer

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Ben from the time he started law school. When you meet Ben you immediately notice that he has high energy , is intelligent and truly cares about people. Because of those skills I hired Ben to work in my office and it has been one of the best decisions I have made in my professional career. He is hard working and dedicated to our client and has a burning desire to win. Ben has won numerous DMV hearing for drivers and his legal work lead to the inadmissibility of a critical document used by DMV to take away client licenses. This resulted in set asides (wins) for numerous clients of our office as well as clients for other attorneys whom we shared the information with. Ben continually looks for innovative ways to help his clients. I am proud to say that Ben works for my office but more importantly I am proud of his amazing growth as a lawyer. I strongly endorse Ben Cates !"

View All Endorsements
Ricson Cabungcal Dakanay headshot
Ricson Dakanay

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Daniel Henry headshot
Scott Henry

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeanne M. Normandeau headshot
Jeanne Normandeau

DUI and DWI lawyer

Hilda Heredia Zamora headshot
Hilda Zamora

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeremy J. Waitman headshot
Jeremy Waitman

Criminal defense lawyer

Lara Jayne Gressley headshot
Lara Gressley

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jared Daniel Bartell headshot
Jared Bartell

DUI and DWI lawyer

Aaron Love Turner headshot
Aaron Turner

Criminal defense lawyer

Dawn Kirk headshot
Dawn Kirk

General practice lawyer

Scot Thomas Neudorff Esq headshot
Scot Neudorff

Criminal defense lawyer

Alicia Claire Freeze headshot
Alicia Freeze

Criminal defense lawyer

Roderick Andrew Daly headshot
Roderick Daly

Criminal defense lawyer

Ronald Allen Powell headshot
Ronald Powell

Criminal defense lawyer

Megan Elizabeth Scafiddi headshot
Megan Scafiddi

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey George Moore headshot
Jeffrey Moore

Criminal defense lawyer

Eric Raymond Hunt headshot
Eric Hunt

Social Security & Disability lawyer

Sarah Elizabeth Powell headshot
Sarah Powell

Personal injury lawyer

Gary Wenkle Smith headshot
Gary Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Brooke D. Eno Elia headshot
Brooke Eno Elia

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2015

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2015

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2015

DUI Certificate, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

2015

DUI Certificate, California DUI Lawyers Association

2014

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association

2014

Top 40 under 40, National Trial Lawyers Association

Work Experience

2015 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of Benjamin Cates

2008 - Present

Volunteer Attorney, Legal Aid Society Of San Bernardino, Inc.

2008 - 2015

Attorney, Law Offices Of Michael A. Scafiddi, Inc.

2007 - 2008

Clerk, Law Offices of Aaron L. Turner

1994 - 2000

Sergeant, United States Marine Corps

Associations

2015 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2015 - Present

National Trial Lawyers Association

Member

2011 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - Present

San Bernardino County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Riverside County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2008 - Present

American Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Third DUI

License retained

Peo. v. Mike D.

Wet Reckless

Peo v. Jose R.

Misdemeanor Dismissed

Peo v. Tom C.

Dismissal

Peo. v. Derek H.

Dismissal

Peo v. Sochilt V.

Dismissal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

California Southern Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2014

In house training

DUI Law at the DMV

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 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