David E Swanson

David E Swanson

also known as Dave Swanson

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 34 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Newport Beach, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Juvenile ... +3 more

4100 Newport Place, Suite 550, Newport Beach, CA

About David

Biography

Practice Areas

6

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 25%

All types of criminal cases, specializing in felony cases. Everything from murder, assault with a deadly weapon, to theft, and embezzlement, and identity theft.

35 years | 3,000 cases

25%
DUI and DWI 20%

Driving under the influence of alcohol and /or drugs, including prescription drugs such as Ambien. Won numerous DUI trials.

35 years | 600 cases

20%
Juvenile Law 20%

Cases include transportation of 500 kilograms of cocaine and other large quatities of narcotics.

35 years | 700 cases

20%
Domestic Violence 15%

I have had numerous domestic violence cases dismissed.

35 years | 150 cases

15%
Sex Crime 15%

I have never lost a trial in a sex case, including rape and child molestation.

35 years | 110 cases

15%
Violent Crime 5%

Won numerous assault trials, including assault with a deadly weapon three strikes case with a mandatory 25 to-life sentence if the verdict was guilty.

35 years | 350 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 34 years

State: California

Acquired: 1991

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of David Swanson

4100 Newport Place, Suite 550, Newport Beach, CA, 92660

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David E Swanson's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

16 Client Reviews

5 star (16)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | June 29, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Representation

Dave Swanson devotes himself to his client's best interests with a devoted heart.

Posted by Frank | January 20, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr. Swanson is an amazing attorney A+

If you are ever in a jam, call Mr. Swanson. The man is kind, professional, responsive and he really knows and understands the law and legal system. I am glad I found Mr. Swanson, I had met with almost a dozen attorneys and he made me feel the most comfortable in terms of dealing with someone, credibi...lity and know how. Initially what drew me to his office was his many awards and rating on Super Lawyers and his excellent reviews on Avvo. He took care of my case after another attorney had abandoned my case in court and left me with no representation, I did not want to make a mistake and not research who I hired next and I’m very glad I hired David. David always answered all my questions, discussed his strategy with me and all elements of my case, and most importantly he made me feel like a respected human being and the last thing you want to do is deal with anyone who cannot do that. I highly recommend Mr. Swanson to anyone looking for a professional, able and willing criminal law attorney. He provided me with a free consultation also and I highered the man right on the spot!

Posted by Taylor kirby | January 17, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

D.U.I

This attorney is one of the best... I have four DUIs back in 2006 and I was in custody four crime bill crime and he took my fourth do you want to the box and win it in jury trial

Posted by Ryan | June 24, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Dave is fantastic, dedicated & professional

Dave worked on my case from 2013 through 2017. He was extremely dedicated and worked tirelessly for me during an extremely difficult time. In court, drafting briefs & motions and consulting in the office, Dave was always on the ball, informative and supportive. I couldn't have been happier with ...his representation and the ultimate disposition of my case. Thanks Dave!

Posted by Mary | May 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing Criminal Defense Attorney

No one ever wants to have to hire a criminal defense attorney. I have had to twice in my life for two unrelated members of my extended family. The first was over 12 years ago. Had I not come across Mr. Dave Swanson, the results could have been devastating. He was able to show the prosecutor that we w...ere not going to plea, that we were not going to back down, and that the charge was totally misrepresented. The charge was dismissed thanks to Mr. Swanson and his expertise in navigating the system. The second time hiring Mr. Swanson was to represent a member of the family against a possible felony conviction that literally could have ruined someone’s life. This was a crime that the person was being charged with BUT DID NOT COMMIT. He hired investigators, interviewed people, compared statements, dissected the event. He was there to defend the rights of the accused. That is what a good criminal defense lawyer should do. The process was long and drawn out, over a year and a half, however, not once did I lose faith and I knew that the representation was the best. This charge was dismissed after the second day of trial, thanks to Mr. Swanson. Mr. Swanson is an expert in the field of criminal defense. He knows his stuff. He knows the players: judges, prosecutors, other big-league plaintiff firms. Don’t think that that isn’t important. When you know the players you also know their points of views, their prejudices, their pet-peeves…thus, you know how to handle them. Mr. Swanson is a highly-skilled attorney and ALWAYS represents his clients with diligence and respect, with hard-work and a sound defense. He is trial-savvy, which many attorneys are not. He knows what is at stake and how to handle it.

See All Client Reviews

David E Swanson's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Matthew Borowski headshot
Matthew Borowski

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"A client of mine had an outstanding warrant in California, so I called David Swanson. He worked wonders. A superb lawyer with a solid understanding of the law, and a true concern for the welfare of his clients. David is a class act and I would not hesitate to recommend him in the future."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Henry S. Hilles, III headshot
Henry S. Hilles, III

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Brian E. Murphy headshot
Brian Murphy

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 30

Relationship: Other

"I endorse Mr. Swanson and recommend that anyone who is facing charges in the Orange County area contact him."

Brian J Chapman headshot
Brian Chapman

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Newport Beach Criminal Defense Lawyer David E. Swanson."

Dennis Paul Connelly headshot
Dennis Connelly

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Frederick S Freibott headshot
Frederick Freibott

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Edward Welbourn headshot
Thomas Welbourn

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Dave for over ten years as both a prosecutor and defense attorney. He is a tenatious and effective trial lawyer who obtains great results for his clients."

David Ryan Monarch headshot
David Monarch

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Marlin Glenn Stapleton Jr headshot
Marlin Stapleton

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known & worked with David for many years. He is an experienced, ethical & hard working criminal defense attorney who cares about his clients. I endorse him without reservation."

Michael Roger McDonnell headshot
Michael McDonnell

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have know Dave Swanson both before and since he became a lawyer. Dave is both a terrific person and attorney. He takes his cases personally and always strives to obtain outstanding results. I would not hesitate to recommend Dave!"

Jeffrey Donald Kent headshot
Jeffrey Kent

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dave is one of the best trial attorneys in the county, if not the state! Dave has achieved results that continue to amaze his clients and fellow attorneys. Moreover, he is 1 of only 25 Certified Criminal Law Specialists in Orange County! If Dave is your lawyer, you are in great hands!"

View All Endorsements
Rudolph Ernst Loewenstein headshot
Rudolph Loewenstein

Criminal defense lawyer

Matthew Borowski headshot
Matthew Borowski

Immigration lawyer

David Ryan Monarch headshot
David Monarch

Family lawyer

Michael James Kennedy headshot
Michael Kennedy

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Arthur Mesereau Jr headshot
Thomas Mesereau

Criminal defense lawyer

Thomas Edward Welbourn headshot
Thomas Welbourn

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey Donald Kent headshot
Jeffrey Kent

Criminal defense lawyer

Marlin Glenn Stapleton Jr headshot
Marlin Stapleton

Criminal defense lawyer

Jennifer Lynn Keller headshot
Jennifer Keller

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2012

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2012

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2011

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2011

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2010

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2010

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2009

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2009

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2008

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2008

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2008

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2007

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2007

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2007

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2006

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers Magazine

2006

Preeminent Lawyer, Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers

2006

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2005

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2004

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2003

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2002

Certified Criminal Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2001

Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

2000

Certified Criminal Law Specialist, California State Bar Board of Legal Specialization

1991

Cum Laude, Western State University College of Law

1991

Law Review, Western State University College of Law

Work Experience

1998 - Present

Principal, Law Office of David Swanson

1991 - 1998

Public Defender, Orange County Public Defender's Office

Associations

2004 - Present

United States District Court for the Central District of California

Member

1991 - Present

Orange County Bar Association

Member

1991 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1991 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

1991 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

1991 - Present

State Bar of California, Criminal Law Section

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Eagan

Not guilty verdicts on all counts

People v. Reitveld

Not guilty verdicts on all counts

People v. Nordmark

Case dismissed!

See More Legal Cases

Education

1991

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1978

Thunderbird Graduate School of International Management

M.B.A

1976

University of Illinois

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

2010

Family Law Seminar

Criminal Law for the Family Law Practitioner

2009

Business Law Seminar

Criminal Law for Business Attorneys

2004

ABC Eyewitness News Eric Nordmark Exoneration

Publications

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