Joseph Peter Smith
About Joseph
Biography
Thank you for your interest through AVVO. I am Joseph P. Smith, I have been a lawyer for over 29 years. I understand the trauma associated with being accused of any wrongdoing or being charged with a crime you did not commit. I focus on DUI defense and criminal defense. If I can be of any help to you or someone you know who is being investigated or facing an accusation for a criminal charge or DUI, please don't hesitate to contact me.
-Joe S.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 42 years
State: California
Acquired: 1983
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of Joseph Smith
1605 E 4th St #250, Santa Ana, CA, 92701
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Joseph Peter Smith's Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Anonymous Person Who Needed Help in W18 | April 27, 2022 | Consulted Attorney
Extremely Trustworthy Attorney
I will never forget the kindness that Joe showed me today. I was in court, desperate, asking the deputy for advice, when Joe stepped in and offered to help me. (He was there for a client and very busy already; he had no obligation to me at all.) I was freaking out, and he completely and heroically so...
Posted by Tammie Tran | September 27, 2020 | Hired Attorney
IT Manager
Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness Without the help of the entire Joseph Smith's law firm, I know that I would not have had the successful outcomes. Mr Smith has been the best criminal defense lawyer in Orange county who has done an excellent job in not only fighting for me but also ...
Posted by anonymous | December 12, 2018 | Hired Attorney
He is not a good lawyer will not Fight for you
This lawyer failed represent my husband and fight for him. He missed court dates and showed up late he was paid $20,000 and did nothing. My husband is serving a 20 year sentence for gun charges and drug sales.
Joseph Peter Smith's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse Joseph Smith. He is a hard working, experienced, intelligent, and skilled attorney who fights hard to obtain the best possible outcome for his clients. A dedicated professional who is widely respected within the legal community."
"When you, or a loved one, find yourself in need of a DUI/criminal defense attorney it is important to retain an experienced, knowledgeable and competent attorney. Mr. Smith is respected in the legal community for those reasons."
"29 years of practicing criminal law with much of that spent as a former assistant District Attorney is a huge advantage over other criminal defense attorneys. "they know that he knows what they know". Experience really does matter. Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation with him first. KUDOS"
"I endorse attorney Joseph Peter Smith. He is experienced, skilled, and an asset to the legal profession. He has earned respect from his clients and colleagues in the legal field."
"I endorse Joseph. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. I recently worked a murder case with joe smith. He did an excellent job for his client and I hope I get the opportunity to work with him again. He is a former experienced prosecutor and he knows the system and the people in it. He was accorded respect wherever we appeared and he conducted himself as a gentleman. I firmly believe he would get a good result in any matter that he would handle. I endorse him fully"
"I endorse this lawyer. Joe Smith is a highly respected Criminal Defense Attorney in Orange County. Without a doubt, a leader in the field."
No Endorsement Data Available Yet
This attorney hasn't created any attorney endorsements recently on Avvo.
Experience
Honors
2000
Sr. DDA Joseph P. Smith, California Narcotic Officers Association
1996
DDA Joe Smith, California Narcotic Officers Association
1994
Joseph P. Smith, Orange County Narcotic Officers Association
Work Experience
2002 - Present
Specializing in Federal and California Criminal Defense, Law Offices of Joseph P. Smith
2002 - 2002
Family Support Attorney, Orange County District Attorney's Office
2001 - 2002
Drug Court/Prop.36 Prosecutor, Orange County District Attorney’s Office
2000 - 2001
Gang/T.A.R.G.E.T. Prosecutor, Orange County District Attorney's Office
1994 - 2000
Training Coordinator, Orange County District Attorney's Office
1988 - 1994
Major Narcotics Prosecutor, Orange County District Attorney's Office
1987 - 1988
Felony Prosecutor, Orange County District Attorney Office
1986 - 1987
Misdemeanor Prosecutor, Orange County District Attorney Office
1985 - 1986
Juvenile Prosecutor, Orange County District Attorney's Office
1983 - 1985
Regulatory Affairs Manager, MCI Telecommunications,Western Region
1978 - 1983
Government Relations Manager, MCI Communications,Headquarters
Associations
2001 - 2002
Orange County Deputy District Attorneys AssociationPresident
2000 - 2000
California Narcotic Officers AssociationStatewide Prosecutor
1998 - 2002
Orange County Deputy District Bar AssociationBoard of Directors
1996 - 2001
California District Attorneys AssociationMember, Legislative Committee
1996 - 2001
California Narcotic Officers Association, Region VBoard Member, Training Officer
1995 - 2001
California District Attorneys AssociationMember, Training and Education Committee
1992 - 1994
Orange County Narcotics Officers AssociationDistrict Attorney
Sample of Legal Cases
All Felonies DISMISSED. Client pled guilty to misdemeanor disturbing the peace, and released from custody same day. (Judge Hutson presiding.)
Client found not guilty after JURY TRIAL. (Hon. Susanne Shaw presiding)
Found not true after JURY TRIAL. (Hon. Patrick Donahue, presiding)
Possession of body armor Dismissed, found Not Guilty of possession of ammunition after JURY TRIAL (Hon. Greg Prickett, presiding). Defendant avoids mandatory life term.
Charge reduced to misdemeanor after JURY TRIAL. Client received no jail time and no additional programs.
Case Dismissed by prosecutors at time of Grand Jury hearings
Case Dismissed
All counts reduced to misdemeanor, professional license reinstated.
All charges Dismissed.
Case Dismissed
Charges never filed after case discussion with prosecuting attorney.
Client found not guilty on all counts after JURY TRIAL. (Hon. Vickie Hix, presiding)
Client found not guilty after JURY TRIAL. (Hon. Mark Kelly, presiding)
Education
N/A
law
N/A
undergraduate
Publications
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
I have been falsely accused of downloading child pornography.
07 Apr 2015
I got a DUI: two children were in the car, I blew a .18, and was in an accident (I was not at fault. Will I face jail time?
26 Jan 2015
For A DUI, I am a diabetic is the Alcotest 7510 accuarate enough to detect acetone?
01 Dec 2014