Hayden Gifford Smith

Hayden Gifford Smith

also known as Law Office of Hayden G. Smith

5.0
Rating: 1.0

Licensed for 19 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Visalia, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Civil Rights, Appeals

1612 West Mineral King Avenue, Suite A, Visalia, CA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
See Details

About Hayden

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 75%

Since my first appearance in court many years ago - a preliminary hearing - where I sat on my hands to help fight the panicky urge to get up and run, I've been hooked. My client won! Never thought I would have that feeling again once sports were over.... Homicide, sex cases, gang shootings, domestic violence, DUI, fraud, forgery, fornication...I've seen it all. No case is too big or small, no client is unimportant there is no problem that cannot be addressed. I promise you that.

20 years | 706 cases

75%
Civil Rights 15%

Violations of constitutional rights by the government rather blatantly.

15%
Appeals 10%

Post-conviction remedies. Motion for a new trial; habeas petitions, appeals and writs.

17 years | 11 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Retainer

Sometimes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 19 years

State: California

Acquired: 2006

Disbarred

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2021

Location

Law Office of Hayden G. Smith

1612 West Mineral King Avenue, Suite A, Visalia, CA, 93291

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Hayden Gifford Smith's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

4 Client Reviews

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

Posted by anonymous | February 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Hard to understand.

I never could tell what he was saying to me. But my DVRO went bye-bye of all a sudden. And I saw my twins for the first time unsupervised since the divorce. A bit pricey. Hard to get ahold of. Haven’t seen him in Merced in years.

Posted by Jennifer | May 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

The Central Valley's Go To Attorney

I am a regular woman in my 30's, raising my two boys, had never been in any trouble in my life when I did something very foolish. I had no idea that quick act of stupidity was going to land me in jail with 2 felony counts. Scared out of my mind I contacted Hayden and was in to see him immediately. ...Not only being terrified I was so embarrassed and right away his friendly and funny nature put me at ease. We went over my charges and he explained how my "small act of stupidity" was a serious situation. Hayden explained how he would present my case to the DA and we would go from there. His fee and payment arrangements worked perfectly for my being a single Mom. Hayden was at every court appearance I had. Attorney's are busy as hell and often in court when you call. When I called with any questions or concerns my calls were returned in a timely manner. At the end of this nightmare he did an awesome job keeping me out of prison and my punishment of a fine and community service was fine by me! My priority was being home with my boys. I recommend Hayden to anyone who finds themself where I was or if you're helping a loved one in trouble. There's no better Attorney in the Central Valley. Hayden Smith is the one you've been looking for!

Posted by Cristina Ballard | March 26, 2015

He was Awesome!

My son who was in trouble for the first time in his life was faced with severe consequences. This is when we turned to Attorney Hayden Smith. Not only did he do everything within his power he was also very companionate and his will and want to help us was just amazing. When all was said and done my ...son did not face a day in jail and we owe this all to Mr. Smith! Without him my son would have faced jail time for a first offence. I highly recommend him! Thank you Mr. Smith as a mother I am forever grateful!

Posted by anonymous | March 8, 2015

Came Through!

Smith provided excellent representation in my case. I had a felony strike charged against me carrying prison time that was going to ruin my life. Smith fought for me and I was able to walk away without any jail time whatsoever. Thanks Hayden Smith.

See All Client Reviews

Hayden Gifford Smith's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Hayden
Eric Anthony Dumars headshot
Eric Dumars

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 31

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Hayden is a tough, skilled advocate. He works hard for his clients and gets excellent results. I endorse this lawyer."

Ernest Scott Kinney headshot
Ernest Kinney

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Hayden Smith is a great lawyer. Skilled, experienced and relentless."

Joshua M Mulligan headshot
Joshua Mulligan

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 04

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Hayden and I worked together on matters at the Tulare County Public Defener. Hayden was just beginning his legal career, but was already thinking his cases out several steps ahead of experienced attorneys. Hayden is skilled and thoughtful advocate."

Miguel Angel Iniguez headshot
Miguel Iniguez

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sharp, hard working. Excellent attorney."

Jeffrey A Tenenbaum headshot
Jeffrey Tenenbaum

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Smith does not back down from adversity. He meets it head on with tenacity and grit. Mr. Smith ends up with excellent results."

View All Endorsements
Miguel Angel Iniguez headshot
Miguel Iniguez

Debt settlement lawyer

Michael Joseph Aed headshot
Michael Aed

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua M Mulligan headshot
Joshua Mulligan

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey A Tenenbaum headshot
Jeffrey Tenenbaum

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  1.0 (Extreme Caution)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021.

Disbarment issued in CA, 2021

updated on 01/30/2024

Disbarment is the most serious penalty for a lawyer. If this attorney is currently practicing law, you should contact the California State Bar to understand the reasons for disbarment.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2017

updated on 01/30/2024

This 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.

Public reproval with/duties issued in CA, 2016

updated on 01/30/2024

A censure or reprimand issued by the Supreme Court or the State Bar Court that is not a matter of public record unless imposed after the initiation of formal disciplinary proceedings. No period of suspension is imposed. The reproval may be imposed with duties or conditions.

Honors

2002

Law Review, University of San Diego

2001

CALI, Excellence in study of criminal law., University of San Diego

2001

Dean's Merit Scholarship (1st in class ranking), University of San Diego School of Law

Work Experience

2006 - Present

Lawyer, Hayden Smith, Criminal Defense Lawyer

Associations

2009 - Present

California Defense Counsel

2008 - Present

American Board of Trial Advocates

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Porterville local who gets mouthy with police acquitted of resisting arrest.

Jury came back too quickly, under 5 minutes. Not guilty verdicts, Resisting, obstructing, display of speed.

Murder case dismissed.

Acquittal

See More Legal Cases

Education

2004

University of San Diego School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2000

University of California - Los Angeles

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2014

Trial Lawyers Annual Spring Seminar

Jury Nullification as a defense.

Publications

2002

San Diego Law Review Editor

2002

University of San Diego Law Review Editor

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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2021
    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