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James E Dunn

Sex crime Attorney at Redwood City, CA

4.1   20 reviews
  • Licensed for 26 years
    State CA
    Acquired 1997
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas
  1. DUI and DWI
    30%
    About a third of our cases involve violations of the code relating to driving under the influence of alchohol or drugs or violation of DUI probation terms. We also defend "under influence" "drug possession" and "public intoxication" matters.

    26 years

  2. Domestic violence
    30%
    About a third of our cases involve spousal abuse or harassment claims or "Domestic Violence" in either misdemeanor or felony domestic violence, violation of court orders, false imprisonment, kidnapping, withholding phones, child abuse.

    26 years

  3. Sex crime
    30%
    Sexual harassment, sex crimes, rape, molestation, child pornography, contributing to delinquency of a minor, lewd and lascivious, and related crimes are cases we frequently defend and take about 30 percent of our time. Call us now if you're accused.

    26 years

  4. Criminal defense
    10%
    Nearly 100% of our practice involves criminal defense. Aside of DUI, Domestic Violence, and Sex Crimes, ALL OTHER Criminal Defense cases make up about 20 percent of our practice and include theft, embezzlement, fraud and other criminal matters.

    26 years

One of the area's top criminal defense and DUI attorneys who won the landmark breathalyzer case upheld by the CA Supreme Court Team includes Harvard Attorney, Former DA and Certified Criminal Law Specialist. Immigration law expert to help non-citizen clients charged with a crime. 2019 Super Lawyer, A+ BBB and 10/10 Superb rating on Avvo.

I care about my clients.  Gerry Spence, the greatest living trial lawyer, teaches that we have to love our clients just to stand a fighting chance in a justice system that offers little justice.  If we don't care about our clients, why would a judge or jurors care about them.  Fortunately, you can always find something to love in everyone.

I have to thank Gerry and all of the faculty of the Trial Lawyers College for establishing and growing the only institution that really trains you to be as good as you can be; it is their training that has made me as effective as I am, and I strive to get better and better.

I have often described defending a person against the vast machine we call "The People" is like beating your head against a wall until something breaks.  More often than you'd think, it turns out to be the wall.

Photos and videos

Write Up of Supreme Court Victory for DUI Drivers

Contact James

James E Dunn
620 Jefferson Avenue
Redwood City, CA, 94063

Reviews

4.1 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
False Allegations
Somethings you are accused of can be devastating to someone life and family. This happened to me. I reached out to the Law Offices of James Dunn, and it was a wise decision. Robert Preskill directed me to Mr. Dunn, who represented me with skill and determination. He showed empathy for me as a client listened attentively to my account, and kept me informed on how things were going. He encouraged me. I am thankful for his representation. The outcome was one that I am truly grateful for.
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Posted by Elliot | April 7, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer.
James helped me through my DUI case and at reasonable cost. He helped me the best possible outcome.
Posted by Ron | March 9, 2022
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
What a great help they’ve done!! If you’re ever in need. Please ask them for assistance!! They are timely n quick to reply and h
What a great help they’ve done!! If you’re ever in need. Please ask them for assistance!! They are timely n quick to reply and help please know your working with the legal system and allow that it takes time to get your answers.
Posted by Alexander | July 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Fantastic!
If you simply want the best legal defense in town, don't even bother shopping around, go to James Dunn. This firm is fantastic and so professional. I cannot recommend them enough. They are in the courthouse all the time so they know all the DA's and have quite a reputation for being aggressive and taking cases to trial.
Posted by Rosalia | July 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best on the peninsula
This firm will give you the best legal defense in town. If you are even slightly considering going with these guys, just do it. I wouldn't consider using anyone else.
Posted by Scott | April 9, 2016
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Don't look any further...hire him now!
I was charged with a DUI in March 2013, and despite hiring a highly rated lawyer (who I actually made the mistake of choosing over Jim initially) I received, as far as I could tell, the exact by the book punishment associated with my situation. While it seemed to be a poor value, I did everything required of me and moved on with my life. This is when all of the problems started. First, I was pulled over for speeding in a rental car, completely sober, but my car was in the shop and apparently my restricted license didn't permit me to rent a car, so...probation violation...Jim got it dropped. Fast forward a number of months, did the IID for required time, got IID removed...here's a letter from the dmv...must be my license reinstated right? Wrong...I was accused of not fulfilling my IID terms, license suspended...Jim remedied the situation, mistake by the IID company in notifying the DMV, license reinstated...and finally, speaking of notification mistakes, here I am, 3 years after DUI, 1 1/2 years after completing the 18 month program which I started immediately, I get a letter telling me I have a hearing in 2 weeks for a probation violation because the court had no record of my program completion, did I mention that all this happened in Ca and I now live in another state! No problem, Jim Dunn to the rescue, another threat of probation violation squashed. Jim is extremely personable and compassionate; he never made me feel like a nuisance and always made me feel like he was on my side, brimming with positivity and confidence. He was worth well beyond the amount I was charged. If you are reading this and you haven't chosen an attorney, please go no further, close this app right now and hire Jim. You, like me, will be extremely grateful you did.
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Posted by Charlie M. | September 4, 2015
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Half the Cost, Twice the Work
Jim Dunn fixed my previous lawyers blunders, literally cost half as much, didn't charge me until my case was settled. He got me the best possible outcome after miscommunications with the courts, mostly my previous lawyer was to blame. There were countless little things that Jim did that won't get named here, but he visited me in Jail on a Sunday evening, he fixed the miswriting of the court scribe, a last minute catch on Jim's part, my case was first, his pay was second. I like him, he is personable, he called to check on me, I could call him and actually reach him, not go through a secretary and hope to be reached in the same day like my last lawyer. I would definitely hire him again and even form a partnership to become the family lawyer. If you have a run in with with law, you want Jim Dunn on your side, he only tells you the truth, and genuinely wants to help you!
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Posted by anonymous | February 12, 2015
An experienced and smart attorney.
I was looking at potentially years in State prison due to a DUI, but Mr. Dunn was able to guide me and help protect my rights. I was able to do probation and community service and get my life back in a year. He was also instrumental in helping me in the civil litigation process. Great Attorney, do yourself a favor and do a consultation.
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Posted by anonymous | February 10, 2015
A former thankful client.
I was charged with a DUI looking at years in State prison. Mr. Dunn was able to communicate effectively with the Prosecutor and Judge to reduce my sentence to probation and community service. Furthermore, he was also able to help me guide against parties who wanted to sue me in civil court. I am very thankful for his experience guidance and hard work on my behalf. I would definitely recommend him as an Attorney to all my loved ones. Do yourself a favor and at least ask for his guidance before hiring a lawyer.
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Posted by Frank | September 27, 2014
Mr. Dunn Never Gives Up--Dedicated to Winning for Clients
This guy never gives up. If there’s anything that can be done to win your case, he will try it. I had a tough case: blood test well over the limit, a very experienced, aggressive arresting officer, and a prosecutor who didn’t want to give an inch. It took a long time, and after a while, I just wanted to get it over with and plead to the DUI. But Mr. Dunn encouraged me to let him keep fighting. There were multiple motion hearings on technicalities, and I think he even did a pre-trial appeal. I also appreciated that I never had to take off of work, and only had to go to court once at the very end. He was able to do all of the court dates without me. It took almost a year, but in the end, he got my charges reduced to playing my stereo too loud, and I was found “not guilty” of being over the limit. Using the “not guilty”, Mr. Dunn got the DMV to wipe the DUI off of my record completely. This was critical to me because I work in the car business, and I'm on company insurance. I also want to say that we agreed on a flat fee at the beginning, and he did not charge me any extra, even though my case probably took a lot more time in court than usual. If your case is important enough to hire a lawyer, get Mr. Dunn.
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Posted by anonymous | November 12, 2013
When you really need someone in your corner CALL JIM!!!
A nearly impossible circumstantial Dui situation, but Jim didn't hesitate to continue driving the case to dismissal thru investigation and presentation of our side of the story. It took a while and was a bit frustrating at times, but worth every bit of the wait as he gathered and presented facts instead of assumptions that lead to the ultimate dismissal. Thanks Jim for patching the canoe and tossing us some much needed paddles!
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Posted by anonymous | November 9, 2012
Free consultation service was incredibly reassuring and helpful
I'm being charged with a misdemeanor for petty theft. Within minutes of speaking to the online chat representative Mr. Dunn called and gave me a phone appointment for a few hours later. He then followed up (all of this between other cases/clients) and spent 20 minutes or so on the phone going over my case with me, and I now have an appointment scheduled only 2 days from today. He was very friendly, helpful, sincere, and knowledgable, and (most importantly in my opinion) he was respectful, and didn't make any assumptions about my character or about the case itself. I've never been in any legal trouble before, and had no idea how important that would be. Overall, I'm very impressed so far.
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Posted by Brett Galine | June 5, 2012
Greatest Attorney
Mr. Dunn is a very professional lawyer that will give you satisfaction. He always kept me informed, did a great job, and has so much respect for his clients and cares about his clients which drives him to give the best representation. -Thank you very much for all the help Mr. Dunn.
Posted by Rick | April 17, 2012
Dynamite Lawyer. He Won My "Impossible" Case.
I had been kicking back with friends and drinking beer all afternoon. On my way home, I ended up getting into an accident. Nobody was hurt, but the driver of the other car called the cops. I was freaking out. My license was suspended at the time. My breath test was .21, and even Mr. Dunn told me my chances were slim to none. But at that point in my life, a conviction would have destroyed me. So I put my faith in Mr. Dunn and told him to take the case to trial. He was awesome. Not Guilty on all counts! He also won back my License.
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Posted by anonymous | May 17, 2011
Get the best forget the rest
If your looking for a lawyer to have your back Jim Dunn is your man. Trustworthy and gets results. Fair pricing. In my case that lasted 2.5 years he was able to get all the charges except 1 droped which was reduced to a non violent, non strike charge. Th anks to Jim i am with my family instead of some where else. Jim has what it takes. Do your self a favor and hire Jim Dunn.
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Posted by anonymous | April 24, 2017
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
| Consulted Attorney
The assistants are incapable to follow through complicated matters
I spoke with one of the attorney from the firm and I am not surprise the attorney cannot understand how the case is going. It was complicated case against a police department retaliation and fabricating evidences. I did not expect the attorneys will really understand the situation with what I am facing. I spoke to a few attorneys about the matter and they do not put effort to find out detail about the matter nor listen details. The assumptions made was that I was not telling the truth because I was telling the truth about it. Anyway, they spent a few minutes to ask a few things and listen to me is worth rating two stars. I am just hoping there will be some attorney with common sense and see the whole picture of the case.
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Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2014
Misleading Reviews on this Attorney
It is nearly impossible to get a hold of this attorney, especially in times of desperate required information. This lack of timely responsiveness makes learning information about your case or the progress of which very difficult. Given, he is a very intelligent man; capable of much. However, I personally did not feel at ease or comfortable with this lawyer or how he handled my case and that is one of the most vital points. I highly advise those who seek a client-appropriate and secure attorney to think twice.
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Posted by anonymous | September 20, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Look Elsewhere
This "attorney", rather than making a difficult situation better, made it vastly worse. He was late for our first consultation, disheveled and rude, papers falling out of his briefcase. I was pressed for time as deadlines were approaching so I "hired" Mr. Dunn. Paperwork deadlines to the court were missed and it was extremely difficult to reach him. Inconsistencies with evidence weren't pursued. It was abundantly clear that Mr. Dunn didn't take my case seriously. Look elsewhere.
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Posted by anonymous | July 16, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Dui
Very bad lawyer experience charges non refundable retainer and will not work on your case very hard to get in contact with
Posted by Dusty | February 2, 2015
DO Not Hire!!!!! Horrible Attorney. RUN!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am a 33 year old male who was arrested for a 1st DUI. I hired James to represent me for my DUI case. He gladly accepted my $9,000 payment and pretty much forgot about me and my case. He took over 10 months to get my discovery and MVARS from the CHP. I made multiple requests from him to get the discovery. His submissions to the court were cookie cutter templates that were cut and pasted and were not tailored to my case or facts in any way. He requested the breathalyzer and field sobriety results even thou I specifically told him I refused all tests. He did not file my DMV appeal writ in a timely manner. I wanted to get my criminal hearing completed while my license was suspended for 1 year due to a breathalyzer refusal. He did not inform me of court hearings and when he did he told me the wrong date. He waived my right to a speedy trial without my authorization. The bottom line is that I went through an entire 1 year driving suspension issued by the DMV. Now have gotten my license back and will have it suspended again by the criminal courts. Thus giving me a 18 month suspension instead of a 12 month suspension with both suspension running concurrently. Jim Dunn did not want to settle my case and made no effort to suppress evidence or question witnesses. He only wanted to take it to trial so that he could charge me another $10,000 dollars. Because of his lack of effort I will have my license suspended another 6 months. I informed James that I would be filing a complaint with the California Bar Association due to his ineffective counsel. I am not upset with the outcome of my case because he didn't get anything done. I am disgusted with Jim because he is lazy and a liar. Good luck getting him on the phone once you pay him.
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Cost

Rates
  • Free Consultation 60 minutes
Payment methods
Cash, Check, Credit Card

Resume

AVVO RATING 9.6 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Attorney and Counselor at Law
  • Law Office of James E. Dunn
  • 1997 - Present
  • Admitted to Federal Practice
  • United States District Court Northern District Of California
  • 2011 - 2011
  • Committee Member
  • Legal Ethics Committee of the San Diego County Bar Association
  • 2003 - 2005
  • Admitted to Federal Practice
  • United States District Court, Central District Of California
  • 1997 - 1997
  • Admitted to Federal Practice
  • United States District Court, Southern District Of California
  • 1997 - 1997
  • Post Graduate Law Clerk
  • Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office
  • 1997 - 1997
View all work experience

Education

  • Loyola Law School
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1996
  • New School for Social Research
  • MA - Masters
  • 1988
  • Univ of Chicago
  • BA - Bachelor of Arts
  • 1986

Legal Cases

  • .13 DUI DMV Suspension Dropped
  • DMV Drivers License Suspension Dropped
  • .14/.12 DUI Dismissed after Investigation and Negotiation
  • Case Dismised
  • Hit and Run with Injury
  • Case Dismissed
View all legal cases

Associations

  • San Mateo County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 2014 - Present
  • National College for DUI Defense
  • General Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • Specialist Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • National Police Accountability Project
  • Attorney Member
  • 2003 - Present
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Attorney Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Attorney Member
  • 1998 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English
  • Mandarin
  • Spanish

Honors and Awards

  • President's Award
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • 2014
  • Elected Board Member
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • 2013
  • Specialist Member
  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • 2011

Publications

  • Presentation Materials for California DUI Lawyers Association, San Jose Dinner
  • Your .08 DUI Set Aside Kit
  • 2013
  • Entertainment and Sports Lawyer
  • Moral Kombat: the Impact of Violent Video Games
  • 1997

Speaking Engagements

  • DUI - Defend Your Client's License
  • DUI Defense
  • 2014
  • Soutnern California DUI Seminar: Cutting Edge
  • Discovery Techniques
  • 2013
  • SILICON VALLEY DUI DISRUPT!
  • DUI Defense: Mandatory Continuing Education of the Bar
  • 2013
  • Occupy DUI 2012
  • Beyond Brenner: Beating Any .08 Suspension
  • 2012
  • CDLA San Jose DUI Defense Dinner
  • Beating the DMV in .08 Cases
  • 2011
  • 2011 Kuwatch Saturday Meeting Central CA
  • Defending DUI Clients Arrested While on Probation
  • 2011
View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (22)
Given (12)
Endorse James
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 27
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I know a lot of attorneys, and I would hire James Dunn to represent me if I were charged with a crime! He is smart and hard-working, and he knows how to navigate the courts to achieve great results for his clients."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jan 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"18 years of criminal law practice going back to the Los Angeles County DA's office is what we call highly experienced. Knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions. Client reviews are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor if you are in or near Redwood City and schedule a consultation."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 08
Relationship: Other
"A brilliant attorney, and highly respected in the legal community. I can definitely endorse this lawyer."
Civil rights Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Other
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"This attorney works very hard for the clients and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim is one of the hardest working attorneys that I know. He will give his clients the best representation possible. He is always ready and prepared to be there for his clients. You can't ask for more."
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 25
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer without any reservations. It is amazing that I continue to learn from him every day from his responses on Avvo even though I have been licensed for 24 years and have served as a judge, magistrate, law professor, prosecutor, and private attorney. You can not afford not to hire him."
Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I highly endorse this lawyer. James really cares about his clients and you can tell when you first meet him. He knows the law like the back of his hand and explains it to you in a way that is easy to follow. Professional. Experienced. Aggressive. This is who you want in your corner."
DUI and DWI Attorney | May 09
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"Several years ago I worked on a case that required me to review and closely scrutinize the trial transcripts of a San Diego jury trial that Mr. Dunn had just completed. I did not really know him at the time. But it became apparent that he is a brilliant trial lawyer. His questioning techniques of the arresting officer, and ability to communicate his client's side of the story to the jury were wonderful. Very refreshing. I highly recommend James Dunn as a criminal defense attorney."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known Mr. Dunn for quite some time. He cares about his client's needs and does everything in his power to make sure those needs are taken care of. Mr. Dunn fights for his clients. If your looking at hiring an attorney, you should give him a call."
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Dunn provides insightful, helpful and accurate advice. His knowledge and experience are clearly evident. I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I could not speak more highly of any DUI lawyer than I can of Jim Dunn. He fights for this clients, and he wins and gets great results that other lawyers don't get. In fact, the DMV burns everyone, but not Jim. James Dunn fought for his client at the DMV, they suspended the license, and he took it to a real judge on a Writ which reversed the DMV. At that point the Attorney General appealed Jim's win, and they lost with a "Published Decision" defeating the DMV. This guy is great!!!! If you are in his office, why would you not hire Jim Dunn, the best of the best right on the spot, and waste your time going from to lawyer to lawyer? That would be the biggest mistake you could make. Why, because you won't find another lawyer in your area with his knowledge, skill, and dedication for his clients. And, I know all the best DUI lawyers in the entire State of California because I am the current Vice President of the California DUI Lawyer's Association, and Jim teaches other lawyers."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim is a fierce advocate for his clients. He lectures other DUI attorneys throughout California and is a lawyer in the community who others seek out for advice. If you have a DUI in the SF Bay area, you will only help yourself by calling James Dunn! I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Aug 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is an excellent trial attorney. He is knowledgeable and experienced in Criminal and DUI Defense. I have had the pleasure of seeing him in trial and have been impressed by his trial skills."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Jun 02
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"If I were facing DUI charges, I would hire Jim. He has an astonishing knowledge of the law, combined with a keen ability to apply that law to the situation at hand. I turn to him regularly when I have questions and he is always able to pinpoint the issue with laser focus. Add to that the fact that he is a genuinely nice guy, and you've got an unbeatable combination. Jim Dunn is the real deal and I don't hesitate to recommend him to anyone."
Civil rights Attorney | Apr 09
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim is a top-notch criminal defense and civil rights trial lawyer here in the bay area. He is experienced, intelligent, hard-working, and a true professional. He prepares every case with an eye for trial. I highly recommend working with his office."
Unknown Attorney | Jan 22
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Jim's attention to detail, knowledge and expertise are second to none. He is a strong advocate for his clients and is a fighter in the courtroom. I endorse Jim with no reservations."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Dec 12
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse James Dunn as he is an excellent DUI attorney. He is an extremely knowledgeable trial lawyer coupled with excellent appellate advocacy skills, when he knows that an issue is not resolved in accordance with the law. I routinely cite his published case of Brenner v. DMV which has been instrumental in allowing licensees to contest the accuracy of breath tests in DMV hearings. He is a determined and resulted oriented advocate who has my unequivocal endorsement."
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Dunn is one of the best Criminal Defense Attorney's in California. He is a strong and zealous advocate for his clients and a credit to the legal profession. I highly endorse his legal services."
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Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI
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Criminal defense
DUI and DWI
DUI and DWI