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James E Dunn
About James
Biography
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.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
30%
29 years
Domestic Violence
30%
29 years
Sex Crime
30%
29 years
Criminal Defense
10%
29 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 28 years
State: California
Acquired: 1997
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of James E Dunn
620 Jefferson Avenue, Redwood City, CA, 94063
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James E Dunn's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 21 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 29, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Do not hire, you have been warned
A truly ineffective lawyer. Extremely difficult to contact, ignores important deadlines, and clearly doesn't put the time or effort into your case. This is the type of attorney who gives attorneys a bad name. Look elsewhere, you'll be glad you did.
Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this 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 ...
Posted by Elliot | April 7, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this 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 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this 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 anonymous | September 20, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this 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 m...
James E Dunn's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"A brilliant attorney, and highly respected in the legal community. I can definitely endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"Mr. Dunn provides insightful, helpful and accurate advice. His knowledge and experience are clearly evident. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Alonzo Gradford
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Experience
Honors
2014
President's Award, California DUI Lawyers Association
2013
Elected Board Member, California DUI Lawyers Association
2011
Specialist Member, California DUI Lawyers Association
Work Experience
1997 - Present
Attorney and Counselor at Law, Law Office of James E. Dunn
2011 - 2011
Admitted to Federal Practice, United States District Court Northern District Of California
2003 - 2005
Committee Member, Legal Ethics Committee of the San Diego County Bar Association
1997 - 1997
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
Associations
2014 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
National College for DUI DefenseGeneral Member
2004 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationSpecialist Member
2003 - Present
National Police Accountability ProjectAttorney Member
2001 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeAttorney Member
1998 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member
Sample of 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
Felony Insurance Fraud
Case Dismissed
.16 DUI With Prior Conviction Dropped to Public Intoxication; DMV Record Cleared
.16 DUI with Prior Conviction Dropped to Public Intoxication; DMV Record Cleared
.14 Blood Test DUI with Prior Conviction reduced to Wet Reckless
Charges reduced to "Wet Reckless"
.22 DUI Dropped to Non-DUI Non-Alcohol Charge
.22 DUI Dropped to Non-DUI Non-Alcohol Charge
.08 DUI Dismissed by Negotiation
Case Dismissed
People v. B.F. (Assault and Battery)
Acquitted at Jury Trial
People v. S.T. (Domestic Violence)
Case dismissed on day of trial
People v. B.A. (Shoplifting / Petty Theft))
Dismissed through negotiations
People v. J.P. (.09 DUI)
Dimissed
People v. S.J. (Residential Burglary, Felony/Strike)
Case Dismissed on Motion
Brenner vs. DMV, 189 Cal.App.4th 365 (DUI)
Cal. Supreme Court Affirms Dismissal of DMV Suspension
.20 DUI with Accident - Evidence Suppressed
Evidence suppressed
People v. W. M. (.16 DUI)
Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
People v. J. T. (Assault and Battery with Great Bodily Injury)
Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
People v. Q. T. (Felony Transportation of Marijuana)
Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
People v. H. W. (DUI)
Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
People v. L. T. (Felony, Strike)
Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
People v. R. M. (DUI with Accident)
Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
Education
1996
Loyola Law School
Juris Doctor
1988
New School for Social Research
MA - Masters
1986
Univ of Chicago
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
DUI - Defend Your Client's License
DUI Defense
2013
Soutnern California DUI Seminar: Cutting Edge
Discovery Techniques
2013
SILICON VALLEY DUI DISRUPT!
DUI Defense: Mandatory Continuing Education of the Bar
2012
Occupy DUI 2012
Beyond Brenner: Beating Any .08 Suspension
2011
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
Publications
2013
Presentation Materials for California DUI Lawyers Association, San Jose Dinner
Your .08 DUI Set Aside Kit
1997
Entertainment and Sports Lawyer
Moral Kombat: the Impact of Violent Video Games
Languages
English
Mandarin
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Do I have to press charges if I was the victim of drunk driver incident or can I choose not to press charges?
11 Dec 2016
Q&A
I received a letter from arc dui class in stockton ca stating its a "notice of termination"for non payment? I had no idea this ?
17 Jan 2015
Q&A
Can I ask questions at a deposition if these same questions were asked in my interrogatories!
11 Aug 2013