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
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.
25 years
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.
25 years
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.
25 years
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.
25 years
Languages spoken
English, Mandarin, Spanish
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
CA | Active | 1997 | 06/12/2022 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
President's Award | California DUI Lawyers Association | 2014 |
Elected Board Member | California DUI Lawyers Association | 2013 |
Specialist Member | California DUI Lawyers Association | 2011 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
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 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
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 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
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 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Loyola Law School | Juris Doctor | 1996 |
New School for Social Research | MA - Masters | 1988 |
Univ of Chicago | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1986 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
DUI - Defend Your Client's License | DUI Defense | 2014 |
SILICON VALLEY DUI DISRUPT! | DUI Defense: Mandatory Continuing Education of the Bar | 2013 |
Soutnern California DUI Seminar: Cutting Edge | Discovery Techniques | 2013 |
Occupy DUI 2012 | Beyond Brenner: Beating Any .08 Suspension | 2012 |
2011 Kuwatch Saturday Meeting Central CA | Defending DUI Clients Arrested While on Probation | 2011 |
CDLA San Jose DUI Defense Dinner | Beating the DMV in .08 Cases | 2011 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
.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 |
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Catherine Beekman, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 27, 2018
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.
Peter Marek, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 16, 2015
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.
Judd Nemiro, Unknown Attorney on Jan 8, 2015
Relationship: Other
A brilliant attorney, and highly respected in the legal community. I can definitely endorse this lawyer.
Paul Molinaro, Civil rights Attorney on Sep 15, 2014
Relationship: Other
I endorse this lawyer.
James Dicks, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 29, 2013
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.
Manny Daskal, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 11, 2013
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.
Christopher Leroi, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 25, 2013
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.
Givelle Lamano, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 29, 2013
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.
Sean Foldenauer, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 9, 2013
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.
Ryan Murphy, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 17, 2013
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.
Matthew Simon, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 2, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
Mr. Dunn provides insightful, helpful and accurate advice. His knowledge and experience are clearly evident. I endorse this lawyer.
Donald Drewry, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 29, 2012
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.
Terry Wapner, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 29, 2012
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.
Gregg Stark, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Carlos Ruan, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 8, 2012
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.
Michelle Spaulding, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jun 2, 2012
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.
Eloy Trujillo, Civil rights Attorney on Apr 9, 2012
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.
Jonah Chew, Unknown Attorney on Jan 22, 2012
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.
D.L. Rencher, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 12, 2011
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.
Howard Lewis, DUI and DWI Attorney on Nov 26, 2011
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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