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James E Dunn

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Avvo Rating10
  • Redwood City, CA
  • Licensed for 24 years
  • Free consultation
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About James

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.

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Practice areas

Criminal defenseDomestic violenceDUI and DWISex crime
  1. 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.

    24 years

  2. 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.

    24 years

  3. 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.

    24 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.

    24 years

Languages spoken

English, Mandarin, Spanish

Photos and videos

309491 1320726548

Contact

620 Jefferson Avenue
Redwood City, CA, 94063

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      CAActive199705/11/2021
      We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
      Avvo Contributions
      Legal answers107
      Legal guides1
      Awards
      Award nameGrantorDate granted
      President's AwardCalifornia DUI Lawyers Association2014
      Elected Board MemberCalifornia DUI Lawyers Association2013
      Specialist MemberCalifornia DUI Lawyers Association2011
      Work Experience
      TitleCompany nameDuration
      Attorney and Counselor at LawLaw Office of James E. Dunn1997 - Present
      Admitted to Federal PracticeUnited States District Court Northern District Of California2011 - 2011
      Committee MemberLegal Ethics Committee of the San Diego County Bar Association2003 - 2005
      Admitted to Federal PracticeUnited States District Court, Central District Of California1997 - 1997
      Admitted to Federal PracticeUnited States District Court, Southern District Of California1997 - 1997
      Post Graduate Law ClerkLos Angeles County District Attorney's Office1997 - 1997
      Associations
      Association namePosition nameDuration
      San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember2014 - Present
      National College for DUI DefenseGeneral Member2005 - Present
      California DUI Lawyers AssociationSpecialist Member2004 - Present
      National Police Accountability ProjectAttorney Member2003 - Present
      California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeAttorney Member2001 - Present
      National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersAttorney Member1998 - Present
      Publications
      Publication nameTitleDate
      Presentation Materials for California DUI Lawyers Association, San Jose DinnerYour .08 DUI Set Aside Kit2013
      Entertainment and Sports LawyerMoral Kombat: the Impact of Violent Video Games1997
      Education
      School nameDegreeGraduated
      Loyola Law SchoolJuris Doctor1996
      New School for Social ResearchMA - Masters1988
      Univ of ChicagoBA - Bachelor of Arts1986
      Speaking Engagements
      Conference nameTitleDate
      DUI - Defend Your Client's LicenseDUI Defense2014
      Soutnern California DUI Seminar: Cutting EdgeDiscovery Techniques2013
      SILICON VALLEY DUI DISRUPT!DUI Defense: Mandatory Continuing Education of the Bar2013
      Occupy DUI 2012Beyond Brenner: Beating Any .08 Suspension2012
      CDLA San Jose DUI Defense DinnerBeating the DMV in .08 Cases2011
      2011 Kuwatch Saturday Meeting Central CADefending DUI Clients Arrested While on Probation2011
      Legal cases
      Case nameOutcome
      .13 DUI DMV Suspension DroppedDMV Drivers License Suspension Dropped
      .14/.12 DUI Dismissed after Investigation and NegotiationCase Dismised
      Hit and Run with InjuryCase Dismissed
      Felony Insurance FraudCase 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 RecklessCharges 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 NegotiationCase 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
      People v. R. M. (DUI with Accident)Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
      People v. L. T. (Felony, Strike)Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
      People v. H. W. (DUI)Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
      People v. Q. T. (Felony Transportation of Marijuana)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. W. M. (.16 DUI)Acquitted on All Counts at Jury Trial
      .20 DUI with Accident - Evidence SuppressedEvidence suppressed

      Reviews

      (16)
      5 Star
      		75%
      4 Star
      		0%
      3 Star
      		0%
      2 Star
      		13%
      1 Star
      		13%
      Review James Dunn

      Fantastic!

      Posted by

      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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Best on the peninsula

      Posted by

      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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Don't look any further...hire him now!

      Posted by

      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.
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Half the Cost, Twice the Work

      Posted by

      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!
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      An experienced and smart attorney.

      Posted by

      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.

      A former thankful client.

      Posted by

      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.

      Mr. Dunn Never Gives Up--Dedicated to Winning for Clients

      Posted by

      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.

      When you really need someone in your corner CALL JIM!!!

      Posted by

      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!

      Free consultation service was incredibly reassuring and helpful

      Posted by

      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.

      Greatest Attorney

      Posted by

      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.
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (22)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

      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

      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

      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.

      Cost

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          60 minutes
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