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Daniel Smith

San Diego Defenders

33 years of experience
Criminal Law
Arizona, California

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Claimed Lawyer Profile

Biography

Practicing exclusively criminal defense and forfeiture seizure law since 1990. I started my career with Federal Defenders of San Diego. I was admitted to the Arizona State Bar in 1992 and have handled both state and federal matters in Arizona. Our firm is kept organized by our Spanish speaking certified paralegal, Layla Smith. We have an accomplished attorney in Jon Pettis who teams up with Dan Smith on every criminal case. Mr. Smith takes the lead on all felony federal cases and Mr. Pettis on state criminal matters which makes for a well balanced office located across the street from the Chula Vista Court House with free parking in front or behind the comfortable boutique law office from a converted cottage. We charge a flat fee rather than an hourly rate. Forfeitures have become more and more prevalent. We have litigated forfeiture cases in California, Arizona, Texas and beyond. We approach every case with the attitude that we will take it all the way to win and we offer payment plans to make it possible. Call us at (619) 258-8888 24 hrs to speak with Lawyer Dan Smith.

Education

California Western School of Law: J.D. | Criminal Law; 1988 - 1990; Advanced Criminal Procedure involved filing an appeal on a criminal case which resulted in the only published opinion of any of the class members.; Honors: American Jurisprudence Award - Trial Practice; Activities: WestLaw Trainer for entire school. Gafford Mock Trial Competition Advanced Criminal Procedure

Arizona State University: B.S. | Economics; 1985 - 1988; Wonderful School and Campus. Go Sun Devils!; Honors: Economics Honors Society; Activities: Intramurals, Skiing, and Triathelons

Professional Experience

Founder and Supervising Attorney: San Deigo Defenders; 2011 - Current; As the founder of San Diego Defenders, APC, I have had the opportunity to build a law firm from the ground up and surround myself with great lawyers. We created the www.youtube.com/DUIminute to educate the public on the basics of the DUI defense. We have handled every type of case including two murder cases in 2011, several federal wiretap cases, and over 400 DUI cases since we formed.

Senior Trial Lawyer: Pacific Law Center. LLP; 2008 - 2011; I was asked to come aboard as the Federal trial lawyer in a large law firm setting. I was then asked to supervise the SouthBay Division of the law firm and the federal cases.

Trial Attorney: Law Offices of Daniel M. Smith; 1993 - 2008; As a solo practitioner, I encountered the challenges of marketing a successful law office and how to deal with state cases in all jurisdictions.

Trial Lawyer: Federal Defenders of San Diego; 1991 - 1993; A great organization to learn the art of criminal defense in the federal courts. This was a wonderful learning experience and I am forever grateful to have been a part of Federal Defenders.

Publications

Articles & Publications

Judge's Top Secret Guide to Beating A DUI: BLURB; November 4, 2013

Speaking Engagements

Chula Vista City Council Chula Vista City Council Debate, Southwestern College, Chula Vista Council Debated, Southwestern College, Chula Vista, CA: October 10, 2014; Star News; Daniel Smith ran in General Election Seat 2 Chula Vista City Council

Certifications

Top 100 Trial Lawyers: National Trial Lawyers Assoc.

Best DUI Lawyers in San Diego: Expertise

BBB A+ Accredited: BBB

AVVO 10.0 Excellent Rating: AVVO

Awards

Trial Practice: American Jurisprudence Award; 1989; Outstanding achievement for booking the Trial Practice class taught by then Presiding Judge, the Honorable Arthur Jones.

Professional Associations