Reviews

Very straightforward and excellent customer service. Direct and informative and no BSing even if there’s bad news. Thanks

Words can not do justice for the help that San Diego Defenders gave me when I needed it the most. Although I have not dealt with any attorneys in the past, there is no doubt in my mind that Dan, Layla,and Mr. Pettis are the best that there is. Not only were they able to get my case dismissed, they were there every step of the way to help reassure me everything was going to be ok. They worked with me when I had financial troubles to establish a payment plan that worked and was affordable to me. I never felt that I wasn't being taken care of. Layla was available every time I called to help advise me in my legal matters. They made me feel as if I had my own personal law firm that I could get help from whenever I needed it, but more than that they made me feel like a friend or family member when attending to my case. Dan and Layla are more than just attorneys, they are members of the South Bay community. They believe in their community and defending the people that need it. In all sincerity, the San Diego Defender team truly cares about the people that they help. I would give them my highest recommendation possible. Overall, they are just about the best people you could meet.

This is my second time in the last 4 years working with Mr Dan Smith. Unfortunately4 years ago I was stopped for a suspected DUI , that is when I met Dan Smith. Dan was very helpful and got all of the fines and charges down to the bare minimum. Once again a few months ago I reached out to Dan Smith for a different charge( sorry I dont want to disclose what the charge was but it was not my fault) with that said I know I had my hands full. Once again Dan Smith got my case dropped and my name is now free and clear today. I cant thank Dan Smith and his team enough for the time and effort spent on both of my cases. I would recommend Dan Smith to anyone who is looking for a hard working individual who will get the case settled for you, thanks again Dan Smith

Prior to my case I've never been in any sort of contact with the law, so when I was arrested I had no idea how to handle the situation or what the outcome would be. Luckily, my parents found Dan Smith and he took my case, which ended up turning into a high profile case. As a lawyer he is very professional. You have complete confidence in his knowledge and ability. He talks to you step by step at the process and state your case is in at the moment and lets you know exactly what kind of action he is going to take next and makes sure he has your consent. As his client he makes you feel like you are the only client he has. When he consults you its always on a personal level and he doesn't do anything to keep you in the dark. I always felt like he did everything possible to get the best result for my case. As a person Dan is patient and very empathetic. He understands that you are probably in a lot of stress during your case and he takes that into account when he talks to you about your case. During my case there was a lot of pressure being put on by the media but he always made me feel like it was all manageable and he gives you the impression that no matter what curve ball is thrown at you guys, he'll know what to do and how to handle it. Highly recommend Dan Smith. Great lawyer and great person, you can't go wrong with him.

I had a legal problem with no where to turn. Dan Smith a lawyer in chula vista, called me back immediately on his time off during a holiday to help me through my problem. He was thoughtful and concerned about my problem, and let me know how to go about fixing it, and what he could do to help. Thanks Dan

I had a heavy DV case, including 3 felonies. I was recommended to Dan and Alan, best lawyer hands down, i was looking at 10-15 years an working with Dan and Alan got diminished to a misdemeanor an DV class even my PO was surprised with the plead bargain said it was as good as i coulve gotten. Whole time they were with very positive an professional couldnt have been a better hands down. Any criminal cases i wouldnt think twice about going with this very strong team!

They helped me get my car back when I thought there was no guarantee in its return, appreciate their help & everything they did. If you need help then they are you’re best bet!

In April of last year I received a DUI, it was my first time receiving one and I was confused and I didn't know who to turn to. I came across Attorney Dan Smith's office when I had driven by the office and noticed he was running for Chula Vista City Council and was a lawyer as well. I hired Dan to fight for my DUI situation and in less than 6 months he was able to get me my license back and save my job at FedEx as a driver after being with then for thirteen years. I wouldn't hesitate to recommend Dan Smith. They are very reasonable and flexible, they even let me make monthly payments for my case. If it wasn't for Dan and his team I would've lost my job and I am very thankful for giving me the opportunity to help me keep my job and license.

My name is Luis Ayala and I was referred to Dan Smith by a friend and it was the best thing that could ever happen to me, I was involved in a DUI with an 1.8 BAC and Dan went above and beyond on my case it was real tough case because I could not renew my E1 Visa if I have a DUI,he fought for me and got my case reduce to a Wet Reckless,I would recommend Dan and the San Diego Defenders team if you ever get in ordeal like me Dan is the Man ,he will fight for you and get the deal done don't hesitate to make him your lawyer,THANKS DAN!!!!!!!

Was so surprised how prompt Mr.Smith answered my questions right on the spot over the phone so professional , iam so thankful that he took the time, now iam at ease... God bless

Dan Smith is extremely helpful because he knows the law and actually cares about you and your case

"Dan Smith the Absolute Best Criminal Lawyer In California" I was arrested at a club in downtown San Diego for fighting (P.C 243 Battery). It was a Felony Strike Battery with Serious Bodily Harm. I was looking at a sentence of 2-3-4 years in a state prison. During the arrest I was already on probation from a previous battery in North County, which I made the mistake of going with a no name lawyer and just wasted my money. I knew this time around I needed to make the best investment of a lawyer possible or I was going to be facing probation violation and a strike with time served. I asked around for the best lawyer 3 people I asked recommended Dan Smith. I immediately called him and he scheduled me for a personal face to face meeting. Walking into the office I immediately felt I knew I was in the right spot. Dan worked the case and explained all avenues of approach with me, he was the most stand up lawyer I have ever encountered and I been under care from 3 lawyers previous to him. Dan worked with the DA hand to hand and tried to get me the best deal possible but the DA would not budge enough for my liking or Dans we decided to take it to Prelim.The next few weeks Dan worked with me and anytime I needed him he was just a phone call away. We then were going into Prelim and Dan had told me "Judges are known to bind over a ham sandwich so do not be discouraged when the case gets sent to trial." Dan kept me calm and cool and then we entered the court room. We were in court for about 3 hours and he literally destroyed the other parties defense, (A police officer) (The alleged victim) (Bouncer from the club) and (Attorney). He found holes and mistakes in all of their statements reports and comments. After calling my witnesses to the stand and the alleged victim, the Judge turned around to the alleged victim and said "you are lucky you are standing here today with us and this man did not hurt you even more." The Judge then said he would not bind over the charged and dismissed my (P.C 243 D Felony Battery w. Serious Bodily Harm) right there on the spot. I walked out in tears thanking Dan for his righteousness and ability to provide the best service I have ever seen. I was never brought back to court and he was able to stop any issues from the probation violation. On top of the perfect service he provided me with an amazing payment plan which fit my income. HAT OFF TO YOU SIR THANK YOU VERY MUCH!! I WILL STAND NEXT TO YOU IN COURT ANY DAY!! Do not go anywhere else this is who you want to represent you.