San Diego Federal Criminal Defense Lawyer Daniel Smith, founder of San Diego Defenders, has been offering affordable payment plans for the best and most complete defense in federal and state criminal cases. Since 1990, Dan Smith has recognized that hard working people need and deserve the best affordable lawyer to protect their future whether it is in a rare complicated federal drug case or a DUI, the most common misdemeanor in California.
Every case - your case - is the most important! At San Diego Defenders, we understand the traumatic impact a criminal case can have on the accused. You or your loved ones are facing a new and daunting situation. We pride ourselves in seeing our clients as human beings rather than case numbers. Your DUI or other criminal charges are new to you but well known to us.
Every case - your case - is the most important! At San Diego Defenders, we understand the traumatic impact a criminal case can have on the accused. You or your loved ones are facing a new and daunting situation. We pride ourselves in seeing our clients as human beings rather than case numbers. Your DUI or other criminal charges are new to you but well known to us.
Services
Our clients depend on us for a result that gets their life back to normal as soon as possible and because of that, we have always been committed to providing our clients with a complete defense to the finish. A DUI hit and run accident that involves drunken driving generally involves multiple offense.
Earlier this month, Californians passed Prop 47. It changes a number of crimes that used to be felonies into misdemeanors. It was meant to help people who have felony records for relatively minor offenses be able to have those felonies reduced to misdemeanors. Prop 47 allows people with certain felony records to ask the Court to change their convictions into misdemeanors on their records.
In California, most convictions can be expunged from your record. An expungement is technically your plea of guilty being withdrawn and the case being dismissed. It is a legal fiction that it never happened. This means on job applications and other forms that are not government forms, when asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime, you have the legal right to say, "No."
When someone steals a vehicle and does not intend to return it or leave it somewhere to be found. When someone uses a check to make a purchase or pay a debt when they know there is not enough money in the account or when they know it is not a valid check. Depending on the amount of check(s), this also can be charged as a misdemeanor or felony.
Yes, federal forfeiture laws 21 USC § 881give CBP, US Customs, DEA and other agencies right to seize property they believe was being used to commit a federal offense like alien smuggling 8 USC 1324 if the importation of drugs 21 USC 844, 952 Or If they believe the cash was from illegal proceeds or car purchased that way.
Reviews (23)
Richard Gutierrez
Oct 18, 2021
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I had my car seized from border patrol and was told I will pay anywhere from $300-400 each day it was in holding and it was in holding for more than 2 months I would’ve ended up having to pay thousands but with San Diego defenders help they were able to bring it down to $1000 total which save me a ton of money and they worked quick they didn’t waste anytime I will recommend them to anyone I know and if you have the same problem you should also come to them.
Ariana Relf
Jul 22, 2021
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P. T.
Jul 19, 2021
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Call San Diego Defenders Now, make your legal situation resolvable. I can tell you that the service, support and professionalism given me by San Diego Defenders has been absolutely wonderful. Call them if you need help. They really care about their clients.
Any other lawyer would of given in and most likely made me plea to something that I should of never plead to. San Diego Defenders fought for My Rights, for the law as it applies and for a Great out come in my case. San Diego Defenders fought for justice and never gave up. I am thankful for everything they did in every court appearance on my
Any other lawyer would of given in and most likely made me plea to something that I should of never plead to. San Diego Defenders fought for My Rights, for the law as it applies and for a Great out come in my case. San Diego Defenders fought for justice and never gave up. I am thankful for everything they did in every court appearance on my
Marjorie Alimbuyao
Apr 25, 2021
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I had an unfortunate situation happen where a vehicle I lease was taken by CA Border Patrol while someone else was driving it. In a panic, I contacted BP to see where my vehicle was taken the next morning. I was told it was seized and that I probably wouldn’t get the car back, therefore I went into google and searched San Diego vehicle seizure attorney where I came across San Diego Defenders website. On their site, they had great reviews and information on how this is more common than one would think.
After calling every police department in San Diego trying to get information on how to retrieve
After calling every police department in San Diego trying to get information on how to retrieve
G. I. Miseducated
Apr 05, 2021
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Vince Dotson
Apr 05, 2021
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Anthony Q.
Feb 02, 2021
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5/5. Let me just begin by saying my family got into legal issues with USBP, which we did not cause however our property was seized by them because of a friend. Won't get into detail on that, however my questions, doubts and stress was all taken care of by these guys ! From the first call, to Ashley who then helped and Dan Smith himself ... I can say my worries are no more ! They did a phenomenal job taking care of our situation, explaining everything and staying in contact with us throughout this process . Thank you guys, truly from I and my whole family who we're affected. As of today
Cesar Lira
Jan 24, 2021
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My truck was seized by us customs. I contacted Mr Smith. They started working on my case immediately, I maintained communication with Ashley. She kept me informed about the progress of the case. U.S. customs finally released my truck and Ashley notified me the same day. 3 days later which is today I recovered my truck.
Thank Mr Smith and Ashley
Thank Mr Smith and Ashley
Mike Hernandez
Jan 23, 2021
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Charles B.
Dec 31, 2020
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CPB officers seized currency from me that was in excess of $10,000 at Otay Mesa Port of Entry for failing to declare. The CBP officer didn't even want to give me any documentation that showed they seized currency other than a seizure number and phone number. When I asked for a receipt the CBP officer told be that they don't give receipts because they seized the money. I told her that with a seizure the money still belongs to me and its not a forfeiture. I wan't going anywhere without a document showing how much money was seized. She went and got her supervisor and he told me that
Marissa Gonzales
Nov 14, 2019
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Mr. Dan Smith helped our family when we were going through a tough time. He was able to get a sentence reduced from a 20+ years to almost nothing. Mr. Smith was very professional and is very knowledgeable in this field. He explained the process step by step and always answered us promptly with any concerns we had. If your looking for an attorney look no further and contact Dan Smith as our family was very pleased with the outcome. Forever grateful.
Edna Valenzuela
Oct 30, 2019
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This is definitely the best defense attorney I could ever ask for. Dan Smith helped me with a Federal case. He is honest, hard working, fair and deeply concerned for what is right for all people. Him and all his team gives their all and they actually communicates regularly with his clients. Everyone in the office was amazing! Thank you so much!! I highly recommend!!!
Marina S.
May 09, 2019
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San Diego Defenders was really awesome and I appreciate the time Dan Smith took to speak with me. I'm not going to lie it definitely is a little tricky to get ahold of them, I had to try a few times. However, I guess that's to be expected for any law office due to their crazy schedule.
The situation Dan advised me in is not an area he practices law, so unfortunately our search for an attorney continues. However, he was still kind enough to give me some advice and said I could contact him again if I had any other questions.
I would definitely recommend to anyone who is seeking an attorney
The situation Dan advised me in is not an area he practices law, so unfortunately our search for an attorney continues. However, he was still kind enough to give me some advice and said I could contact him again if I had any other questions.
I would definitely recommend to anyone who is seeking an attorney
Rosa M.
Apr 25, 2019
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Thanks you to dan smith and his legal team!!! He is a great attorney and I would definitely recommend him to ANYONE dealing with legal issues. San Diego defenders had my back all the way up to sentencing and even though my case want gonna be easy dan and his team worked tirelessly around the clock and kept me out of jail. ME AND MY family are extremely grateful keep u ppl the great work!!! God bless
Eric S.
Jan 08, 2018
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This review is long over due. I got myself into a bit of trouble, but dan helped me out big time.
This was the only time I have ever been in trouble, but Chula Vista court was trying to throw the book at me. I was charged with felony evading, disregard for public endangerment and driving on a suspended license. Dan got me out ASAP on parental O.R. After O.R failed.
He got everything reduced down to a misdemeanor and fines reduced to $0 with time served.
Dan and his staff amazing. I went in a year later to get a copy of paperwork and his secretary was great. She has a great memory!! I said my
This was the only time I have ever been in trouble, but Chula Vista court was trying to throw the book at me. I was charged with felony evading, disregard for public endangerment and driving on a suspended license. Dan got me out ASAP on parental O.R. After O.R failed.
He got everything reduced down to a misdemeanor and fines reduced to $0 with time served.
Dan and his staff amazing. I went in a year later to get a copy of paperwork and his secretary was great. She has a great memory!! I said my
Oscar G.
Sep 22, 2017
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David P.
Dec 07, 2016
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I've known Dan Smith for years, and recently he and his partner Jon Pettis helped a close friend get out of a sticky situation with top notch service at an incredibly affordable rate. As far as I'm concerned, they're the best in the business. I would wholeheartedly and without hesitation recommend and refer any and all of my friends and family to the San Diego Defenders.
Dara P.
Nov 30, 2016
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I called for a free consortium about my case and it seemed like he was a genuine guy at first. But as we began to discussed my case, Dan began to change his tone when we discussed the matter of the payments. I was constantly trying to get back to my case and discuss how we will fight it, until he eventually found an excuse to hang up. I didnt feel any comfort at all and he made me feel like all he wanted was money.
Viry M.
Nov 25, 2015
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My family and I weren't sure if we needed lawyer services for an issue we were going through, but I called anyway just to see what I could find out. Dan Smith was surprisingly easy to get a hold of and he's a pretty down to earth gentleman. After a follow up email and another phone call, he essentially told us that we didn't really need his services (no charges had been made, but still have to close the loop with the CBP office). Dan still offered us guidance and encouraged us to call him again if we had any further questions later on.
To us, that speaks a lot about how this office
To us, that speaks a lot about how this office
Stevie C.
Mar 18, 2015
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Jon P.
Apr 10, 2014
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Last year I caught a very serious criminal charge (I won't go into detail about the charge but I will say it is very far from a DUI). For the next 12 months my life was one big worry. The DA treated me like I committed the crime of the century because I had a prior strike. The deals all involved prison time and they would not strike the strike for me to be eligible for probation even though I was doing good and had a full time job. I retained Daniel late in my case but as soon as I retained him he went straight to work. I thought all my options were exhausted because my public defender made
Tony C.
Mar 20, 2014
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Sometimes life throws a curve ball at you......a hard curve ball.
Thank goodness for Dan Smith and his staff for going up to bat for me when I needed legal representation. He was referred to me by a good friend of mine that I trust. I had never needed an attorney and didn't know what steps to take. When we met he made me feel comfortable and gave the best advice. He was very detailed with my options and different outcomes but assured me that he would do his best. So ultimately SD Defenders made a really bad situation .........much, much better then expected!
I have referred a couple people
Thank goodness for Dan Smith and his staff for going up to bat for me when I needed legal representation. He was referred to me by a good friend of mine that I trust. I had never needed an attorney and didn't know what steps to take. When we met he made me feel comfortable and gave the best advice. He was very detailed with my options and different outcomes but assured me that he would do his best. So ultimately SD Defenders made a really bad situation .........much, much better then expected!
I have referred a couple people
Vince V.
Jun 14, 2011
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I wanted to give my endorsement for Attorney Daniel Smith and San Diego Defenders. As with most things in life, you get what you pay for. When it comes to legal advice or representation, you definitely don't want to go bargain basement or (heaven forbid) the public defender route.
A very close friend of mine landed into some legal problems. After much research, Attorney Daniel Smith was chosen by my friend's family to represent him in court. Attorney Smith's attention to detail and knowledge really made a huge impact. Attorney Smith has great rapport with members of the court and
A very close friend of mine landed into some legal problems. After much research, Attorney Daniel Smith was chosen by my friend's family to represent him in court. Attorney Smith's attention to detail and knowledge really made a huge impact. Attorney Smith has great rapport with members of the court and
