Get to know…
Arrested for a crime he, admittedly, did commit in 2004, David experienced firsthand the same fear, uncertainty, and concern for his future and freedom so many of his clients undergo when arrested or under investigation for allegedly committing a crime. That experience motivates him each and every day to provide the best representation possible to any and all who entrust his Firm to handle their criminal defense matter in their time of need.
Practicing exclusively criminal defense in San Diego since 2007, David has built one of San Diego’s most respected criminal defense firms since opening its doors in 2010, having been recognized as a 2022 Better Business Bureau Torch Awards for Ethics Winner. Personally, David has been selected by the San Diego Business Journal to the prestigious SD500 list as One of San Diego’s 500 Most Influential People (in 2025, 2024 and 2022), is an 11-time SuperLawyer since 2015, and has obtained and maintained a Pre-Eminent rating by Martindale Hubbell (the highest possible peer review rating in both legal ability and ethical standards) since 2019.
Revered in both New York (where he grew up) and New Orleans (where he lived from 2003-2006), David moved to San Diego in 2006. He is a self-described “pillar of the community” and is a proud criminal defense attorney, father, and husband.
Case Results
David P. Shapiro has obtained not guilty verdicts at jury trial in every courthouse in San Diego County.
Here are a few of David’s recent case results.
Not Guilty Verdicts At Jury Trial
Hung Jury / Mistrial, then resolved for probation & no jail time
Mental Health Diversion Motion Granted – Case Dismissed in its Entirety
Dismissed at PC995 Motion Hearing
Probation, No Jail, No PC290 Reg.
Probation, No PC290 Reg.
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
Case Dismissed on Day of Jury Trial
Probation & No Jail Time
All Evidence Excluded After Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted
Case Dismissed
Strikes Stricken, Probation with House Arrest
Strike Stricken & Probation Granted
Probation & Residential Treatment
Misdemeanor “Wet Reckless”
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
Probation and No Additional Jail
Probation and No Additional Jail
Probation After Court Struck Prior Strike
Not Guilty Verdicts after Jury Trial
Dismissed
Accolades
Awards & Honors
Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
2022
SD 500 - One of San Diego’s Most Influential People
2022, 2024
Rising Star - 2015 – 2021
SuperLawyer - 2023 – 2024
AV PreEminent Rating
2019 – Current
Fast 46 Finalist recognizing the fastest growing businesses in the world owned by University at Buffalo alumni (#22 in 2021; #23 in 2022; #20 in 2023; #38 in 2024)
2021 – 2024
Leaders of Influence in Law Finalist
2019 – 2024
Best of the Bar
2014, 2016, 2017
Fastest Growing Law Firms in the US
2018 – 2023
3 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in SD
2017 – Current
SD’s Fastest Growing Private Companies
2022 – #17
2023 – #36
2024 – #35
Professional Associations
- The State Bar of California Admitted 2007-present
- Federal District Court for the Southern District of California Admitted 2007-present
- American Bar Association Member 2017-present
- San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association Board Member 2016-present; Member 2007 – present
- Genesis Recovery Board Member 2016-present
- Better Business Bureau (A+ Rating) Admitted 2011-present
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) Attorney Member 2007-present
- California Public Defenders Association (CPDA) Attorney Member 2007-present
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers Attorney Member 2006-present
- Second Chance Job Readiness Training Class Champion 2019-2022
- National Criminal Defense College, Macon GA Alumnus 2009
- The Criminal Law Society – Tulane University President 2003-2006
- Golden State Ballet Board Member 2023-present
Publications
- “Facing Criminal Charges in San Diego? Here’s What You Need to Know to Regain Control of Your Future”
- “Survival Guide for Those Accused of a Sex Crime in San Diego.”
- “Survival Guide for Those Accused of a Theft Crime in San Diego.”
- “Survival Guide for Those Accused of a Drug Crime in San Diego.”
Education
- Juris Doctor. Tulane University Law School (New Orleans, Louisiana), 2006
- Bachelor of Arts (Legal Studies) Summa Cum Laude, The State University of New York at Buffalo, 2003
- H.S. Diploma. Staten Island Technical High School, 1999
What Our Clients Say About Their Experiences With Us


Areas We Serve
- San Diego
- El Cajon
- La Jolla
- Chula Vista
- La Mesa
- National City
- Coronado
- Del Mar
- Encinitas
- Carlsbad
- Oceanside
- Vista
- San Marcos
- Poway
- Santee
- Rancho Peñasquitos
- University City
- Clairemont / Bay Park