Get to Know…
David P. Shapiro
Managing Partner | San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer
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. His firm has recently been recognized as one of the nation’s fastest growing law firms in the United States by LawFirm500.
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.
Murder & Voluntary Manslaughter Charges
Not Guilty Verdicts At Jury Trial
Transportation & Possession for Sale of Controlled Substances (Over 22kg of Methamphetamine)
Hung Jury / Mistrial, then resolved for probation & no jail time
Assault with a Deadly Weapon, Criminal Threats, Attempted Robbery, et al. (totaling 3 “Strike” felonies)
Kidnapping for Rape (2 separate unrelated cases)
Dismissed at PC995 Motion Hearing
Child Molest & Forcible Rape of a Minor Charges
Probation, No Jail, No PC290 Reg.
Residential Burglary & 4 Counts of Child Molest Charges
Probation, No PC290 Reg.
Stalking & Harassing Electronic Communications Charges
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
SEXUAL BATTERY (2 COUNTS)
Case Dismissed on Day of Jury Trial
SEXUAL ABUSE OF A MINOR
Probation & No Jail Time
TRANSPORTATION & POSSESSION FOR SALE OF CONTROLLED SUBSTANCES
All Evidence Excluded After Motion to Suppress Evidence Granted
Strike Felony Assault w/ Great Bodily Injury & Criminal Threats
Case Dismissed
Third Strike for Criminal Threats with a Loaded Firearm
Strikes Stricken, Probation with House Arrest
Commercial Arson with Strike Prior
Strike Stricken & Probation Granted
Attempted Murder Charges, among other DV-related Strike Felonies
Probation & Residential Treatment
Felony Child Endangerment (2) & DUI Charges
Misdemeanor “Wet Reckless”
DUI (.10 BAC)
Not Guilty After Jury Trial
Felony Hit & Run, and Felony Accessory
Charges Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
5+ Separate Residential Burglaries (Strikes)
Probation and No Additional Jail
5+ Separate Residential Burglaries (Strikes)
Probation and No Additional Jail
Possession for Sale of Cocaine (with strike prior)
Probation After Court Struck Prior Strike
Strike Felony Charges of Dissuading a Witness from Testifying
Not Guilty Verdicts after Jury Trial
Grand Theft Charges
Dismissed
Accolades
Awards & Honors
Better Business Bureau
Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
–
2022
Law Firm 500
Fastest Growing Law Firms in the US
–
2018 – 2022
SuperLawyers
Rising Star
–
2015 – 2021
SuperLawyer
–
2023
Martindale-Hubbell®
AV PreEminent Rating
–
2019 – Current
University at Buffalo
Fast 46 Finalist recognizing the fastest growing businesses in the world owned by University at Buffalo alumni (#22 in 2021; #23 in 2022)
–
2021 – 2022
San Diego Business Journal
Leaders in Law Finalist
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2019 – 2022
San Diego Business Journal
–
2014, 2016, 2017
San Diego Business Journal
SD 500
One of San Diego’s Most Influential People
–
2022
3 Best Rated
3 Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in SD
–
2017 – Current
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
Publications
“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