David P. Shapiro

Get to Know…

David P. Shapiro

Managing Partner | San Diego Criminal Defense Lawyer

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. 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.

Results

Accolades

Education

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)

Mental Health Diversion Motion Granted – Case Dismissed in its Entirety

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

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Better Business Bureau

Torch Awards for Ethics Winner
–
2022

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Law Firm 500

Fastest Growing Law Firms in the US
–
2018 – 2022

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SuperLawyers

Rising Star
–
2015 – 2021

SuperLawyer
–
2023

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Martindale-Hubbell®

AV PreEminent Rating
–
2019 – Current

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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

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San Diego Business Journal

Leaders in Law Finalist
–
2019 – 2022

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San Diego Business Journal

Best of the Bar
–
2014, 2016, 2017

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San Diego Business Journal

SD 500

One of San Diego’s Most Influential People
–
2022

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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

“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