Dwane Cates | Phoenix Criminal Lawyer

Dwane Maxwell Cates

Dwane Maxwell Cates

Dwane Cates.com, PLLC

There Is No Substitute For Experience In Handling Criminal Matters

Experience: 28 years
Language(s): English

Top Local Lawyers

About Dwane

Call 855-532-1494 to schedule your free consultation to discuss your potential case today.

Experience

Attorney

Cates, Hanson, Sargeant & Schoenau PLC

Present

Admission

Verified Arizona

1997

Education

Arizona State University

Bachelors Degree (Communication/Persuasion)

1993

Recognitions & Achievements

Associations
  • Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, –
    2006 / present
  • Member, American Association for Justice, Criminal Law Section, –
    2000 / present
  • Member, Criminal Law Section American Bar Association, –
    2000 / present
  • Member, Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section, –
    1999 / present
Honors / Awards
  • Most Visits to a Homeless Shelter, Homeless Legal Assistance Project
    1997 / 1998

Notable Work

Cases

N/A

State v. Davis Outcome: Not Guilty State v. Client Outcome: Case Dismissed State v. Client Outcome: Probation no jail.

Publications

Highway Drug Stops In Arizona, 24/7 Press Release,

2009


Civil Forfeiture in Criminal Cases, HG.org articles,

2009


Stopped on an Arizona Highway and Charged with a Drug Crime, HG.org Articles,

2009

Questions & Answers

Please describe a case in the last year or two where you made a big difference.

(State v. Robert Fischer) Case was on Dateline NBC you can see clip on my youtube page http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLb1QgiLM_DvDXHJUwQnXL1NBHOxmSAc4o

How did you build a successful practice?

Hard work a dedication. I started my practice straight out of law school and built my practice from the ground up. I was never a prosecutor.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?

Clients want a lawyer they can trust. They are going through a very tough time and they want someone who will take the time to explain their case to them and to tell the the truth about what is going on.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?

Local knowledge can be both bad or good. It depends on the reputation of the lawyer. If you have a bad reputation and everyone knows it in that court system it is a bad thing. Likewise if you have a good reputation in that court system it is a great benefit.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?

A free phone consultation is for the client to see if they like the attorney. If they do they can come in and meet face to face. It is not to get free advise about how to handle the case yourself.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?

It is good if you have your case number the court where your case is and your next court date. The more information you provide the better.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?

Again i am a criminal defense lawyer. I was never a prosecutor. I have 18 years experience handling criminal cases in Arizona and have extensive trial experience.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?

When an innocent man or woman is set free do to my efforts.

What are your other interests in addition to law?

I sail and scuba dive. I also have dogs.

Are you involved in your community?

I am on several boards including the chaplaincy for the homeless.