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Dwane M. Cates
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Dwane M. Cates
Cates, Hanson, Sargent & Rakestraw P.L.C.
1747 E. Morten Avenue
Suite 205
Phoenix, AZ 85020
Phone: (602) 296-3434 | Fax: (480) 905-3166
http://www.azlaw4u.com
Aggressive, experienced attorney ready to fight for you
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
All criminal defense cases.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Legal Topic
Family Law
Preferred New Clients
Information coming soon.
Sub-Categories
Family Law
- Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)
- Name Changes
- Restraining Orders
- Enforcement Actions
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- Sexual Abuse
- Adoptions
- Child Support
- Children's Rights
- Custody
- Foster Care
- Paternity
- State Child Protection
- Visitation
- Civil Unions
- Common Law Marriage
- Domestic Partnerships
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender Rights
- Living Together/Cohabitation
- Marriage
- Power of Attorney
- Prenuptial & Postnuptial Agreements
- Colleges & Universities
- Individualized Education Plans
- Private Schools
- Public Schools
- Student Rights
- Teacher Abuse
- Title IX
- Trade & Technical Schools
- Special Education
- Age Discrimination
- Competency Hearings
- Guardianships & Conservatorships
- Long-Term Care
- Nursing Homes
- Powers of Attorney
- Medicaid & Medicare Planning
- Advanced Health Care Directive
- Healthcare Power of Attorney
- Healthcare Proxy
- Tax Planning
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Grandparent Rights
- Termination of Parental Rights
Bar Admissions
AZ, Jun 1997
Bar Number: 17964
Other Court Admissions
State and Federal Courts
Association Memberships
Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
Continuing Education
Both Federal and State Continuing Legal Education
Example Cases
Sexual abuse and burglary, full jury trial, not guilty on all counts.
First degree murder with video confession facing death penalty or 20 to life, pled to second degree murder, 16 years.
Armed robbery and extortion, designated dangerous, facing 10 years, pled to 20 months.
Possession for sale of over 50 pounds of marijuana, facing 5 years, plead to unsupervised probation.
Aggravated assault, kidnapping, designated dangerous, facing 10+ years prison, case dismissed.
Aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, case dismissed.
Burglary class 5 felony, case dismissed.
Arrested for aggravated assault on a police officer, charges not filed.
Education
Degree:
B.A.
School:
Arizona State University
City:
Tempe
State:
AZ
Year:
1994
Focus and Accomplishments:
Social Psychology and Persuasion
Degree:
Juris Doctorate
School:
Arizona State University
City:
Tempe
State:
AZ
Year:
1996
Focus and Accomplishments:
Trial Advocacy Team and Oral Argument Competitions
Number of Attorneys
5
State Licensed In
Arizona
Firm Focus and History
I founded the firm in 1997 and have owned and managed the firm to the present and am currently the managing partner.
Previous Employment Summary
I have experience at all levels of criminal law from first degree murder cases to misdemeanor DUI cases in Municipal Court. I have handled several high profile cases including the "baby formula" case in federal court and the matricide murder case. I have experience handling a variety of cases from major felonies in Federal Court to misdemeanors in municipal court. No matter what the case, I have the experience to handle your case effectively and at a reasonable rate.
Activities and Awards
I have judged several trial advocacy competitions and I am active in the State Bar of Arizona Member Assistance Program.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Clients should be educated but must keep in mind that it costs ten times as much to fix a legal situation as it does to do it right the first time and sometimes things can't be fixed if they get to messed up. So, be careful when you handle your own legal matters.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
Yes.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
No.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
To help people.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I started out years ago as a car salesman, where I learned the art of persuasion. Next, I studied persuasion in college, and now I apply what I learned to my I work, protecting the rights of the accused.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I like pressure and high stakes. There are no higher stakes than a person's personal freedom, even if it is for only one day.
What do you like best about your career?
I like helping people.
Tell us about your law firm:
We have a Polish speaking legal assistant and a Spanish speaking legal assistant. We are a diverse group of people and have divorce attorneys, a certified specialist in personal injury/wrongful death and criminal defense attorneys. William Sargeant is a retired Superior Court Judge and works in our criminal law division.
What are your strengths and style?
I am a talker and a deal maker. I love trial and that is where I shine.
I like to use humor in my presentations if possible.
Personal Interests:
I ski, scuba dive, play golf, and sail.
Office Manager/Assistant
Denessa Davis
Fax
(480) 905-3166
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Polish and Spanish
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
We charge a flat rate for pretrial services and we charge $1,500 - $2,500 per day for trial. Charges depend on the type of case, court, and location.
Hourly Rates
Criminal is billed as a flat fee for services.
Free Initial Consultation?
Free initial consultation.
Typical Retainer
Varies from $1,500 to $100,000.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
