Atty. Dwane Cates
Born and raised in Wyoming, Arizona criminal defense attorney Dwane Cates brings a cowboy’s independence, grit, and fearlessness to every case he accepts. Widely recognized as one of the country’s most respected defense lawyers, he remains grounded in the reality that life is complicated and a single unexpected event can change everything.
Criminal Defense & More Attorney · Serving Phoenix, AZ · 29+ Years Experience
Profile Summary
About Dwane Cates at a Glance
Dwane Cates is an Attorney based in Phoenix, Arizona, practicing at Cates Reed Pllc. They have 29+ years of legal experience, licensed to practice since 1997. Their practice focuses on dui/dwi and criminal defense. Admitted to practice in Arizona (1997) and United States District Court For the District of North Dakota (2015). Educated at Arizona State University (J.D., 1996) and Arizona State University (B.A., 1993). Recognitions include Peer Reviewed. Serves clients in Phoenix, AZ and the surrounding metropolitan area.
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About Dwane Cates
- Born and raised in Wyoming, Arizona criminal defense attorney Dwane Cates brings a cowboy’s independence, grit, and fearlessness to every case he accepts
- Widely recognized as one of the country’s most respected defense lawyers, he remains grounded in the reality that life is complicated and a single unexpected event can change everything
- Dwane’s personal journey through alcoholism and long-term recovery has deepened his compassion and strengthened his ability to understand clients facing high-stakes problems, which is one reason he is so drawn to criminal defense
- A Board Certified, award-winning attorney, he is known for integrity and a direct, hands-on approach—working personally with clients and making himself accessible throughout the process
- Dedicated to protecting constitutional rights, Dwane relies on decades of experience and a proven record of success, tailoring strategy to the person and the facts rather than using a one-size-fits-all playbook
- When a case demands additional firepower, he leverages trusted relationships with top specialists, including forensic psychologists, investigators, and mitigation professionals, to prepare thoroughly for trial and pursue the best possible outcome
Practice Areas Explained
Dwane Cates's Areas of Legal Practice
Each practice area below reflects the types of cases Dwane Cates handles, with a practical overview of what that area of law involves and how it may apply to your situation in Phoenix.
DUI / DWI Defense in Phoenix
Find experienced DUI and DWI defense attorneys near you. Compare verified profiles, read client reviews, and consult about your case for free.
Dwane Cates is one of 29,739 dui/dwi attorneys indexed nationally. Browse dui/dwi attorneys in Arizona →
Criminal Defense in Phoenix
A criminal defense attorney protects your rights from arrest through trial. Find experienced lawyers handling DUI, drug, federal, theft, and violent-crime charges.
Dwane Cates is one of 212,605 criminal defense attorneys indexed nationally. Browse criminal defense attorneys in Arizona →
Jurisdictional Context
Why Local Counsel Matters in Phoenix
Practicing law in Arizona. Legal matters in Arizona are governed by state-specific rules of civil and criminal procedure, statutes of limitations, and substantive law. Cases originating in Phoenix are typically filed in the local municipal court or the appropriate Arizona state district court, depending on subject matter and amount in controversy. An attorney licensed in Arizona brings working knowledge of local procedural deadlines, judicial practices in this venue, and the substantive law that applies to cases brought here. Out-of-state attorneys generally cannot represent clients in Arizona courts without local counsel or pro hac vice admission.
Phoenix Courts and Legal Process
Choosing a Phoenix-based attorney means your counsel already knows the local docketing timelines, preferred filing formats, and how individual judges typically rule on procedural motions — details that only come from practicing in this jurisdiction day after day. That local familiarity can translate to better strategy, faster filings, and fewer costly surprises.
Looking for additional Arizona attorneys? Browse all attorneys in Phoenix or all attorneys in Arizona.
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Professional Profile
Why Clients in Phoenix Choose Dwane Cates
Selecting an attorney is one of the most consequential decisions you can make when a legal matter arises. Below are the core qualities that distinguish Dwane Cates's practice in the field of dui/dwi and criminal defense.
Decade-Tested Legal Experience
Dwane Cates brings 29+ years of hands-on legal practice — enough to have navigated the recurring fact patterns, procedural traps, and negotiation dynamics that shape case outcomes.
Multi-State Bar Admission
Licensed in Arizona and United States District Court For the District of North Dakota, Dwane Cates can represent clients in cases that span state lines or require counsel in multiple jurisdictions.
Broad Practice Area Coverage
Covering dui/dwi and criminal defense, Dwane Cates can address the full spectrum of a client's legal needs without requiring referrals to separate specialists for each issue.
Local Presence in Phoenix
A Phoenix-based practice means Dwane Cates attends hearings in the same courthouses, knows the local clerks, and understands the unwritten scheduling norms that affect every case filed here.
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