About Mr. 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.

 

Awards

Reviews for Dwane

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Overall Rating
Showing 1-3 of 3 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
33%
4 stars
33%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
33%
1 star
0%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.3
Quality of Service
4.3
Responsiveness
3.7
Value for Money
4.0
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
May 30, 2012
Hired Attorney

Attorney Dwane Cates and his staff have left a life-long great impression on me for the constant level of professionalism they exuberated during the entire time of my life-changing ordeal and for the great outcome of my case that came about because of the dedicated, hard work Attorney Cates put in. I had an aggravated assault case, and hired Attorney Cates.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
March 12, 2009
Hired Attorney

Dwane Cates represented me in a rather complicated & difficult violation. The conseqences ranged from mildly inconenient to life changing. He had a thorough understanding of the law but more importantly, he has developed over years of good practice, a solid working relationship with the District Attorneys. He gave me good solid advice, which I followed to the letter and the DA gave his arguments a sincere consideration. The end result was I paid a price for my mistakes, but not life changing

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
September 13, 2010
Hired Attorney

he assigned a brand new attorney to represent me at my final hearing - the new attorney's voice shook as he stood before and addressed the judge. Cates was not available for phone consultation during the final phase of my case.

Services

Areas of Law

  • Other 2
    • Criminal Defense
    • DUI / DWI Defense

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1997, Arizona
    2015, 8th Circuit
    2015, 9th Circuit
    2015, United States District Court For the District of North Dakota
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    Arizona State University
    Class of 1996
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Arizona State University
    Class of 1993
    B.A.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1975
    January 1, 1975

Contact Mr. Dwane Cates

Attorney at Cates & Reed, PLLC
4.8
63 reviews

7310 North 16th Street, Suite 330 APhoenix, AZ 85020U.S.A.

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    Mr. Dwane Cates was admitted in 1997 to the State of Arizona.
  • Does this attorney speak any other languages?
    Mr. Dwane Cates speaks Polish.
  • Is this attorney Martindale-Hubbell Client Review rated?
    Yes, Mr. Dwane Cates has a 4.1 Client Rating from Martindale-Hubbell.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    Mr. Dwane Cates attended Arizona State University.