Charles B. Smith has almost 35 years of combined legal experience as a police officer, prosecutor, and defense attorney and has handled thousands of criminal cases.
Charles was born in Vallejo in 1960 and moved with his family to Daly City as a toddler. He attended Cathedral School for Boys in San Francisco from kindergarten through 8th grade and Westmoor High School in Daly City from 9th through 12th grades. Charles worked all during high school and college at a variety of jobs. After putting himself through the Police Academy, he became a police officer with the Broadmoor Police Department. Charles eventually obtained the rank of Sergeant, and served with the Broadmoor PD from 1981 through 1987 while attending college full time. He graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Administration of Justice from San Jose State University in 1984 and received his Juris Doctorate with an emphasis in Criminal Law from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1987.
Charles became a member of the California State Bar in 1987 and immediately went to work as a Deputy District Attorney, where he stayed until 1998. While a Deputy District Attorney, Charles prosecuted cases ranging from driving under the influence misdemeanors to gang cases and special circumstances homicides.
In addition to his criminal defense work, Charles was a teacher for 22 years. He was an adjunct professor at The College of San Mateo where he taught full semester courses to Administration of Justice majors including: Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, and Principles and Procedures of the Justice System. Charles was also an instructor at the POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Academy between 1989 and 1998 where he taught multiple aspects of police investigation including: Gang Cases, Homicide Investigation, Sexual Assault Investigation, and Prosecution of Major Narcotics Offenders.
Since becoming an attorney, Charles has defended thousands of people and tried well over 100 cases. His unique combination of past work experience and teaching allows him to represent his clients with an unparalleled knowledge of the inner workings of the criminal justice system.
In his free time, Charles enjoys spending time with his wife, four adult children, three cats, and three dogs. He loves gardening and reading and is an avid San Francisco Giants fan.
