Smith, Harry Joseph

Charles B. Smith has 30 years of legal experience as a police officer, prosecutor, and for the past 13 years as a defense attorney and has handled thousands of criminal cases.

Charles was born in Vallejo, California in 1960 and moved with his family to Daly City. 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 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 for San Mateo County, where he stayed until 1998. While a Deputy District Attorney, Charles prosecuted cases ranging from driving under the influence misdemeanors, gang cases, and special circumstances homicides.

In addition to his criminal defense work, Charles has been a teacher since 1989. He is a professor at The College of San Mateo (Administration of Justice Department) where he has taught full semester courses to Administration of Justice majors including: Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, and Principles and Procedures of the Justice System. Charles is also an instructor at the POST (Peace Officers Standards and Training) Academy where he has 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 allow him to represent his clients with an unparalleled knowledge of the inner workings of the criminal justice system.

Charles enjoys spending time with his family, pets, gardening, reading, and watching football. He is an avid San Francisco Giants fan, and is actively working on his goal to see them play at every National League stadium in the country. When he can find the time, he can be found on the golf course playing a round (though not always well!).