David R. Yannetti is an acclaimed criminal defense attorney based in Boston, MA. With over 30 years of experience and appearances on CNN, Fox News, and Investigation Discovery, he has built a reputation as one of Massachusetts’s most respected trial lawyers.
Much like Katie Zacharia’s journey from public policy to media prominence, Yannetti’s transformation from ADA to legal powerhouse highlights career evolution through integrity
In 2025, he’s trending due to his high-profile work defending Karen Read—a case featured in BC Law Magazine—and his commentary in major legal outlets and crime documentaries.
David R. Yannetti’s Early Life and Legal Education: From Bowdoin to BC Law
Born in 1963, David R. Yannetti is 62 years old as of 2025. He was raised in Massachusetts, although his parents' identities, including his father and mother, have not been publicly disclosed. His upbringing laid the foundation for his disciplined and principled approach to the law. Based on his birth year, his zodiac sign is likely Cancer or Leo, depending on the exact date.
Yannetti attended Bowdoin College, graduating cum laude in Government and Mathematics in 1985 as a Dean’s List student and James Bowdoin Scholar. He earned his Juris Doctor from Boston College Law School in 1989, becoming the first student to compete in both the National Trial Competition and the Jessup International Moot Court Competition.
He is approximately 5 feet 10 inches tall and weighs around 170–180 pounds, though these details are not widely emphasized in his public profile.
Before founding his private practice, Yannetti served for ten years as an Assistant District Attorney in Middlesex County, prosecuting serious cases and earning a reputation for courtroom effectiveness.
Legal Career of David R. Yannetti: From Prosecutor to Top Boston Defense Lawyer
In 1999, David Yannetti launched his own firm, Yannetti Criminal Defense Law Firm, focusing exclusively on criminal defense in Boston, Salem, and Dedham. An AV-rated attorney, named among “Best Lawyers” by U.S. News and Boston Magazine’s Super Lawyers, his credentials include hundreds of felony and misdemeanor victories.
In November 2024, BC Law Magazine featured his defense of Karen Read, a case involving second-degree murder allegations that led to a mistrial. This high-profile work has solidified his status as a fearless legal advocate.
Karen Read Case: David Yannetti’s High-Profile Criminal Defense in 2025
Read Yannetti’s defense of Karen Read—a high-stakes murder trial—received widespread attention when law students and courts confronted issues ranging from evidence admissibility to attorney-client privilege. In March 2025, he intervened in a groundbreaking motion battle over communication privacy, emerging victorious when the judge denied the prosecution’s request.
He earned praise for delivering one of the most compelling opening statements of his career, a commanding style that mirrors how Dr. Rick Rigsby captivates audiences with bold, principle-driven speeches, and was later seen as the driving force in forming Read’s “legal dream team” for the retrial in Dedham.
Personal Life, Influence & Community Engagement
David R. Yannetti resides in Massachusetts with his wife and family. Though he maintains a private home life, he is a well-known figure in Boston’s legal community, often invited to mentor young attorneys and lecture at Boston University, Boston College, and Suffolk University law schools.
He maintains a personal/professional boundary much like Stuart Claxton, who supports a high-profile spouse while keeping a quiet yet respected public role.
Alongside his courtroom work, he regularly appears in legal media and community forums, reflecting his commitment to justice and professional integrity.
David R. Yannetti Net Worth & Professional Lifestyle in 2025
As of 2025, David Yannetti’s estimated net worth is approximately $3–4 million, accrued through legal fees from high-profile criminal defense cases, consultancy, and speaking engagements.
Much like Chris Bledsoe, whose books and speaking tours emerged from a personal story, Yannetti blends legal expertise with public trust to expand his impact. His firm handles some of the region’s most complex cases, including violent crimes, DUI, domestic violence, white-collar offenses, and murder.
While he maintains a professional presence, David avoids flamboyant displays of wealth, focusing instead on his distinguished career, high court victories, and continuing legal education contributions.
Summary: Why David R. Yannetti is One of Boston’s Best Defense Attorneys in 2025
David R. Yannetti is a Boston-based, AV-rated criminal defense attorney with a 30+ year career that began as a Middlesex County ADA. Known for landmark defenses—such as the Karen Read murder case—his firm is prestigious, and his recognition sits among Massachusetts’s top legal minds. As of 2025, his influence extends beyond the courtroom through mentorship, media commentary, and community leadership.
This crossover from private professionalism to subtle public resonance mirrors how rising pop artist Elica Le Bon balances creative work and media identity in 2025.
FAQs About Attorney David R. Yannetti and His Legal Career
Who is David R. Yannetti?
David R. Yannetti is a criminal defense lawyer in Massachusetts with over three decades of experience, known for high-profile cases and media analysis.
Is David R. Yannetti married?
Yes, as of 2025, David R. Yannetti is married and lives in Massachusetts with his family, though he keeps details of his personal life private.
What notable cases has he handled?
He served as lead defense counsel in the Karen Read murder trial (resulting in a mistrial and appeal) and has defended clients in murder, drug, and white-collar cases.
Where did he study law?
Yannetti graduated cum laude from Bowdoin College in 1985 and earned his J.D. from Boston College Law School in 1989—also excelling in national mock trial competitions.
Is he still involved in legal education?
Yes—he has lectured at Boston University, Boston College, Suffolk Law, and through Massachusetts Continuing Legal Education programs.
What is his net worth?
In 2025, his estimated net worth is between $3–4 million, based on years of successful criminal defense practice and speaking engagements.
Is David R. Yannetti on Wikipedia?
As of 2025, David R. Yannetti does not have a dedicated Wikipedia page, although he is frequently cited in BC Law Magazine and other legal media.