The Best Criminal Defense in Contra Costa by Certified Specialists
Daniel Horowitz: A Renowned Criminal Defense Lawyer and Legal Analyst
Daniel Horowitz, a nationally recognized Contra Costa County Criminal Defense lawyer, has garnered recognition for his expertise in criminal defense. As a certified criminal defense specialist, he stands out among legal professionals. Let’s delve into his background and notable accomplishments:
Certified Criminal Defense Specialist:
Daniel Horowitz is one of only seven certified criminal defense lawyer specialists in Contra Costa County as of January 2024.
His extensive experience includes handling major fraud, murder, and other high-stakes cases, often taking them to trial.
Legal Analyst and Media Presence:
Horowitz’s insightful legal analysis has made him a sought-after commentator in the media.
He covered prominent trials, including those of Scott Peterson and Michael Jackson, as a legal analyst for CNN and MSNBC.
His expertise extends beyond the courtroom, making him a trusted resource for breaking news requiring legal insight.
During the 2004 Scott Peterson trial, Horowitz gained national prominence as a television commentator.
He continued to provide legal commentary on other high-profile cases, such as the Melissa Huckaby trial and the Anna Nicole Smith case.
Networks like CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News regularly feature him as a legal expert.
Background and Education:
Born in New York City, Horowitz earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California. He has maintained his office in Lafayette (Contra Costa County) since 2006.
He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1980.
Horowitz’s legal practice spans First Amendment law, speech defense, appellate litigation, constitutional matters, and personal injury representation.
Top Legal Representation in Contra Costa County: Daniel’s Lafayette Office
Located in Lafayette, California, within Contra Costa County, Daniel’s main office serves as the hub for his extensive legal practice. As a seasoned lead trial counsel, Daniel has successfully represented clients across California and in high-profile cases in New York, New Jersey, Ukraine, Canada, The Netherlands, and Israel. His unwavering dedication to protecting clients’ rights and preserving their reputations distinguishes him in the legal field.
HOROWITZ on the NANCY GRACE SHOW
Notable Criminal Case Victories by Daniel Horowitz
Daniel Horowitz, a seasoned criminal defense attorney, has achieved remarkable results in his legal practice. Let’s delve into his recent successes:
Complete Dismissals:
In 2024, Daniel secured two full dismissals of major criminal fraud charges. His strategic approach and legal acumen played a crucial role in these favorable outcomes.
Factual Finding of Innocence:
Notably, Daniel obtained a factual finding of innocence for a client. This result underscores his commitment to justice and meticulous defense work.
Jury Trial Triumphs:
Recent jury trials showcased Daniel’s prowess:
Complete Acquittal: He secured a total acquittal for a defendant, demonstrating his ability to dismantle the prosecution’s case.
Hung Jury Outcome: In another case, charges were dismissed after an 11-1 hung jury vote in favor of innocence.
Reduced Charges: Daniel successfully advocated for reduced charges, transforming an attempted murder charge into unlawful discharge of a firearm.
Criminal Trial Lawyer in Contra Costa County: Daniel Horowitz
For top-tier criminal defense, a true trial attorney is essential. Daniel Horowitz, a trial expert, has led over 200 jury trials as lead counsel. With experience in over 40 murder cases, including 7 death penalty trials, Daniel stands out as one of the few certified criminal defense specialists in Contra Costa County.
Why a Contra Costa County Criminal Defense Specialist is the Best Choice for Your Criminal Case
Expertise Matters: Would you see an orthopedic medical doctor if you needed brain surgery?
Specialized Skills: Would you go to a Kia mechanic to fix your Porsche 911?
Certified Specialists: Why go to a “Criminal Defense Lawyer” when you can go to a certified “Criminal Defense Specialist?”
Cost vs. Quality: To save money? (Probably not, we are expensive.), but for the best defense, the most experienced criminal defense lawyers can be the difference between freedom and conviction. That is worth a lot.
A Criminal Defense Expert is not a Criminal Defense Specialist
Certified Specialist: Unveiling the Difference
In the legal world, the terms “expert” and “specialist” often get used interchangeably, but they carry distinct meanings. Let’s explore the significance of each:
Criminal Defense Expert:
Any attorney can claim expertise in criminal law, but this self-proclaimed status lacks formal validation.
It doesn’t necessarily reflect rigorous qualifications or specialized knowledge.
Beware of defense lawyers who merely assert their expertise without verifiable credentials.
Certified Criminal Defense Specialist:
Daniel Horowitz stands out as a certified criminal defense specialist, a title earned through a stringent process:
Peer Assessments: Rigorous evaluations by fellow legal professionals.
Judicial Assessments: Scrutiny by judges who assess legal acumen.
Written Examination: A challenging test to demonstrate expertise.
Experience Requirements: Proven track record in criminal defense. Daniel has held this specialist certification for over 25 years, making him a trusted authority.
Additional Contributions:
Beyond his specialization, Daniel actively contributes to the legal community:
Teaching: He educates aspiring specialists, aiding them in their certification journey.
Published Articles: His criminal defense insights enrich legal discourse.
Mentoring: Daniel guides new criminal defense attorneys through the Contra Costa County bar association.
Teaching: A former law professor, Daniel nowteaches courses to assist people taking the specialist exam and publishes many criminal defense journal articles.
An attorney cannot claim certification as a specialist unless accredited by the Board of Legal Specialization or another recognized certifying body.
When seeking legal representation, remember that a certified specialist like Daniel Horowitz brings unparalleled expertise and a proven track record. Choose wisely to protect your rights and secure the best defense.
HOW TO GET FREE BAIL - BUT ONLY IF YOU HAVE MONEY ALREADY!
We defend drunk driving (DUI) crimes under Vehicle Code sections 23152(a) 23152(b) as well as violations of 23152 (d) (It is unlawful for a person who has 0.04 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a commercial motor vehicle) and 23152(e) (unlawful for a person who has 0.04 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his or her blood to drive a motor vehicle when a passenger for hire is a passenger in the vehicle)
These are the crimes with high levels of violence such as murder, assault with a deadly weapon. The serious felony class of crimes also includes extortion, major financial crimes and other felonies where conviction carries the potential of double digit prison sentences.
When domestic violence affects your professional license, ability to carry a firearm or your ability to see your children our legal team can assist you.
5. Federal Crimes
The list of federal criminal statutes is extensive. We are highly experienced in federal criminal matters and appear in the United States District Court in San Francisco and Oakland regularly. We defend federal cases nationwide. Daniel Horowitz has been trial counsel in many federall cases including a San Francisco U.S. District Court MS-13 trial, San Jose USDC medical fraud trial as well as the Pavel Lazarenko trial involving the former Prime Minister of Ukraine. (USDC San Francisco).
6. Healthcare Fraud
STARK violations, Penal Code section 550 insurance fraud charges, overbilling, kickbacks and insurance carrier initiated prosecutions are a highly technical area of criminal defense. We have superior expertise in healthcare related criminal matters.
TRIAL LAWYERS
Experienced Trial Lawyers: Daniel Horowitz’s Remarkable Track Record
Our criminal defense team boasts over 500 jury trials, and at the forefront is Daniel Horowitz. Let’s delve into his impressive courtroom achievements:
Wide Geographic Reach:
Daniel has appeared in courtrooms across the United States, from Walnut Creek to San Diego.
His cases span Contra Costa & Alameda County, as well as locations like New York, Riverside County, Wyoming, and New Jersey.
Internationally, he has litigated in Canada, Israel, Cyprus, Ukraine, and The Netherlands. This litigation involved full evidentiary hearings in front of judges.
Diverse Trial Experience:
Daniel Horowitz’s jury trial repertoire includes:
Murder Trials: Hundreds cases involving murder charges and over 50 actual jury trials.
Death Penalty Trials: High-stakes capital punishment cases with eight taken to trial.
Major Money Laundering Trials: Complex financial crimes litigated in the states and federal courts. This includes the defense of Ukraine Prime Minister Pavel Lazarenko in the United States District Court in San Francisco.
Physician Fraud and Medical Billing Fraud Cases: Defending medical professionals.
Honest Services Fraud and Other Serious Felonies: A broad spectrum of criminal matters.
Expertise Tailored to Your Case:
Whether you face a simple Walnut Creek DUI or a complex nationwide financial fraud case, our office is equipped to defend your rights.
Top Criminal Defense Lawyers for Complex & Multi-Defendant Criminal Cases
Daniel Horowitz is a “Top 100 Trial Lawyer”, a “Super Lawyer”, a former law professor and television legal commentator. High conflict criminal cases involving major frauds, murder charges, domestic violence with child custody at stake are the types of criminal cases that require the best defense attorneys available.
Complex criminal cases require specialized legal skills. Document management, meta data analysis and cross jurisdictional expertise are just some of the specialized skills that these high stakes cases require. We train other attorneys in these areas of law and practice management. Daniel is often lead counsel in multi-defendant cases based upon his skill set, experience and ability to coordinate the different defenses in a cooperative manner.
Contra Costa County District Attorney: Diane Becton
Diane Becton, the current Contra Costa County District Attorney, brings her experience as a former Superior Court judge to her elected position. The office, located in Contra Costa County, boasts over 75 prosecutors and approximately 250 staff members. Under District Attorney Becton’s leadership, 28 specialized prosecution divisions have been established..
“Despite his kindness, I have never once doubted his ability to provide me with THE BEST representation in court.”
He is approachable but serious. Mr. Horowitz is the perfect balance of what someone wants in a lawyer. Not only is he approachable enough to gain and value your trust, but he's a bulldog in the courtroom. Despite his kindness, I have never once doubted his ability to provide me with THE BEST representation in court. I'm so thankful to have found a lawyer capable of such a delicate balancing act.
Molly A.
“Tough, humble, has integrity - simply THE best.”
Tough, humble, has integrity - simply THE best. With Dan it is not so much about the money but about doing what is right. A very rare breed. He has honesty and integrity and the jurys see it. If he doesn't believe in the case or the client he won't waste your time or his. But you better listen to him!...Believe an trust in him. I did and I am totally indebted to him. He is "The best of the best." Thank you Dan for all you have done and continue to do. Carole~ Arbuckle v. Board of Chiropractic Examiners
