Building a Robust Defense Against Criminal Charges
We represent the Danville community and its residents when they are charged with crimes.
Danville Criminal Cases
Most Danville criminal cases are white collar business or tax related, family disputes (domestic violence), drunk driving (DUI) or juvenile matters. Daniel Horowitz has over 40 years experience with the most complex of cases. He has represented Ukraine Prime Minister Pavel Lazarenko in his $ 500 million dollar money laundering case and has represented (in civil matters) talk show host Michael Savage, actor Al Pacino, Danville (at that time) author Terry McMillan and many others. He has worked on multimillion dollar medical fraud cases to trial in federal court and in 2024 had two major fraud cases dismissed, one out of Tehama County and the other out of Riverside County.
Extensive Criminal Defense Expertise
The Law Office of Daniel Horowitz brings extensive experience to criminal defense. Certified criminal law specialist Attorney Daniel Horowitz has defended thousands of clients and served as lead counsel in over 200 jury trials. When you a hiring a Danville criminal defense lawyer you should look at experience, familiarity with Danville generally and the Contra Costa County courts specifically.
A criminal conviction for the typical Danville resident can be career ending, college plan ending and marriage ending. Daniel represents you as a person and as a family. The Horowitz law firm is the opposite of a "1-800 we are the best lawyers anywhere". Daniel Horowitz recognizes that Contra Costa County has excellent criminal defense lawyers and he urges you to consider his qualifications and that of other lawyers who are truly located in Contra Costa County.
Overview
The consequences of a criminal conviction can be life-altering, impacting not only the individual's freedom but also their future. A conviction may lead to severe penalties, including imprisonment, fines, and a permanent criminal record. Choosing proper representation is crucial in navigating these challenges. A Danville criminal defense attorney has the insights to craft a strong defense, negotiate with prosecutors, and, if necessary, litigate aggressively in court. Their role extends beyond legal advocacy to providing strategic guidance and support during a challenging time.
When facing state criminal charges in Danville, you will need a defense attorney with experience in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. The federal cases will be heard in Oakland or San Francisco.
To discuss your case with our Danville defense lawyer, call us at (925) 291-5388 or conveniently contact us online.
What Is “The Best” Criminal Defense?
Criminal defense is a sophisticated legal specialty. It is a multifaceted discipline that involves the application of legal strategies to counter the prosecution's evidence systematically. “The Best” criminal defense can be provided by more than one attorney and there is more than one “best” approach. However, you can and should evaluate experience, board certification and national recognition in making your attorney selection.
Daniel Horowitz is a State of California, Board of Legal Specialization certified criminal defense specialist. There are presently only 8 Criminal Defense Specialists in Contra Costa County (2/2/2024) and no criminal defense specialists in Danville. Daniel been lead counsel in over 200 jury trials and has published appellate opinions in the state and federal courts. [If you click the link to the Board of Legal Specialization you will see the eight attorneys and we know each of them and genuinely believe anyone of these attorneys will provides “the best” representation.]
The best criminal defense strategy is an individualized approach. Each requires a fresh view. A 1-800 lawyer approach is usually inadequate. It is true that certain core principles apply to every case. For example, the prosecutor has a duty of fairness in providing “exculpatory” information (under California law and federal due process guarantees.) In other words, they have to turn over information that helps establish your client's defense. But the best attorneys focus on the nuances.
A top defense attorney (vs. defense by the numbers) knows that under the constructive knowledge doctrine, information known by the “investigating agency” (usually the police) is deemed by law to be known by the prosecuting attorney. (See Douglas Pipes & William Gagen, Jr., Cal. Criminal Discovery (4th ed. 2008) § 1:71.2, p. 216.) This expands the responsibilities (and scope of what must be disclosed) of the prosecutor. But reading the books is not enough.
What about information held by a state agency that is not the police agency actually investigating the case? Is their knowledge imputed to the prosecutor? You won't find this answer in Pipes & Gagen or the CEB book Criminal Practice & Procedure (called the defense bible). Your lawyer has to know the case law and sometimes create new case law to ensure that you get a fair trial.
Daniel Horowitz has a long history of creative legal thinking which has created major new legal precedents to help people accused of crimes.
For this reason, we submit that an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is a state certified criminal defense specialist (like Daniel Horowitz) can provide his Danville clients with the highest level of technical excellence and analysis.
Criminal charges encompass a diverse landscape, typically classified into infractions, misdemeanors, and felonies. Each classification carries its legal implications, capable of profoundly impacting various aspects of an individual's life.
Examples of each level include the following:
Infractions: These are minor offenses, often resulting in fines rather than incarceration. Examples include traffic violations, littering, or minor disturbances. While seemingly less severe, infractions still demand careful attention to legal details.
Misdemeanors: More serious than infractions, misdemeanors can lead to fines and short-term incarceration. Examples encompass a range of offenses such as simple assault, petty theft, or possession of small amounts of controlled substances.
Felonies: Representing the most severe category, felonies involve crimes with significant legal consequences. Examples include drug trafficking, theft of substantial value, serious violent offenses like homicide, and white-collar crimes.
Criminal Defense Strategies
In criminal cases, strategic approaches are pivotal in safeguarding the rights and interests of the accused.
Several common defense strategies are employed to counter charges:
Demonstrating a lack of intent: Establishing that the accused did not intend to commit the alleged crime can significantly weaken the prosecution's case.
Challenging evidence: Challenges to the collection process, such as improper handling or violations of legal procedures, can cast doubt on the prosecution's case.
Questioning witness credibility: Undermining the reliability of witness testimony can involve exposing inconsistencies in their statements, potential biases, or ulterior motives.
Highlighting violations of constitutional protections: Any violations, such as illegal searches or seizures, can lead to the exclusion of crucial evidence, weakening the prosecution's case.
Crafting an effective defense strategy requires a meticulous approach. Skilled criminal defense lawyers will thoroughly examine the facts, analyze evidence, and research legal precedent.
Typical Danville Crimes
Many cases in Danville involve juvenile conduct and the contested issues tend to focus on the degree or moral culpability and the appropriate remedy. A juvenile conviction can impact a young person's entire feature and sense of self. For this reason a great deal of juvenile defense in areas like Danville is not who done it but instead, how can we fix this?
For example, in February 2020, the Contra Costa County District Attorney filed a section 602 petition alleging that a Danville youth had committed felony possession of cocaine for sale, felony possession of LSD and MDMA for sale, each in violation of Health and Safety Code section 11378; misdemeanor possession of a synthetic stimulant for sale in violation of Health and Safety Code section 11375.5, subdivision (a); and misdemeanor possession of a weapon—a folding knife—on school grounds. The issue was not guilt (he pled to the gun charge) but what sentence or disposition was proper.
A more serious case took place in Danville in 2017. In that case a seventeen-year-old was arrested for a robbery at knifepoint where the victim, received a critically serious stab wound to the abdomen. An older boy was involved and again the proper disposition was the issue.
Many adult Danville crimes involve business related white collar charges as well as our fair share of domestic violence cases (esp. during divorces) and of course …. Drunk Driving.
Hiring a criminal defense attorney early in the proceedings can have significant advantages. By initiating legal representation promptly, individuals can start building their defense strategy without delay. This early intervention allows attorneys to safeguard their clients' rights at every stage of the legal process, preventing actions or statements that could potentially harm the case. Moreover, early engagement with legal counsel fosters a proactive approach, empowering individuals to navigate the complexities of their situation with confidence.
At the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, we understand the importance of personalized legal representation. Our approach begins with listening to our clients and meticulously reviewing the facts of their cases. We craft tailored defense strategies addressing their unique circumstances and challenges. Our team is known for our aggressive advocacy, fearlessly confronting tough charges and opponents in pursuit of optimal results. Alongside our zealous representation, we provide compassionate counsel, offering unwavering support to our clients every step of the way.
Please schedule a consultation with our Danville criminal defense lawyer. Contact us today at (925) 291-5388.
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
Carole A.
“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.
