Why a Criminal Defense Specialist is the Best Criminal Defense Lawyer
Daniel Horowitz is a highly esteemed certified Criminal Defense Specialist, a distinction held by fewer than 500 legal professionals across California. This certification is reserved for only the best criminal defense lawyers who must meet stringent qualifications, including:
Extensive jury trial experience, thoroughly reviewed for detailed, experience-based qualifications.
Peer reviews by judges and other lawyers, including opposing counsel.
Passing a rigorous written examination.
Higher required standards of continuing education compared to other criminal defense lawyers.
According to Rule of Professional Conduct 7.4(a), an attorney cannot claim certification as a specialist unless accredited by the Board of Legal Specialization. This explains why many attorneys advertise themselves as “criminal defense experts” or “the best criminal defense,” but rarely use the term “specialist.”
If your case is serious and you truly need the best criminal defense, why select a non-certified “expert” when Lawyers in Lafayette led by Daniel Horowitz has three specialists certified by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization?
Daniel Horowitz - One of the Most Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers
Lead counsel in over 200 jury trials.
Law school professor of trial law.
Lecturer at criminal defense conferences.
Published author on criminal defense.
Horowitz’s insightful legal analysis has made him a sought-after commentator in the media including on CNN, MSNBC and Fox News. Daniel covered the Scott Peterson and Michael Jackson trials for these major networks.
U.S. Supreme Court and California Supreme Court admitted.
Legal instructor for courses training attorneys to take the criminal specialist examination.
Top 100 Trial Lawyer, Super Lawyer, AVVO, Martindale Hubbell top rated and admitted.
Original Contributor to California Criminal Practice & Procedure (CEB Publications)
Mentoring: Daniel guides new criminal defense attorneys through the Contra Costa County bar association.
Teaching: Former professor of trial law.
Background and Education:
Born in New York City, Horowitz attended Boston University School of law and then earned his Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles, California. He practiced in Oakland, California (Alameda County) for 26 years and has maintained his office in Lafayette (Contra Costa County) since 2006.
He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1980.
Death Penalty Jury Trials (8) in his first 15 years of practice.
Major Money Laundering defense and victory for Ukraine Prime Minister Pavel Lazarenko.
Major Medical Fraud Jury Trials in state and federal courts.
Briefs filed in the United States Supreme Court, California Supreme Court
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 / Charges Not Filed
Dismissal of theft charges (2025)
Dismissal on motion Criminal Fraud Charges under Penal Code section 550 against attorney. (2024)
Dismissal at preliminary hearing of Workers Compensation Fraud Charges with factual finding of innocence. (2024)
Domestic Violence charge dismissed. (2024)
Mel Gibson case - No Charges Filed against Oksana Grigorieva (investigated for extortion)
Reduced Charges & Acquittals at Trial
Felony gun charges reduced to single misdemeanor with probation. (2024)
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, the 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. Criminal Defense Specialists Carmela Caramagno and Daniel Horowitz and Contra Costa County's Oksana Tyskova work on complex federal and high stakes criminal cases.
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.
His primary litigation is in the San Francisco Bay area including San Francisco County, Alameda County, Contra Costa County & Santa Clara County.
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
Carole A.
“The Best Attorney I Could Have Asked For”
Dan Horowitz was the best attorney I could have asked for during a difficult time in my career. From the moment I met him, I felt believed, respected, and safe. He and his team were endlessly responsive and empathetic to me and my family. He fought for my case day and night, always keeping my best interests at the forefront of his mind. As I learned from Dan, it is never a good time in one’s life to need legal representation - but if you need it, Dan is your person, your advocate, and your best friend. We are forever grateful for his tireless commitment to justice for the people.
