Contra Costa County Serious Felony Lawyer
What is a Serious Felony Offense?
Any felony offense is serious but the term serious felony relates to offenses with enhanced terms and consequences upon conviction. These offenses are specifically defined in the California Penal Code.
Penal Code Sections that Define Serious Felonies:
As specified in Penal Code (PC) Section 1192.7(c) and PC Section 1192.8 a serious felony is one of the offenses listed below.
Risks of Serious Felony Convictions:
A serious felony conviction puts you at risk for a long prison term. The collateral consequences are also severe. These felonies can trigger a loss of guns rights, loss of your right to vote and the loss of the right to hold a professional license. They may count as strikes, prison priors, negatively impact your immigration status and permanently impair your ability to be employed.
Our Experience Defending Felony Cases:
Our criminal defense lawyers defend against serious felony offenses. We practice locally and statewide. We defend criminal cases in Walnut Creek, Martinez, Contra Costa County which are near our Lafayette office but we regularly appear and courts throughout California.
List of Serious Felonies:
The list of serious felony offenses are:
(1) Murder or voluntary manslaughter;
(2) mayhem;
(3) rape;
(4) sodomy by force, violence, duress, menace, threat of great bodily injury, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person;
(5) oral copulation by force, violence, duress, menace, threat of great bodily injury, or fear of immediate and unlawful bodily injury on the victim or another person;
(6) lewd or lascivious act on a child under 14 years of age;
(7) any felony punishable by death or imprisonment in the state prison for life;
(8) any felony in which the defendant personally inflicts great bodily injury on any person, other than an accomplice, or any felony in which the defendant personally uses a firearm;
(9) attempted murder; (See Jury Instruction for Attempted 187)
(10) assault with intent to commit rape or robbery; (11) assault with a deadly weapon or instrument on a peace officer;
(12) assault by a life prisoner on a non-inmate;
(13) assault with a deadly weapon by an inmate;
(14) arson;
(15) exploding a destructive device or any explosive with intent to injure;
(16) exploding a destructive device or any explosive causing bodily injury, great bodily injury, or mayhem;
(17) exploding a destructive device or any explosive with intent to murder;
(18) any burglary of the first degree;
(19) robbery or bank robbery;
(20) kidnapping;
Tailored Strategies for Every Case
Facing allegations of violent crimes is a deeply challenging experience, both emotionally and legally. Even before a trial begins, allegations alone can have profound and far-reaching consequences for both the accused and the victim. This is why the experience of a skilled attorney is invaluable when it comes to protecting and defending against these accusations.
Consider our work defending singer/songwriter Oksana Grigorieva against actor Mel Gibson. He assaulted her but the LA sheriff investigators favored Mel Gibson and she faced criminal extortion charges when she sough to recover damages for her injuries. Gibson almost prevailed but our office prevented extortion charges from being filed against Okasana. Charges were filed against Mel Gibson and he was convicted! You can read more about extortion charges in this context in this blog written by Daniel Horowitz on Extortion.
Recognizing the uniqueness of each violent crime case, our attorneys take a tailored approach when it comes to defense. They meticulously assess the details, identify weaknesses in the prosecution's case, and craft a strategic defense designed to minimize consequences and secure the best possible outcome for our clients. Whether you are facing allegations of assault, robbery, homicide, or any other violent offense, we have the knowledge and experience to provide you with a comprehensive and personalized defense.
Certified Criminal Defense Specialist
Daniel Horowitz is a certified criminal defense specialist. On high stakes cases Daniel works with Dan Russo and Carmela Caramagno who are also certified criminal defense specialists. This title is not self created. It is a designation of criminal defense achievement issued by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization. There are thousands of criminal defense lawyers, thousands of federal defense lawyers but only several hundred State Bar certified specialists.
Client Testimonials
Contra Costa County Location - National Reputation for Excellence
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“The Best Attorney I Could Have Asked For.”Katherine Ryken
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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.
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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 ExaminersCarole A.
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He told me that he hadn't lost a trial in a long time and he didn't want mine to break the streak. I didn't either! We went to trial and he was in control of the courtroom. He was totally prepared. But I was still worried because the prosecutor was very good as well. Daniel was confident but honest. The jury really liked him. As you can tell, he won my case because I am here, writing this review. Thank you.Michael M.