Top Criminal Defense Lawyer in Walnut Creek, California
Serving Walnut Creek, and the John Muir Medical Community
We represent residents of Walnut Creek and the John Muir Health medical community when they are charged with crimes. If you searched on Google for “Criminal Defense Attorney near me” chances are most of the “hits” are actually out of town law firms that simply optimize their page for Walnut Creek searches. Walnut Creek and Contra Costa County in general have excellent criminal defense attorneys and we suggest you select among truly local lawyers.
Daniel Horowitz: A Nationally Recognized Legal Commentator and Lafayette Trial Lawyer
Daniel Horowitz, a prominent legal figure, leads Lawyers in Lafayette with distinction. His extensive experience includes over 200 jury trials, numerous arbitrations, and contested evidentiary hearings. Here’s what sets Daniel apart:
Legal Expertise and Commentary
As a legal commentator, Daniel Horowitz has graced major television networks such as CNN, MSNBC, and Fox News.
His cases span California, from multi-million dollar civil lawsuit judgments to high-profile death penalty murder trials.
Notably, he represented former Ukrainian Prime Minister Pavel Lazarenko, author Terry McMillan, and media personalities like talk show host Michael Savage.
If you’re a Walnut Creek resident facing criminal charges, look no further than Daniel Horowitz, a highly experienced and reputable criminal defense lawyer.
Walnut Creek Criminal Defense Lawyer
Defending clients for 46 years in serious criminal matters across Contra Costa County.
Cases: DUI, felonies, misdemeanors, and investigations.
“We fight to protect your rights from the very first interaction with law enforcement.”
The Horowitz criminal defense team handles Walnut Creek criminal cases including drunk driving (DUI), domestic violence and complex ffinancial fraud and medical fraud cases. Walnut Creek criminal cases often are tied to divorce (dissolution of marriage) proceedings where one spouse uses the criminal case as leverage for child custody or support. Doctors and other medical professionals find their licenses at risk for ordinary DUI, domestic violence or other “ordinary” criminal cases. The Horowitz office is expert in defending professionals whose licenses are at risk due to criminal charges.
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, and Danville resident (at that time) and noted author Terry McMillan. He has worked on multimillion dollar medical fraud cases to trial in federal court and in 2024 had major fraud cases dismissed. Recently he obtained dismissals of criminal fraud charges in Tehama County and Riverside County.
Certified Criminal Defense Specialist
Daniel Horowitz is one of only seven certified criminal defense specialists not just in Walnut Creek but in all of Contra Costa County! (As of February 6, 2024) This certification is issued by the State Bar of California, Board of Legal Specialization and while attorneys can advertise as “expert criminal defense lawyers” or “the best criminal defense attorney”, only certified attorneys can hold themselves out as criminal defense specialists. Read the State Bar's rules on specialization.
With over 30 years of specialization, Daniel Horowitz stands out for his dedication and expertise in criminal defense.
For top-notch legal representation in Walnut Creek, California, trust Daniel Horowitz to protect your rights and secure the best possible outcome for your case.
Daniel Horowitz brings a wealth of experience to his criminal defense practice:
Educator: He teaches courses for individuals preparing for the criminal specialist examination.
Lecturer: Daniel is a frequent speaker at legal conferences.
Author: He is a published journal author.
Professor: Former law school professor.
Commentator: Television legal commentator.
With over 200 jury trials under his belt, Daniel is recognized as one of the nation’s most experienced criminal trial lawyers.
Local Walnut Creek Expertise Matters
Attorney Daniel Horowitz’s office is truly local (Lafayette), in contrast to the many “1-800 we are the best lawyers anywhere in the entire United States and beyond” approaches.
Daniel has a deep understanding of the Walnut Creek police department, Contra Costa County prosecutors, and local juries.
This local knowledge makes a significant difference in legal outcomes.
Daniel (and other Walnut Creek criminal defense lawyers) knows the prosecutors, judges and jury pool.
Walnut Creek Has Excellent Local Lawyers
Walnut Creek and its surrounding areas boast some of the finest lawyers in California.
Whether you choose Daniel or another attorney, he strongly encourages you to “shop local” for the best possible legal representation.
When you see an ad for a “criminal defense lawyer near me,” check the office address and where the attorney actually resides.
A true connection to your community ensures more personal service and generally better results, except in highly specialized areas of law.
John Muir Medical Doctors: Unique Challenges
Walnut Creek, home to John Muir Hospital and numerous medical practices, faces unique legal challenges.
Cases involving DUI, domestic violence, and more serious offenses can significantly impact your medical practice and professional reputation.
Even a minor criminal charge can drastically affect your medical license and hospital privileges.
At the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, we understand both criminal law and the implications for medical licenses.
Daniel Horowitz Stands Out Among the Best Criminal Defense Lawyers
Attorney Daniel Horowitz, stands out among the many excellent criminal defense lawyers. You have seen Daniel representing physicians who gave left over COVID vaccines (pooling the leftover from vials) during the early pandemic days only to have the Medical Board investigate to see whether the extra doses should have been thrown out. He has been in the news on the Coby Phillips case where a supposed major gang leader stood up against hate and racism in the jails and was ultimately acquitted on many (not all) of the charges against him. On the Oksana Grigorieva case he championed the rights of a battered women against actor Mel Gibson.
Daniel Horowitz: Your Expert Criminal Defense Attorney
You deserve the best criminal defense attorney. Daniel Horowitz brings a wealth of experience as lead counsel in over 200 criminal jury trials. As a national television legal commentator, former law school professor, and active community member, Daniel is well-equipped to handle your legal needs. His extensive background ensures you receive top-notch representation and defense.
To speak with a Walnut Creek defense lawyer, call (925) 291-5388 or contact us online today.
What Makes the Best Criminal Defense
Criminal defense is a sophisticated legal specialty. The best defense isn’t a single formula. It’s an individualized strategy built from the specific facts of your case, the applicable law, and the tendencies of the court where your case will be heard. You can evaluate a criminal attorney Walnut Creek offers on experience, board certification, and national recognition, but the credential that carries the most weight in California is the one least often mentioned in advertising: criminal defense specialist certification from the California State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization.
Daniel Horowitz has held that certification for over 30 years. He doesn’t just hold it. He teaches the preparation courses that qualify other attorneys to sit for the exam. He has tried many cases in Walnut Creek and across Contra Costa County and has developed a detailed knowledge of local prosecutors, judicial preferences, and the jury pool that informs every case strategy.
Core legal principles apply across every case. Prosecutors are required under California law and federal due process guarantees to disclose exculpatory information, which is evidence that supports the defense. But the nuances matter enormously. Under the constructive knowledge doctrine, information known by the investigating agency 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.) That doctrine expands what the prosecution must turn over.
What about information held by a state agency that isn’t the police agency actually investigating your case? Is that knowledge imputed to the prosecutor? The answer isn’t in Pipes & Gagen or in the standard reference, the CEB book Criminal Practice & Procedure. It lives in case law, and sometimes it requires creating new case law. Daniel has a documented history of developing legal precedents that have changed outcomes for people accused of crimes. That kind of analysis is what separates a specialist from a generalist.
Types of Criminal Charges
California classifies criminal offenses as infractions, misdemeanors, or felonies. Each category carries different consequences and demands a different defense approach.
Examples of each level include the following:
Infractions: Minor violations typically resolved with fines and no incarceration: traffic citations, littering, minor disturbances. Even infractions warrant legal review when professional licenses are involved.
Misdemeanors: More serious offenses that can result in fines and up to 364 days in county jail. Common examples include simple assault, petty theft, and possession of small amounts of controlled substances.
Felonies: The most serious category, with potential state prison sentences. Examples include drug trafficking, significant theft, violent crimes, and white-collar financial offenses.
No two criminal cases are identical, but several core defense approaches appear across many types of charges. The right combination depends on the facts, the evidence, and the court.
Several common defense strategies are employed to counter charges:
Demonstrating a lack of intent: Many crimes require the prosecution to prove the defendant intended to commit the act. Establishing the absence of intent can dismantle the prosecution’s theory entirely.
Challenging evidence: Evidence obtained through illegal searches or improper handling may be excluded. Challenges to collection procedures can eliminate the prosecution’s strongest proof.
Questioning witness credibility: Exposing inconsistencies, biases, or ulterior motives in witness testimony can significantly undermine the case against a defendant.
Highlighting constitutional violations: Fourth Amendment protections against unlawful search and seizure are enforceable. Evidence obtained in violation of those rights can be suppressed.
In Contra Costa County, eligible defendants may also qualify for pretrial diversion programs that, upon completion, can result in case dismissal. Understanding which programs apply and how to pursue them is part of early case strategy.
Typical Criminal Cases in Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek sees a relatively high proportion of white-collar and business-related criminal charges, reflecting the area’s professional employment base. The concentration of healthcare providers around John Muir Medical Center means that insurance billing disputes and regulatory matters sometimes escalate to criminal prosecution in federal court. Juvenile charges frequently involve alcohol, drugs, and theft, with defense strategy focused on protecting the young person’s record and future. Domestic violence charges are common, particularly in connection with dissolution of marriage proceedings in Contra Costa County, where criminal filings are sometimes used as leverage in custody disputes. And DUI remains one of the most frequently charged offenses across all demographics.
The period between an arrest and arraignment in Contra Costa County is one of the most consequential windows in any criminal case. Bail is set, initial charges are established, and statements made to law enforcement during this time can follow a defendant throughout the proceedings. Having a criminal defense lawyer in Walnut Creek that residents trust in place before arraignment, or before charges are even filed, changes what options are available.
At the Law Office of Daniel Horowitz, representation begins with listening. Before any strategy is formed, the facts of the case are reviewed carefully and the client’s specific circumstances are understood. The team includes members with backgrounds in medicine, business, and real estate, which contributes real analytical depth to cases involving professional licenses, financial transactions, or healthcare-related charges. Daniel also intervenes on behalf of clients who believe they are under investigation before any charges are filed. This is a critical stage when statements and evidence can still be developed in the client’s favor. Everything a client tells their attorney is protected by attorney-client privilege.
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.
Katherine
“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.
