Business Details
36 Years
experience
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Hayward, CA
Founded by a former Alameda County Deputy District Attorney, our firm brings over 35 years of legal expertise to criminal defense cases across Northern California. We specialize in protecting constitutional rights for clients facing charges ranging from DUI and domestic violence to federal crimes and white-collar offenses. Our approach combines insider knowledge of prosecutorial strategies with personalized advocacy to achieve favorable outcomes through plea bargains, alternative sentencing, or trial representation.We serve clients in Alameda County and surrounding areas, emphasizing transparent communication, no-obligation consultations, and tailored defense strategies that prioritize clients' futures. Our track record demonstrates that even serious charges can lead to positive resolutions when handled by experienced legal counsel.
Services
Criminal Defense
DUI Defense
Domestic Violence
Federal Criminal Defense
Insurance Fraud
White Collar Crimes
Details
- Year established: 1990
Highlights and features
- We offer 35+ years of prosecutorial and defense experience in criminal law
- Our team provides personalized legal strategies tailored to each client's case
- We prioritize constitutional rights protection and alternative sentencing options
- Our former prosecutorial perspective informs effective defense strategies
- We maintain transparent fee structures with no-obligation initial consultations
What people say
Experienced team
Prompt responses
Great legal advice
Professional service
Successful outcomes
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice protects clients' rights against charges ranging from misdemeanors to serious felony offenses. We provide strategic representation for homicide, theft, narcotics possession, sex crimes, and other allegations. With former prosecutorial experience, we develop defense strategies that address both legal and personal implications of criminal charges while navigating court systems efficiently.
DUI Defense
Specialized DUI defense handles alcohol and drug-related driving charges including first offenses, repeat violations, and vehicular manslaughter. We challenge evidence, negotiate reduced penalties, and advocate for alternative sentencing. Our approach considers long-term impacts on driving privileges and personal records while leveraging technical and procedural defenses to minimize consequences.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence defense addresses assault, restraining orders, and related charges while considering family and employment implications. We challenge evidence credibility, address false accusations, and negotiate alternatives to incarceration. The practice balances legal strategy with sensitivity to personal relationships and professional reputations through comprehensive case management.
Federal Criminal Defense
Federal criminal defense represents clients facing charges under U.S. Code including fraud, drug trafficking, and white-collar crimes. We navigate complex federal procedures, challenge prosecutorial evidence, and develop defense strategies for cases involving multiple jurisdictions. Our expertise includes protecting rights during investigations and minimizing sentencing impacts through early intervention.
Insurance Fraud Defense
Insurance fraud defense handles allegations involving false claims, premium evasion, and staged incidents. We examine evidence technicalities, challenge prosecution witness credibility, and negotiate reduced charges. Our approach considers professional licensing implications and focuses on maintaining clients' reputations while achieving favorable legal outcomes through trial preparation or plea negotiations.
People
Louis J. Goodman
Attorney at Law
Former Alameda County Deputy District Attorney with 35+ years of legal experience. Specializes in criminal defense, combining prosecutorial insight with client-centered advocacy. Admitted to practice in all California courts and U.S. District Courts for Northern and Eastern California.
Questions
What criminal defense services do you offer in Alameda County?
We handle DUI, domestic violence, federal crimes, insurance fraud, and white-collar offenses. Our services include case evaluation, plea negotiations, trial representation, and sentencing advocacy throughout Alameda County courts.
How does your former prosecutorial experience benefit clients?
Understanding prosecutorial strategies helps us anticipate evidence approaches and develop effective countermeasures. This experience enhances plea negotiations and trial preparation while identifying weaknesses in the prosecution's case presentation.
What happens during the free consultation?
The initial consultation evaluates case details, explains legal options, and outlines defense strategies. We provide a written fee statement for consideration without any obligation to retain our services immediately.
Can you handle cases outside Hayward?
Yes, we represent clients throughout Northern California including Oakland, Berkeley, Fremont, and other Alameda County jurisdictions. Court appearances are handled by our team to minimize client involvement in legal proceedings.
What payment options are available?
We offer transparent fee structures with no-obligation consultations. Payment details are discussed during case evaluation, including options for retaining services through installment arrangements when appropriate for the client's circumstances.
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Reviews (6)
C. Morales
Sep 19, 2021
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I looked up Mr. Goodman because we've used his services in the past. He is the first attorney that comes to mind when someone needs a lawyer. He's a great lawyer as well as a great human being.
Ricardo D.
Sep 07, 2018
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Mr. Goodman allowed me to keep everything I've invested in my life despite a very sticky situation. A reasonable investment with Luis Goodman will provide extensive knowledge, priceless experience, historical relationships and exceptional service. I hope to see Mr. Goodman on a social level next time.
I'm very very impressed with his service. Thank you sir, and staff.
I'm very very impressed with his service. Thank you sir, and staff.
Wayne Ma
Oct 25, 2017
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Hired L. Goodman a few moths ago. He gave excellent advice. Case was resolved as expected. I would highly recommend him to family and friends.
Amit S.
May 05, 2017
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Stay away from this guy. Very arrogant and non responsive. Took our $6500 retainer fee and just ate it up. No help on the case. We had to pay again and hire someone else.
Older guy doesn't always mean experience, it can also mean slow! He worked with us a while ago but when I saw his name pop up, I had to warn others to not waste their hard earned money with this guy. There are many other great lawyers out there.
Older guy doesn't always mean experience, it can also mean slow! He worked with us a while ago but when I saw his name pop up, I had to warn others to not waste their hard earned money with this guy. There are many other great lawyers out there.
Bretton Rockwell
Oct 13, 2016
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This man gave me more info about my situation than anyone in the CA dmv could seem to. thank you soo much
Karen N.
May 26, 2016
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I highly recommend Louis Goodman. He is overall an outstanding attorney. Very knowledgeable, responsive, and helpful. He returned my calls promptly, and was generous both with his time as well as advice. He also guided me in the right direction and I am very thankful!
