Louis J. Goodman | Hayward DUI-DWI Lawyer

I am not here to judge. I am here to help. Many people charged with a crime feel that the future is bleak. Let me show you that you have choices, and this can be the start of a new and bright future for you. People often ask me what makes a good criminal defense attorney. Knowing the law and the system is critical of course. Having genuine care and concern for the welfare of clients is an important key to being a successful attorney. Over the past 25 years, I have learned a lot about the criminal justice system. I was an Alameda County Deputy District Attorney, and I have been a criminal defense attorney practicing in Alameda County for more than 20 years. As a result of my work and experience, my peers have honored me with a Martindale Hubbell AV Rating*. Anyone charged with a crime can benefit from the service of an experienced criminal defense lawyer.

Lawyer.com Member Questionnaire

Please describe a case(s) in the last year or two where you made a big difference.
Several Domestic Violence cases where we pushed the case to jury trial and got dismissals on the day of trial. One judge was absolutely shocked when she found out that 3 such cases had been dismissed for our clients in one day.

Client charged with DUI Drugs with Injury and Hit and Run with Injury. Client at Oakland Airport, hits child in the crosswalk, leaves the scene and goes to parking lot where she is apprehended. A number of people witness this including some members of the Oakland Raiders. A drug is found in her system after she submits to a blood test. Case dismissed! We were able to show that she has a mild form of epilepsy and despite the epilepsy drug in her system she still had a seizure. She did not know that she had hit anyone in the crosswalk and the drug turned out to be legitimate. Arguably, you could say she was driving with too low a level of drugs in her system.

How did you build a successful practice?
No magic here. It’s a matter of client service and being interested in clients as individuals. We strive to support people in making substantial positive changes in their own lives, and then use those changes to negotiate or try their cases. We return phone calls and are responsive to client needs. We are truthful with clients even if we have to tell someone something that is difficult to hear. Over the years we have received and really appreciate excellent reviews and referrals.

What should clients look for in a lawyer?
I think it is critical to meet with several attorneys. Most criminal lawyers will give you an initial consultation without fee. Take advantage of that service. Then really think about who you felt comfortable with, who seemed to understand you and your case. That’s the lawyer to hire. It’s like any other relationship, go with your feelings. Also, don’t make you decision on money alone, it should be a factor, but not the deciding factor. By the same token, beware of any attorney that seems way above or below the “market” rate. Most competent attorneys will be charging fees that are reasonably close.

How important is local knowledge to the success of your cases?
It’s huge. There is simply no substitute for knowing the local Judges and DAs. These people are individuals with very different personalities and value systems. Knowing with whom you are dealing is critical to successful resolution of criminal cases.

What information can you provide in a free phone consultation?
Some, depending on the case. My preference is to have a face-to-face meeting. I do not charge for an in-person consultation and I think it is far more fruitful than a phone consult. Having said that, there’s no harm in trying to gather some information on the phone. The less serious the case the more you can find out on the phone. If the case is serious, and DUI is serious, plan on using the phone primarily to set up in-person consults.

What information do you need in a free phone consultation?
It depends on the case. Call, and let’s see how far we get. By the way, if you do come in to see me, or any other lawyer, please bring any paperwork you have, things like the citation, temporary license, DMV printout, letter from the DA, or property receipt.

What differentiates you from other lawyers in your community?
I focus on Alameda County, I served as an Alameda County Deputy District Attorney, I have over thirty years of experience in this community.

What is the most rewarding aspect of your job?
Assisting individuals when they most need it. Criminal defense is the Emergency Room of the law. We take on problems when people are most in need. Sometimes, certainly not always, we get a really outstanding result for someone who is clearly in need and deserving. That feels good.

What are your other interests in addition to law?
I’ve traveled all over the world and I think that has made me sensitive to the needs and interests of a diverse group of clients. I also have several sports that interest me and without overstating my abilities I’m a fairly accomplished snowboarder, skier, kite-boarder, and distance cyclist. I’ve been married for over 20 years, and that seems to be working out fairly well.

Are you involved in your community?
Absolutely. I am involved with the Alameda County Bar Association. I serve on the panel that oversees the Court Appointed Attorneys Program for indigent clients. I am past president of a local Rotary club. I am a member of the Earl Warren Inns of Court and the Eastern Alameda County Bar Association. I am also the proud self-appointed, unofficial, mayor of my neighborhood.

Position	Organization	Location	Duration
Owner	Law Offices of Louis J Goodman		1987-Present
Deputy District Attorney	Alameda County District Attorneys Office		1979-1987

School	Degree	Major	Graduation
University of California, Hastings College of the Law	J.D.	Law School	1980
University of California, Hastings College of the Law	J.D	Law	1980
University of Rochester	B.A	History	1975

State / Court	Date
California	1980

• Alameda County Bar Association | Court Appointed Attorney's Panel | 2011 - Present
  Earl Warren American Inn of Court        | Member        | 2011 - Present
  South Alameda County Bar, Continuing Legal Education | Chair | 2008 - Present
  Alameda County Bar Association | Member | 1990 - Present
  California DUI Lawyers Association | Member | 1990 - Present
  California Attorneys for Criminal Justice | Member | 1988 - Present

• Martindale-Hubbell | AV Preeminent 5.0 out of 5 Peer Review Rated | 2016
  Inns of Court | Professional Presenter | 2015
  Hayward South Rotary | Past President | 1997

• From the Blog Section: (http://louisgoodman.com/blog/)
  
  Have You Been Arrested For Theft, Assault or Burglary in Hanford? - Nov 28, 2016 Thanksgiving - Nov 21, 2016
  “IRS” Payment Demand - Sep 15, 2016
  DUI Defense Attorney - Sep 14, 2016
  Have You Been Arrested For Identity Theft? - Aug 23, 2016
  Draymond Green: Alcohol, Anger and Anguish -  Jul 19, 2016
  Facing Domestic Violence Charges in California? - Jun 10, 2016
  “Criminal Charges” - May 18, 2016
  Textalyzer – Distracted Driving Enforcement Tool - May 03, 2016
  Battery Charges Dropped - Apr 14, 2016
  
  

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Louis J. Goodman has been a Premium Member since December 13, 2016.
Lawyers with longer memberships tend to have more experience so we use the Membership date to help prioritize lawyer listings on search pages.

Verified Credentials	Date Verified
(1980) Licensed as Attorney in California. Verified with California Bar Association.	December 13, 2016

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