Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
PRO
William Peter Daley
also known as William Daley
Virtual Consultation Available
Free Consultation
About William
Biography
With over three decades of legal experience, William Daley offers unique skills in representing Clients against Criminal charges including Domestic Violence, DUI, Drugs and all other Felony and Misdemeanor cases. Drawing on his experience as a retired U.S. Marine and former Sheriff’s Deputy, William is committed to protecting the rights of his clients and achieving favorable outcomes through diligent and skilled advocacy. He has been serving the San Diego community since founding his law firm in 1981 and is highly regarded by peers and clients alike. William is a lifetime member of the Consumer Attorneys of San Diego and the California Public Defenders Association. Originally from Chicago, he has been a San Diego resident since 1978, known for his integrity, dedication, and strategic approach to every case, William will fight for you in achieving the best possible outcome!
Named in the Top 1% of Attorneys in the U.S.; 1 of 10 Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in California.
Over 30 years’ experience in defending people facing criminal charges, including DUI, I will fight for you!
Named in the Top 1% of Attorneys in the U.S.; 1 of 10 best Criminal Defense Attorneys in California.
Named in the Top 1% of Attorneys in the U.S.; 1 of 10 best Criminal Defense Attorneys in California.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Domestic Violence
34%
44 years
Criminal Defense
33%
44 years
DUI and DWI
33%
44 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2019 2017
...
+
4
2022 2013 2012
Licenses
Licensed in California for 44 years
State: California
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 44 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 1981
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of William Daley
(619) 305-0554
Mobile
(619) 684-3612
Fax
110 West C Street, San Diego, CA, 92101
lawofficeofwilliamdaley.com/Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find William online.
William Peter Daley's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 68 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Randy | December 26, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
A Magician
Saw a review on another site referring to this Attorney as a “magician”, and after hiring him and having him successfully resolve my case - with a reduction in charges and no jail time - that moniker really applied! Being arrested for the first time and charged with a felony domestic violence and DUI...
Posted by anonymous | December 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
THE Attorney you can trust
Mr. Daley has exceptional skills. He is the number one person to represent your situation in a truly professional and winning way. His unparalleled experience and knowledge brought us the best possible outcome in a very difficult, involved situation. He deserves way beyond 5 stars and you can totally...
Posted by anonymous | December 1, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Mr. Daley is THE ultimate defense attorney for ALL your needs! HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
Mr. Daley was able to figure out impossible solutions, fought for, and was in constant contact with me and my family! He also had to travel to another county north of San Diego to represent my case, and commuted while arriving promptly on time. The prosecution also tried to pull a "curve ball" at the...
Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Outstanding attorney and representation
Mr. Daley is an outstanding and highly respected 5-Star attorney! He represented our complicated and difficult case in a professional, comprehensive, compelling, compassionate, and respectful manner and the judge was very impressed by his representation. Importantly, he negotiated a favorable outcome...
Posted by Darren | November 21, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Higher the best and leave the rest.
Caught in a storm, I needed a legal lifesaver. Facing felony domestic violence, Mr. Daley’s amazing reviews convinced me that I should give him a call. From our first conversation, he was easy to speak with in a straight shooter. He didn’t give me any fluff, but advise me of what he thought he could ...
William Peter Daley's Lawyer Endorsements
"William is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."
"One of the best and most knowledgeable attorneys you will ever meet. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"William is a first-class lawyer who brings decades of experience to the table. He knows everyone, from prosecutors to judges to defense attorneys, is well liked in the legal community, and is known for vigorously defending clients. William's vast experience and legal acumen make him a wise choice for representation in all types of litigation."
"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. An outstanding and well respected attorney in the legal community. I would recommend him wholeheartedly to anyone needing legal representation."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This attorney works very hard for the client and keeps up with the law by attending legal seminars to assist them in this regard. I endorse this attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Atty. Daley is an excellent attorney who fights for his clients. You can be sure you will be well represented when you retain William."
"Your resume speaks for itself and I consider you a valuable member of the attorney community. I would recommend you to anyone and everyone who needs your services. I whole heartedly endorse this lawyer!"
"I endorse and would recommend Mr. Daley to everyone and anyone. I have been practicing for 24 years. I was the youngest judge in Colorado history, a magistrate, a prosecutor in three districts, a law professor, and have worked in private practice for years. I still learn from his Avvo answers each and every day. He is a huge credit to the legal system. Hire him."
"Attorney Daley is an exceptional attorney. He can successfully tackle even the most complex and difficult legal problem with clarity and expertise. I endorse and recommend Attorney Daley and his legal services."
"I endorse this lawyer. His detailed, on-point answers are a real pleasure to read, as well as an education, even for us lawyers!"
"I endorse this lawyer. When it comes to criminal defense or representing victims in auto accidents 30 years is a long time and experience is what counts. Joe Vandervoort Chico Ca www.duiking.com 40+ years"
"I endorse Mr. Daley. He is knowledgeable and a very skilled attorney."
"Mr. Daley is a top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. - Known Mr. Daley for many years and have been pleased to refer matters to him of both civil and criminal nature. All of my clients who have been helped by Mr. Daley are pleased with the results!"
Ian Pancer
Criminal defense lawyer
James Dicks
Federal crime lawyer
Eric Pitsch
Criminal defense lawyer
John VanDervoort
DUI and DWI lawyer
Christian Lassen
Personal injury lawyer
Noah Gorson
Criminal defense lawyer
George Andriotis
Unknown lawyer
Steven Brumer
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Joseph Farina
Criminal defense lawyer
Sarkis Sirmabekian
Litigation lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
2025 Lawyers of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2025
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
Top 100 of America's Criminal Defense Attorneys, Americas Top 100
2024
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer in California, The National Trial Lawyers
2024
Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney, America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys
2023
Elite Lawyer, The California Elite Lawyers
2022
One of Best San Diego Criminal Defense Attorneys, Expertise
2021
21 Best DUI Lawyers in San Diego, Expertise
2021
Best DUI Lawyer in San Diego (Top 20 DUI Attorneys in San Diego), Expertise
2020
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in California, The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
2020
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys, America's Top 100 LLC
2019
"10 Best Attorney" DUI/DWI Law for California, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
"10 Best Attorney" for Criminal Law in California, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2019
2019 Lawyer of Distinction, Lawyers of Distinction
2019
Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney in Southern California, America's Top 100 Attorneys
2017
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
America's Most Honored Professionals - Top 5% in America, American Registry
2016
Top 10% of Lawyers in the USA, Lawyers of Distinction
2016
One of America's Most Feared Lawyers, De Medici
2016
10 Best Attorneys for the State of California, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
Top 100 Lawyers, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers Association
2015
Top 100 DUI Driving Under the Influence Attorneys, National Advocacy for DUI Defense
2015
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel
2013
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2012
JUDGE PRO TEM, SAN DIEGO SUPERIOR COURT
2012
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Team USA Support, United States Olympic Commitee
2011
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2005
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1984
INTENSIVE TRAIL ADVOCACY, NITA
Work Experience
1981 - Present
ATTORNEY AND COUNSELOR AT LAW, LAW OFFICE OF WILLIAM DALEY
Associations
2017 - Present
The National Trial Lawyers AssociationAward Recipient - Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer in California
2010 - Present
America's Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorney for Southern California in 2023.Member
2008 - Present
America's Most Honored Professionals - Top 5% in AmericaMember
2000 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member
1985 - Present
SAN DIEGO TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATIONLifetime Member
1981 - Present
Consumer Attorney AssociationMember
2023 - 2024
NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS TOP 100Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer in California
2008 - 2019
LAWYERS OF DISTINCTION 2018Member
Sample of Legal Cases
GANG MEMBER SHOOTS OTHER IN BACK - GETS "6 MONTHS TIME SERVED"
Released from pre-trial custody with "time served".
JURY SAYS "NOT GUILTY" TO TRUCK DRIVER CHARGED IN BEATING DEATH OF MAN
Not Guilty of Murder on All Counts
JURY AWARDS $459,130.33 TO FAMILY OF MENTAL HEALTH PATIENT FOR MEDICAL MALPRACTICE
$459,130.33 Awarded to William Daley's Client where offer was $0.
Education
1981
California Western SOL
law
1978
DePaul Univ
undergraduate
Speaking Engagements
2003
KNOW YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS
RANCHO BERNARDO JOSLYN SENIOR CENTER
Publications
2005
What to do if you are in an Auto Accident
What to do if you are Arrested
Languages
Spanish
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Top Contributor
William earned significant contribution points in 2022.
Legal Answers
Q&A
My case is a DA reject in San Diego. It was a misdemeanor. Do I still have to appear at the arraignment?
14 Jan 2025
Q&A
What's the typical sentence you get for a DUI with an Alcohol blood level of .098 at in San Diego,CA ?
26 Sep 2024
Q&A
The arraignment is today at 1:30?
23 Sep 2024
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Proposal to lower DUI/DWI limit to .05 across the United States, including California
05 Oct 2013
Legal Guide
COMMERCIAL DRIVER'S LICENSE AND DUI IN CALIFORNIA
02 Feb 2013
Legal Guide
California Checkpoints - DUI and Driver's license checkpoints in California
23 Jan 2013