William Peter Daley

PRO

William Peter Daley

also known as William Daley

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 44 years

Domestic violence Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: Domestic Violence, DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

110 West C Street, San Diego, CA

Virtual Consultation Available

Free Consultation

About William

Biography

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%

From Domestic Violence to DUI, Theft or Murder, your case is handled with the most aggressive defense possible to help you achieve the best results. Give me a call, I know I can help! I offer a free consultation (619) 238-1905

44 years

34%
Criminal Defense 33%

From Domestic Violence, DUI, Theft, Shoplifting, or Murder I will treat your case with the most aggressive possible legal defense to help you achieve the best results. Give me a call, I know I can help! I offer a free consultation (619) 238-1905

44 years

33%
DUI and DWI 33%

From DUI to Domestic Violence to Murder with potential life sentence, I will treat your case with the most aggressive defense possible to achieve the best results. Give me a call, I know I can help! I offer a free consultation (619) 238-1905

44 years

33%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Awards

Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2019 2017
...
+ 4
Top Contributor
Top Contributor
2022 2013 2012
Silver Client Champion

Licenses

Licensed in California for 44 years

State: California

Acquired: 1981

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Illinois for 44 years

State: Illinois

Acquired: 1981

Retired

No misconduct found

Location

Law Office of William Daley

110 West C Street, San Diego, CA, 92101

lawofficeofwilliamdaley.com/

Law Office of William Daley

12211 Poway Road, Poway, CA, 92064

lawofficeofwilliamdaley.com/

Online Presence

Other places you can find William online.

William Peter Daley's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

68 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 18 reviews | General Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | December 01, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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... very end of all my conditions, after having a 99.9% clear record for 18 months straight, simply because I accidentally went over the county line by 5 miles for 15-minutes for a family anniversary! Mr. Daley has been a constant sense of support, while fighting for my rights and never giving up on me, until WE WON everything we sought after! I am extremely grateful and forever in Mr. Daley's debt after everything he helped me with over the course of almost two years! I cannot recommend Mr. Daley enough! He is THE ultimate defense attorney, especially for those that are innocent of charges they are being charged with. Highly recommend!!!

Posted by anonymous | November 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

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... through his long-standing experience and knowledge of the law. We are eternally grateful for Mr. Daley’s representation and recommend him without reservation for any legal problems that you may have. Honestly, you can’t do better than to have him as your attorney. Thanks, Mr. Daley.

Posted by George | April 04, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Mr. Daley will get you the best possible outcome

Mr. Daley assisted me on 3 separate occasions over the years, and he recently saved my butt when I needed his help the most. His expertise in the judicial system and experience with the prosecution resulted in the best outcome for me. The worst outcome would have been 90 days in jail, and Mr. Daley... was able to reduce the penalties to NO jail time and NO public work service. Mr. Daley was always available to communicate by email and text through the entire 3 month court process. His paltry retainer fee was absolutely worth it, and his professionalism showed during the court proceeding as he handled the judge (I only had to pay administrative court fees, saving me another $1500-2000). If you want the best possible outcome for your case, hire Mr. Daley and follow all his suggestions. He will support you and save you as he has done for me and countless others.

Posted by Brianna | October 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Saved my Butt!!

On April 13, 2022 reality hit me and I thought at that point my life was over...I truly believed that I had a long road ahead filled with years in prison away from my family and disappointing everyone in my life. I truly thought to myself that I was going to get the worst possible outcome...and that ...I deserved it. A week after being released on bail and being back home ready to face the thunder that was about to come my way, I started doing what anyone in my position would try to do, FIND A GOOD LAWYER. I went on a rabbit hole of a google search where I came across Mr. Daley and his amazing reviews. I knew right away that I wanted him to be my lawyer and he would be the one to save my butt after messing everything up. Well, my gut intuition did not lie. When I was arrested they arrested me on 4 felony counts and I was looking at prison time. The prosecutor wanted to go for 3 of the 4 I was arrested on so I was scared crap-less. Not only did Mr. Daley get 2 of the 3 charges dropped, he got the case resolved with ONLY probation. NO jail time, NO public service, NO house arrest, NO SCRAM bracelet and the MINIMUM of 2 years probation!!!! I knew in my heart that I could NOT have made a better choice in retaining Mr. Daley as my attorney. He was a true blessing turning what could have been several years in state prison to nothing but probation for 2 years. He was well knowledge, kind, patient, reassuring, dedicated, and my hero. So thank you Mr. Daley. (Hopefully I never need your defense services again lol) but I do hope that everyone reading this, including you, knows how eternally grateful I am for you and all that you did!

Posted by Cheryl | October 04, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

Highly recommend!!!

April 2022 my life was turned upside down when my daughter was arrested with drug charges, 3 felony and 1 misdemeanor charge. A parent’s worst nightmare. I was at a total loss of what to do next. It wasn’t that I didn’t want her not to be held accountable, but I did want her to have the best opportu...nity through the legal system that would not ruin her life forever; so began the process of finding an attorney. After searching online and coming across reviews for Mr. Daley, my daughter said that was the attorney she wanted to work with. He was the first and only lawyer that returned her calls and from that initial call to the very end and he was completely truthful and upfront with her on possible outcomes. There were never any false promises, but he stated that he saw his job as finding the best outcome which would be no jail or prison time. He gave his cell phone and was always available for calls, including evenings and weekends. He gave her direction and offered advice and insight, not only as her lawyer but as another adult figure now in her life. This brought some solace to my daughter and to me as her mom. After working through the system, he did provide the best outcome for her, no prison or jail time. 2 of the felony charges were dropped along with the misdemeanor and only 2 years’ probation for the 3rd felony charge. I am so happy Mr. Daley was my daughter’s attorney and would highly recommend him. With the advice and direction he offered my daughter, her life has moved monumentally in a positive direction.

See All Client Reviews

William Peter Daley's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse William
Somair Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"William is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Highly recommended lawyer."

Adam Jackson headshot
Adam Jackson

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the best and most knowledgeable attorneys you will ever meet. I endorse this lawyer."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich headshot
Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Car accident lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Hovanes Margarian headshot
Hovanes Margarian

Car accident lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Ian Matthew Pancer headshot
Ian Pancer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse William. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Car accident lawyer | May 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A highly skilled and respected lawyer in the legal community."

John M O'Brien headshot
John O'Brien

Car accident lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."

Steven Keith Brumer headshot
Steven Brumer

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Eric P. Pitsch headshot
Eric Pitsch

Unknown lawyer | Nov 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Michael Shemtoub headshot
Michael Shemtoub

Car accident lawyer | Sep 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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!"

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Erin Patricia Farley headshot
Erin Farley

Personal injury lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Giacomo Jacques Behar headshot
Giacomo Behar

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. His detailed, on-point answers are a real pleasure to read, as well as an education, even for us lawyers!"

John Joseph VanDervoort headshot
John VanDervoort

Car accident lawyer | Jun 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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"

Anu Gupta headshot
Anu Gupta

Car accident lawyer | Jun 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Mr. Daley. He is knowledgeable and a very skilled attorney."

Sharon Paris Babakhan headshot
Sharon Babakhan

Unknown lawyer | Jun 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Daley is a top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | Jun 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Noah Gorson headshot
Noah Gorson

Litigation lawyer | May 13

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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!"

View All Endorsements
Ian Matthew Pancer headshot
Ian Pancer

Criminal defense lawyer

James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks

Federal crime lawyer

Eric P. Pitsch headshot
Eric Pitsch

Criminal defense lawyer

John Joseph VanDervoort headshot
John VanDervoort

DUI and DWI lawyer

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Personal injury lawyer

Noah Gorson headshot
Noah Gorson

Criminal defense lawyer

George Costas Andriotis headshot
George Andriotis

Unknown lawyer

Steven Keith Brumer headshot
Steven Brumer

Bankruptcy and debt lawyer

Joseph Salvatore Farina headshot
Joseph Farina

Criminal defense lawyer

Sarkis Sirmabekian headshot
Sarkis Sirmabekian

Litigation lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

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 Association

Award 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 America

Member

2000 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Attorney Member

1985 - Present

SAN DIEGO TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION

Lifetime Member

1981 - Present

Consumer Attorney Association

Member

2023 - 2024

NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS TOP 100

Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyer in California

2008 - 2019

LAWYERS OF DISTINCTION 2018

Member

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.

See More Legal Cases

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

Top Contributor

William earned significant contribution points in 2022.

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution