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Howard Lawrence Williams

also known as Howard L. Williams
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Avvo Rating9.6
  • Martinez, CA
  • Licensed for 21 years
  • Free consultation
Howard Lawrence Williams
Howard Lawrence Williams
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About Howard

Board-Certified Criminal Defense Specialist by the State Bar of California. Call now!

Howard Williams earned his undergraduate degree at Kent State University in 1995. He went on to enroll in law school at the Ohio State University Moritz College of Law. He earned his Juris Doctor from this institution in 1998. In 1999, Attorney Williams earned a Master of Laws in Taxation from the University of San Diego School of Law.

In 2005, Attorney Howard Williams accepted a job as Deputy Public Defender at the Riverside County Public Defender’s Office. He remained in this position until 2008. Attorney Williams went on to become Partner in the firm of Lieber Williams & Labin. From 2013 to 2014, Attorney Williams also spent time working as Judge Pro Tempore for the Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa.

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Practice areas

DUI and DWIWhite collar crimeViolent crimeCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

    21 years, 4,000 cases

  2. Violent crime: 25%

    21 years, 1,000 cases

  3. White collar crime: 15%

    21 years, 1,000 cases

  4. DUI and DWI: 10%

    21 years, 2,000 cases

Languages spoken

English

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
CAActive200005/16/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers16
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Certified Specialist - Criminal LawState Bar of California2015
Victory CornerContra Costa County Criminal Conflict Program2014
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerLieber Williams & Labin2008 - Present
Judge Pro TemporeSuperior Court of California, County of Contra Costa2013 - 2014
Deputy Public DefenderRiverside County Public Defender's Office2005 - 2008
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Contra Costa County Criminal Conflict PanelSenior Attorney2011 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Mercury NewsAntioch Torture, Assault Case Wraps Up2019
Mercury NewsOnce facing life, East Bay man acquitted of torture, rape charges2019
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of San Diego School of LawLL.M - Master of Laws1999
Ohio State University Moritz College of LawJD - Juris Doctor1998
Kent State UniversityBBA1995
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
People v. J.Z.Jury verdict: NOT GUILTY
People v. B.C.CHARGES DROPPED through negotiations
People v. M.A.jury verdict: NOT GUILTY on all charges
People v. J.L.jury verdict: NOT GUILTY
People v. A.G.Charges Reduced through negotiation with D.A. and DMV defeated in Court by Writ of Mandate. LICENSE SAVED

Reviews

(14)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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Review Howard Williams

A Review by an Attorney

Posted by

Howard is an excellent attorney. I would hire him for myself or family. He is an excellent theoretical lawyer in that his level of scholarship is very high. He has a wonderful courtroom presence. He is personable and caring but strong as well. He is a great choice.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Best Lawyer In California !

Posted by

The best trial lawyer hands down in California , Mr.Williams actively visited me throughout my case and informed on what was going on from point a to point b. He diligently took time even on weekends and his personal time to work on my case rather that was researching or attending legal conferences hosted by other reputable attorneys he was amazing in every aspect. I guarantee this is the attorney you should call on if any legal issue arises, His trial presence and knowledge of law is impeccable, He protects your rights and will get you home . Best Lawyer Out ! -Joel
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very happy with the assistance I received from Howard Williams

Posted by

Howard recently assisted me in the resolution of a legal matter. His dedication to ensuring an optimal outcome in this particular situation was clearly evident. He was generous with his time and helped put my family at ease during an extremely burdensome and challenging time for us. I greatly wish that I had been able to receive his counsel for the entirety of my case instead of solely for the latter components. If anyone that I truly cared about found themselves in an unfortunate dilemma and required aggressive, honest, dedicated legal representation, I would not hesitate in any way to recommend Howard to them knowing they were in good hands. Howard Williams will get you through whatever legal bind you find yourself in. Thank you for your help Howard.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Operation omega red

Posted by

This was a lawyer appointed to me on 3 different cases I couldn't of been more thankful for the speedy trial and results I was facing 96 to life at one point although we dominated all our cases I took a 8 month deal to help my brother out from going back to trial on a life sentence conta costa county is crooked but Howard fights harder then anybody else trust that this is the trial lawyer to have defend you hes amazingly gifted and contra costa county #1 Criminal defense attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Attorney and Great Results

Posted by

First i want to thank Howard L Williams who is currently my attorney i got lucky and was court appointed him and i now truly believe I must have someone watching out for me because i never have been this lucky. I am beyond satisfied with what the outcome is going to be with my case and i believe it was only made possible due to him. Thank You Howard and i will see you in court towards the end of this month. I have recommended you to several people and still do in fact just finished doing so thats how i stumbled across this page.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Howard Williams knows what he is doing!

Posted by

I was involved in a DUI/DWI related accident in March of 2015. After my initial hearing and meeting with the Public Defender, it was clear I needed a REAL lawyer and someone who was willing to give my case a thorough review. After searching AVVO, I submitted my case for a free review and was contacted by 3 lawyers. The first two had very similar pitches as to why they should be my lawyer, but didn't give the feeling that they had my best interests at heart. I received a phone call from Howard Williams, and knew within the first 5 minutes that this guy knew what he is talking about, and that he already had several ideas on how to approach my case. As of 11/4/2015, my entire case has been completed from start to finish. I could not have asked for better results, as Howard not only saved me from losing my license, but also saved me thousands of dollars by finding flaws in my case and getting my charges reduced to a "wet reckless" and some other charges dropped. Instead of the court appointed 18 days of work alternative program (instead of jail time), Howard negotiated down to only 5 days needed to be served. Without Howard I feel that things would have been much different, and that I would still be dealing with the headache of this whole ordeal from a poor judgement on my part of driving a vehicle while under the influence. I would recommend Howard to anyone in a similar situation as he is genuine and more than fairly priced for the services he provides. Personally, I feel that I owe him much more than he charged me. And I say this in the best way possible, I hope I never have to use Howard again for his legal services, as I have learned my lesson and never want to be in the situation again!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

One of the two best decisions I ever made was hiring this firm

Posted by

I'm not proud of this, even though it was more than a year ago now, but I was charged earlier this year with a third-time DUI that had happened 9 months before. The case had never gotten filed by the D.A., and even though I had gone to court when I was told to, the cops came to my house 9 months later and arrested me in the middle of the night. I was told by the cops that I would have to spend 120 days in jail at least because that is the standard 3rd DUI sentence under law. At that point, got a lawyer to handle this case for me, and then checked into rehab. Howard Williams was the lawyer, and I honestly didn't know lawyers like this existed. He had to persuade me to fight the case even when I just wanted to do the jail time and get it over with. He didn't strong-arm me into fighting, but he did get me to trust him and I chose to follow his advice and fight rather than pleading out. Bottom line: NO JAIL TIME! He was able to get me the ankle monitor and a much shorter sentence instead, and I was allowed to still go to work every day. I had served 10 days jail on my SECOND DUI, but NONE on my third! The other more important bottom line: he also recommended I check into rehab because he said it would make his job easier, and I'm happy to report that I'm clean and sober, coming up on a year now.

Results speak for themselves

Posted by

I hired Howard to handle my DUI case. I didn't have a lot of hope, honestly, since my blood alcohol level was .18. Howard said there were a couple of issues he had to pursue before he could advise me on what to do. He did two different hearings where the cop had to testify and cop finally got angry and gave us some great testimony. All I had to plead to was reckless driving and got to keep my license!

Great lawyer

Posted by

All the lawyers at Lieber Williams were gerat. Howard and Gary did a great job with my case and Jason kept me informed. Howard was the one with the plan and it was carried out perfect. They aren't the absolute cheapest out there but the results were worth the cash. I'd go with Howard again without a doubt

Smart attorney and great result

Posted by

My case was a DUI situation which, for me, was incredibly important because I could not afford to get a DUI conviction otherwise I would lose my job (I need a driver's license and I do a lot of work in Canada, who won't let you across the border with a DUI conviction). Howard outlined a strategy he would follow to maximize my chances of getting the result I needed, and it worked. I honestly don't know everything about how he did it, but I do know I got my charge reduced to a "dry reckless" and didn't lose my license. I'm very grateful.
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Attorney endorsements

(13)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Anna Yum, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 8, 2014
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Howard Williams is an excellent trial attorney. When I was a DA, we would regularly work on cases together. Howard was always known as a trustworthy defense attorney who worked diligently for his clients; he also obtained great results for his clients whether it be through negotiations or trial. He's a fantastic lawyer and I highly recommend Howard!

Mary Kaplan, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 16, 2013
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Howard is a consummate professional. He is thorough with high attention to detail, and produces top quality work. Highly recommend Howard.

Jared Hartman, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 13, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Williams is an excellent lawyer who will stop at nothing to ensure the best possible result for every one of his clients. As a young lawyer, I often looked up to Mr. Williams for guidance and advice and it paid off every time. I highly recommend Mr. Williams to anyone for any legal issue!

Robert Senh, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 12, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse Howard Williams because he is a smart, conscientious, and hardworking attorney. He'll go the extra mile to make sure you get the defense you need.

Kathy Belous, Criminal defense Attorney on May 23, 2013
Relationship: Co-worker

I endorse this lawyer.

Jaye Ryan-Maas, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Nicolaie Cocis, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 23, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Richard Price, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 19, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Experience, dedication, and hard work does not begin to describe the numerous attributes that Howard Williams brings to the legal profession. Through rigorous and zealous advocacy of his clients, he offers a beacon of hope to criminal defendants who are always innocent in the eyes of the law until proven guilty. I unwaveringly endorse Howard Williams as an outstanding lawyer.

Stanley Lieber, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 17, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

Howard is one of the best legal minds out there. I'm grateful he's a member of my firm.

Gary Labin, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

Howard is truly an amazing trial lawyer, not only because he has an astonishing mastery of the law, but because he has an equally amazing yet perhaps more important ability--the ability to connect with jurors on a human level and to convince them in terms that make sense that his client is NOT guilty, or at least that there is reasonable doubt as to his client's guilt. Many of Howard's clients are direct beneficiaries of this talent, and any case, regardless of the evidence, is far better off with Howard Williams fighting for the defendant. The Bay Area is lucky to have such a diligent, caring, and effective trial attorney!

Alexander Andryuschenko, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He is truly an amazing trial attorney whose knowledge of evidence, expertise, trial skills and wit puts him above and beyond any opponents.

Jason Lieber, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2012
Relationship: Co-worker

Howard is a great attorney, possibly the best cross-examiner alive today. He has the unique ability to get a witness to say what he wants without making it seem that way. I've personally seen him demolish witnesses and have them leave smiling and thinking they did great.

James Fox, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 2, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Howard is the consummate professional. His abilities in the courtroom are unmatched. He is a tireless advocate and is always ready to fight the fight. His dedication to our profession and his commitment to his craft is second to none.

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