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Howard Michael Van Elgort
About Howard
Biography
I have extensive experience in thecriminal justice field having been a prosecutor, a public defender inthe Federal and State court systems, a Judge and a private criminaldefense practitioner. I have handled a wide variety of felony,misdemeanor and traffic cases. My current practice is limited tocriminal law cases with an emphasis on the defense of those accused ofdrunk driving (driving under the influence of alcohol and or drugs -DUI).
In addition, I help clients with cases involvingDomestic Violence (spouse & child abuse); Drugs (possession, use,transportation, and under the influence of controlled substances);Probation Violations; Criminal Threats; Assault and Battery; ChildAbuse and Neglect; Theft (including fraud embezzlement and bad checks);Residential and Commercial Burglary; Juvenile Delinquency; and DMVlicense suspension and revocation hearings.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
60%
46 years | 2,500 cases
Criminal Defense
30%
46 years | 2,000 cases
Domestic Violence
10%
46 years | 250 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 64 years
State: California
Acquired: 1962
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Howard M. Van Elgort
2820 Porter Street, Soquel, CA, 95073
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Howard Michael Van Elgort's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
9 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | December 14, 2009 | Criminal Defense
Howard M. Van Elgort - The best lawyer I could have hoped for
After being arrested for a DUI this year, I spent a significant amount of time researching legal representation, sitting down to review my case with various lawyers and talking to people who had been in my position previously in order to find the absolute best lawyer possible. Mr. Van Elgort was by ...
Howard Michael Van Elgort's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I've known of this fine lawyer for many, many years and you can trust his opinion of your case - or your client's - Attorney Van Elgort will reliably strategize your best defense designed to minimize your exposure to punishment. Add him to your short list of lawyers to interview."
"I have had a close professional relationship with Mr. Van Elgort for well over ten years and know him to be a very competent, knowledgeable and dependable attorney. I have referred numerous of my clients to him for needed criminal defense representation without reservation. Results have always been as positive as possible."
James Wells
General practice lawyer
Joshua Dale
DUI and DWI lawyer
Michael Kennedy
Criminal defense lawyer
John Burdick
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2018
AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2010
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2001
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2000
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
1981
Resolution of Recognition as Judge, San Bernardino County Superior Court
1981
Resolution of Recognition as Judge, San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors
1961
Top of Class in Constitional Law, UCLA Law School
1960
Top of Class in Security Transactions, UCLA Law School
Work Experience
1983 - Present
Attorney, Law Office of Howard M. Van Elgort
1977 - 1982
Supervising Judge, San Bernardino County Court
1973 - 1976
Assistand Public Defender, County of Riverside
1972 - 1973
Deputy Public Defender, Federal Public Defender
1966 - 1972
Executive Director, Legal Aid Foundation of Long Beach
1965 - 1966
President and General Manager, Westland Escrow Compnay
1963 - 1965
Deputy City Attorney, Los Angeles City Attorney
1962 - 1963
Attorney, Law Office of Marvin A. Freeman
Associations
2000 - Present
Santa Cruz Criminal Defense BarMember
1999 - Present
Santa Cruz County Bar AssociationMember
1999 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
1989 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Frank R.
Case dismissed, license not suspended
People v. Edwin H
Felony Fraud Charges Dropped
Schlick v. Superior Court
Charges of manufacturing meth dismissed
People v. Gregory S
Case to be dismissed - theft diversion
Education
1961
University of California at Los Angeles School of Law
Juris Doctor
1958
University of California - Los Angeles
BS - Bachelor of Science
Speaking Engagements
1980
Rotary International - Joshua Tree
California Court System
1979
San Bernardino County Sheriff's Training
Constitutional Law and Law Enforcement
Publications
2004
Legal Law Help
DUI, Driving Under the Influence
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers