David John Luca

David John Luca

4.9
Rating: 8.7

Licensed for 20 years

Divorce and separation Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Divorce & Separation, Criminal Defense, Marriage & Prenuptials, Uncontested Divorce

1252 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA

About David

Biography

Practice Areas

4

Practice Areas

Divorce and Separation 45%

Experience in all areas of contested divorce and legal separation proceedings including inter and intra state jurisdictional issues, alimony, child support, custody, visitation, property division and valuation and division of complex stock options. Trial experience on all issues. Have also participated in numerous custody evaluations both through Family Court Services and with local private evaluators. Experience in restraining Order and civil harassment Order trials.

20 years | 950 cases

45%
Criminal Defense 40%

Experience in all aspects of criminal defense from misdemeanor domestic violence and driving under the influence cases to three strikes, violent crime and drug prosecutions. Well versed in criminal procedure including filing motions to suppress, researching and applying constitutional principles to criminal law and filing motions to dismiss. Experienced in all phases of criminal trial including jury selection strategy, direct/cross examination, jury instructions and closing argument.

20 years | 750 cases

40%
Marriage and Prenuptials 10%

Drafted various pre and post nuptial agreements to modify the principles and provisions of our community property law tailored to meet an individual's preference. Whether it is modifying the terms of alimony upon separation, protecting appreciation of separate property assets or confirming the separate status of a spouse-owned business, I have drafted it.

20 years | 300 cases

10%
Uncontested Divorce 5%

One of the areas of my practice I would like to see grow the most. The experience gained in a litigation setting directly impacts my effectiveness as a mediator. My attitude is that no problem is without a creative solution.

20 years | 250 cases

5%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Hourly Rates

$ 425-495 per hour


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 20 years

State: California

Acquired: 2005

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of David J. Luca

1252 Park Avenue, San Jose, CA, 95126

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David John Luca's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

119 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 10 of 24 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by anonymous | April 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes

Intelligent, positive, great attorney

David Luca is not only a very intelligent and great lawyer, but a great person with lots of great energy. He always was there to answer my questions promptly, precisely. We ended up winning all parts of my case and in the end, results were more than expected.

Posted by anonymous | November 20, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Family

Professional-to the point

He is extremely professional, educated and gets the job done. He and his team follow up with you accordingly and respond within minutes when asked a question. He handles my family law case and with him I got the support/alimony and custody that I asked for due to his expertise. (My ex and his lawye...r did NOT make it easy-mind you) He is highly knowledgeable and am confident when he represents me. I highly recommend him for all your needs.

Posted by anonymous | December 13, 2015 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation

The very best out there

I thought I was in a real messed up situation. My ex-wife works for the county court system and pulled many tricks on me when filing for divorce. When I did my initial interviews with a bunch of attorneys, I saw a wide spectrum. Some were akin to smooth talking car salesmen, some were very technical ...with the law and some were downright incompetent. But David had the perfect balance between knowing the law and being street smart/clever. His demeanor at the first interview was the total opposite of that of a salesman. He didn't make any promises. He seemed tough but he seemed to know what he was talking about. I decided to go with him and I have not had any regrets ever since. The main thing with David is that he sincerely tries to close the case as opposed to many attorneys that just try to drag the case. He will advice you to take a deal when it makes sense and will fight it in the back alleys if you decide not to take it. He knows his law but is also prudent with using it. And he is very connected/influential in the legal world which is something that matters a lot more than one would think. He does not bill for petty things such as pencils or gourmet meals. He has a very regular daily schedule that starts at 5ish. He makes it a point to respond to your emails within a day. He is also usually available for a phone consultation within a day or two. My case was closed within a year! I didn't have to break the bank and the terms of the settlement were very good too. All in all, David is an outstanding attorney who works really hard for his clients. He offers the best !/$ that you can find in San Jose. I can't recommend him enough!

Posted by Cory | June 29, 2015 | DUI & DWI

Great DUI Lawyer

David was very pivotal in reducing my DUI charges to a Wet and Reckless. He guided me through the entire process from start to finish. His straightforward and direct approach was much appreciated and instantly relieved much of my anxiety around my DUI. Not only did his confidence help reduce my stres...s throughout the ordeal, it was also clear that he cared about helping me as he assured me that a DUI is not the end of the world. I met with several other lawyers in the San Jose area before settling with David, and left our first meeting feeling confident that I wanted him to represent me in court. He took care of everything court related for me and kept me very well informed throughout the entire process. He was extremely responsive and had confident answers to all of my questions.

Posted by Deb | April 06, 2014 | Divorce & Separation

Great attorney

David is a knowledgeable and cost effective attorney. I felt very comfortable in his hands and I felt he always had my back. He cut through all the legal ease and got straight to the point. He didn't promise me anything he knew was not possible. He was always available for me and kept me up to dat...e on what was happening. Since retaining an attorney is scary enough by itself, I am thoroughly pleased with David and I truly appreciate his help and support. It made my divorce seem less painful. Thank you David. My best, Deb B.

See All Client Reviews

David John Luca's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse David
Nicole Fraser headshot
Nicole Fraser

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have worked with numerous defense attorneys over the years and David is a clear stand-out. David is an outstanding aggressive criminal defense attorney. He knowledgeably litigates the case for the best possible scenario for his client."

Steven Paul Cohn headshot
Steven Cohn

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jul 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer.Mr. Luca has been recommended among my own clients, and I have made a number of past referrals to him with terrific results reported back to me. I continue to feel comfortable sending this capable attorney those in need of his skilled insight and advocacy. Besides being very good in a courtroom setting, he really is a nice guy, while fully able to bear down in a challenging cross examination. I highly regard this talented attorney."

Arlette Argyris headshot
Arlette Argyris

Family lawyer | Jul 05

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is extremely professional and a fierce advocate for his clients. He is always responsive and easy to work with. David is very knowledgeable about the law and dedicated to his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Andrea Rene Mah headshot
Andrea Mah

Family lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"David is extremely professional and easy to work with. He is an excellent advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."

Judy Lea Burger headshot
Judy Burger

Family lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with David on a highly conflicted custody and divorce matter. He is a strong advocate, knowledgeable and smart."

Victor Knapp headshot
Victor Knapp

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 15

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Had a very complex case that required the involvement of a sharp Criminal Defense Lawyer in San Jose. Was referred to David by a trusted collegue and what a GodSent he is. A very smart man and a even smarter lawyer!"

Richard Alan Wingerden headshot
Richard Wingerden

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to witness his work in the courtroom and have found him to be diligent and hardworking. He is well respected in the legal community."

Christopher Duane Hirz headshot
Christopher Hirz

Divorce and separation lawyer | May 26

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I have worked with David many times. He is an aggressive advocate for his clients and is extremely knowledgeable of the law."

Andrew George Marcellino headshot
Andrew Marcellino

Unknown lawyer | Jul 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Rory S. Coetzee headshot
Rory Coetzee

Divorce and separation lawyer | Jan 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

James Justin Steinle headshot
James Steinle

Divorce and separation lawyer | Dec 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich headshot
Thomas Cvietkovich

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Dave knows his stuff! He works really hard for his clients and does good battle in the courtroom when necessary."

Daniel Jensen headshot
Daniel Jensen

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have watched David on numerous occasions in court and find him to be one of the best young attorneys in Santa Clara County. He has a good balance of poise, aggressiveness and street smarts."

Evelyn M Rodriguez headshot
Evelyn Rodriguez

Family lawyer | Apr 12

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I endorse this lawyer's work."

View All Endorsements
Arlette Argyris headshot
Arlette Argyris

Family lawyer

Andrea Rene Mah headshot
Andrea Mah

Family lawyer

Karen Marie Hubbell headshot
Karen Hubbell

Family lawyer

Judy Lea Burger headshot
Judy Burger

Family lawyer

Victor Knapp headshot
Victor Knapp

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey D. Cohen headshot
Jeffrey Cohen

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Alan Wingerden headshot
Richard Wingerden

Criminal defense lawyer

Christopher Duane Hirz headshot
Christopher Hirz

Family lawyer

Raul Armando Ray headshot
Raul Ray

Immigration lawyer

Steven Allen Dinneen headshot
Steven Dinneen

Family lawyer

Rory S. Coetzee headshot
Rory Coetzee

Family lawyer

James Justin Steinle headshot
James Steinle

Family lawyer

Steven Paul Cohn headshot
Steven Cohn

Employment and labor lawyer

Daniel Jensen headshot
Daniel Jensen

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicole Fraser headshot
Nicole Fraser

Family lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.7 (Excellent)

Honors

2004

Honors Moot Court Runner-Up for Best Oral Argument, Santa Clara University School of Law

2004

Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Evidence, Santa Clara University School of Law

2004

Witkin Award for Academic Excellence in Constitutional Law, Santa Clara University School of Law

Work Experience

2005 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of David J. Luca

Associations

2007 - Present

Federal Court; Northern District of CA

Admitted Attorney

2005 - Present

Santa Clara County Bar Association

Member

2005 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

D.S. & D.H.

Move-Away to Minnesota Granted

People v. A.R.

Not Guilty Verdict

People v. L.P.

Not Guilty Verdict/Lesser Crime

See More Legal Cases

Education

2005

Santa Clara University School of Law

Juris Doctor

2001

University of California Santa Barbara

Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2007

Santa Clara County Bar Association Continuing Education

Understanding Criminal Law and Domestic Violence Prosecutions as they Relate to Family Law

Languages

English

Activity

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