$ 425-495 per hour
David John Luca
About David
Biography
My practice focuses on all aspects of family and criminal law, including case evaluation, alternative dispute resolution, formal discovery, motion work, trial, post-trial, and appellate matters. I have been licensed as an attorney in the State of California since 2005, am admitted to practice law in all California Superior and Appellate Courts, and have been admitted to practice in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California.
In the arena of family law, I have been involved in every type of family law issue imaginable. I have litigated restraining orders, custody and visitation, spousal support, child support, complex issues of property division, reimbursement claims, separate property claims, validity of pre and post nuptial agreements, etc. I have participated in trials covering all issues presented in family Court. I also serve as a volunteer arbitrator, mediator for the Court, and Temporary Judge. I have a very good working relationship with local Judges, Court staff, and even opposing attorneys.
In my criminal law practice, I have worked both misdemeanor and felony cases, representing clients charged with everything from misdemeanor domestic violence, driving under the influence, theft, etc. to more serious matters such as felony battery, assault, grand theft, sex crimes and drug cases. I have significant trial experience and motion practice, including the litigation of numerous dismissal motions, motions to suppress, and various post-trial motions under constitutional law.
I pride myself on four key aspects that I believe are essential to becoming a good attorney. First, I take extra care to make sure I am always available to my clients. Whether it is adjusting my work schedule to complete tasks on the weekend or returning phone calls and emails within twenty-four hours, I understand that nothing is more frustrating than being unable to reach your own attorney. Second, I make sure to involve my client at each and every step in his or her case. Under my watch, no client is “left in the dark” about what is happening with his or her legal rights. Third, I make sure my clients are informed about the status of their case at all times. I send detailed correspondence about every development and Court appearance in a case to my client immediately. Finally, and in my opinion, most importantly, I am completely open and honest with my clients. I refuse to exaggerate the likelihood of success or failure. With me, you will get nothing but the truth from beginning to end.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Divorce and Separation
45%
20 years | 950 cases
Criminal Defense
40%
20 years | 750 cases
Marriage and Prenuptials
10%
20 years | 300 cases
Uncontested Divorce
5%
20 years | 250 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 20 years
State: California
Acquired: 2005
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
119 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
Divorce & Separation (48)
Lawsuits & Disputes (20)
Child Custody (18)
Criminal Defense (12)
Family (12)
Litigation (4)
Alimony (3)
DUI & DWI (3)
Domestic Violence (3)
Child Support (2)
Mediation (2)
Business (1)
Contracts & Agreements (1)
Debt & Lending Agreements (1)
Expungement (1)
Gun Law (1)
Marriage & Prenuptials (1)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (66)
Advocacy (56)
Recommendation (54)
Professionalism (50)
Communication Style (39)
General Knowledge (31)
Practice Area Knowledge (29)
Trustworthiness (29)
Character & Conduct (28)
Responsiveness (24)
Cost of Services (17)
Compassion (14)
Staff & Support (6)
Punctuality (4)
Free Consultations (2)
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 review | Contracts & Agreements
Posted by susan | March 29, 2014 | Contracts & Agreements
Read the agreements and ask every question before you sign. Even if your Lawyer says its a good deal
I hired Dennis but was pond off on David. In mediation he advised me to sign an agreement that wasn't in my children's favor because it left something called a Wats credit reserved to my husband. So while living in the family home with our two kids I was without knowing accumulating a huge amount ...
David Luca
Replied last March 29, 2014The veracity of this complaint is suspect. There is no “pawning off” of cases handled though this office. Each attorney in our office works their own cases and no attorney works on the other’s cases. That being said, a Watts charge is a discretionary reimbursement claim that arises when one spouse lives in a home owned by both spouses after marital separation. The “out spouse” can ask the Court charge the “in spouse” 50% of the fair market value rent as a Watts charge. Normally, the Watts charge is offset in part or whole by the “in spouse’s” Epstein credits against the “out spouse” for 50% of the mortgage, property taxes and homeowner’s insurance payments. The complaint never mentions whether the discretionary Watts charge was imposed, whether the Epstein credit existed to offset it nor whether any money was ever owed. For my part, in the past three years of practice, I have not had any of my clients ever pay out of pocket for a Watts charge claim; another reason I doubt the validity of the complaint.
David John Luca's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"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."
"David is extremely professional and easy to work with. He is an excellent advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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!"
"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."
"I have worked with David many times. He is an aggressive advocate for his clients and is extremely knowledgeable of the law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse David. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Dave knows his stuff! He works really hard for his clients and does good battle in the courtroom when necessary."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer's work."
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Experience
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 CAAdmitted Attorney
2005 - Present
Santa Clara County Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
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
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
Legal Guides
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
The Cancellation of a Lease due to Domestic Violence
23 Dec 2013
Legal Guide
Can My Child Testify in Court?
23 Dec 2013
Legal Guide
The Hatfields and McCoys
23 Dec 2013