Thomas Daly
About
Thomas Daly is an experienced Walnut Creek criminal defense attorney dedicated to helping his clients through difficult times. He went to law school locally at John F. Kennedy University where he was recognized for his excellent academic performance.
Thomas is a lawyer who is willing to fight for the results his clients deserve. He welcomes the opportunity to litigate in court and isn’t afraid of hard work to get the job done. He has represented clients charged with misdemeanors and felonies and works diligently to pursue the best outcome possible for each client. Thomas is passionate about defending the rights of his clients and helping them put their legal issues behind them.
Thomas has represented a vast array of clients in criminal matters from all facets of life including teachers, college students, engineers, construction workers, athletes, professionals, and career criminals. He looks forward to meeting with you to address your legal needs.
Education
- John F. Kennedy University, Juris Doctor
Practice Area
- Criminal Defense
Professional Associations
- American Bar Association
- State Bar of California
- Contra Costa County Bar Association
- California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
- California Public Defenders Association
- Advisory Committee Member, Conflicts Panel, Contra Costa County
- Board Member, Criminal Law Section, Contra Costa County Bar Association
- Member, Contra Costa Conflicts Panel (accepts appointed cases when the Public Defender's Office has declared a conflict)
Notable Case Results
- Trial Victory — Three Strikes Case Represented a client facing a life sentence under California's Three Strikes law on charges of residential burglary and robbery. With a pre-trial offer of 12 years in state prison, the case proceeded to trial, where all serious charges were defeated. The client was ultimately convicted of a misdemeanor only and sentenced to time served.
- Preliminary Hearing Victory — Residential Burglary Successfully secured the dismissal of a residential burglary charge at the preliminary hearing stage, preventing the case from ever reaching trial.
- DMV Hearing Victory — License Suspension Represented a client facing a one-year driver's license suspension before the DMV. Following a contested hearing, the suspension was denied in full and the client retained their driving privileges.
To inquire about representation call Thomas Daly Law, A Professional Corporation at (925) 208-4801.
Video
Notable Work
Speaking Engagements
California Post-Conviction Relief (March 2026). Presented on the options available to clean up a criminal record, including reduction to misdemeanors, expungement, and arrest record sealing.
Criminal Intake (December 2025). Presented on conducting an effective intake of new clients to identify what matters most to them and the range of options available to achieve the best possible case outcomes.
Hearsay Evidence (November 2024). Presented on the fundamentals of hearsay and the most common exceptions to the hearsay rule.
DUI Evidence & Tips for DMV Hearings (March 2024). Presented on the types of evidence that typically strengthen a DUI case and how to prepare for a DMV hearing.
DUI Defense: Discovery Issues & Suppression of Evidence (June 2022). Presented on obtaining full discovery in DUI cases to evaluate case strengths and weaknesses, and on strategies for suppressing evidence obtained through law enforcement misconduct, including blood test evidence taken without proper consent.
Publications
"Blood or Breath?", Contra Costa Lawyer, Criminal Law Edition, Contra Costa County Bar Association (March 2023). Discusses which chemical test to submit to if arrested for DUI and the defense options available for suppressing blood draw evidence obtained without proper consent.
Locations
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Main Office 2950 Buskirk Ave Suite 300
Walnut Creek, CA 94597