Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, California Board of Legal Specialization since 1977

John D. Cahners, a former senior prosecutor with the Santa Clara County District Attorneys Office, has been defending those charged with crimes, since 1980. He has been successful at handling all kinds of criminal defense with experience that includes every kind of crime, from DUI to Homicide.

As a result of the new trend in prosecutions, he has become expert in handling Domestic Violence cases, and has devoted a substantial percentage of his practice to that area.

Born: July 2, 1943 in Boston, Massachusetts

Admitted to Bar:

  • State Bar of California, Admitted 1971
  • Federal District Court, Northern District of California, Admitted 1971
  • U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit, Admitted 1971

Education:

  • Stanford University, B.A., 1964
  • University of California, Hastings College of the Law, J.D., 1967

Former Senior Prosecutor:

  • Santa Clara District Attorneys Office

Background:

  • Undergraduate degree from Stanford University, 1964, law degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, 1967.
  • Served in the U.S. Navy from 1967-1970. During that time completed Naval Justice School and served duties as JAG liaison and squadron legal officer. Participated in numerous military courts-martial. Upon release from active duty, served for a number of years in a JAG reserve unit at Moffet Field NAS.
  • Deputy District Attorney in Santa Clara County from 1971-1980. During that time period, received in-depth experience in handling all types of criminal cases from DUI through Murder. Left as a senior felony prosecutor to start a private defense practice.
  • Became a Certified Specialist in Criminal Law, certified by the State Bar of California in 1977, and have kept that specialty current every five years, since obtained.
  • Private practice of criminal defense, since 1980. The practice specifically points to all practical aspects of defense to help the client best from the client's perspective. If trial is necessary it is in experienced hands. Well over 100 jury trials have been completed.

Experience in every criminal defense from domestic violence through white-collar crime to death penalty homicide.

Criminal Practice Areas:

  • All areas from DUIs to Death Penalty/Homicide;including Domestic Violence and White Collar Crimes
  

Our firm serves all of Northern California and the Bay Area with particular emphasis in criminal defense for Palo Alto, Redwood City, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Santa Clara County, San Mateo County and Alameda County.