Dan Greene, Esq. - Managing Partner at Sevens Legal

Daniel F. Greene is a managing partner at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers and a native of San Diego. He is an award-winning attorney with extensive experience representing clients against a wide range of felony and misdemeanor charges in San Diego, California.

Attorney Dan Greene’s Background & Achievements

After obtaining a Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity College in Hartford, Connecticut, Dan pursued a Juris Doctor degree from California Western School of Law, where he excelled academically and received high honors for his thesis on a critical issue related to the Fourth Amendment. During his studies, Dan gained invaluable experience working as a law clerk and student intern for the Department of Justice, the Office of the Attorney General, and the Federal Defenders of San Diego.

Distinguished Career and Dedication to Justice

“Our firm stands as a prominent force in the realm of Southern California criminal defense practices, particularly in the vibrant legal landscape of San Diego.” - Dan Greene

Throughout his distinguished career, Dan Greene has held significant roles at prominent criminal defense firms, earning a reputation for his unwavering dedication to defending the rights of the accused. Interestingly enough, the first time Dan set foot inside 3555 Fourth Avenue was in 2004 when he became an associate attorney under one of the partners of the firm that would later become Sevens Legal. By 2008, he had risen to the position of managing attorney at the firm’s downtown office. He then moved to a renowned boutique criminal defense firm where he held the role of senior associate. After a 15-year tenure there, Dan returned to Sevens Legal in April 2024, reuniting with esteemed criminal defense attorneys Kerry Steigerwalt and Samantha Greene, his wife.

Dan’s commitment to justice is evident in his track record of achieving not-guilty verdicts, hung juries, and dismissals in every courthouse in San Diego. He is particularly proud of his recognition as the 2019 Trial Lawyer of the Year for San Diego County, awarded by the San Diego County Criminal Defense Bar Association.

A Trusted Leader in Criminal Defense

“As for myself, I am deeply passionate about advocating for individuals on what may be one of their most challenging days.” - Dan Greene

When you choose Sevens Legal, with Dan Greene at the helm, you’re not just hiring an attorney – you’re enlisting a team led by a legal strategist who views each case as a battle for justice. Dan’s approach is rooted in meticulous preparation and an unwavering belief in the rights of the accused. His courtroom presence, characterized by compelling storytelling and rigorous cross-examinations, has led to numerous acquittals and dismissals in cases that seemed insurmountable. Clients facing the direst of circumstances find solace in Dan’s relentless advocacy and his profound ability to navigate the complexities of the legal system.

Under Dan’s leadership, Sevens Legal has become synonymous with excellence in criminal defense. His ability to connect with jurors and judges alike, combined with his strategic acumen, makes him a formidable force in the courtroom. Dan’s passion for justice is not just about winning cases; it’s about restoring lives and protecting futures. The team at Sevens Legal, guided by Dan’s expertise and unwavering dedication, stands ready to fight for your rights with the same tenacity and commitment that has earned Dan his stellar reputation.

Most Notable Cases

Winning Against First-Degree Murder and Child Molestation Charges

In 2018, Dan Greene achieved not-guilty verdicts in a first-degree murder trial and a child molestation trial involving multiple alleged victims where his clients were facing a combined potential sentence of over 210 years to life in prison if found guilty.

Complete Acquittal in High-Stakes Sexual Abuse Case

In 2013, Dan represented a client who faced a potential sentence of 230 years to life in prison for 22 counts of sexual abuse involving two minors. The prosecution presented DNA evidence, medical evidence, testimony, and more against the client. However, Dan prevailed and his client was found not guilty on all 22 counts.

Reducing Murder Charges to Voluntary Manslaughter

In another successful case involving murder charges, Dan Greene negotiated a six-year prison term for voluntary manslaughter on behalf of a client who had been charged with second-degree murder.

Drastically Lowering Sentences for Attempted Murder and Assault

Dan successfully negotiated a five-year prison term for charges including pre-meditated attempted murder and assault with a semi-automatic weapon, which would have carried a sentence of life in prison if his client was convicted at trial.

Highlighted Successful Case Outcomes

Dan Greene has achieved numerous successes in his career, with the following representing some of his most notable and important accomplishments in criminal defense cases. These remarkable results showcase his exceptional skills and dedication to securing favorable outcomes for his clients, underscoring his reputation as a highly accomplished criminal defense attorney in San Diego.

Murder and Attempted Murder

**1st Degree Murder → Not Guilty
**2018 case: Accused of stabbing, prosecution argued premeditation and deliberation. Potential sentence: 56 years to life.
**2nd Degree Murder → Hung Jury/Mistrial
**Same case as above; potential sentence: 36 years to life.
**Attempted Murder → Dismissed Day of Trial
**Shooting/Gang case.
Premeditated Attempted Murder/Assault with Firearm/Vehicle Chase (Life Case) → Hung Jury

Sexual Offenses

**Child Molestation
**Case 1: Dismissed by Prosecution Post-Preliminary Hearing
Multiple counts of substantial sexual contact with a minor under 10; potential sentence: 45 years to life. Case 2: Not Guilty All Counts
2018 case: 11 counts of intercourse, sodomy, and forcible sexual acts involving two minors, as well as the showing of pornography; potential sentence: 160 years to life.
**Child Molestation → Not Guilty
**Multiple counts of oral copulation by a minor; potential sentence: 55 years to life.
**Multiple Alleged Victim Child Molestation → Not Guilty/Hung Jury/Mistrial
**20 counts of forcible sodomy, forcible oral copulation, and lewd and lascivious conduct involving three minors; potential sentence: 300 years to life.
Annoying or Molesting a Child → Not Guilty
Annoying/Molesting a Minor → Dismissed by Judge During Trial Based on Insufficient Evidence
**Lewd and Lascivious Acts → Hung Jury, Dismissed
**Minor 10 years or under.
Attempted Lewd Conduct with a Minor → Not Guilty
**Sexual Abuse Upon Elder Person → Dismissed by Judge at Preliminary Hearing
**Would have resulted in lifetime registration as a “sex offender.”
Kidnapping/Sexual Assault/Rape/Forced Oral Copulation/Multiple Victims (Life) → Dismissed Day of Trial

Domestic Violence

Domestic Violence Battery/Corporal Injury Spouse → Hung Jury/Mistrial
Domestic Violence Restraining Order → Dismissed by Judge Following 3-Day Trial
**Domestic Violence Battery → Dismissed by Judge at Preliminary Hearing
**3-strikes case.
**Domestic Violence Resulting in Great Bodily Injury → Not Guilty
**2-strikes case.
Domestic Violence by Sheriff’s Deputy (Defense of Intoxication) → Dismissed During Trial

Assault and Battery

Group Assault and Battery Resulting in Great Bodily Injury → Dismissed by Judge at Preliminary Hearing
Assault/Battery (Stabbing) Resulting in Great Bodily Injury → Dismissed Pre-Trial
Multiple Cases of Assault & Battery Resulting in Great Bodily Injury → Dismissed at Preliminary Hearing
Felony Assault/Battery Resulting in Great Bodily Injury → Not Guilty (Self-Defense)
Assault with a Semi-Automatic Weapon → Hung Jury

Criminal Threats

**Criminal Threats and Witness Dissuasion → Entire Case Dismissed by Judge at Preliminary Hearing
**Both offenses are considered “strikes” under California law.
**Criminal Threats with Firearm → Case Dismissed by Judge at Preliminary Hearing
**“Strike” with mandatory prison allegation.
Criminal Threats (“Strike”) → Dismissed by Judge at Preliminary Hearing

**Possession of Methamphetamine for Sale
**Case 1: Dismissed by Judge Following Successful Motion to Suppress Evidence
Case 2: Dismissed by Judge Following Successful Motion to Suppress Evidence
Possession/Under the Influence of Controlled Substance → Dismissed Following Successful Motion to Suppress Evidence

Driving Offenses

**Felony Evading → Dismissed Day of Trial
**Accused of evading law enforcement by driving the wrong way on the highway at speeds nearing 100 MPH.
Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol/BAC .08% or Higher → Case Dismissed Following Motion to Suppress Evidence
Driving with a BAC of .01% or Higher (in Violation of DUI Probation) → Not Guilty

Other Offenses

Vehicular Manslaughter → Hung Jury, Dismissed
**Receiving Stolen Property → Dismissed by Judge at Preliminary Hearing
**3-strikes case.
Trespassing → Dismissed by Judge During Trial Based on Insufficient Evidence
Felon in Possession of a Firearm → Dismissed Day of Trial
Identity Theft/Fraudulent Use of Credit Card → Dismissed Pre-Trial
Residential Burglary → Dismissed by Court Post-Preliminary Hearing
Grand Theft by Employee → Dismissed After Reversal on Appeal

Top Awards and Accolades

Trial Lawyer of the Year for San Diego County

“More than any other honor or award received thus far, my recognition as the 2019 Trial Attorney of the Year stands as the accomplishment of which I am most proud.” - Dan Greene

In 2019, Dan Greene was honored with the prestigious title of Trial Attorney of the Year for San Diego County. This recognition by the San Diego County Criminal Defense Bar Association is a testament to Dan’s unwavering dedication to justice and his clients and his exceptional skills as a criminal defense attorney. With a proven track record of successful case outcomes and a commitment to upholding the highest standards of legal advocacy, Dan’s expertise and leadership are unparalleled in the legal community.

Attorney of the Month Feature in Attorney Journals

As a distinguished criminal lawyer, Dan Greene was recognized in the April 2024 issue of Attorney Journals as the San Diego County Attorney of the Month. Renowned for his exceptional prowess in handling severe and complex criminal cases and tirelessly advocating for the rights of individuals facing challenging legal situations, Greene’s feature highlights his unwavering dedication to justice, meticulous trial preparation, and remarkable communication skills.

Dan Greene is known for achieving success in some of the most serious criminal cases in San Diego, including cases involving potential life sentences, and his persuasive advocacy has led to the dismissal of charges and the preservation of his clients’ careers and freedom. His commitment to standing by clients during their darkest times, combined with his profound impact on the San Diego legal community, solidifies his reputation as a formidable and compassionate advocate in the field of criminal defense.

Selected to Super Lawyers for 2015-2024

Having earned the respect of his peers as one of the country’s top-rated criminal defense attorneys, Dan Greene has been selected to Super Lawyers for 2015-2024. This honor underscores Dan Greene’s exceptional legal abilities, and his inclusion in the prestigious Super Lawyers list for ten straight years is evidence of his well-earned standing as an esteemed legal professional.

Recognition by Esteemed Legal Associations and Publications

Dan Greene’s exceptional legal skills and unwavering dedication have earned him a remarkable array of prestigious awards and accolades throughout his career. Dan’s outstanding achievements have been duly recognized by esteemed legal associations and publications, designating him as a leading criminal defense attorney in San Diego. Below are some of the most notable honors Dan has received for his exemplary work in criminal law:

Trial Lawyer of the Year, San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association, 2019
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine, 2015-2024
Best of The Bar, San Diego Business Journal, 2014-2016
Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel, 2015-2016
Top Attorney, San Diego Daily Transcript, 2012-2015
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers in the State of California, American Society of Legal Advocates, 2016