Dan Greene, Esq. - Managing Partner at Sevens Legal

Daniel F. Greene is Managing Partner at Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers, a native of San Diego, and a criminal defense attorney with more than two decades of experience representing clients against felony and misdemeanor charges in San Diego, California. Throughout his career, Dan has handled a wide range of criminal matters, including complex cases involving significant potential penalties and long-term consequences. In his role at Sevens Legal, Dan works closely with clients to navigate the legal process and provide thoughtful, strategic defense tailored to the specific circumstances of each case.

FAQs About Attorney Dan Greene

What types of cases does attorney Dan Greene handle?

Dan Greene focuses exclusively on criminal defense, representing clients facing a wide range of felony and misdemeanor charges in San Diego. His experience includes cases involving violent crimes, sexual offenses, domestic violence, drug-related offenses, and other serious allegations.

How much experience does Dan Greene have as a criminal defense attorney?

Dan Greene has more than two decades of experience practicing criminal law in San Diego. Throughout his career, he has successfully achieved not-guilty verdicts, hung juries, and dismissals in every courthouse in San Diego County.

What makes Dan Greene different from other criminal defense attorneys?

Dan is known for his meticulous case preparation, strategic mindset, and ability to connect with juries. As Managing Partner of Sevens Legal Criminal Lawyers, he leads a criminal defense team that approaches every case with a high level of dedication and compassionate advocacy.

Has Dan Greene handled serious criminal cases?

Yes. Dan has represented clients facing life sentences and complex, high-profile charges, including murder, attempted murder, sexual assault, and domestic violence. He has achieved full acquittals, charge reductions, and case dismissals in some of the most challenging legal situations.

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 protections. 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.

A Distinguished Career 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

Throughout his career, Dan Greene has held significant roles at prominent criminal defense firms. 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, an honor awarded by the San Diego County Criminal Defense Bar Association.

Involvement in the San Diego Community

Outside of his legal practice, Dan Greene is involved in legal education and mentorship within the San Diego community, including coaching high school mock trial students. He values the opportunity to help students develop critical thinking and public speaking skills and a deeper understanding of the legal system. Dan’s involvement reflects his broader commitment to supporting the next generation of legal professionals and contributing to the local San Diego community. He is also a longtime supporter of the San Diego Padres and enjoys watching games at Petco Park in his free time.

Most Notable Cases

First-Degree Murder and Child Molestation Charges - Not Guilty

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’s client was ultimately found not guilty on all 22 counts.

Reducing Murder Charges to Voluntary Manslaughter

In another case involving murder charges, Dan Greene was able to negotiate 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 Greene 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.

Voluntary Manslaughter Plea Bargain in First-Degree Murder Case

In a case involving a charge of first-degree murder, Dan Greene negotiated a plea agreement to voluntary manslaughter. The original charge carried a potential sentence of 25 years to life if convicted at trial.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and should be evaluated by a qualified attorney. For legal advice, please contact our office directly.

Highlighted Case Outcomes

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
Child Molestation → Dismissed Post-Preliminary Hearing
Charges dismissed after further investigation raised questions regarding the identity of the responsible party.

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
Felon in Possession of a Firearm → Evidence Suppressed / Case Dismissed (Motion to suppress granted based on a violation of the client’s Fourth Amendment right to be free from unreasonable search and seizure.)

Juvenile Court Matters

Juvenile Sexual Assault Allegations → Not True Finding
Juvenile Cases → Informal Diversion and Dismissals

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique and should be evaluated by a qualified attorney. For legal advice, please contact our office directly.

Top Awards and Accolades

Trial Lawyer of the Year for San Diego County (2019, Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego)

“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 named Trial Attorney of the Year for San Diego County. This award from the Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego recognizes attorneys for their work in criminal defense law and trial advocacy in San Diego.

Attorney of the Month Feature in Attorney Journal (April 2024)

Dan Greene was recognized in the April 2024 issue of Attorney Journal as the San Diego County Attorney of the Month. The feature discussed his criminal defense practice in San Diego, including his work on complex criminal matters and his approach to trial preparation and client communication.

Selected to Super Lawyers for 2015-2026 (Super Lawyers Magazine)

Dan Greene has been selected to Super Lawyers each year from 2015 through 2026 for his work in criminal defense law. Super Lawyers is a legal rating service that recognizes attorneys across a range of practice areas based on peer recognition and professional achievement. His inclusion on the Super Lawyers list over multiple years reflects his longstanding work in criminal defense matters throughout San Diego County.

Recognition by Esteemed Legal Associations and Publications

Below are some of the most notable honors Dan Greene has received for his work in criminal law over the course of his career:

Trial Lawyer of the Year, San Diego Criminal Defense Bar Association, 2019
Super Lawyers, Super Lawyers Magazine, 2015-2026
Past recipient of Best of The Bar award, San Diego Business Journal
Past recipient of Top Attorney award, San Diego Daily Transcript
Past recipient of the Avvo Clients’ Choice Award
Named among the “2025 Leaders of Influence in Law” by the San Diego Business Journal

Practice Areas

As a San Diego criminal defense attorney with 20+ years of legal experience, Dan Greene has handled a broad range of criminal matters for clients across San Diego County. His particular areas of focus include:

Murder
Attempted murder
Assault with a deadly weapon
Sexual assault
Juvenile defense matters
Child molestation
Child abuse
Gang-related crimes
Grand theft
Embezzlement
Transportation/Importation/Sales of narcotics
Aiding and abetting

Education & Credentials

Juris Doctor Degree: California Western School of Law, 2003
Bachelor of Arts Degree: Trinity College, Hartford, Connecticut, 1998

Professional Associations

The State Bar of California: Admitted 2004
U.S. District Court, Southern District of California: 2004
U.S. District Court, Central District of California: 2009
United States Supreme Court: 2015
Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego: Member, Board of Directors

Client Testimonials

Dan was my son’s attorney, and I truly cannot say enough good things about him. He helped clear my son’s name, and we are beyond grateful. He is hardworking, dedicated, and incredibly thorough in everything he does. From the very beginning, he took the time to explain the process, answer all of our questions, and make sure we felt supported every step of the way.

What stood out the most was how much he genuinely cared. He fought for my son like he was his own and never gave up. His professionalism, knowledge, and commitment gave us so much confidence during a very stressful time. I would highly recommend Dan to anyone in need of a strong and compassionate defense attorney.

Vanessa

When the need for a criminal defense expert arises, it is usually unexpected and comes with a host of stressful circumstances. Thankfully, Dan Greene and the team at Sevens Legal are consummate professionals ready to guide and advise with world-class expertise.

Dan Greene provides peace of mind and confidence as you navigate a difficult situation and works nonstop to provide his clients with the best possible outcome. I cannot recommend Dan and his team more highly. You will give yourself a tremendous advantage by engaging this firm.

Michael

Dan Greene is the best criminal defense lawyer in San Diego, California. Honest, thorough and professional. Dan fought for me like I was part of his family, and I owe him my life because he saved me from doing 20 years of prison time. Thank you SEVENS LEGAL for being patient and understanding!!!

Dominic K.

Nothing but great things to say about the Sevens Legal team! Dan Greene was my attorney and he was incredibly thorough, communicative, and guided my family and I through the process in an understandable fashion. Highly recommend.

Annie M.

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Courthouses in San Diego County