PRACTICES

At Joshua M. Dale, Esq., I bring over 30 years of legal experience to protect your rights across a wide range of cases. Based in Monte Rio, CA, since 2008, I primarily serve the North Bay—Sonoma, Marin, Mendocino, Napa, and Solano counties—with preferred courts in Santa Rosa, San Rafael, Ukiah, Napa, Fairfield, and Vallejo. Since May 2023, I’ve been in Santa Cruz helping my mother with Alzheimer’s, but I continue to assist clients throughout California, referring to trusted lawyers in any area when needed. Whether you’re facing a DUI, a minor criminal charge, or a civil dispute, I’ll fight for you with personalized, results-driven defense.
 

DUI Defense—Protecting Your License and Freedom
I’m a recognized expert in DUI defense, having handled hundreds of DMV hearings and ~40 jury trials across the Bay Area’s nine counties. I tackle all types of DUI cases: alcohol-related (§ 23152(a)/(b)), drug DUIs (marijuana, prescriptions, § 23152(f)), and felony DUIs involving manslaughter (§ 23153). As a former US Army Military Police Sergeant (1981-1985, MOS 95B20, honorable discharge) and Cabrillo College Campus Police officer (1988-1989), I ran DUI checkpoints and served as a Traffic Accident Investigator at Fort Bragg, giving me unique insight into flawed arrests—bad stops, faulty tests, procedural errors. I helped win CDLA v. DMV (2022) as CDLA Executive Director (2006-2019), ensuring fairer hearings. Whether you’re in Sonoma or Santa Cruz, I’ll fight to save your license and clear your charges.

Traffic Cases and Minor Crimes—Resolving Everyday Legal Issues
I’ve spent decades handling traffic violations and minor crimes across California. From speeding tickets to reckless driving, I’ve resolved countless traffic cases, often preventing points on your license or higher insurance rates. I also defend clients against misdemeanors like petty theft, disorderly conduct, and simple assault, ensuring these charges don’t derail your life. My experience as a former MP—investigating accidents and policing Grenada in 1983—helps me challenge evidence and build strong defenses for clients in Napa, Marin, or beyond.

Civil Suits for Money—Fighting for What You’re Owed
I’ve represented clients in civil suits for money, recovering damages in disputes over contracts, unpaid debts, and property issues. One notable case involved the 1996 Burke Lewis Apartment fire at 776 Bush Street in San Francisco, where I used my investigative skills to secure a confession from the arsonist, helping my tenant clients win a $400,000 insurance settlement award split among them. Whether you’re a plaintiff seeking compensation or a defendant facing a claim, I’ll use my litigation experience to protect your financial interests. My background in San Francisco courts, where I started in 1992, gives me the edge to negotiate or fight for you in Solano or Mendocino.

Landlord-Tenant Cases and Evictions—Navigating Property Disputes
I’ve handled numerous landlord-tenant disputes, representing both landlords and tenants in cases involving evictions, lease violations, and rent disagreements. Whether you’re a landlord seeking to evict a non-paying tenant in Santa Rosa or a tenant facing wrongful eviction in Fairfield, I’ll ensure your rights are protected under California law. My early career in San Francisco exposed me to complex tenant issues, which I now apply to North Bay cases.

Non-Profit Management and Formation—Supporting Community Organizations
I’ve assisted clients with non-profit management and formation, helping community organizations get off the ground and operate legally. From drafting bylaws to securing 501(c)(3) status, I’ve supported non-profits in Monte Rio and beyond, ensuring they can focus on their mission. This work reflects my commitment to giving back, honed over decades of legal practice.

A Proven Advocate for Veterans and All Clients
As a US Army vet (earning the Army Good Conduct Medal and Army Achievement Medal), I have a special focus on veterans, helping them protect VA benefits and clear DUIs or minor charges in Solano, Marin, or Santa Cruz. I’m a Founding Member of the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA) and a Member of the National College for DUI Defense, attending multiple summer sessions in the 2000s held at Harvard Law School buildings. With a BA in Criminology from Fresno State University (1987, Magna Cum Laude) and JD from Golden Gate University (1992), I bring academic rigor and real-world experience to every case.

Serving All of California with Referrals to Trusted Lawyers
While my focus is the North Bay, I can assist clients anywhere in California. If your case falls outside my practice area or region, I’ll refer you to a trusted lawyer through my network, including California Lawyers Referral services. From Monte Rio to Santa Cruz, I’m here to help you navigate the legal system.

Ready to Defend You

Whether you’re facing a DUI in Santa Rosa, a traffic ticket in Ukiah, or a civil dispute in Napa, I’ll deliver the defense you deserve. Contact me for a free consultation to discuss your case and see how I can protect your rights.

Get in Touch
Phone: (707) 520-4350
Email: jdale@joshdale.com
Website: joshdale.com

Disclaimer: This is general information, not a guarantee of results. Every case is unique. Contact Joshua M. Dale, Esq., for tailored advice. Joshua M. Dale, Esq., California State Bar #170126.