Dan Dow is a public servant, an Army Veteran and prosecutor dedicated to protecting victims, ensuring justice and reducing crime in our community.
Born in Gloucester, Massachusetts, Dan attended elementary school on the East Coast. Shortly after graduating from high school, Dan joined the United States Army where he adapted quickly and enjoyed serving his Country. Dan attended the Defense Language Institute in Monterey, California where he was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate, attained Korean Linguistic Certification, and earned the Martin J. Kellogg Award for his efforts toward gaining a profound understanding of a foreign culture.
After completing his service in the active Army, Dan enrolled at California State University, Hayward where he earned a Bachelor’s Degree. Dan attended Santa Clara University School of Law where he earned his Juris Doctorate.
Since gaining his law degree, Dan continues his military service as a Major, Command Judge Advocate, in the California Army National Guard. He was deployed to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn, and was deployed to Kosovo under Operation Enduring Freedom.
As a Deputy District Attorney, Dan has focused on prosecuting domestic violence, sexual assault and child abuse crimes including homicide where he seeks to bring justice for victims of particularly devastating crimes that are committed against those least capable of protecting themselves. He considers it a high calling and a privilege to serve Victims and to hold those offenders accountable for their actions.
As a dedicated public servant Dan’s community service goes beyond the courtroom. He regularly speaks at Women’s Shelters and events seeking to provide financial and emotional support to victims of the crimes he prosecutes. He believes the criminal justice system has a moral obligation to be a voice of strength for those without a voice and those who are preyed upon by the worst in our society.
As a Veteran himself, Dan is proud to have played a vital role in bringing the Veterans Treatment Court to San Luis Obispo County. Launched in June of 2013, the SLO Veterans Treatment Court seeks to address the growing number of veterans entering the criminal justice system as a result of traumatic experiences they endured while in the military. Veterans Treatment Courts assist veterans who have entered the criminal justice system receive treatment and rehabilitation from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs if the criminal activity is attributed to conditions like Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, Traumatic Brain Injury, sexual trauma and other triggers related to military service. Veterans Treatment Courts seek to rehabilitate Veteran Offenders, reduce recidivism and reduce costs to the taxpayers.
Dan and his wife Wendy, a local small business owner and reading instructor, have been married for 21 years. They have two children, Chloe, age 8 and Jedidiah, age 6. The Dow family attends church at the Atascadero Gospel Chapel. In his spare time, Dan enjoys family outings immersed in the natural outdoor beauty of the region. Dan is also an avid runner who enjoys running half marathons.