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Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Jose

Our Recommended Top 16

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Our goal is to connect people with the best local professionals. We scored San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyers on more than 25 variables across five categories, and analyzed the results to give you a hand-picked list of the best.

699Reviewed

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16Top Picks

Learn about our selection process.

Providers

featured provider = Featured Provider

San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Javier Rios Attorney at Law is a San Jose-based criminal defense attorney with over 25 years of experience defending clients accused of crimes from DUI to homicide. Javier practices only criminal defense law, allowing him to focus his attention on this specialized area of law. He studied at and holds degrees from UC Berkeley and the University of Michigan Law School. A longtime resident of Santa Clara County, Javier has worked extensively in and is well connected throughout the county. Past clients review Javier very well, praising his honesty, straightforwardness, dedication, meticulousness, and genial, compassionate personality.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Javier Rios - PrincipalActive37 yrs

111 N. Market St., Ste. 300, San Jose, CA 95113

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (16)
Avvo
5.0 (14)
Facebook
5.0 (4)

Why choose this provider?

The Camarena Law Office fights for the rights of individuals in San Jose and the surrounding communities. The firm has been serving the community for over 20 years, handling a wide range of legal disputes, including criminal charges, personal injury, small business operations, evictions, and employment. It consults clients to understand their circumstances, walk them through the legal process, and strategize a plan to help them obtain the results they need. Its team members work on legal problems, big or small.

  • Drug Crimes

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Ignascio Camarena II - PrincipalActive22 yrs

1922 The Alameda Ste 201, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (24)
Yelp
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Ahmed & Sukaram Attorneys at Law is a criminal defense law firm located in San Jose, with another office in Redwood City, that has defended clients since 2005. Its lawyers handle misdemeanors, felonies, DUIs, and Department of Motor Vehicles hearings. They also cover drug offenses, weapons violations, fraud, and public corruption. Attorneys have won cases involving sex and violent crimes as well as charges of theft. Attorney Ahmed has been selected as a Super Lawyers Rising Star.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Shari Sukaram - PartnerActive16 yrs
Nafiz Ahmed - PartnerActive19 yrs

111 N Market St Ste 300, San Jose, CA 95113

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
4.0 (23)
Avvo
4.8 (10)
Facebook
5.0 (2)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich in San Jose fights for the rights of individuals charged with offenses such as DUI/DWI, drug possession and intent to deliver, theft, gun crimes, and white-collar crimes. Founding attorney Nick Cvietkovich graduated from the Santa Clara University School of Law and worked in the Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office prior to starting his own practice. Mr. Cvietkovich is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the California DUI Lawyers Association.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Thomas Cvietkovich - FounderActive18 yrs
Daniel Lofgren - Associate AttorneyActive10 yrs

1885 The Alameda Suite 210, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Why choose this provider?

The Gordon Law Group offers legal services to people residing in the San Jose area. It represents individuals charged with DUI, drug abuse, sexual assault, and theft. In one of its cases, the firm obtained a dismissal for a client who had been accused of battery after proving that the alleged victim lied to the police in his statement. Senior partner Jack Gordon is a former SWAT team leader who served as the president of the Santa Cruz County Deputy Sheriff’s Association.

  • DWI/DUI

255 N Market St Suite 150, San Jose, CA 95110

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.5 (16)
Google
3.4 (10)
Yelp
5.0 (9)

Why choose this provider?

Ginny Bedi Law is a San Jose-based firm that represents individuals and families. It provides criminal defense for clients facing DUI charges. It also takes on cases involving felonies and misdemeanors. In addition, the law office handles family law matters such as child and spousal support and represents clients in divorce proceedings. Immigration law, personal injury, estate planning, and civil litigation are its other practice areas. Principal attorney Ginny Bedi has nearly two decades of legal experience.

  • DWI/DUI

255 West Julian Street Suite 501, San Jose, CA 95110

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Office of Dennis Smith Attorney at Law represents clients with criminal defense needs in San Jose and the surrounding locations. The firm's attorney personally handles the cases to cater to the legal needs of individuals and help them resolve their issues. The firm's practice areas include criminal defense, juvenile, and family law. It has served thousands of individuals and assisted in dealing with more than 100 appeals. Its team has over 30 years of experience in the legal field.

  • Juvenile Crimes

1625 The Alameda Ste 801, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
5.0 (147)
Google
5.0 (133)
Yelp
5.0 (56)

Why choose this provider?

Stephanie Rickard Attorney at Law offers criminal defense services in San Jose. Ms. Rickard has a combined 25 years of experience, serving as both a deputy district attorney in Santa Clara County and a defense attorney. Areas of practice include DUI/DWI, domestic violence, drug offenses, white-collar crimes, theft, and probation violations. Ms. Rickard oversees the firm, and she is a member of both the Santa Clara County and California Bar Associations.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Stephanie Rickard - PrincipalActive36 yrs

2 N. Market St., Ste. 444,, San Jose, CA 95113

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Avvo
4.7 (20)
Google
4.6 (19)
Yelp
4.5 (17)

Why choose this provider?

Edward N. Ajlouny Attorney at Law offers legal representation for individuals charged with a crime in the San Jose metro. Its legal team begins the process by reviewing the discovery evidence and crafting a legal plan to overcome obstacles by filing motions to suppress illegal evidence, challenging a search of premises or a person, and contesting coerced statements. Primary attorney Edward N. Ajlouny also provides legal counsel to guilty people to protect their rights in the criminal justice system.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Juvenile Crimes
  • Drug Crimes

111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Yelp
3.7 (3)
Google
5.0 (2)
Avvo
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Alan M. Lagod Attorney at Law has been protecting individuals in San Jose for over 35 Years. It represents those charged with a wide range of criminal offenses from misdemeanors to felonies. It handles cases that involve domestic violence, juvenile matters, DUIs, sex-related offenses, and white-collar crimes. It is headed by Lagod, who has experience in both defense and prosecution of criminal cases. He is a former public defender and taught juvenile law as an instructor.

  • Theft & Burglary
  • Domestic Violence
  • DWI/DUI

675 N 1st St Ste 675, San Jose, CA 95112

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (54)
Yelp
4.0 (22)
Avvo
5.0 (7)

Why choose this provider?

Law Offices of Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman is a San Jose criminal defense law firm that serves clients throughout Northern California. Practicing since 1983, founding member and senior partner Patrick Valencia has strong ties to the San Francisco Bay Area criminal justice system, handling most of the firm's juvenile crime cases. VIB Law also represents those arrested for or accused of crimes such as DUI, violent crimes, sex offenses, drug crimes, and domestic violence. It also handles the expungement of criminal records.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
Patrick Valencia - Senior Partner/ Founding MemberActive41 yrs
Cameron Bowman - PartnerActive35 yrs
Riccardo Ippolito - PartnerActive31 yrs

31 N. 2nd Street, Suite 325, San Jose, CA 95113

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Facebook
5.0 (6)
Google
3.3 (4)
Yelp
3.5 (2)

Why choose this provider?

Leaños Law Firm practices criminal defense law to help accused individuals in the San Jose community. Jaime Leaños represents clients facing felony and misdemeanor charges, such as assault and battery, fraud, DUI, vehicle manslaughter, drug possession, and domestic violence. Leaños uses his eight years of experience as a former Santa Clara County Public Defender when handling criminal cases. He also advocates for the victims of personal injury and police misconduct and has represented clients in civil and criminal courts.

  • DWI/DUI

2007 West Hedding Street, Room 103, San Jose, CA 95128

Why choose this provider?

Michael Horner Attorney at Law is owned by a solo practitioner who defends individuals in San Jose with criminal charges. Horner represents clients in legal proceedings for misdemeanors and felonies, such as three-strikes law offenses, theft, domestic violence, and drug crimes. He customizes his legal services by building strategies for each case and personally attending in-person DMV hearings for DUI. He has been practicing law for over 30 years and is a member of the California Public Defenders’ Association.

  • DWI/DUI

2570 North 1st Street Second Floor, San Jose, CA 95131

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
4.8 (130)
Yelp
4.5 (51)
Avvo
5.0 (3)

Why choose this provider?

Summit Defense provides criminal defense services to clients in the Bay Area with multiple offices in San Jose and surrounding cities. It represents clients against state and federal charges in DUI, assault, theft, probation violation, and other crimes, using a team approach to get different perspectives. The firm aims to avoid prosecution, reduce bail, win not guilty verdicts, and reduce charges and sentences. Its staff includes former prosecutors and police officers, who use that knowledge to defend clients.

Attorney Information

Attorney NameBar StatusExperience
James Reilly - Senior AttorneyActive49 yrs
Tennille Duffy - Associate AttorneyActive10 yrs
Tennille Duffy - AssociateActive10 yrs
Ross Pytlik - Senior AssociateActive19 yrs
Rabin Nabizadeh - OwnerActive19 yrs

79 Devine Street, Suite 201, San Jose, CA 95110

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (1)
Yelp
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

The Law Offices of Donald M. Kelly offers strategic criminal defense services to residents of San Jose and the rest of the Bay Area. Managing partner Donald Kelly practices criminal defense, taking on cases such as robbery, assault, manslaughter, fraud, drug crimes, and DUI. He also handles the cases of minors who have been charged with juvenile crimes. Kelly has been in practice for more than 25 years. In addition to criminal law, he offers services in the personal injury area.

  • DWI/DUI

1570 The Alameda Suite 212, San Jose, CA 95126

Expertise.com Rating

Review Sources

Google
5.0 (41)
Yelp
5.0 (39)
Justia
5.0 (1)

Why choose this provider?

Stadlin Marinho LLP is led by Dmitry Stadlin, a certified criminal law specialist. Since 2015, the firm has advocated for the rights of individuals dealing with criminal accusations, including theft, drug, violent, and sex crimes. Its attorneys also handle cases involving parole and probation violations and assist in obtaining post-conviction relief, such as criminal record expungement and arrest record sealing. In addition, they represent people with outstanding DUI warrants. Stadlin Marinho caters to clients in San Jose and the surrounding metros.

  • Probation Violation
  • Restraining Order
  • Theft & Burglary

Compare our Top Criminal Defense Lawyers

NameExpertise RatingAddressPromotionsLearn more
Javier Rios, San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney
San Jose, CA 95126
Camarena Law Office
111 N. Market St., Ste. 300, San Jose, CA 95113
Ahmed & Sukaram Attorneys at Law
1922 The Alameda Ste 201, San Jose, CA 95126
Law Offices of Thomas Nicholas Cvietkovich
111 N Market St Ste 300, San Jose, CA 95113
The Gordon Law Group
1885 The Alameda Suite 210, San Jose, CA 95126
Ginny Bedi Law
255 N Market St Suite 150, San Jose, CA 95110
The Law Office of Dennis Smith Attorney at Law
255 West Julian Street Suite 501, San Jose, CA 95110
Stephanie M. Rickard Attorney At Law
1625 The Alameda Ste 801, San Jose, CA 95126
Edward N. Ajlouny Attorney at Law
2 N. Market St., Ste. 444,, San Jose, CA 95113
Alan M. Lagod Attorney at Law
111 North Market Street, Suite 300, San Jose, CA 95113
Law Offices of Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman
675 N 1st St Ste 675, San Jose, CA 95112
Leaños Law Firm
31 N. 2nd Street, Suite 325, San Jose, CA 95113
Michael Horner Attorney at Law
2007 West Hedding Street, Room 103, San Jose, CA 95128
Summit Defense
2570 North 1st Street Second Floor, San Jose, CA 95131
The Law Offices of Donald M. Kelly
79 Devine Street, Suite 201, San Jose, CA 95110
Stadlin Marinho LLP
1570 The Alameda Suite 212, San Jose, CA 95126

Disclaimer:  Consumers utilizing Expertise.com are free to communicate and contract with any lawyer they choose. Expertise.com is not involved in the confidential attorney-client relationship. Featured lawyers pay a reasonable advertising cost to market their legal services with Expertise.com and must meet similar selection criteria as other lawyers. All cases are different. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

FAQs

  • What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in San Jose, California?

    Contact 408-277-8900 to report non-emergency cases in San Jose, California.

  • What are the common criminal offenses that occur in San Jose, California?

    The most common criminal offenses in San Jose include violent crimes such as aggravated assault and robbery, as well as property crimes like larceny and vehicle theft. A report from the local police department indicates a decrease of 1.02% in the total number of violent crimes and a 10.71% increase in the total number of property crimes between 2021 and the first half of 2022.

  • How can a lawyer help a person who has been accused of criminal charges in San Jose?

    A lawyer can help a person accused of criminal charges in San Jose by providing legal representation, investigating the charges, building a strong defense strategy, and negotiating with the prosecutor to reduce or dismiss the charges. They also offer guidance on navigating the legal system and understanding the consequences of the charges.

  • What is the government's time limit to file charges against someone who committed a crime in San Jose?

    The government's time limit to file charges against someone who committed a crime in San Jose depends on how serious the violation is. For misdemeanors, the time limit is one year, and three years for felonies. If the crime could result in eight or more years in prison, the limit is six years.

  • Can defendants in San Jose choose to give up their right to a quick trial?

    Yes, a defendant in San Jose may choose to give up their right to a quick trial. If they do, there's no specific time limit for when the trial must happen. However, if the prosecutor waits too long to start the trial, the defendant's lawyer can ask the court to dismiss the charges by filing something called a "Serna motion." If the motion is successful, the charges will be dropped.

  • What offenses are considered misdemeanors in San Jose?

    Misdemeanors refer to less serious criminal offenses like petty theft, simple assault, disorderly conduct, DUI, minor drug possession, domestic violence, and traffic violations. The punishment for misdemeanors in San Jose can be a maximum of six months in jail or a fine of up to $1,000. However, some misdemeanors can carry a sentence of up to 364 days in jail and/or a fine exceeding $1,000, depending on the severity of the misconduct.