Subscribe to Our Free Newsletter

Download Our Free Guide

Know and Protect Your Rights in a Criminal Defense Matter

Download Our Free Guide

Know and Protect Your Rights in a Criminal Defense Matter

Oakland Criminal Lawyers

We Take The Criminal out of Criminal Defense

The Nieves Law Firm, APC assists people in criminal, contempt, and restraining order cases throughout Alameda, Contra Costa, Marin, Solano, San Francisco, Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, San Joaquin, Sacramento, Napa, and San Mateo counties. We also serve people throughout the state of California in post-conviction relief matters such as 1170(d) requests, Franklin Hearings, Youth Offender Parole Hearings, Writs, Motions for New Trials, Motions to Vacate, Expungements, and Certificates of Rehabilitation. No matter how simple or complex your situation our Oakland criminal lawyers are here to protect your rights and your future.

Our defense firm was founded to help those who find themselves unexpectedly caught in the California criminal justice system. We are energetic and aggressive in our efforts to extricate you from your situation and help you get your life back on track. We care about our clients and that makes us strive for positive results in your case.

A year ago i recieved a call from Jo-anna, asking if i was ready to handle my case. I wasnt sure so she mentioned she will call me in a couple months to check in. A whole year later of putting her calls aside, i decide im ready and still she calls. Now, my case has been settled completely in my favor, thanks to everyone at Nieves Law Firm who handled the case.

-Matthew

I had gone through two other attorneys before I decided to hire the Nieves Law Firm and I couldn’t be happier with my decision. They were compassionate and understanding of my needs and were able to help me resolve my matters at a fraction of the cost that I would’ve spent on other attorneys.

-Kat Nguyen

Nieves law firm was there for me when I needed them the most. They were very professional and very thorough in my case handling. My situation was resolved on the first hearing. I wish I had hired them initially and most probably I would not have to go through hell.

-Ajit C. Via Google

Click Here to See More Reviews

Testimonials

Contempt

Domestic Violence drug

Drug Charges DUI

DUI/DWI

Expungement

Juvenile

Restraining Order retain

Sex Crime

Assault

Strong Criminal Defense When You Need It Most

Being charged with a criminal offense is a serious matter. It can be difficult to know where to turn and what to do. With more than 20 years of collective legal experience in the field of criminal defense, the Nieves Law Firm, APC is ready to assume your defense and fight to protect your future rights and freedoms.

Contempt
Contenpt2

Contempt Attorneys in Oakland, CA serving Alameda County, Contra Costa County and the surrounding Bay Area

Contempt law is a complicated, difficult and often confusing field of law. Our skilled team of defense attorneys have much experience with these challenging issues and always aim to achieve results through a combination of our expertise and professionalism. We place our clients’ best interests at heart and fight to defend their freedom, protect their reputation, and secure the best outcome in their matter.

Contempt of Court

Contempt charges can surface when an individual subjected to a court order fails to suitably comply with the requirements of the order

Domestic Violence
domestic2

The Nieves Law Firm serves clients throughout the Bay Area and provides legal advice and representation on domestic violence cases for individuals in Oakland, CA and throughout Alameda and the surrounding counties.

Domestic Violence is defined as the abuse or threats of abuse when the parties involved have an intimate relationship. These cases are often personal and can be extremely complicated without a skilled attorney on your side. The lawyers here at The Nieves Law Firm are experienced in these challenging matters and provide professional, results driven and trustworthy assistance.

Drug Charges
drug2

What Type Of Drug Cases Does Your Firm Typically Handle?

There are two main types of drug offense cases: possession offenses and sales-related offenses. Simple possession can be for personal use and then there’s possession for the purposes of sale. There are charges that are related to being under the influence of certain types of drugs, and those related to other offenses, like driving under the influence. Our criminal defense attorneys handles all of these common drug offenses.

General Information:

How Does California Address Drug Paraphernalia Issues?
Do Most Drug-Related Cases Go To Trial Or Do They Settle?

DUI/DWI
DUI2

The Nieves Law Firm has successfully defended numerous Driving Under the Influence of alcohol or drugs (DUI) cases for our clients. An individual arrested for DUI faces a number of punishments if convicted, the consequences include the possibility of:

Incarceration
Monetary fines
Probation
Driving License Suspension
DUI School
Ignition Interlock Device Installation

Expungement

At The Nieves Law Firm, we can assist you with your California expungement needs. Our firm is dedicated to taking care of your legal needs and addressing situations that may affect your reputation, liberty and freedom. We are dedicated to developing strong legal solutions to our clients’ issues in both an effective and efficient manner. We have a wealth of experience in legal remedies of this kind throughout Alameda, Contra Costa and the surrounding Bay Area.

Juvenile
juvenile2

What Are The Common Types Of Juvenile Cases That Your Firm Handles?

The most common juvenile offense cases that we handle are narcotics and auto burglary offenses. There are two classes of juvenile cases in California; cases where the individual is actually eligible for a genuine punishment and others that offer a diversionary program where if the person follows all rules, the case is then sealed and it goes away. That can be done on some fairly serious cases, even sex offense cases.

What Are The Penalties Associated With Juvenile Convictions?
Are There Any Alternative Programs Available To Juvenile Offenders?

Restraining Order
retain2

Based in Oakland, CA, The Nieves Law Firm is a trusted law firm experienced in dealing with restraining order cases for individuals in Alameda County, Contra Costa County and the surrounding Bay Area.

Restraining Order defense is an area of the law that requires knowledgeable and trustworthy attorneys with substantial experience. When looking to defend your freedoms and challenge a possible restraining order taken out against you, our exemplary lawyers will support you every step of the way in a professional manner, offering advice and representation that always reflects your interests.

Sex Crime

Sex crimes may be classified as misdemeanors or felonies, but all of them are serious offenses with consequences that could haunt you for years to come. So, if you are facing charges—potential or realized—for any sex crime in California, it may be wise to talk to an attorney who understands these offenses and knows how to handle them in court.

An Oakland sex crimes lawyer could explain your charge’s legal implications, advise you on how to protect your rights, and devise a strategy to protect your reputation and your future.

Free Case Consultation

Our Creed

GET AN INSIDE LOOK AT OUR OFFICE AND OUR STAFF

We believe that mistakes and failures are an opportunity to learn and grow.
That knowledge is power and our experiences are the most powerful lessons of all.
We believe that people are strong and resilient.
That when you fall down you can get right back up and that our scars are simply stories for us to tell.
We believe in compassion, forgiveness, and rehabilitation. That people are beautiful and change just like seasons.
We believe in thoughtful communication and plans for a brighter future. Solving problems with open doors and listening ears.
We believe in restoring reputations and dreams. That we aren’t defined by our worst mistake and obstacles are meant to get over.
We are overcomers.
We believe in making an impact and being a catalyst for change.
Giving back to our communities, providing access to justice and mentoring our youth.

We believe in travel, road trips, and vacations – that you and your freedom of movement shouldn’t be restricted.
We believe in being there for our clients to talk to in their time of need.
In offering support and reassurance that everything is going to be okay because we believe… everything is going to be okay.
We believe that we should all be truthful in the things we say and have integrity — in creating trusting relationships with our clients
and yes — we believe in celebratory hugs.

At The Nieves Law Firm we believe in taking the criminal out of criminal defense.

We believe in You

Meet Our Team

Our team of experienced criminal lawyers in Oakland are available to defend you and your loved ones. To learn more about our experience and what we can do to help check below:

Jo-Anna Nieves Founding Attorney When you are charged with a criminal offense, you need a strong, experienced, and committed advocate. It’s a role that Jo-Anna Nieves has assumed many times, with great success. Jo-Anna began her po... Read More

Martina Avalos Senior Attorney Martina Avalos is an experienced, passionate trial attorney with an unwavering commitment to criminal defense. She is a Bay Area native who firmly believes that the foundation of her success in the legal f... Read More

Grace Goodman Attorney Grace Goodman goes all-in for her clients, displaying an unwavering enthusiasm to protect the rights of every person she represents. Grace is a defense attorney at The Nieves Law Firm, focusing on crimes r... Read More

Learn More

Case Results

Check Out some of the results we've secured for clients

Possession of Methamphetamines with Immigration Consequences

Outcome: Outcome – Case Dismissed after Completion of Drug Court

Marijuana Possession for Sale

Outcome: Outcome – All Charges Dismissed and Property Ordered to be Returned to Client

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Outcome: Outcome – Deferred Entry of Judgment

Airport Drug Charges

Outcome: Outcome – Case Dismissed

Misdemeanor Domestic Battery

Outcome: Case Dismissed without Trial

Motion to Vacate (Immigration Purposes)

Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted

Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)

Outcome: Restraining Order Denied and Sealed

Multiple Misdemeanor Domestic Battery Charges

Outcome: Both Cases Dismissed Prior to Trial

First Offese DUI

Outcome: No Charges Filed

Title IX Sexual Assault Allegations

Outcome: No Criminal Charges Filed & Detention

Multiple Felony Forcible Lewd Conduct Acts Upon a Child – PC 288 (b)(1)

Outcome: No Jail Time & No Sex Offender Registration

3 Misdemeanor Charges Related to Child Molestation and Contempt

Outcome: Pled to 1 Petty Misdemeanor and Not Required to Register as Sex Offender

Sexual Battery & Domestic Violence Restraining Order

Outcome: No Charges Filed & Restraining Order Rejected

Rape and 22 Other Felony Charges

Outcome: Pled to Accessory After the Fact & Immediately Released from Custody

23 Felony Counts Ranging from Sodomy, Oral Copulation, Rape, and Domestic Violence

Outcome: All 23 Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed after Preliminary Hearing

Felony Sexual Battery & Restraining Order

Outcome: No Charges Filed and Restraining Order Denied

Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)

Outcome: DVRO Dismissed for Client in Santa Clara County

Elder Abuse Restraining Order (EARO)

Outcome: Abuse Restraining Order Dismissed

Workplace Violence Restraining Order (WVRO)

Outcome: Workplace Violence Restraining Order Dismissed

Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)

Outcome: DVRO Granted for Client in San Francisco County

Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO)

Outcome: Restraining Order Denied and Attorney Fees Granted

Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO)

Governor’s Pardon

Outcome: Pardon Granted

Resentencing Request

Outcome: New Sentence Granted

Resentencing Request

Outcome: New Sentence Granted

Certificate of Rehabilitation

Outcome: Certificate of Rehabilitation Granted

Petition to Seal an Arrest

Outcome: Petition to Seal Granted

Contracting without a License

Outcome: Stipulated Early Termination & Dismissal Upon Payment of Fine

Resisting Arrest

Outcome: Pled Down to an Infraction

Motion to Vacate – PC 236.14 (Human Trafficking)

Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted

Writ of Error Coram Nobis (Immigration Purposes)

Outcome: Writ of Error Coram Nobis Granted

Motion to Vacate (Immigration Purposes)

Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted

Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Kidnapping, & Strike Allegations

Outcome: Kidnapping and Sentence Enhancements Dismissed. Pled to a Non-Strike Disposition

Insurance Fraud

Outcome: Charges Dismissed

Felony Insurance Fraud (PC 550(a)(1) & PC 550(b)(1))

Outcome: Pled to Accessory After the Fact

Precharging Felony Fraud

Outcome: Pled to Accessory After the Fact

4 Felony Counts of Fraud: Misrepresentation, Perjury Welfare

Outcome: Case Dismissed

Aggravated DUI

Outcome: Pled Down to “Wet Reckless”

Hit & Run DUI

Outcome: Pled to Non-DUI Misdemeanor & No License Suspension

Third-Offense DUI

Outcome: Favorable Plea Agreement & No Jail Time

Two Drunk Driving DUIs

Outcome: Not Guilty on One Count & Other Count Dismissed

Corporal Injury to a Spouse

Outcome: Charges Not Filed after Conferring with DA

Corporal Injury to a Spouse, Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and Resisting Arrest

Outcome: Deferred Judgement (Charges Dismissed After Completion)

2 Separate Cases of Domestic Battery

Outcome: Both Cases Dismissed

Domestic Violence & Domestic Violence Restraining Order

Outcome: Client Found Not Guilty

Misdemeanor Corporal Injury to a Spouse

Outcome: Client Not Found Guilty

Domestic Violence

Outcome: Not Guilty on All Counts

Possession of a Controlled Substance, Resisting Arrest, & Child Abuse

Outcome: All Charges Dismissed without Trial

Methamphetamine & Paraphernalia Drug Charges

Outcome: Case Dismissed and Record Sealed

Contempt of a Court Order

Outcome: Case Dismissed

Felony-Strike Assault on a Police Officer with a Deadly Weapon

Outcome: Pled to a Misdemeanor & Avoided a Felony Conviction

Sexual Assault

Outcome: Dismissed

Drug Charges

Outcome: Dismissed and Sealed

3 Misdemeanor Charges Related to Child Molestation and Contempt

Outcome: Client Plead No Contest to Annoying Telephone Calls, No Sex Offender Registry

Multiple Felony Forcible Lewd Conduct Acts Upon a Child – PC 288 (b)(1)

Outcome: Favorable Plea Agreement Reached, No Prison Time

Felony Sexual Battery & Restraining Order

Outcome: No Charges Filed & Restraining Order Dismissed

23 Felony Counts Ranging from Sodomy, Oral Copulation, Rape, and Domestic Violence

Outcome: All 23 Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence Charges Dismissed after Preliminary Hearing

Insurance Fraud

Outcome: Dismissal of Charges

Hit and Run DUI

Outcome: Pled to non-DUI Misdemeanor

Contempt of a Court Order

Outcome: Case Dismissed

Petition to Seal

Outcome: Petition to Seal Granted

Motion to Vacate – PC 236.14 (Human Trafficking)

Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted

Motion to Vacate – PC 236.14 (Human Trafficking)

Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted

Motion to Vacate – PC 236.14 (Human Trafficking)

Outcome: Motion to Vacate Granted

Resisting Arrest

Outcome: Charge Pled Down to an Infraction

Rape and 22 Other Felony Charges

Outcome: Client Pled Guilty to One Count of Accessory After the Fact

Civil Harassment Restraining Order

Outcome: Civil Harassment Restraining Order Denied

Felony-Strike Assault on a Police Officer with a Deadly Weapon

Outcome: Reduced to a Misdemeanor

DVRO + Sexual Battery

Outcome: Dismissed

Child Abuse, Drug Charges

Outcome: Dismissed

Felon in Possession of Firearm

Outcome: 3yr SP

Contracting Without a License

Outcome: Stipulated Early Termination and Dismissal Upon Payment of Fine

See More Case Results

How We Help With Your Case

Call Us

Give us a call or contact us online so we can schedule a meeting to discuss your legal needs.

Schedule a Meeting

Schedule a meeting with our intake coordinator so we can determine the best plan to solve your legal problems.

Take Back Your Life

We work to resolve your legal problems so you can focus on what is most important to you.

SCHEDULE A FREE CONSULTATION

Importance of an Oakland Criminal Lawyer

Being charged with a criminal offense is a serious matter. It can be difficult to know where to turn and what to do. With more than 20 years of collective legal experience in the field of criminal defense, the Oakland defense attorneys with the Nieves Law Firm, APC are ready to assume your defense and fight to protect your future rights and freedoms.

All forms of criminal charges, particularly felonies and misdemeanors, can have a severe and debilitating impact on your future, and it is essential that you enlist the services of a skilled criminal defense attorney who will fight to procure the best possible outcome in your case—no matter the circumstances.

Whether you have been accused of a civil offense such as contempt or a request for a restraining order or a criminal offense related to drugs, DUI, battery, sexual assault, or theft we are here to provide you with experience-driven and results-proven representation. Whenever we take on a client, we create a customized defense strategy designed to match your specific needs and circumstances. To discuss how we can help you, schedule a consultation with one of our Oakland Criminal Lawyer’s today.