Bay Area Criminal Defense Lawyers
We Take The “Criminal”
Out Of Criminal Defense.®
For people who have too much to lose.
Bay Area Criminal Lawyers
Trusted By National Media For Legal Insight.
When networks like ABC News, Court TV, Forbes, and Nancy Grace Crime Stories need a criminal defense perspective, they call our founding attorney, Jo-Anna Nieves. With 347,000+ YouTube subscribers, she’s become one of the most recognized voices in criminal defense education.
Jo-Anna Nieves on Forensic Testimony and Criminal Responsibility in the Lindsay Clancy Trial
Jo-Anna Nieves joins Court TV to analyze forensic testimony and the question of criminal responsibility in MA v. Lindsay Clancy, including how jurors may weigh a forensic psychologist’s credibility and why a neutral, well-supported evaluation matters to the defense.
What the Evidence Must Prove in an Oakland Violent Crime Case
Jo-Anna Nieves explains how an Oakland violent crime defense begins with a careful review of the evidence rather than the seriousness of the allegation, and what prosecutors are actually required to prove.
Jo-Anna Nieves on Where the Evidence Stands in the Hamptons Yacht Case
Jo-Anna Nieves joins Nancy Grace to examine the evidentiary questions in the Hamptons yacht case involving fashion designer Martha Nolan, including how the reported evidence carries different weight in a civil action than in a criminal prosecution.
Defense Against Serious Bay Area Charges
Dismissed. Reduced. Resolved.
Our attorneys have achieved dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes in courthouses across the Bay Area and Sacramento. Every case is different, but our commitment never changes.
Denied & Sealed
Felony Strike Avoided
Released from ICE Detention
Case Dismissed
Not Guilty & Dismissed
Not Guilty
All 23 Charges Dismissed
Dismissed & Immigration Protected
Bay Area Criminal Defense Attorneys
You're Not Defined By Your Charges.
A criminal charge can feel like the end of everything — your career, your reputation, your family’s trust. But being charged doesn’t mean being convicted. And even when mistakes were made, you deserve a defense that treats you like a person, not a case number.
Our job is simple: fight aggressively for the best possible outcome while helping you protect what matters most. You’re not alone in this.
Defense Against Serious Bay Area Charges
Dismissed. Reduced. Resolved.
Our attorneys have achieved dismissals, reductions, and favorable outcomes in courthouses across the Bay Area and Sacramento. Every case is different, but our commitment never changes.
Criminal Record Threatening Your Immigration Status?
If you are a non-citizen facing criminal charges — or dealing with a past conviction affecting your status — we can help. Jo-Anna Nieves is known throughout California for Motion to Vacate work under PC 1473.7.
The Process — And Where We Come In.
If you’ve been arrested or are under investigation, here’s what happens next.
Arrest & Booking
You’re taken into custody, photographed, fingerprinted, and held until bail is set or you’re released. This is where what you say matters most — exercise your right to remain silent and call an attorney.
Arraignment
Your first court appearance, typically within 48 hours. Charges are read, you enter a plea, and bail may be modified. Having an attorney here sets the tone for everything that follows.
Discovery & Investigation
We review every piece of evidence the prosecution has, identify weaknesses, and build the foundation for your defense. This is where cases are often won.
Pre-Trial Motions
We file motions to suppress illegally obtained evidence, challenge procedural errors, and narrow the prosecution’s case before trial.
Bay Area Criminal Defense Law Firm
When You Call, We Answer. When You Need Us, We're There
You’re not just hiring an attorney. You’re hiring a team — and the size of that team matters more than most people realize.
A Powerful Defense Team on Your Side
The Nieves Law Firm isn’t a solo practice with a fancy website. We have 8 attorneys, a dedicated intake team, legal assistants, and operations staff across six offices. When your case needs attention, someone is always available to give it. Why does this matter? Because criminal cases don’t wait for convenient hours. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Court deadlines pass. The difference between a good outcome and a bad one is often how quickly your defense gets moving.
You Won't Get Lost In The Shuffle
With some firms, you sign up and then can’t get anyone on the phone. That won’t happen here. We have a Client Engagement Attorney and a full intake team whose only job is making sure you’re informed, prepared, and never left wondering what’s happening with your case.
Multiple Offices · Statewide Representation
We appear in courthouses from Alameda to Yolo, Sacramento to San Francisco. Wherever your case is filed, we know the courts, the procedures, and the local landscape.
How Our Bay Area Criminal Defense Team Works
The Way Criminal Defense Should Work.
Our founding principle is simple: you deserve to be treated like a person, not a case number. Here’s what that looks like in practice.
We Start Before You're Even Charged
If you’re under investigation, the window to influence the outcome is right now — before charges are filed. We engage with prosecutors early, present mitigating evidence, and fight to prevent charges when possible.
We Protect More Than Your Freedom
For working professionals, the real damage often isn’t jail time — it’s what a conviction does to your career, your professional license, your reputation. “We Take the ‘Criminal’ Out of Criminal Defense” isn’t just a tagline. We fight for outcomes that let you move forward with your life intact.
We Actually Keep You Informed
Criminal cases can drag on for months. The waiting is brutal, especially when you don’t know what’s happening. We don’t disappear between court dates. You’ll hear from us regularly, and when you reach out, you’ll get a response.
We Prepare Every Case for Trial
Most cases settle. But prosecutors negotiate differently when they know your attorney will actually try the case. Our managing attorney Darryl Stallworth has tried 60+ jury trials. That reputation shows up at the bargaining table.
Bay Area Criminal Defense Lawyers
An Entire Team Behind You. One Mission: Your Defense.
With offices across the Bay Area and Sacramento, we have the resources to handle your case with the attention it deserves.
The Full Team
Michael Levinsohn, Grace Goodman, Mariah Massa, Christie Fram, Andrew Nugent, Alejandra Camacho, Darryl Stallworth, Alexandra Knopova — plus paralegals, legal assistants, intake staff, and client support across all six offices.
Top-Rated Bay Area Criminal Lawyer
Don't Just Take Our Word For It.
We’ve helped hundreds of clients through the worst moments of their lives. Here’s what they have to say.
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
As a former federal prosecutor, I can speak to the value of a top-notch criminal defense attorney. If you find yourself charged with a crime in California, do yourself a favor and call this law firm.
Tom S. Via Google
Jo-Anna and her staff and attorneys went above and beyond in helping me to resolve my difficult and time-consuming case.
Michael C. Via Google
Jo-Anna is an outstanding attorney, she is not only professional, hard working and really good at her work, she studies the case so well in detail that as a client I felt so comfortable that she can best represent me in the court. I spoke to many other attorneys before hiring Jo-Anna but after talking to her I knew she is the best and I am so happy I took that decision. She knows what she is doing, so have patience and she has excellent knowledge about the process and great skills on building strategies, I will recommend her anytime and If I need any further legal help I will go back to her.
Anjana G. Via Yelp
Punctual with telephone and in-person meetings. I have had an overall positive experience with The Nieves Law Firm. I would retain their services again if I ever found the need as well as recommend them to friends and colleagues.
Tucker B. Via Google
“Ms. Nieves was very professional, direct and effective. I have had many dealings with other attorneys and Ms. Nieves was superior in every facet.”
Gabriel P. Via Google
Experienced Criminal Defense Lawyers in the Bay Area
Questions ?
We Have Answers.
What should I do immediately after being arrested in the Bay Area?
Stay calm and exercise your rights. You have the right to remain silent — use it. Politely decline to answer questions beyond providing your identification. Do not consent to searches. Contact a criminal defense attorney as soon as possible, even before speaking with family. What you say in the first 24 hours can significantly impact your case.
What happens at an arraignment in California?
The arraignment is your first court appearance after being charged. The judge reads the charges, informs you of your rights, and asks you to enter a plea (guilty, not guilty, or no contest). Bail may be set or modified. Having an attorney present at arraignment is critical — it sets the tone for your entire case.
Can a criminal conviction affect my immigration status?
Yes — this is one of the most serious consequences many people overlook. Certain convictions can trigger deportation, make you inadmissible, or prevent naturalization. If you’re not a U.S. citizen, you need an attorney who understands both criminal and immigration law. This is one of our specialties.
How much does a criminal defense attorney cost in the Bay Area?
Fees vary based on the complexity of your case, the charges you are facing, and whether your case goes to trial. We offer free consultations so you can understand your situation before committing to anything. We also offer payment plans for clients who need flexibility. The cost of not having proper representation is almost always higher than the cost of hiring an attorney.
What is a Motion to Vacate under PC 1473.7?
PC 1473.7 allows you to vacate a conviction if your prior attorney failed to properly advise you about immigration consequences. If you pled guilty without understanding how the conviction would affect your status, you may be able to have it vacated. Our founding attorney Jo-Anna Nieves handles these complex cases.
Can criminal charges be dropped or dismissed in California?
Yes. Charges can be dropped before filing, dismissed after filing, reduced through negotiation, or result in acquittal at trial. The outcome depends on the evidence, the circumstances of your arrest, and the strength of your defense. We’ve achieved dismissals across a wide range of charges.
Can I get my criminal record expunged in California?
Many convictions can be expunged under PC 1203.4, which dismisses the case after you complete probation. Expungement helps with employment and housing applications. We can evaluate your eligibility and guide you through the process.
What is the difference between a misdemeanor & felony in California?
Misdemeanors carry a maximum sentence of up to one year in county jail. Felonies carry sentences exceeding one year and can result in state prison. Some offenses are wobblers that can be charged as either, depending on the facts and your criminal history. The classification affects your rights, your record, and your future.
How long does a criminal case take in the Bay Area?
It depends on the charges and complexity. Misdemeanors might resolve in a few months. Felonies can take a year or more, especially if the case goes to trial. We keep you informed throughout the process so you’re never wondering what’s happening.
Should I talk to the police if I am innocent?
No. Even if you’re completely innocent, speaking to police without an attorney present can hurt your case. Statements can be taken out of context, misremembered, or used against you in ways you don’t anticipate. The smart move: politely decline to answer questions and contact a criminal defense attorney immediately.
Bay Area Criminal Lawyer Near Me
Bay Area Coverage.
Multiple Offices.
Ready to Fight for You.
From Oakland to Sacramento, San Francisco to Stockton — wherever you’re facing charges in Northern California, we’re there. Our attorneys appear in courthouses across the region every day.
Cities We Serve
Areas We Serve
Bay Area
The Nieves Law Firm
Your Future Is
Worth Fighting For
If you or someone you care about is facing criminal charges in the Bay Area, the next decision matters. Call us for a confidential consultation.
100% Confidential
Se Habla Español
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