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Sonoma County Bail Schedules

Attorney Reviewed by Jo-Anna Nieves, Esq. · August 20, 2026

Insights From Our Attorneys

One of the biggest misconceptions about criminal defense is that every case is headed for trial. In reality, a significant part of our job is evaluating the strengths and weaknesses of the evidence, understanding how different District Attorney's Offices approach particular offenses, and positioning our client for the best possible outcome.
Jo-Anna Nieves, Founding Attorney.
In serious felony cases, local courtroom experience matters. Knowing how judges manage evidentiary issues and how prosecutors in different counties evaluate violent offenses can influence litigation strategy from the earliest stages.
Jo-Anna Nieves, Founding Attorney.
250+
Reviews
★★★★★
Inc 5000 2025Best of OaklandLF500 Honoree 2024Seminole 2025
Super Lawyers 2025Best of Oakland 2025BOBA 2025Expertise.com 2025 Criminal Defense
Expertise.com 2025Expertise.com 2025 DUIBest of Buzz Awards 2026 Fairfield-Suisun badge

Practice Areas

Author Bio

Jo-Anna Nieves
Written by

Jo-Anna Nieves

Jo-Anna Nieves is the Founder and Managing Attorney of The Nieves Law Firm, an Oakland criminal defense law firm she created in 2012. With more than 14 years of experience in criminal defense, she has zealously represented clients in a wide range of legal matters, including DUIs, domestic violence, expungement, federal crimes, juvenile law, motions to vacate, sex crimes, violent crimes, and other criminal charges. Jo-Anna has received numerous accolades for her work, including being named a Super Lawyer Rising Star the past 9 years, the #12 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the U.S. by Law Firm 500 in 2019, and one of the fastest growing companies in the U.S. by Inc 5000 in 2023 and 2024. LinkedIn | State Bar Association | Avvo | Google
Top-Rated Bay Area Criminal Lawyers

Don’t Just Take Our Word For It

We’ve helped hundreds of clients through the worst moments of their lives. Here is what a few of them had to say.
“

Friendly and professional. Great attorney with an abundance of knowledge and a go getter mentality. Very thorough and responsive to needs and wants, she will truly get you what you have requested from her. I would definitely recommend Jo-Anna and her firm to anyone seeking legal assistance.

★★★★★
S
Shirley
J.

Jo-Anna Nieves is amazing! She knows how to win cases, her firm is super professional and effective at what they do. She is worth the time and fee. She is confident, kind, detailed and through. You can tell she skillful with law and she takes her cases very serious. I have recommended her firm to someone who was very pleased with her. They were amazed at how good she was and how well she represented them. If you’re looking for solid representation go with Nieve law firm you won’t be disappointed.

★★★★★
M
Marie
F.

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. My matters were extremely stressful and Chelsie was able to put me at ease on many occasions. When my case was finally over, I felt a weight lifted off my shoulders. Thank you Chelsie, Joanna and team for helping me through one of the most difficult times in my life. I wouldn’t have been able to do this on my own.

★★★★★
K
Kat
Nguyen

I called The Nieves Law Firm seeking an attorney for Probate Court abuse issues. Though, it was not the area of law they practice, their Legal Administrative Asst. Nadia was more than cordial and professional. Usually, office personnel rush you off of the phone, but not The Nieves Law Firm. They even followed up with an email. Now that’s Customer Service. Thank you for treating me with integrity and respect….it’s rare these days. May your firm prosper abundantly! Blessings!

★★★★★
V
Venus
Gist

Ms. Nieves is dedicated, thorough and personable. She exceeded my expectations and the proof is in the graceful resolution of my case. Working with Ms. Nieves made navigating the courtroom comprehensible and convenient. Her tenacious representation and positive direction lead me from my case into an overall stronger position in my career; in this way my experience with her affects me far beyond this interaction and I am very grateful. If you’re looking for a fierce and persistent advocate, I highly recommend Ms. Nieves.

★★★★★
A
Atiba
K.

I can’t recommend Nieves Law Firm enough. I spoke to a dozen attorneys and couldn’t find someone to represent me as the plaintiff but even though Jo-Anna represents defendants, she was more than willing to help me with my case and did an amazing job. She was very responsive and always made sure that she made sure to check in with me about what I wanted as far as the outcome of the case. She was very calm, patient and extremely knowledgeable. She took a lot of time and paid close to details. She also made sure I was informed of all possible outcomes from multiple sides. I was very impressed and would definitely recommend her!

★★★★★
A
Ashley
B.

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.

Our Locations

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.

Call (510) 879-7549

100% Confidential

Se Habla Español

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