The best criminal defense lawyers in San Jose in 2026 include Ahmed & Sukaram, led by a State Bar Certified Specialist, Vijay Law for domestic violence and restraining orders, Nan L. Bucknell for record clearing, Roberts | Elliott Law Corp. for long Santa Clara County experience, and Summit Defense.
| Firm | Office | Focus | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Ahmed & Sukaram | The Alameda | Felonies and misdemeanors | Clients wanting a certified specialist |
| 2. Vijay Law | Downtown San Jose | Domestic violence and restraining orders | Domestic violence allegations |
| 3. Nan L. Bucknell | The Alameda | Record clearing and domestic violence | People with visa concerns |
| 4. Roberts | Elliott Law Corp. | Campbell & West Valley | Drug, traffic and DUI cases | Long-time local experience |
| 5. Summit Defense (San Jose) | North San Jose | Bay Area criminal defense | North San Jose clients |
In Silicon Valley, a criminal case can affect an H-1B, a green card or a security clearance, so raise those early. Criminal cases here are mostly heard at the Hall of Justice downtown.
A State Bar Certified Specialist, per the firm.
Ahmed & Sukaram serves Santa Clara and San Mateo counties, and Nafiz Ahmed is described as a State Bar Certified Specialist.
1625 The Alameda, Suite 405, San Jose, CA 95126
Domestic violence is a core area.
Vijay Dinakar defends domestic violence and restraining order cases as well as DUI, and addresses immigration exposure.
255 N Market St, Suite 280, San Jose, CA 95110
Addresses H-1B and green card effects.
Nan L. Bucknell handles domestic violence, DUI and record clearing, and her site addresses effects on visas.
1010 W Taylor St, San Jose, CA 95126
Over 35 years of Santa Clara County defense, per the firm.
Roberts | Elliott Law Corp. handles drug and marijuana crimes, traffic violations and domestic violence as well as DUI.
1875 S Bascom Ave, Suite 2400, Campbell, CA 95008
Several Bay Area offices.
Summit Defense has a team of named defense lawyers and an office on North First Street.
2570 N 1st St, 2nd Floor, San Jose, CA 95131
Stay polite, give your identifying details, say you want a lawyer and don't answer questions without one. Don't discuss the case on a jail phone, because calls can be recorded.
Many convictions can be dismissed through expungement after probation, and some arrests sealed. Eligibility depends on the offense. Ask a lawyer what applies.
Many charge a flat fee by charge and stage of the case. Ask whether a trial is included. If you can't afford a lawyer and could go to jail, the court can appoint a public defender.