Bay Area · Sacramento · Stockton
You know what you are charged with. Now what?
Understanding the charge is the easy part. What decides the outcome is what happens in the first few weeks — what gets said, what gets preserved, and who is talking to the prosecutor before the file hardens.
- Former Alameda County Bar Association President leading the firm
- A team that defends these cases every week, not occasionally
- Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff
- A free and confidential conversation with no obligation
Talk to our team now
Confidential, with no obligation.
Thank you, we have your details
Someone from our intake team will call you shortly. If this is urgent, call us now on (510) 858-2452, we will pick up.
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What is at stake
A criminal case is decided by what can be proven, not by what happened. That gap is where a defense lives — the stop, the search, the chain of custody, who said what and when. The sooner someone is looking at it, the more of it is still there to find.
The first weeks decide more than the trial
Evidence gets collected, witnesses get interviewed and the prosecutor forms a view. Almost every case is shaped before anyone sees a courtroom.
Anything you explain can be used
People talk because they are innocent and want it cleared up. That conversation becomes the state's evidence, and it cannot be taken back.
A conviction outlives the sentence
Housing, licensing, immigration and employment all read the record. The sentence ends; the record does not.
Charges we defend
- Assault and battery
- Domestic violence
- Restraining orders
- DUI and driving offenses
- Drug charges
- Theft and burglary
- Weapons charges
- Sex offenses
- Fraud
- Felonies
- Title IX proceedings
- Post-conviction relief
What happens when you call
01
You speak to a person
Not a call center and not a voicemail. Our intake team takes the details of your situation.
02
A free conversation
Our team listens to what you are facing, explains the process ahead, and answers your questions. No cost, no obligation.
03
A plan, in writing
If we take your case you get clear next steps and a fee quoted in writing before you commit to anything.
What our clients say
★★★★★
4.8 out of 5 on Google.
Read them on Google →
★★★★★
“The Nieves Law Firm is, without question, the most exceptional legal team I have ever worked with. I originally chose them because of the firm's founding attorney, Jo-Anna Nieves. Her background as a past President of the Alameda County Bar Association, and her credibility as a contributor on Nancy Grace…”
Ms. E.Google review · 7 months ago
★★★★★
“Going through a TRO case is incredibly stressful, but having the right lawyer changed everything. My attorney was sharp, organized, and genuinely cared about my outcome. They explained the process clearly, prepared thoroughly, and made sure my side was fully and accurately presented.”
Alina A.Google review · 5 months ago
★★★★★
“It started with our intake person Aaron and quickly moved to getting assigned an attorney, Michael Levinsohn, who is well qualified to handle restraining order cases. It was great to know his years of experience and being bilingual…”
Elvira G.Google review · a year ago
Testimonials reflect the experience of individual clients. They are not a guarantee, warranty or prediction of the outcome of any other case.
Questions people ask us
Do I need a lawyer if the police contacted me but I am not charged?
This is the most useful moment to have a lawyer, and the one people most often let pass. Before charges are filed there is still room to present your side to the prosecutor. Do not speak to investigators on your own first.
I already told the police my side. Is it too late?
No, and it is the most common thing people tell us. What you said becomes part of the record, and the work is to put it in context before the prosecutor reads it as an admission. Tell your lawyer exactly what you said, including the parts you regret.
How quickly do I need to decide?
Sooner is materially better, and not for the reason people assume. It is not about court dates — it is that evidence disappears. Video is overwritten, witnesses forget, phones get wiped.
What does it cost?
There is no charge for the initial 30-minute consultation with a member of our team. If we can assist with your matter, we’ll quote the fee before you decide whether to move forward and send you a written agreement to review and sign.
¿Hablan español?
Sí. Tenemos abogados y personal que hablan español. Vea esta página en español.
The sooner we start, the more we can do
A free, confidential conversation. No obligation.