Defending Rights in Santa Clara County Since 1985 Your Trusted Criminal Defense Advocate.

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Santa Clara Criminal Defense Lawyer

Serving Santa Clara County and Beyond Since 1985

An arrest is an embarrassing, frustrating, and scary situation, especially if it is your first encounter with the police. Getting convicted can result in severe penalties, including a jail/prison sentence, fines, and a criminal record that can negatively impact your life. However, you must understand that an arrest is not the same as a conviction. You still have a chance to protect your rights and freedom with the help of an experienced lawyer.

If you or a loved one is facing criminal charges in San Jose or Santa Clara County, let Steven H. Nakano, Attorney at Law help you fight for the most favorable outcome in your case. With more than 35 years of experience, Attorney Steven H. Nakano has helped many clients get their charges/penalties reduced or their cases dismissed. He provides compassionate, strategic, and personalized legal solutions to each client, which why he only handles a few cases at a time. Attorney Nakano is not afraid to take your case to trial in order to get the best possible results.

Contact us today at (844) 983-3011to discuss your case with a Santa Clarita criminal defense lawyer.

Cases We Handle

Providing You With the Resources You Need to Turn Your Life Around

We Spend Time Getting to Know You

We Care about Our Clients. See What They Are Saying about Us.

At Steven H. Nakano, Attorney at Law, your satisfaction is our priority! See for yourself what our clients have to say about working with us.

    "If I could leave 10 stars I would. He led me to the path of recovery."
    Steven Nakano saved my life! He is the kindest, most honest attorney I've ever met in my entire life. He relentlessly fought for me and his level of professionalism was impeccable.
    - Dan B.
    "Steve went out of his way to help my son far beyond the courtroom."
    Steve is an excellent attorney and an amazing person. He has a solid tool chest of life experiences and was able to connect with my son, provide guidance where I couldn't, and as a result became somewhat of a mentor.
    - Tim O.
    "Steve is honest, forthright, and worked with dedication on my behalf."
    He has always seen me as a person, not just a case. This type of respect has made an impact on my life that will last far beyond the legal case.
    - Sean M.
    "He came through for me big time. He was able to see in me something I couldn't see for myself."
    Words cannot express how thankful I am... Your more than my attorney you are a friend indeed. Someone I look up to and respect dearly.
    - Google Review
    "You can't put a price on having peace of mind when you need it most."
    Steven Nakano is the kind of lawyer you want to be in your corner when you are going through a case in the court system. He was very knowledgeable of all court expectations and procedures to help us get a favorable outcome.
    - Jake M.
    "He is the superstar of the courtroom."
    He's a genius and thinks outside of the box. He is very compassionate and seems to thrive on helping others. Every time I visit him he has a calming effect on me and I also leave more confident knowing I have the best man for the job.
    - Hugo K.
    "Steve has a big heart and a wealth of experience."
    Steve is genuine and provided solid advice and demonstrated empathy around my situation. He also encouraged me to seek to understand behaviors and the root of what really caused the circumstances.
    - Avvo User
    "He went above and beyond to get my issue resolved ASAP and get me back to work."
    Steven is by far one of the best lawyers I have had. If you are in need of an attorney it is worth your time to call Steven and see how he can help you as well.
    - James S.

What Types Of Cases Do Criminal Defense Lawyers Handle?

State and federal laws distinguish between misdemeanors and felonies. In general, a misdemeanor is any crime punishable by less than 12 months in jail. It depends on the crime whether a felony carries a year or life sentence, depending on the severity of the crime.

Steven H. Nakano, Attorney at Law, handle all types of misdemeanor and felony cases in Santa Clara, CA. We regularly take on cases involving:

California Criminal Laws & Penalties

There are two main types of crimes in California: misdemeanors and felonies. Although felonies are more serious than misdemeanors, a conviction of either charge can lead to time behind bars, fines, and other serious penalties.

What is Considered a Misdemeanor in California?

A misdemeanor is generally punishable by a maximum jail term of six months and a fine not exceeding $1,000. On the other hand, an “aggravated” or “gross” misdemeanor carries a jail sentence of up to one year.

What is Considered a Felony in California?

When it comes to felonies, they are typically punished based on three fixed prison sentences: two years (low term), four years (middle term), or six years (high term). For felonies without specific prison terms, a conviction may lead to a county jail sentence of either 16 months, two years, or three years.

What is California's "Three Strikes Law"?

According to California’s “three strikes” law, individuals who were previously convicted of serious or violent felonies must serve lengthier prison terms if convicted. For instance, if you had two or more previous convictions, you could be facing a prison sentence between 25 years and life – not including a potential sentence enhance of up to five years for each previous serious felony conviction.

What is a "Wobbler" Crime in California?

Lastly, some crimes in California are “wobblers,” meaning they could be charged as either a misdemeanor or a felony, depending on the circumstances of the incident.

Ready to Protect Your Rights & Freedom Today

Attorney Nakano has helped countless clients avoid serious criminal penalties and get their lives back on track, which is why he has a significant number of referrals. He also provides Spanish-speaking legal services. Do not wait to let a San Jose criminal defense attorney fight for you.

Contact us today at (844) 983-3011 to discuss your case and learn about your legal options. 

Our Settlements & Verdicts

Our top priority is to devise customized legal strategies that are tailored to the unique legal needs of our clients, no matter how simple or complicated their situations, might be.

  • Not Guilty Gross Vehicular Manslaughter
  • Dismissed at Preliminary Examination 22 Felony Fraud Counts
  • Life Sentence Overturned Armed Robbery
  • Dismissed Drug Crime
  • Dismissed Burglary/Theft
  • Not Guilty Stabbing