We handle criminal cases at:
- Santa Clara County Superior Court – Downtown San Jose (Hall of Justice)
- South County Courthouse – Morgan Hill
- Palo Alto Courthouse (for North County cases)
Every judge has a different style. Every prosecutor has their own approach. We know how local cases are built—and how to take them apart.
You Get a Senior Attorney from Start to Finish
We don’t believe in handing your case off to a junior lawyer. From your first consultation to the final outcome, your case is handled by a senior criminal defense attorney with years of courtroom experience in Santa Clara County.
Low Caseloads Mean Better Results
We don’t take every case—we take the ones we can fight to win. By limiting our caseload, we’re able to dig into the evidence, file strong legal motions early, and pressure the DA’s office to drop or reduce charges. Preparation is our power.
White-Glove Customer Service
We know you have questions and concerns -- everyone does. We prioritize returning all calls and texts on the same business day whenever possible. We're proud of our five-star Google Reviews and A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau. We get to know every client and take each case personally. Our goal is for every client to walk away with the best possible outcome.
Criminal Charges We Defend in California
We handle all types of criminal charges, including:
Misdemeanor Offenses
Even a misdemeanor can derail your job, immigration status, or future plans. We defend clients charged with:
- Petty theft and shoplifting
- Simple assault and battery
- Public intoxication
- Vandalism
- Disorderly conduct
- First-time drug possession (including marijuana and prescription pills)
We work to keep these charges off your record through dismissals, reductions, or pretrial diversion programs.
Felony Charges
Felonies can carry prison time, life-altering consequences, and social stigma. We defend individuals facing:
- Felony DUI or DUI with injury
- Domestic abuse and restraining order violations
- Burglary and robbery
- Assault with a weapon
- Gun and firearm possession charges
- Drug sales and trafficking
- White collar crimes (fraud, forgery, embezzlement)
- Juvenile felony charges
- Attempted murder and homicide
These cases require swift action and legal work of the highest caliber. That’s what we do best.
We Hold San Jose Law Enforcement Agencies Accountable
We know the reporting patterns and common errors made by:
- San Jose Police Department (SJPD)
- Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office
- California Highway Patrol – Golden Gate Division
- Milpitas, Mountain View, Santa Clara, and Sunnyvale PDs
We review everything, including police reports, body camera videos, and your arrest paperwork. Our thorough research helps us catch inconsistencies that other firms overlook.
Our Approach: Strategic, Precise, Relentless
We don’t believe in cookie-cutter defenses. Here’s how we build your case:
- We evaluate the legality of the arrest: Was there probable cause? Were your rights violated?
- We challenge the evidence: Was it collected properly? Are test results reliable?
- We use early motions to weaken the prosecution: We file to suppress bad evidence or dismiss the charges outright.
- We apply pressure: Through negotiations and courtroom preparation, we force the DA to confront the weaknesses in their case.
We don’t wait for your case to go to court to start fighting — we start the moment you call.
What to Expect When You Work With Us
From your first phone call, we treat you like a client — not a case number. Here’s what working with Michael & Associates in San Jose looks like:
- Your first consultation is 100% free and fully confidential
- You speak directly with an experienced criminal defense lawyer
- We begin protecting evidence and building your defense immediately
- We explain every option in plain language
- You receive honest updates throughout the process
We handle the pressure—so you can focus on moving forward
Sources: Michael & Associates research and internal case records; California Penal Code; Santa Clara County Superior Court – Criminal Division; San Jose Police Department; Santa Clara County Sheriff’s Office; California DMV; California Highway Patrol (CHP); National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
