About John
Biography
When not being a lawyer, I write poetry, publish some of it, have written for literary journals and am a film buff. Other than that my only other mentionable passion is sports car racing, the Porsche being my beast of choice.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
47 years | 4,315 cases
47 years | 450 cases
47 years | 860 cases
47 years | 575 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 45 years
State: California
Acquired: 1980
No misconduct found
Location
Law Offices of John M. Kaman
360 Ritch St Ste 201, San Francisco, CA, 94107
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John M. Kaman's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 16 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Cindy | March 12, 2018 | Consulted Attorney
Excellent Service
Quick response and great advise on my situation. Gave me different points of view to go about my situation
Posted by anonymous | August 7, 2017 | Consulted Attorney
Needed Information
John helped me by clarifying for me my sentence. I initially thought I was possibly wronged by the court but he clarified for me the sentence directives.
Posted by anonymous | January 17, 2016 | Consulted Attorney
Excellent consultation
I consulted with John Kaman after being connected to him by my other lawyer. Thankfully, the consultation was "just in case", so I did not need any legal help after the consultation, largely because John was so helpful and spent almost 2 hours walking me through the particulars of the situation for f...
Posted by RICHARD | March 1, 2013
Direction in Criminal Case
WITH MINIMAL FACTS PRESENTED TO MR. KAMAN, HE GAVE ME EXCELENT DIRECTION IN MY LEGAL SITUATION. IF I HADN'T ALREADY STARTED THIS CASE MYSELF, I WOULD HAVE HIRED MR. KAMAN WITHOUT A SECOND THOUGHT.
Posted by Hazel | January 28, 2013
John M. Kaman is much more than just a lawyer
In August 2012, with no news of my brother in the United States for a trip, I contacted his friend on facebook. He reassured me by telling me that my brother had been arrested because of a fight in a hostel and would be released soon. I asked him the address where he was detained. I contacted the cou...
John M. Kaman's Lawyer Endorsements
"Day after day Mr. Kaman fields criminal law and procedure questions here on Avvo with remarkable insight, judgment, and candor. The depth of his knowledge and experience in criminal matters is truly impressive and his ability to provide concrete straight-talk in difficult and challenging matters is a gift to those who submit questions and to attorneys throughout the state. There are lots of different ways to make a pro bono contribution to those in need and to the legal profession. Mr. Kaman's daily Avvo participation is in the highest and purest pro bono tradition."
"I had a few cases Mr. Kaman when I was a prosecutor in San Francisco. He was every prosecutor's worst nightmare, as he was always prepared, knew the law, and well respected by the judges! Now as a defense attorney, I have tried my best to emulate the qualities I feared and admired in Mr. Kaman."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. John Kaman works hard for his clients, and gets great results. He really cares for his clients, and it shows in the passionate way that he advocates for them. If he is your lawyer, you are certainly in good hands."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have seen attorney John Kaman in and around several local courtrooms. He is always well prepared and very knowledgeable about criminal defense matters."
"John is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
"John is a knowledgeable and experienced defense lawyer."
"John has an excellent reputation in the legal community and is an asset to Avvo."
"John is an asset to Avvo, plain and simple. He has demonstrated his vast legal knowledge by providing thorough, spot-on answers to thousands of questions on Avvo. His clients are in good hands."
"John is an inspiration. The questions he answers on AVVO provide a much needed community service. He is highly regarded in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse this lawyer. John is a highly skilled and well-known attorney in the legal community for his outstanding professionalism and work ethic. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation."
"I endorse this attorney. His professionalism, remarkable knowledge and vast experience place Mr. John among the top notch lawyers in his areas of practice. With utmost dedication and quick critical thinking, he has successfully resolved an impressive number of cases over the course of his career. I highly recommend this lawyer to anyone who needs quality legal representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. John is an incredible member of the Avvo community. He tells it to you like it is, and I highly recommend him to anybody seeking legal counsel in his area."
"I endorse this lawyer. His answers to legal questions on Avvo are always on the money, helpful and to the point."
"I endorse this lawyer without reservation. He is highly knowledgeable and experienced. Whatever your situation is, you will be in good hands with Mr. Kaman."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 14
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"A Superb Criminal Lawyer who will fight like a lion for you. I endorse him!"
"I highly endorse Mr. Kaman. Very experienced and caring attorney who produces great results in representing clients! I want all people with legal problems to contact him first."
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Experience
Honors
2017
Top Contributor Award, Avvo
2015
Avvo, Superb 10/10
2015
French Consulate, Recommended Lawyer
2014
Superb 10/10, Avvo
2013
Certificate of Merit, Jeune Notariat (Sponsor)
2013
Outstanding Rating Reviews, Bar Association of SF
2009
Adjunct Professor, University de Paris Dauphine
2008
Outstanding Service Awards, Volunteer Legal Services Project
2006
Certificate of Merit, SF BAR VLSP Program
1966
Woodrow Wilson Fellowship, Ford Foundation
Work Experience
1987 - Present
Attorney, Kaman Law Office
2009 - 2009
Adjunct Professor, University Of Paris V
1983 - 1986
Attorney, Pettit & Martin
1980 - 1983
Attorney, Ware, Fletcher & Freidenrich
Associations
2015 - Present
Serious Felony PanelIDA
2009 - Present
UCLA Moot Court CompetitionJudge
2009 - Present
San Joaquin Bar Association Lawyer's Referral ServiceMember Special Circumstances Panel
2008 - Present
California Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2005 - Present
Lawyer's Referral and Information Service (San Francisco)Attorney
2005 - Present
Volunteer Legal ServicesAttorney
2005 - Present
Indigent Defense AdministrationAttorney
2005 - Present
Member Court Appointed Attorney PanelConflicts Attorney
2003 - Present
Law Society of England and WalesSolicitor
1980 - Present
California State Bar AssociationAttorney
Sample of Legal Cases
Plea--paper committment after 1 year CJ
7 counts NG; 1 count hung
NG on 7 out of 8 counts
NG
Hung jury
ADA Nancy Tung Dismisses Bungled Case
NG 1st Degree Murder; G Vol Mans
Hung jury; mistrial
Settled on appeal
Not guilty on chief counts
Acquitted on all counts
Education
1980
JD - Juris Doctor
1973
PhD - Doctorate
1966
BA
Speaking Engagements
2013
Justice and Inquisitionary Systems
2007
Civil v Common Law Practice
1993
Federal Claims Process
Publications
2013
2011
2010
2008
2008
2008
2008
1973
1966
N/A
Languages
French
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
What will happen for getting a ticket for pc381b?
31 Dec 2020
How a defendant in custody obtain bodycams worn by police and pictures on dvd from police that was listed on their discovery?
31 Dec 2020
If i get pulled over and a cop asks me if i have any weapons in the car and i respond yes does
30 Dec 2020
Legal Guides
New Gun Rights Legislation Before Congress
15 Nov 2011
Can a Public Defender Refuse to Defend Your Case?
21 Oct 2011
Pro Bono Criminal Lawyers
01 Oct 2011