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Sammer Andrew Zakhour
also known as Sam Zakhour
About Sammer
Biography
Originally from Dallas, Texas, I moved to San Diego in 2005 when I received a scholarship to the University of San Diego. I graduated with a degree in English in 2009 and pursued a legal education at California Western School of Law, where I graduated in 2012. My primary practice areas are State and Federal Criminal Defense. Throughout my career, I have found that success is achieved when an attorney is passionate about his or her client's cause. The most effective representation is that of the attorney who empathizes, believes, and truly wants to help the client. I strive to run my practice with that philosophy. The greatest satisfaction in this profession is a client's thanks for a job well-done. An attorney's job, when it is done well, has the power to right a wrong; to provide an individual with a second chance; and to be an understanding, strong, helping hand when a person is facing a difficult time in his or her life.
Practice Areas
1
Practice Area
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 12 years
State: California
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of Sammer A. Zakhour
402 W Broadway, Suite 400, San Diego, CA, 92101
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Sammer Andrew Zakhour's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 45 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | July 7, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Excellent Lawyer
Mr. Zakhour is a true professional that I highly recommend if you need of an experienced lawyer who will go above and beyond. He was very responsive, patient, pragmatic, supportive and thoroughly explained everything. He truly cares for his clients and I was extremely happy with his assistance. A rar...
Posted by anonymous | March 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Lazy, poor communication, liar, DO NOT HIRE
I hired mr. Zahkour to handle a case of mine.. he missed my first court date, which is the first problem when hiring him. He will not show up om time. He will miss court dates without telling his client. I also paid him for an expungement. He never put me on calendar so i demanded a refund. I was a...
Posted by Kelly | January 21, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
An attorney your can count on
I recommended Mr. Sammer Zakhour to a very good friend of mine to handle a criminal matter for her. My friend was extremely pleased with Mr. Zakhour. She was surprised by his friendly nature, as most lawyers are rarely friendly. Mr. Zakhour did an excellent job of explaining the legal technicalities ...
Posted by Holly | August 1, 2018 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Took our money
Took our money back in March and has not done one thing toward our case. Does not answer phone calls or returns calls. We are demanding a refund.
Posted by anonymous | November 5, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Knowlegeable
He means business. He has a lot of connections and it helped my case go a lot smoother than it could have. I had multiple court cases and he took care of almost all of them without me having to attend which helped a lot with work and the stress of the case. I would use him again if needed. Highly rec...
Sammer Andrew Zakhour's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Sam since he began practicing law. He and I tried a large narcotics case in Federal District Court. Mr. Zakhour has a unique and effective style. He is an outstanding advocate, working hard for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Sammer is a legal pugilist who advocates for his clients with the heart of a champion."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Sam is knowledgeable and aggressive. He takes a sincere personal interest in his clients, and works tirelessly on their behalf. I endorse Sam Zakhour."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam has an unmatched legal mind coupled with a compassion for justice. This combination provides incomparable benefits and service for his clients."
"Mr. Zakhour is a creative and relentless attorney who sincerely cares about each person he represents. He is a passionate advocate who goes above and beyond to obtain the best possible results for his clients."
"Before I even met Sam, I knew of his reputation as an attorney who gets results for his clients. After I got to know him, I realized that he is not only one of the best attorneys in town but he is also very approachable and someone I would trust if I were ever in a legal jam. His knowledge and passion is second to none."
"I endorse Sammer without reservation. He has demonstrated an exceptional grasp of the law and has the skills of a superb litigator."
"Mr. Zakhour is a passionate attorney, who zealously represents his clients. I whole-heartedly endorse his services."
"When you find yourself, or a loved one, in need of a criminal defense attorney, it is important to retain an experienced, knowledgeable and competent lawyer. Mr. Zakhour is respected in the legal community for those reasons. His postings here on Avvo are further support of that fact."
"Sam's understanding of the San Diego courts is second to none... he has extremely valuable relationships with prosecutors, judges and fellow defense attorneys. These relationships combined with an outstanding legal acumen contribute to the great results he achieves for his clients."
"This lawyer is highly respected in the community. I endorse this lawyer"
"An attorney that is great at what he does and knows the law. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is a great lawyer and a great guy!"
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Zakhour is a knowledgable, hard-working attorney and I recommend him without hesitation. I recall running into Mr. Zakhour in a court I was not familiar with and recognizing him from law school. He graciously provided me with helpful insights and it ultimately led to my client's case being dismissed. Thanks, Sam."
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Experience
Honors
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2017
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2016
Superb Ranked Lawyer, Avvo
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo
2015
Recognized Alumni, California Western Alumni Association
2014
Client's Choice 2014 - Criminal Defense, Avvo
2014
Top Contributor- Criminal Defense, Avvo
2009
First Honors, University of San Diego
2008
First Honors, University of San Diego
2005
Presidential Scholarship, University of San Diego
2004
National Merit Scholarship, National Merit Scholarship Corporation
2004
2x High School Wrestling State Champion, State of Texas
2001
Talent Identification Program Scholar, Davidson College
Work Experience
2014 - Present
Syrian Christian Ambassador, Minority Humanitarian Foundation
2014 - Present
Attorney and Founder, Law Office of Sammer A. Zakhour
2014 - 2014
Attorney of Counsel, Marc B. Geller, APC
2013 - 2014
Attorney, Law Office of Vikas Bajaj, APC
2013 - 2013
Associate Attorney, Law Offices of Elliott N. Kanter, APC
2012 - 2012
Clinical Intern, Marc B. Geller, APC
2011 - 2012
Intern, Law Offices of Elliott N. Kanter, APC
2011 - 2011
Certified Intern, San Diego Public Defender's Office
2009 - 2009
Marketing Director, Daniel P. Heilbrun Realty
2008 - 2009
Tutor, USD Writing Center
2008 - 2009
Tutor, Southwest San Diego Tutoring Program
2003 - 2005
Wrestling Instructor, St. Mark's School of Texas
Associations
2017 - Present
SuperLawyersMember
2016 - Present
Irish American Bar Association of San DiegoMember
2014 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2013 - Present
San Diego County Bar AssociationMember
2013 - Present
Consumer Attorneys of San DiegoMember
2013 - Present
Consumer Attorneys of CaliforniaNew Lawyers Division
2013 - Present
Federal Bar AssociationMember
2011 - 2012
Middle Eastern Law Student AssociationSocial Director
2011 - 2012
California Western Bail ProjectMember
San Diego Inn of Court
Participant
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Piecyk
Infraction - disturbing the peace
People v. Farhad A.
Dismissed by prosecution before Preliminary Examination
People v. Hampton
Grant of Probation
People v. Cassandra H
Dismissed on day of trial after over 1 year of litigation.
People of the State of California v. Jeremy K.
Reduced to 1 Misdemeanor at sentencing
People of the State of California v. Stephen G.
After over 1 year of negotiation, Client pled to an amended count of 647(f), sparing him from having to register pursuant PC 290
People of the State of California v. Troy J.
Client was re-sentenced and neither parole nor probation was imposed. Client has approximately 10 months of parole remaining.
People of the State of California v. Jimmie L
Felony was reduced to a misdemeanor and ultimately dismissed
People of the State of California v. Julius J.
Client pled to the sheet (pled to the violent strike). Prior to sentencing, Attorney Sam Zakhour submitted voluminous mitigating documentation. At sentencing, after substantial oral argument, client was sentenced to no custody and formal probation.
People of the State of California v. Steven P.
Misdemeanor - No fine, No 52 week Domestic Violence Course and NO PROBATION
People of the State of California v. Maryssa G.
Cases were severed a week before trial and client was granted Formal Probation with Inpatient Rehab
People of the State of California v. Richard I.
6 months inpatient and 18 months outpatient/aftercare and NO ADDITIONAL CUSTODY.
People of the State of California v. Isaac N.
Felony charges were blocked before filing. Defendant was charged with 3 misdemeanors. Client received work furlough and 0 DAYS IN JAIL
People of the State of California v. Blake W.
Wet Reckless with no Prior DUI allegation/penalty
People of the State of California v. Nguyen
Probation was terminated after only 14 months, 22 months shy of term imposed
People of the State of California v. Lundholm
Client was granted a 6th reinstatement to PC 1000 and was given additional time to complete the program
People of the State of California v. Gill
Misdemeanor conviction - no fine, no custody, informal probation
People of the State of California v. Wade
Client served 36 days in custody
People of the State of California v. Zondorak
Appealed
Fortuna v. Ackerman
Sucessful Anti-SLAPP terminated Plaintiff's case and left Plaintiff on the hook for Defendant's attorney's fees
Education
2012
California Western SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
2009
Univ of San Diego
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2005
St. Mark's School of Texas
High School Diploma
Speaking Engagements
2016
White House Panel - Religious Minorities
Syrian and Iraqi Refugee Crisis
2015
San Diego Union Tribune
Middle Eastern Christians look to bring Syrian refugees to San Diego
2014
Triton Invitational Mock Trial Tournament
Judge
2014
National Sports Law Negotiation Competition
Negotiation
2006
USD Symposium
African American Culture and Literature
Publications
2016
NBC San Diego
2 Sentenced to Prison for Disrupting Southwest Flight
2015
Zakhour Law Blog
Prop 47 and California Criminal Justice
2015
Zakhour Law Blog
Is it Legal to Film a Police Officer in California?
2015
San Diego Union Tribune
Middle Eastern Christians look to bring Syrian refugees to San Diego
2015
Minoridty Humanitarian Foundation
Amicus Brief for MHF Operations
2014
Zakhour Law Blog
Riley v. California and the Privacy of your Smartphone
2014
Zakhour Law Blog
Cleaning Your Record with an Expungment Attorney
2011
California Western Law Review
The Patriot Act and Privacy - An Examination of Section 215
2004
Languages
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
When I have served 6 months waiting for my trial date, if not guilty Will that time count on a violation in san diego county?
19 Feb 2017
Q&A
Public defenders
20 Feb 2017
Q&A
Should my brother plead guilty to something he didn't commit to avoid jail?
27 Mar 2015