John Midori Hamasaki

John Midori Hamasaki

also known as John Hamasaki

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 17 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Francisco, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI

1388 Sutter Street., Suite 805, San Francisco, CA

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 17 years

State: California

Acquired: 2008

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Hamasaki Law

1388 Sutter Street., Suite 805, San Francisco, CA, 94103

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John Midori Hamasaki's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

15 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (15) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by Cynthia F. | August 04, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Best criminal defense lawyer!

John Hamasaki is an excellent criminal defense attorney. John represented me when I was facing 4 felonies and 3 misdemeanors. At the time I was a freshman at UC Santa Cruz and my education was at the forefront of my priorities. I needed to obtain the best possible outcome in this situation in order t...o move forward and focus on my studies, with John’s help I was able to do just that. Shortly after my arrest John came to visit me in jail and offered to represent me and I am beyond grateful he did. John explained legal proceedings in terms that I could understand and assured me he would work his hardest to achieve the result I desired. John was extremely supportive and informative throughout the entire process. It was clear to me that John was working his hardest every single step of the way and that he actually cared about my case. Due to John’s knowledge and experience I was able to put that situation to rest with a completely clean record, an outcome I never thought would be possible. When you hire John you are definitely hiring a top criminal defense lawyer.

Posted by anonymous | May 25, 2012 | Criminal Defense

HIGHLY recommended!

I found John on Yelp and decided to hire him after he put me at major ease and instilled confidence in me of his skills just after our initial consultation. John helped me with my very first ever criminal arrest and for anyone who has experienced this, I'm sure you are familiar with the insane amount... of anxiety, stress, and pain that it involves. This was quite significantly minimized and all because of John's professional support, his hard work, and I also really appreciated that he remained open-minded through the entirety of the process, while still being very realistic. John is also very familiar with many others in the greater San Francisco area, so you will have the advantage of not only his already credible reputation, but his invaluable knowledge and familiarity with the SFDA's office. He is very friendly with everyone. In that vein, I also was impressed not only with John's expertise and skills, but his ability to maintain both professionalism and still remaining very pleasantly approachable, accessible, and relatable. He is very knowledgeable, super practical, very efficient, excellent at communication, and fights tooth and nail to ensure the fairest and most ideal outcome for your situation. On top of that, he offers very fair prices, considering the high quality of services and professional candor that he delivers for it. For anyone with an applicable/relevant case, DEFINITELY hit Mr. Hamasaki up - you will not regret it for a second.

Posted by Peter | February 10, 2012 | Criminal Defense

Excellent Representation

John Hamasaki helped me get through the San Francisco Court System. I frequently felt confused and powerless, but John was able to provide me with the necessary information and experience to make me feel knowledgeable and empowered. He was always able to provide a cogent explanation of events as they... came to pass and worked to help me understand what was going on where others might not have. He is well-connected within the SF County Courthouse and seemed to hold the appropriate knowledge of the judges and other lawyers that he interacted with. He was punctual and was never late or a no-show. He often came to court more prepared than the DA. Even when events were happening around Christmas and New Years, John was able to devote the time necessary to keep things moving with my case. While I was incarcerated John worked to make me feel comfortable and secure, and to get me out on bail in the shortest possible amount of time. He worked with my parents to make sure that their concerns were addressed and ensured that they understood what was happening, and why. Not only is John a hardworking professional, but he is also congenial and personable. He is an amiable man who did not appear to take any news too hard, and, even when it seemed things weren't going our way, was optimistic about my future. His optimism kept me hopeful as well, and helped me through the process. I would highly recommend the Law Offices of John Hamasaki to any individual currently involved in criminal legal defense in San Francisco County.

Posted by anonymous | November 29, 2010 | Criminal Defense

Fortunate Indeed

This past month, I had the good fortune to have John Hamasaki represent me as my court appointed lawyer. I don't think of myself as a criminal, but i have had other public defenders represent me. John did so with a level of respect and professionalism that was startling by comparison to the others. H...e communicated with me over email and in person not only effectively, but also had done the research that let me know he had really looked into the particulars of my case. his confidence and understanding that this case affected my life made me feel at ease with the process. Though I paid nothing for his legal aid, i would have gladly done so knowing what I do now. While it was lucky that I was the beneficiary of his service, it was his skill and knowledge that had my case dismissed on my next appearance. this returned my life to normal and put the worry to rest in record time. Thank you John.

Posted by Paul | April 23, 2010 | Criminal Defense

highly recommend

I was arrested in a political protest and was inaccurately implicated in a felony possession/intent to sale charge. As a student who have never come near this degree of legal troubles, I was mired with worries. John's character and expertise throughout my ordeal from county jail to the court date, ...though, has been extremely responsive and reliable. My charges were immediately and rightfully dropped at court and we're now in the process of retrieving my confiscated camera. Call this guy up. He knows what he's doing. Highly recommended.

See All Client Reviews

John Midori Hamasaki's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Maria Belyi headshot
Maria Belyi

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know John through his work for the Bar Association of San Francisco and his criminal defense work. He is a zealous advocate for his clients, and he is dedicated to helping those being prosecuted by the government. He is a great attorney and a good person to turn to when in need of help."

Laura Mary Nash Furniss headshot
Laura Furniss

Domestic violence lawyer | Jun 12

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have had the pleasure of knowing John for many years. I worked opposite him during my time with SFDA and was consistently impressed with his integrity, demeanor and skill. I had the pleasure of working with John, representing clients with different interests but suffering harassment and abuse from the same perpetrator. John's mastery of both the criminal legal system as well as the civil harassment and family violence legal processes make him a formidable ally or an intimidating opposition. John is a skilled trial attorney and I wholeheartedly endorse him as an attorney and counselor at law."

Jessica Louise Beeler headshot
Jessica Beeler

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is passionate about defending the rights of the accused. It is exciting to see him work for justice, especially for issues involving free speech and illegal search and seizure. He is committed, organized, and takes action, both on his cases and in his numerous volunteer efforts that I have seen first hand. He is a great lawyer who truly cares for his clients as well as the community."

Kaiya H Reeve headshot
Kaiya Reeve

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Hamasaki works tirelessly and meticulously on his cases. He cares deeply about his clients and is passionate about providing the best defense possible. He is a devoted advocate who has a broad range of experience in defending criminal cases."

Joanna Privratsky Sheridan headshot
Joanna Sheridan

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Hamasaki is a dedicated, creative and fearless advocate for his clients."

Charles Jason Simpson Woodson headshot
Charles Woodson

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"He is a fantastic litigator and great advocate for his clients."

Melissa A. Newman headshot
Melissa Newman

Litigation lawyer | Aug 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I highly endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Peter Anthony Fitzpatrick headshot
Peter Fitzpatrick

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John works extremely hard for his clients. Everytime I've seen him in court he's been effective and respected by the Court. I endorse this lawyer."

Gregory Mackean Bentley headshot
Gregory Bentley

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hamasaki has mentored me since I was law student and I continue to consult with him regarding my practice to this day. He is always willing to advise newer attorneys and is a source of great practical advice. He allowed me to co-chair a jury trial with him while I awaited my bar exam results and his courtroom skills became immediately apparent. He is a true and tested trial lawyer with a natural ability to break down complex legal issues in a manner which both his clients and a jury can relate."

Sarah Louise Pequignot headshot
Sarah Pequignot

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Hamasaki as the passionate, dedicated criminal defense attorney that he is. Mr. Hamasaki has repeatedly demonstrated to me that there is nowhere he would rather be than in a courtroom, advocating for his client. His commitment to criminal and social justice, his creativity, and his diligent work ethic combine to make him a formidable force in the courtroom."

Jennifer Suyun Kang headshot
Jennifer Kang

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is an extremely hard working and tenacious attorney who vigorously represents his clients' best interests and is not afraid to go to trial. He is dedicated to criminal and social justice and has obtained excellent results for his clients."

Timothy Murphy Phillips headshot
Timothy Phillips

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John fearlessly defends people accused of crimes. His focus is always on finding any way possible to improve the outcome for each and every client. I recently referred someone to John and he has brought this vast experience to bear in diligently representing her in the face of serious charges."

Matt A. Sullivan headshot
Matt Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a passionate and aggressive advocate who believes in the Constitution and in his clients."

Heather C Chang headshot
Heather Chang

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 25

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"John is aggressive and passionate about criminal defense and justice for his clients. He is a stalwart advocate and the one you want fighting all your battles. He won't take no for an answer and will see your case through to the end. He is a great listener and truly cares about his clients."

Joshua Beal Davis headshot
Joshua Davis

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I recommend Mr. Hamasaki. If you need someone in your corner who is dedicated and can aggressively represent you, John is an excellent choice. He obtains very impressive trial results and favorable settlements."

Jonah Chaplin Chew headshot
Jonah Chew

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Hamasaki and I share office space. On a day to day level, I see John working incredibly hard for his clients. He is dedicated, creative, and intelligent."

Russell Loren Goodrow headshot
Russell Goodrow

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 10

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I worked with Mr. Hamasaki on a tough co-defendant case, where our clients' interests were not necessarily aligned. During that case, I witnessed Mr. Hamasaki dispose of a serious, multi-count burglary/theft case in a meticulous manner, where his out of custody client stayed out of custody."

Abigail Alido Rivamonte headshot
Abigail Rivamonte

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a hardworking attorney that gets the job done. He's never afraid to go to trial and has achieved great results with his streak of not guilty verdicts. I"

Sara Ann Zalkin headshot
Sara Zalkin

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 21

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Hamasaki loves jury trial, and not surprisingly is all the more effective for that reason."

View All Endorsements
Laura Mary Nash Furniss headshot
Laura Furniss

Family lawyer

Maria Belyi headshot
Maria Belyi

Criminal defense lawyer

Joanna Privratsky Sheridan headshot
Joanna Sheridan

Criminal defense lawyer

Anne Casey Costin headshot
Anne Costin

Employment and labor lawyer

Gregory Mackean Bentley headshot
Gregory Bentley

Criminal defense lawyer

Jessica Louise Beeler headshot
Jessica Beeler

Criminal defense lawyer

Peter Anthony Fitzpatrick headshot
Peter Fitzpatrick

Criminal defense lawyer

Suzanne Marie Morris headshot
Suzanne Morris

Criminal defense lawyer

Matt A. Sullivan headshot
Matt Sullivan

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua Beal Davis headshot
Joshua Davis

Criminal defense lawyer

Russell Loren Goodrow headshot
Russell Goodrow

Criminal defense lawyer

Mir Kamran Meyer headshot
Mir Meyer

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Alexander Flores headshot
Daniel Flores

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2015

Rising Star, SuperLawyers

2013

Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service, Justice & Diverstiy Center

2009

Misdemeanor Trial Attorney of the Month, Office of the Public Defender, San Francisco

Work Experience

2010 - Present

Owner, Hamasaki Law

2009 - 2009

Attorney, Office of the Public Defender, San Francisco

Associations

2016 - Present

Bar Association of San Francisco, Barristers Club

Board of Directors

2016 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Board of Governors

2015 - Present

Criminal Law & Government Investigations of the Barristers Club for the Bar Association of San Francisco

Co-chair

2014 - Present

Asian American Bar Association

Board of Directors

2014 - Present

American Bar Association, Criminal Justice Section

Member

2013 - Present

American Constitution Society for Law and Policy

Member

2010 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2010 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

2010 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

2009 - Present

San Francisco Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Z.L.

Dismissal.

People v. M.G.

Not Guilty at Jury Trial.

People v. P.C.

Charged with marijuana felony, plea to infraction

People v. E.A.

DUI dismissed

People v. A.M.

Not Guilty at trial.

See More Legal Cases

Education

2008

University of San Francisco School of Law

Juris Doctor

Speaking Engagements

2014

University of San Francisco School of Law

Opening Statements & Closing Arguments

2014

University of San Francisco School of Law

Careers in Criminal Law

2013

Internet Archieve

We Are Legion: The Story of the Hackivists Panel Discussion

Publications

2015

2010

The Daily Californian Trial Begins for Feb. 26 Protesters

Languages

English

Avvo Rating

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  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution