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Michael J Silveira
also known as Silveira Law, PC
About Michael
Biography
In court, Michael Silveira has one objective: to win your case! He believes that everyone accused of a crime deserves the highest quality legal representation.
Michael has over 15 years of legal experience, and has handled over 1000 Driving Under the Influence cases of all types, many of which have resulted in full dismissals or reduced charges for the accused. Michael has also handled over 500 types of various Criminal cases throughout the entire Bay Area, with the vast majority resulting in dismissals or reductions to far less serious charges with no jail or prison time.
Michael was born and raised in San Francisco. While in law school, he focused his studies on Trial Advocacy, the art of persuasion in the courtroom. He graduated with Honors in the top %8 of his class of over 250 students, and was on the Honor Roll nearly every semester. He also wrote and edited for the Law Review, a prestigious law journal whose membership is reserved for students in the top %10 of their class. After graduation, Michael passed the California Bar Exam on his first attempt.
As a former Judicial Assistant at the San Mateo Superior Court, Michael worked in a courtroom each and every day. From the unique perspective of a Judge's Assistant, he observed the litigation of thousands of DUI and Criminal Law cases. Michael would constantly evaluate and record which legal approaches were successful in court. He also had the extremely rare opportunity to directly ask judges what worked and why!
Before his position with the San Mateo Superior Court, Michael was a volunteer with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office. He directly participated in and co-chaired over 15 jury trials, most of which resulted in "hung" juries or not guilty verdicts.
Respected for his tenacity, legal knowledge and advocacy by Judges, Commissioners, Court Staff and even Law Enforcement, Michael is the lawyer you need on your side.
Call for a free consultation.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
75%
18 years | 1,000 cases
Criminal Defense
25%
18 years | 500 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 16 years
State: California
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Silveira Law - A Professional Corporation
315 Montgomery Street, Floor 9, San Francisco, CA, 94104
Silveira Law - A Professional Corporation
184 13th Street, Suite 2, Oakland, CA, 94612
Silveira Law - A Professional Corporation
303 Twin Dolphins Dr., Suite 600, Redwood City, CA, 94065
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Michael J Silveira's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 57 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | March 5, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great work on DUI
I got a reduced sentence in santa clara county as Mike was able to negotiate it down to a weekend work program by guiding me through the process. I would definitely recommend him as he is prompt with his responses and supportive of your situation at all times.
Posted by Ahmed | October 7, 2022 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Bad lawyer
My driver license got suspended because of this lawyer negligence. My case hasn’t even been filed, but I still got suspended from DMV’s side of the case. I haven’t got a point in my driving history all my life. My experience is below: 1. His office never has never reached me with updates; instead I...
Michael Silveira
Replied last October 10, 2022This individual blew once into a breathalyzer at the police station, and it read .12%. Upon seeing this, this person began to delay and told the police they would refuse to blow again until they could go to the bathroom (a smart tactic to delay blowing again quickly in hopes that the next blow would have a lower BAC). State law requires TWO BLOWS in a breath machine, or the test is invalid. This person continued to delay and refuse blowing again into the machine. The police then told them that they had enough. This person then URINATED all over themself in front of the police as a final attempt to delay the process. The cops had enough and booked this person into jail and charged them with a DUI and refusing to complete a chemical test. I did the proper legal research for the DMV hearing - the law REQUIRES 2 blows into a breath machine. One must "complete" a breath test, not "attempt" to complete one. Unfortunately, the law was not on his side, and the DMV suspended him. This person's antics did pay off in court, however - the DA dropped (same as "did not file") the charges in court. This person is now committing libel about me, even though I did nothing negligent. I did the proper legal research, and I even argued that the police pulling them over was illegal. Unfortunately, the DMV suspended this person's license for not completing the breath test. This person has been calling my office, yelling and berating my staff. Some people are so entitled and self-centered, they cannot realize that their actions can have consequences. As lawyers, we advocate for our clients but we are bound by the law - this person acts as if I am responsible for drafting the law that requires 2 blows in a breath machine! This person is harassing and threatening my office, and has committed libel here by claiming negligence occurred, where there was none. This person is unrealistic and lashing out like a child, instead of being a solid adult and accepting the outcome. This person's review is nonsense, as is their attitude. They even offered me THOUSANDS of dollars more on top of my standard retainer to "make sure this would go away", and I DID NOT accept their extra money! Bribes and such generally do not work in the legal system...
Posted by Michael | August 15, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Best Bay Area Law Firm for Traffic Court
Silveira Law is the best! I used them to contest an automated red light ticket. The cost to fight the ticket was around the same as the citation fine. Michael and Katherine were very responsive and kept me always up to date, even when the courts shut for COVID-19 for several months. I have nothing...
Posted by anonymous | January 31, 2020 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Solved red light camera ticket
First time ever using an attorney's service for anything, great experience. Sent all the papers and fees then just had to wait; the citation was dismissed.
Posted by anonymous | August 2, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Professional service
Few years ago I had a speeding ticket, Silveira Law took care of it for me. Unfortunately a few months ago I "ran a light" and got another ticket. I contacted Mike's law firm again , in a few months time, the ticket was taken care of. Michael represented me on my behalf and my ticket was dismissed. I...
Michael J Silveira's Lawyer Endorsements
"Anybody who knows Bay Area traffic courts knows that Mike is one of the best traffic and DUI lawyers in the Bay Area. He has worked hard to earn this reputation and has handled literally thousands of traffic cases. He is the person other lawyers call when they have a question about red light camera issues, radar/lidar, reckless driving, excessive speed (100mph+), driver's license suspensions, and traffic appeals. He is the person lawyers hire when they or their friends or family get a speeding ticket."
"I endorse this lawyer. His willingness to contribute to the AVVO community along with the substance of those contributions displays an attorney that is ready, willing and able to zealously advocate for his clients. I wouldn't think twice about referring a potential client to Mr. Silveira."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Not only is Michael a strong litigator, he always has a smile and a positive attitude."
"Top notch attorney."
"I have had the pleasure of seeing the time, effort and dedication that Mike puts into his matters. His knowledge of the law and dedication to his clients is most apparent. He would be one of the first attorneys that I would see if I were in need."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have worked with Michael on a number of different cases. I am very selective with whom I work and Michael is a superlative attorney who is very attentive to detail and exceedingly knowledgeable to relevant law."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Michael Silviera is a well respected, highly aggressive attorney and I have had the opportunity to work with him on several matters. He knows the law and the issues of traffic ticket defense quite well. The cases we worked on were resolved favorably and our clients were happy. I have the greatest respect for him, his ethics, client relations and more importantly, his knowledge of the law. Michael's passion for traffic ticket defense in San Mateo County and throughout Northern California is his best asset."
"Michael is an outstanding attorney and counselor. I have worked with him on a number of matters and I am impressed by his drive, determination and creativity. Michael treats people right and genuinely cares for his clients. You can't ask for more than that."
"I had the opportunity to go against Michael Silveira on a recent case and was overly impressed with the manner in which mike handled the case. He knew the facts of the case better then anyone else in the courtroom; he knew the law surrounding the issues better then we did and in fact he beat the case based on his knowledge of an issue that we failed to research! Prior to going up against him, I had heard great things about him, which were all confirmed when we shared the courtroom. I have the greatest respect for him, his ethics, client relations and more importantly, his knowledge of the law! His passion for his work is his best asset. If you are thinking of hiring Mike for a case, consider yourself lucky if he is available to take your case...."
"Mike is a rising star and one of the best traffic ticket lawyers in the bay area. He is trustworthy, knowledgeable, a skilled negotiator and has handled literally hundreds of traffic cases with highly favorable outcomes. I would not hesitate to recommend hiring him an any traffic related or DUI matter."
Jannik Catalano
Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer | Oct 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mike knows how to serve his clients, and get them the best result possible. His skill and expertise help save his clients time and money."
Brendan Barrett
Criminal defense lawyer
Jessica Anvar
Lemon law lawyer
Gilberto Vega
Unknown lawyer
Andrew Roberts
Unknown lawyer
Nors Davidson
Unknown lawyer
James Knox
Unknown lawyer
Jason Beahm
Unknown lawyer
John Stanko
Unknown lawyer
Jannik Catalano
Unknown lawyer
Eloy Trujillo
Unknown lawyer
Bryan Doss
Unknown lawyer
Experience
Honors
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
2013
Top Contributor, AVVO
2012
Certificate of Participation, Second Annual Traffic Ticket Defense Seminar
2012
Clients' Choice Award, AVVO
2012
Top Contributor, AVVO
2007
Juris Doctorate with Honors, Golden Gate University School of Law
2006
Bernard Witkin Award for Highest Class Grade in Evidence, Bernard E. WItkin Foundation
2006
Top 8th Percentile of Graduating Class, GGU School of Law
2005
CALI Award for Excellence, Real Property, CALI
2005
Certificate of Specialization with Distinction in Litigation, GGU School of Law
Work Experience
2012 - Present
Principal Attorney, Silveira Law
2009 - 2012
Independent Contract Attorney, Various DUI and Traffic Law Firms
2008 - 2009
Judicial Assistant, Superior Court Of California, County Of San Mateo
2007 - 2008
Law Clerk, The Epstein Group
2005 - 2006
Volunteer Public Defender, San Francisco Public Defender's Office
Associations
2012 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2012 - Present
Trial Lawyer's College GroupMember
2012 - Present
Silveira LawPresident
2011 - Present
Bay Area Traffic Ticket Defense AttorneysMember
2009 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationMember
2009 - Present
The State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2013 - 2014
San Francisco Bar AssociationSecretary
2009 - 2010
Bar Association of San FranciscoMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Anthony V.
All Charges Dismissed
People v. David B.
Case reduced to reckless driving
People v. Jeffrey T.
Felony charges reduced to one misdemeanor - eligible for special marijuana criminal record destruction. Client spent no time in jail.
People v. Jason S.
All originally filed charges dismissed, client pled to one infraction violation of VC 23140, no jail time, probation or alcohol classes imposed
People v. Sulinder P.
Case Dismissed
People v. Nancy G.
Not guilty, client's record is clear and avoided one year license suspension
People v. Cody B.
Not Guilty, client avoided 2 points on DMV record
People v. Janet B.
Case Dismissed
Education
2007
Golden Gate University School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor, With Honors
2007
GGU School of Law
Top 8th Percentile of Graduating Class of 250
Speaking Engagements
2014
Trials
Speedy Trial Motions
2014
Mock Trial Judge
Trial Advocacy
2014
Mock Appellate Oral Arguments
Judge at GGU SOL Mock Appellate Oral Arguments
2013
Appellate Practice
Criminal Law
2012
Second Annual Traffic Ticket Defense Seminar
Traffic Tickets: Writs and the Disqualification of Biased Judicial Officers
2012
Bay Area Traffic Ticket Defense Attorneys Monthly Meeting
CCP 170.6 Disqualification of Biased Judicial Officers
Publications
2012
AVVO
How to FIght a Ticket in San Mateo
N/A
Golden Gate University Law Review
Dirty Laundry: The Draconian Conspiracy to Launder Money Laws
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Is a 5204(a) traffic stop legal if the officer ran the plates ahead of time and knew the vehicle was currently registered?
06 Feb 2014
Q&A
Disobey Traffic Light (Red Disc)
29 Jun 2013
Q&A
I found a gps tracking device on my car, I don't know who put it there. How can I find out?
29 Jun 2013