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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
Avvo Review Score
57 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (57)
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 11 - 15 of 18 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge
Posted by Dan | March 31, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
3 tickets dismissed
I'd recently gotten a fast, new car and was not afraid to drive it like it should be driven. Of course, the traffic tickets soon caught up to me. I had 2 speeding tickets and one redlight ticket in Redwood City. I began to ask around for a recommendation for a good traffic lawyer. Michael's name ...
Posted by Tekau | February 24, 2013 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Superior & Professional Lawyer
Michael J Silveira is a superior and professional lawyer.He was highly recommended to me by a cousin of mine and now I too highly recommended him. I am well pleased and happy when he email me relating the fact that he won the case.I am overwhelm with his outstanding work performance for representing ...
Posted by Rachel | January 15, 2013 | DUI & DWI
Very helpful and talented attorney
I was unlucky enough to get a DUI visiting San Francisco from San Diego. It was the first time I ever got arrested... Mike really calmed my nerves and helped me through the whole situation. He really made the whole process about as smooth as it could have been. I'm very happy with his effort, and...
Posted by Ashwin | December 24, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Red light violation client
I got a red light camera ticket (21453a) recently and as I had already taken traffic school I did not have that option as well. However, this was a ticket I never thought I had in the first place and I just got an Adult delinquency Notice from the court way past the deadline and I really did not know...
Posted by anonymous | November 26, 2012 | Speeding & Traffic Ticket
Best attorney in bay area period!
I was traveling to bay area from Houston, Texas to visit a friend in south bay, CA last summer and rented a car during my stay. One day as I was making a right turn at an intersection at a red light I realized that my photo was taken by the red light camera. The problem was that I apparently did not ...
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