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About Vijay
Biography
I am a California attorney practicing in the heart of Silicon Valley. I have over fifteen years of experience having handled everything from domestic violence, DUIs to Murder cases and everything in between. I have dedicated my life to representing people in very difficult situations and take a proactive approach to representing my clients. After working for several years at the Public Defender's Office, I decided to open up my own firm to provide personalized and aggressive representation to the Bay Area. More recently I have used my extensive trial skills to handle restraining orders and family law cases.
Experienced Representation. Consultation: 408.516.4645
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Domestic Violence
45%
18 years
Criminal Defense
25%
18 years
DUI and DWI
20%
18 years
Family
10%
18 years
Fees and Rates
Awards
2022 2020 2019
...
+
6
2015 2014 2013
Licenses
Licensed in California for 17 years
State: California
Acquired: 2008
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
Online Presence
Other places you can find Vijay online.
Vijay Dinakar's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
70 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (70)
Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense (43)
Domestic Violence (25)
Immigration (13)
Child Custody (7)
Expungement (6)
Divorce & Separation (5)
Family (5)
DUI & DWI (4)
Lawsuits & Disputes (4)
Child Abuse (1)
Child Support (1)
Drug Crime (1)
Insurance Fraud (1)
Litigation (1)
Speeding & Traffic Ticket (1)
White Collar Crime (1)
What Clients Mention
Case Results (56)
Advocacy (42)
Recommendation (30)
Professionalism (25)
Practice Area Knowledge (24)
Communication Style (21)
General Knowledge (17)
Responsiveness (16)
Character & Conduct (15)
Trustworthiness (13)
Cost of Services (12)
Compassion (11)
Free Consultations (4)
Punctuality (2)
Payment Plans (1)
Staff & Support (1)
Showing 61 - 65 of 70 reviews
Posted by anonymous | August 08, 2013 | Domestic Violence
Honest, aggressive, trustworthy, and a real gem. Got my domestic violence case dismissed before trial.
A real gem, honest, persistent and ethical. I would be short of words to say good things about him. Prior to meeting Vijay, I had hired 2 other lawyers for my domestic violence case. I talked to many in search of an empathetic lawyer. Either they wanted me to just take a plea deal or never cared abou...
Posted by anonymous | May 28, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Trial Win
Vijay Dinakar represented me in a theft case. The DA wouldn't give me the deal I wanted so Vijay said we should go to trial. Vijay was very good at trial. I ended up with a hung jury and the DA didn't refile the case so the case is over! This was a nightmare time in my life having to go through a...
Posted by Geeta | May 28, 2013 | Criminal Defense
A Very Knowledgeable and Easy to Work With Attorney!
Working with Vijay Dinakar was incredibly easy and straight forward. From my very first conversation with him, it was apparent he would take care of me and handle my case in an ethical manner with my best interest in mind. I am more than happy with my outcome and would undoubtedly refer him to anyone...
Posted by anonymous | May 24, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Great Lawyer
I never thought I would have to hire a criminal attorney. But somehow I got cited for shoplifting. I'm a college student and couldn't risk having any kind of record. I searched avvo and called a few attorneys in Santa Clara. Most of the attorneys quoted extremely high prices and seemed annoyed th...
Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2013 | Criminal Defense
Got Me Out Of A Jam
I won't get into details about my case but it was a serious felony and I had never been in trouble before. If I got convicted I was told by my job that I would be fired. I interviewed a few attorneys and told them that I couldn't get convicted but they said I would eventually have to plead and get...
Vijay Dinakar's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. I've witnessed Mr. Dinakar in action on several occasions. His outstanding advocacy and commitment to his clients is top tier."
"I have known Vijay since law school. He is a dedicated and relentless advocate for his clients and has the seasoned litigation skills to get the job done in the courtroom. I would recommend Vijay without hesitation to anyone charged with a crime, who needs an aggressive attorney to represent them in Vijay's geographical practice area."
"Vijay is a skilled lawyer, with experience, knowledge and passion. He is a savvy problem solver, a force to be reckoned with at trial and a serious advocate for his clients. He is driven by a killer work ethic and invested in achieving the best possible outcome for his clients."
"Mr. Dinakar is professional, bright and finds creative solutions to complex legal problems. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I highly endorse Mr. Dinakar. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"This lawyer is knowledgeable, efficient and talented. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Vijay Dinakar. He provides excellent legal answers in the Avvo community to help people who came here seeking some advice. He is an asset to our profession."
"I endorse attorney Vijay Dinakar. Active participant in the Avvo community posting thoughtful legal answers to individuals who have asked for assistance. This not only demonstrates his excellent knowledge of the law, but also his commitment to serving clients very well. He is a valuable member to the legal industry."
"I endorse attorney Vijay Dinakar. He contributes to the Avvo community by providing excellent legal answers to people who have asked for advice in their case. He is obviously dedicated to his profession which has earned him respect from his colleagues in the legal industry."
"I endorse attorney Vijay Dinakar. Demonstrates an impressive knowledge of the law based on his accurate legal answers on Avvo. He is an asset to the legal field and respected by colleagues."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse attorney Vijay Dinakar. Dedicated to his clients with a track record of success. Has earned respect from his clients and peers."
"I endorse attorney Vijay Dinakar. Hard working, skilled, and dedicated to his clients. A respected member within the legal community."
"I endorse attorney Vijay Dinakar. He is an aggressive advocate for his clients and respected within the legal industry."
"I endorse this lawyer. Highly regarded in the legal community."
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Experience
Honors
2016
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2016
Top 10 Under 40, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2016
10 Best Under 40, American Institute of DUI/DWI Attorneys
2013
Top Contributor, AVVO
2005
Best Oral Advocate, Santa Clara Univ SOL
Work Experience
2008 - Present
Attorney, Vijay Law
2008 - 2012
Attorney, Alternate Defense Office
2008 - 2008
Intern, Public Defender's Office San Diego
2005 - 2006
Intern, Northern California Innocence Project
Associations
2012 - Present
San Mateo County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2010 - Present
South Asian Bar Association of Northern CaliforniaAttorney Member
2009 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationAttorney Member
2008 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense AttorneysAttorney Member
2008 - Present
American Civil Liberties UnionAttorney Member
2008 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeAttorney Member
2008 - Present
State Bar of California, Criminal Law SectionMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. S.A.
Not Guilty
People v. A.G.
Case Dismissed
People v. B.R.
Case Dismissed
Education
2007
Santa Clara Univ SOL
JD - Juris Doctor
2003
State University of New York, Albany
BA
Publications
2003
New York State Legislature
Medical Marijuana In New York State
Languages
English
Hindi
Punjabi
Kannada
Telugu
Tamil
Activity
Legal Answers
Top Contributor
Vijay earned significant contribution points in 2015.
Legal Answers
Q&A
I was arrested for a first-time DUI in Alameda County, CA two days ago. I need an attorney
28 Jan 2026
Q&A
Is this harassment? An ex won't stop calling, texting me and is also messaging and calling friends and family.
14 Nov 2022
Q&A
Is it legal for one person who bought a house with another to destroy parts of the house without consent from the other person?
01 Jul 2020