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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 26 - 30 of 70 reviews
Posted by Mahesh | September 10, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Domestic Violence
Highly recommended attorney!
Vijay Dinakar did a great job on my case and the case was finally dismissed! Vijay literally knows domestic violence inside and out. Vijay reviewed the facts carefully and spoke to DA couple of times explaining the situation and the facts, ultimately the case was dismissed. Highly recommended! Proba...
Posted by Pallavi | July 04, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
Handled my family case with great skill
I met Vijay for an initial consultation, after I hired an incompetent family attorney, who charged me thousands of dollars, who did absolutely nothing but made false promises. I explained my situation to Vijay. I hired him on my case and he handled it with great skill. He got the child custody, visit...
Posted by Bhuvnesh | June 03, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Divorce & Separation
Approachable and Terrific!
I filed for divorce, and in retaliation my wife got a TRO claiming domestic violence and tried to file a criminal case against me making false accusations. Although, i have not been living with my wife since 1 year and have not seen her since then nor made any threats, but still she filed it to gain ...
Posted by anonymous | May 19, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Child Custody
The only attorney you would ever need! He is brilliant!
Vijay is a brilliant attorney. Probably the only attorney you would ever need in your case. I was dealing with litigating DVROs and child custody and my husband filed frivolous restraining order against me. I reached out to Vijay after I lost hope in the legal system and met him few days before the...
Posted by anonymous | April 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
One of the Best that we can ever hire
For the level of knowledge he possesses in criminal law and the way he takes up the case, i am very sure, he is gonna be one of the top most attorneys of bay area. For a case of us, when we contacted many attorneys, level of comfortability that vijay offered is un matched to any. ...
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