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I have been a criminal defense attorney since 1981, having graduated from USF Law School in 1980 and passing the bar exam in that same year. I worked 5 years in the Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office from February 1981 to August 1985. I opened my office with long-time friend and partner, Glenn Sugihara in August of 1985. Thus, my phone number has always been.
My office is located at 161 Jackson Street, Suite 200, San Jose, California in the heart of downtown San Jose in what is called, "Japantown." Japantown has historical significance for the Japanese-American community. It is the location of Japanese Buddhist Temple and of the Japanese Methodist Church both locate on 5th Street near Jackson Street, the Issei Memorial Building, Japanese-American Cultural Center and Museum and many fine Japanese Restaurants, Professional businesses and shops.
I practice criminal defense primarily in the State Courts of California; "everything from DUIs to homicides." Please watch the video above. My practice is very "client-centered." That means, that it is important to me to get to know my clients so that I can represent each client as an individual. Therefore, I have a team of investigators, private therapists and often refer my clients to drug and alcohol treatment programs. I helped to start AMICUS HOUSE residential drug and alcohol treatment program, which is the premier drug and alcohol program in Santa Clara County and which always receives the highest ratings by the Courts and by the District Attorney's Drug Program Oversight committee.
I was the first attorney to produce an Animated Forensic Reconstruction of a shooting based upon the bullet paths to help to establish that the shooting was in self-defense, leading to the aquittal of my client in the case of California versus Shanandoha Garcia 1997. The video was featured on a television program, Tech Now with Bay Area News Reporter, Scott McGrew. Shanandoha has gone on to lead a very happy life, following his 3 year incarceration awaiting jury trial. He is currently employed by the U.S. Department of Defense. He is married with 2 children.
Perhaps my greatest legacy are the former clients who, like Shanandoha, have gone on to graduate from local colleges and universities, some who have even received Master's degrees. A few others have become recognized local artists. And many are active members of our community and role models for younger generations to come.
I have always balanced my stressful criminal law practice with my love of music and am currently in four bands. I also ran for Superior Court Judge in 1996 and lost despite having the support of almost the entire Santa Clara County Superior Court Bench.
5
Practice Areas
45 years | 1,000 cases
45 years | 1,000 cases
45 years | 1,000 cases
45 years | 1,000 cases
Free Consultation
$0 first 60 minutes
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Chat withState: California
Acquired: 1980
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161 Jackson Street, Suite 200, San Jose, CA, 95112
Showing 1 - 5 of 23 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Phil | January 7, 2023 | Hired Attorney
I was accused by police for abusing my son. I admit that I am a tough father but I am not the "abuser" described by the police. When I was released from jail I started seeking an attorney on AVVO. Mr. Nakano's experience drew my attention. However, my stereotype about lawyers reserved me from mak...
Posted by anonymous | January 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney
He is absolutely an amazing lawyer! Super professional and his experience and ratings prove it all! This man successfully managed to get my case dismissed and I will forever be grateful for his services. His services are a little on the expensive side, especially for students or new college grads but...
Posted by Brian | April 26, 2020 | Consulted Attorney
I came to Mr Steven Nakano awhile back concerned about a possible criminal case against me regarding an alledged a hit and run on the freeway resulting in property damage. After the police contacted me and conducted their investigation it was confirmed I was not involved in any hit and run. Turns out...
Posted by Roderick | October 29, 2019 | Hired Attorney
Steven Nakano is the kind of lawyer you want to be in your corner when you are going through a case in the court system. He was very knowledgeable of all court expectations and procedures to help me get a favorable outcome in my case. He went out of his way to schedule additional court dates to addre...
Thanks Roderick, Your review reminded me of all the problems getting the Dept. of Corrections to allow you to do something so simple as to bring your "B-Pap" machine so that you can sleep when serving your sentence. Thankfully, we had a judge who understood the dangers of sleep apnea. BTW I am really proud of you for turning your life around and using your experience to counsel young people about the dangers of drug use and other risky behavior. I am certain that your family is proud of you too! - Steve Nakano
Posted by anonymous | October 28, 2019 | Consulted Attorney
I received a DUI for riding an electric scooter. I reached out to Steven for a consultation regarding the charge against me. Before our consultation, I did some independent research and I noted there were other charges directly related to riding a scooter that were infractions and not a misdemeanor. ...
It is NOT often that a client comes to my office having researched the law himself. The DA's office had not even formulated a policy about filing the infractions for DUI electric scooters or DUI's that will effect people's driver's license and driving privilege. I am happy things worked are going to work out for you. - Steve Nakano
"I endorse this lawyer. I have had the opportunity to witness his work in the courtroom and have found him to be diligent and hardworking. He is well respected in the legal community."
"Few lawyers fit the title "counselor" as well as Steven Nakano. My personal experience with Mr. Nakano is that he will gladly and enthusiastically spend the time and effort to help and support you. For me, Mr. Nakano was a mentor when I was first beginning my career in criminal law not so long ago. He is a pillar of the criminal defense community and you could not ask for a more dedicated or experienced lawyer to represent you."
"34 years of practicing criminal law is extremely experienced. The advantage over many criminal defense attorneys is the 4 years prosecutors know that he spent as a former public defender. "They know that he knows what they know". Knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions. His numerous client reviews are stellar. READ THEM! Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation."
"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Steve is an ultimate professional with a calm and steady demeanor. He is liked and respected by judges, court personnel and colleagues. I have been involved in a number of cases of cases with Steve and have experienced first-hand his expertise and professional skill. I strongly endorse him."
"Steve is the best! Hands down, THE BEST. What makes him so good (you ask?) it is simply the fact that he combines his legal knowledge with personal counseling for his clients. It works! And, in the end, the client is served."
Unknown lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
Criminal defense lawyer
2014
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2002
Unsung Hero Award, Santa Clara County Bar Association
1997 - 2024
Solo Practitioner, Steven H. Nakano
1988 - 1997
Managing Partner, Nakano, Sugihara and Bocanegra
1985 - 1989
Managing Partner, Nakano and Sugihara
1981 - 1985
Deputy Public Defender, Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office
1980 - 1981
Special Investigator, Joint Legislative Audit Committee
1982 - Present
Asian Pacific Bar Association of Silicon ValleyPast President
dismissal
Dismissed
Defendant, Shanandoha found not guilty
Defendant Kenneth Foley was released and his conviction reversed.
1980
JD - Juris Doctor
1977
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1973
Diploma
2008
The Introduction of Crime Scene Reenactments as Demonstrative Evidence
2005
Creating and Using Forensic Animation as Demonstrative Evidence in Trial
2003
Law as a Spiritual Practice
1996
crime, addiction and child molest
2005
English
Spanish
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My 17 year old son got pulled over and my son was caught w a loaded gun on his person. Will he get tried as a adult
03 Nov 2025
How do I find a lawyer who specializes in alternative sentencing (rehab/mental stabilization) to address mental health issues?
03 Nov 2025
If it’s my first time ever catching a case ever and they are charging me with 2 charges of petty theft what can be the outcome ?
17 Oct 2025