Steven Hideki Nakano

Steven Hideki Nakano

4.8
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 45 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Violent Crime ... +2 more

161 Jackson Street, Suite 200, San Jose, CA

About Steven

Biography

Practice Areas

5

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 40%

I represent clients for every kind of criminal case from DUI's to homicides. My practice is very client-oriented and I believe that it is critical that I take the time to get to know my client to best represent him or her. To this end, I have a team that includes an investigator, a therapist and a residential drug and alcohol treatment program, called Amicus House. Please watch my office video.

45 years | 1,000 cases

40%
DUI and DWI 20%

45 years | 1,000 cases

20%
Domestic Violence 15%

45 years | 1,000 cases

15%
Violent Crime 15%

45 years | 1,000 cases

15%
White Collar Crime 10%

45 years | 1,000 cases

10%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 45 years

State: California

Acquired: 1980

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Steven H. Nakano

161 Jackson Street, Suite 200, San Jose, CA, 95112

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Steven Hideki Nakano's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.8 /5.0

23 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (23) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 16 - 20 of 23 reviews

Posted by Victor | March 25, 2015 | Criminal Defense

Lawyer with a heart

I've been using and referring Steve for close to 20 years. He has helped me with several cases over the years. All with amazing results. Steve is honest, sincere, has a wealth of experience, and is really just a great person. He doesn't just solve my cases for me, but he also helped me as a... mentor, friend, and confidant. His Zen approach puts you at ease, and you know your problems are in good hands. It also doesn't hurt that he has quite the reputation. There is nothing like having your attorney walk in the courtroom and get greeted by everyone. The DA's know him, all the judges, even the bailiffs. It really makes you feel at ease. He's even been the main article on the front page of the San Jose Mercury News for something amazing he did. Steve may not have the big ads and flashy commercials like the other lawyers (he's never been much of a self promoter), but I would bet dollars to doughnuts that he would run circles around them all in court. If you have a case, especially in Santa Clara County, do yourself a favor, stop looking at reviews and call Steve now. He is the without a doubt the best and most respected what he does. Schedule an interview and you will see the difference with one meeting.

Posted by AJ | October 19, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Saved my life

I don't have enough good things to say about Mr Nakano. I was falsely accused of a serious crime which could have cost me my career. In my case I was up against a cop that was blatantly lying about what he was told happened, and a less than ethical DA who ignored evidence and tried to bully me into... a plea deal for a crime I had not committed. Mr Nakano put a stop to all of that at trial. He ate them alive. It was a thing of beauty to see him in action. By the time Mr Nakano was done with them, I walked out a free man with my head held high. Innocent until proven guilty really doesn't exist, so you better make damn sure you have a good attorney if you want to survive the modern day American judicial system.

Posted by anonymous | September 22, 2014

Grateful for his guidance

Mr. Nakano helped guide us through a system that we were unfamiliar with. We appreciated all of the time he took to talk with us. He spent many hours not only explaining, but also helping to put things into perspective. We will always feel fortunate to have been referred to Mr. Nakano.

Posted by George Castaneda | September 14, 2014 | Criminal Defense

Grateful I was represented by Mr. Nakano

I've known Mr. Nakano for many years now. I 've had friends he's represented in the past. Now he is currently working on a case for me. Because of Mr. Nakano reputation with the courts he was able to convince the judge to give me and his recommendations an opportunity to make a difference in my life ...today. Because of Mr Nakano and the program he advised me to get into ( Amicus house ). Iam actually learning how to live life on life's terms. Something I could never do on my own. Not just is he a great attorney he genuinely cares for his clients. And speaking from experience this is very hard to find in this county. I've had many attorney's. Never have I met one like Mr Nakano. He has gone way out of his way to help me. Not just in my current case but in my life. Because of the program he recommended iam learning so many tools to go on and live life as I was intended to live it. A healthy responsible active member in the community. And I owe this all to Mr. Nakano. To me he is more than my attorney he is family.... Thank you for everything you have been a true inspiration in my life thank you..... Do I recommend him as an attorney ? YES IN DEED.....

Posted by Lindsay | September 14, 2014 | DUI & DWI

Steve Nakano: Lawyer, Musician, Spiritual Guru

Mr. Nakano represented me in 1994 for a serious DUI involving an accident. It was a very confusing and difficult time in my life; yet, amazingly, I still look back on it all somewhat fondly and remember how much I learned from Mr. Nakano. I agree with each positive review that has been written here... regarding Mr. Nakano's prowess in the courtroom, his undeniable ability to put people at ease during an intense and frightening situation, and above all, his compassion for all human beings whom he feels deserve to have a second chance (sometimes more...) and be given a way in which to make right what has been done wrong. Mr. Nakano was much more than a lawyer. He was a warrior, a healer, a teacher and a confidante. While the circumstances of the case, the accident, the regrets and the shame broke me down, Mr. Nakano took the time to help me build myself back up. He showed the judge and the DA the young woman behind the drinking problem and kept me from a future that would not have been good for any. Absolutely...I would recommend anyone to seek out his services if you are in need of an attorney. He is one that cares for you and fights the system on your behalf.

See All Client Reviews

Steven Hideki Nakano's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Steven
Agavni Tulekyan headshot
Agavni Tulekyan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Alan Wingerden headshot
Richard Wingerden

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Daniel Robert Lofgren headshot
Daniel Lofgren

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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."

Peter John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

Sean Cleary headshot
Sean Cleary

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer. A brilliant, trustworthy and highly respected attorney in the legal community."

Judd S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Dec 12

Relationship: Other

"This lawyer is knowledgeable, aggressive, efficient and talented. I endorse this lawyer."

Wesley James Schroeder headshot
Wesley Schroeder

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 10

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

Daniel Miller Mayfield headshot
Daniel Mayfield

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"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."

View All Endorsements
Jeffrey W Nunes headshot
Jeffrey Nunes

Unknown lawyer

Daniel Miller Mayfield headshot
Daniel Mayfield

Criminal defense lawyer

Glenn Paul Sugihara headshot
Glenn Sugihara

Criminal defense lawyer

Wendy Q. W. Kim headshot
Wendy Kim

Criminal defense lawyer

Wesley James Schroeder headshot
Wesley Schroeder

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2002

Unsung Hero Award, Santa Clara County Bar Association

Work Experience

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

Associations

1982 - Present

Asian Pacific Bar Association of Silicon Valley

Past President

Sample of Legal Cases

People versus G Salinas (ficticious name)

dismissal

People versus Wendell Leroy

Dismissed

People versus Shanandoha Garcia

Defendant, Shanandoha found not guilty

People versus Kenneth Foley

Defendant Kenneth Foley was released and his conviction reversed.

See More Legal Cases

Education

1980

U of San Francisco SOL

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

Univ of California Berkeley

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1973

Los Altos High School

Diploma

Speaking Engagements

2008

The Forensic Investigation of Homicide

The Introduction of Crime Scene Reenactments as Demonstrative Evidence

2005

2005 Capital Case Defense Seminar

Creating and Using Forensic Animation as Demonstrative Evidence in Trial

2003

Treatment Provider's Conference

Law as a Spiritual Practice

1996

Santa Clara County Paralegal Association

crime, addiction and child molest

Publications

2005

CAPITAL CASE SEMINAR 2005 CREATING AND USING FORENSIC ANIMATION AS DEMONSTRATIVE EVIDENCE IN TRIAL: PEOPLE V. SHANANDOHA GARCIA

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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