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 1 - 5 of 14 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by Phil | January 07, 2023 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Thank you

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...ing immediate decision to hire him. After looking through his website, I told myself "why not give him a chance, and give yourself a chance". Because of our similar ethnic background, he could look at the situation from my perspective. Not only that, Mr. Nakano suggest me started to makeup for my mistake before the court date. He recommended Parents' Group, a group therapy that help distressed parents. In addition, he recommended me seeing professional counselor, who had taught me a lot because he had already went through the path that I am going through. Because of Mr. Nakano's help, I was dismissed of the charges by the police and was exonerated from CACI listing. Most importantly, my relationship with my son has improved. We enjoyed our Thanksgiving vacation in Disney; played retro video games and light saber duel together during Christmas Holidays. Aside from all the fun, he is still willing to follow my guidance to learn math and English daily. Thank you Mr. Nakano.

Posted by Brian | April 26, 2020 | Criminal Defense

Best attorney in the Bay Area

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... the party who claimed I was involved was pulling an insurance scam. Steven Nakano and myself had a consultation in his office and he put me at ease that I had nothing to be concerned about. He is clearly very skilled and very professional. He is one of the best attorneys in the bay area. And I'm very thankful for him. Thank you Mr. Steven Nakano. Im confident if this case falsely accusing me would have went to trial then I would hire Mr Steven Nakano to represent me. Thank you so much again. You are a national treasure Mr. Steve Nakano. 1

Posted by Marcus M. | November 07, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

NOT GUILTY

I had the pleasure of meeting Mr. Nakano last year because he was my fathers attorney in a case. Steve and I communicated back and forth due to the fact my dad is old school and doesn't do emails. He's more of a face to face kind of guy. Also because the outcome of this case would weigh heavily in my... family law proceedings that were ongoing at the time so I wanted to make sure Steve was the right guy for the job. Steve would reply to emails in a timely manner, return voicemail messages and took the time to make sure I understood everything that was occurring in my dads litigation. He never was rushing us out of his office during meetings and made sure we had all questions or concerns answered before leaving. He even drove us to the courthouse a couple times and walked in with us so we wouldn't have to find/pay for parking and we left our car at his office. During the process Steve was very straight forward and direct, but at the same time compassionate and caring. He didn't tell us what we wanted to hear, he told us the truth which unfortunately is hard to find sometimes in the field of work he does. It wasn't about the money it was about making sure my dad had the best opportunity to be found not guilty. I personally watched Mr. Nakano walk into courtrooms and immediately be greeted by bailiffs, clerks and other attorneys which told me he was well respected in the courtroom. His knowledge of the system and his calm demeanor with an aggressive approach when needed is what sets him apart from other lawyers. Before trial my dad was questioning Steve's game plan and even had me second guessing it. Steve reassured us he's been in this business a long time and not to worry. "The truth will prevail" he said and the truth did! NOT GUILTY was the verdict! What a great feeling! After the trial instead of just shaking our hands and saying farewells, Steve like a true gentleman invited us back to his office to celebrate. We went back and just talked about life and listened to some of his music. It felt like we were hanging out with a old time friend or family member. I can't say enough about Steve not only as an attorney but as a person in general. All I can say is Thanks!

Steven Nakano

Replied last November 07, 2019

I think your father's was the fastest trial ever. It took one day to pick a jury. One day to hear all of the evidence. And, less than one day for the jury to come back, "Not guilty." It was certainly NOT a "sure thing." Sometimes, the jury can just figure out who is telling the truth and who is lying. Thank you for this review. I appreciate it. Steven Nakano

Posted by anonymous | November 07, 2019 | Criminal Defense

Scooter DUI

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. ...On the return call from Steven, he noted he is available for a free consultation. He said he only has them in person to try to get to know his client that he might decide to represent. He made time to see me the next morning. After learning my situation, we looked up the different codes that I researched to see if I should've been charged those instead. He said this is the first time he saw a case like this. He is well respected in the community and has a lot of professional relationships. He called the DA office to see what they would charge me (to see if they would use the other codes we have researched or continue with the DUI). The DA informed him that they would not continue this case as a DUI but as in infraction. Because of this, Steven saved me thousands of dollars, not attending traffic/DUI classes, and not installing a breathalyzer in my car.

Steven Nakano

Replied last November 07, 2019

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

Posted by Mel | August 23, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Well recommended Lawyer

Mr. Nakano did well for my domestic violence case. I was able to avoid jail time and still keep my job. Very grateful to have hired him for my case. His recommendation to seek counseling through Ken Deavers help me tremendously. Mr. Nakano is an outstanding attorney. He has helped me understand ...the entire court process and gave me the insights to overcome this hurdle. Mr. Nakano's assistant Thy Nguyen also made me feel at ease when it came time for court. I'm usually nervous when court date comes up. But all in all the Law office of Mr. Nakano is highly recommended to represent you in court.

Steven Nakano

Replied last August 23, 2019

Thank you Mel. I am really happy that things worked out for you. I hope that you continue to thrive! Steve-

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

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution