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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
23 Client Reviews
Showing 1 - 3 of 3 reviews | Compassion
Posted by anonymous | May 08, 2017
A very caring attorney
I talked to Steve regarding my case and though I did not retrain him for counsel he still provided me with advice and true empathy for not only my case but also my current stituation in general. The advice he provided was also in the best interest of me and not to scare me into getting unneeded serv...
Posted by Garcia | July 06, 2014 | Criminal Defense
Criminal defense case
I have recommended Mr Nakano to other people whom he has assisted successfully. A friend of mine told me Mr Nakano did not take his case. Mr Nakano informed my friend that a paid attorney was not necessary and provided resources for my friend to minimize his case. During my case Mr Nakano was very pr...
Posted by anonymous | August 18, 2013 | Immigration
Not just a lawyer
I consider myself extremely blessed to have been represented by Steven Nakano. I have been represented by him in several cases, and I highly recommend him. On my last case in 2012, I was facing very serious charges, and he made miracles happen through his investigative and legal work. He was very att...
"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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