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 - 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...ices. Thanks again

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...ofessional and yet caring. He went beyond the scope of his profession and never mentioned it. Mr Nakano understands the system and does his homework ! He is very dedicated to his clients and does not over book himself to make money. He came to visit me one day and I told him I could not afford it. He stated he was just checking on me to make sure I was holding up ok and not charging for the visit. He was very organized during my trial and his concern for my freedom was genuine not acted out. Steve brought in all the right resources during my trial. My family was informed of all matters of facts and findings during my trial. He was always straight forward and to the point. If you want a fantastic lawyer that will treat you and your case like it is his own, Steve Nakano is that lawyer.

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...entive and responsive of my needs regarding my case and he was also very good at communicating with my family. I have seen other attorneys who are always late, or miss court appointments all together. Other attorneys also seem to only worry about money, not this one. Mr. Nakano really goes above and beyond for his clients. He literally accomplished what I thought to be impossible to help me with my legal matters. He even worked hand in hand with my immigration attorney to ensure my legal status in the country would not be affected. Mr. Nakano is a very trustworthy and wise individual. He is very well respected in the courtroom and he always knew how to deal with situations. While I was in custody going crazy, during one of my interviews with Mr. Nakano, he thought me some great breathing and meditation techniques which were very helpful in maintaining my sanity. In conclusion, I strongly recommend Mr. Nakano for anyone facing the unfortunate situation of having to go before a judge.

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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What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
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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