Sam John Polverino

Sam John Polverino

4.7
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 46 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at San Jose, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Federal Crime, Violent Crime

1565 The Alameda, Suite 100, San Jose, CA

About Sam

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 46 years

State: California

Acquired: 1979

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of Sam J. Polverino

1565 The Alameda, Suite 100, San Jose, CA, 95126

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Sam John Polverino's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (28) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 28 reviews

Posted by Chris | February 17, 2026 | Hired Attorney

Sam is No Joke

Sam helped me with a DUI years ago. He got a prior conviction changed to a lesser charge and that helped with the later charge. He did a great job for me. He is a tough lawyer who will fight for you and get you the best option; for you.

Posted by anonymous | June 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney

path to prison

before I paid him money, he told me it's difficult for DA to prove I was guilty because no evidence, after I paid him a flat fee, he told me that it's difficult for me to prove I was innocent because no evidence, and suggested me to plea guilty, otherwise I might stay in prison for a very long time, ...and I could not survive in the prison. After that, it's very difficult to connect with him unless he want me to paid a bill. Finally, he asked me to pay an unreasonable bill, then he would get a great deal for me, I refused to plea guilty or pay the unreasonable bill, then he withdrew. At the beginning, he told me the bill was $1200, I agreed; later, he told me the bill was $1800 because the expert need to travel from east bay, $600 for the travel fee, I asked him to hire an local expert, he refused; later, he told me the bill was $3100. I paid $1800, but refused to paid the additional $1300. After 2 years, my case was dismissed. If you search his name in Santa Clara court's website, you may find out that he is working on 100+ cases at the same time, he won't have enough time to help his clients even if he wants

Sam Polverino

Replied last June 29, 2025

This description is untrue and lacks important context. This gentleman hired me on this case approximately two years ago. After reviewing the evidence in his case, I hired an expert with his consent and direction. When the expert provided us with the confidential results, he refused to pay for the expert’s fees. I paid the expert and withdrew from the case. This was before any evidentiary hearings were conducted. I wish him well and hope the District Attorney does not refile the case against him. I do not accept cases unless I can devote to my client the time needed to defend the case.

Posted by anonymous | April 30, 2025 | Hired Attorney

Exceptional Criminal Defense Attorney - Thorough, Professional & Reassuring

As someone who had never encountered legal issues before, facing my first criminal case was scary. After interviewing several experienced lawyers in San Jose, I was referred to Sam. From our first consultation, I knew he could help me achieve the best possible outcome, and he indeed accomplished that.... He thoroughly explained the legal process, terminology, and potential scenarios, providing reassurance throughout. Not only is he a quick and reliable communicator, but he also handled my case professionally and diligently. Hopefully, I won't need his services again anytime soon, but if I or an acquaintance ever do, Sam will definitely be my top recommendation.

Posted by anonymous | December 05, 2024 | Hired Attorney

Review by Joe :)

I am incredibly grateful to have had Sam represent me in my case. From the very beginning, he and his assistant Debra demonstrated an exceptional level of professionalism, confidentiality, dedication, and expertise that truly set him apart. Thanks to Sam, my case was rejected, and I was able to se...cure a Certificate of Factual Innocence. This outcome has profoundly impacted my life and I cannot thank him enough for his hard work and commitment. Throughout the entire process, Sam / Debra were always available to answer my questions, provide reassurance, and keep me informed about the progress of my case. He took the time to explain complex legal concepts in a way I could understand, which made a world of difference during such a stressful time. I highly recommend Sam to anyone in need of legal representation. His network, expertise, dedication, and compassion are truly unmatched, and I am forever grateful for the positive outcome he achieved for me. Thank you, Sam, for everything you have done!

Posted by anonymous | December 03, 2024 | Hired Attorney

Knowledgeable, experienced and gets the job done!

We are so grateful to Sam for all his help. He is clearly well- respected in the DA's office, and was able to get the misdemeanor charges dismissed once the full story came out. He and his assistant Debra worked diligently and did not let up until the matter was fully resolved in a just and equitabl...e manner. Sam has the right balance of expertise, fortitude and compassion- all the skills you could ask for in a lawyer. We highly recommend!

See All Client Reviews

Sam John Polverino's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sam
Mark Bruns Middaugh headshot
Mark Middaugh

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I got to know Sam when I was cutting my teeth as a public defender in San Jose, and we have taught together in the Stanford Law School Trial Advocacy program. I think very highly of him."

Francis Richard Cole headshot
Francis Cole

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam's record speaks for itself. Honesty, integrity, hard work and great results. I do criminal defense and I have referred clients to Sam because he is so good."

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."

Christopher Duane Hirz headshot
Christopher Hirz

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Sam is my go to referral when my clients need representation in a criminal defense matter."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | May 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse Sam. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Alyssa L Thompson headshot
Alyssa Thompson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this Mr. Polverino."

Denise Cafaro Hammond headshot
Denise Hammond

Criminal defense lawyer | May 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Sam is a superb lawyer. I had the opportunity to engage him for an immigration client facing criminal charges. He worked doggedly and strategically to get the charges completely dismissed. He is smart, determined and a pleasure to deal with. He clearly has the respect of the prosecutor's office, which was a major factor in the outcome. I would use him again in a heartbeat."

Robert Gregory Zelenka headshot
Robert Zelenka

Criminal defense lawyer | May 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have referred numerous clients and other individuals to Sam over the years and, without exception, he has obtained excellent results for them. The feedback from my clients is always extremely positive."

Jon Scott Fox headshot
Jon Fox

Criminal defense lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Sam Polverino is well known for his excellent legal work. His trial skills border on legendary, his preparation is always complete, and clients always get the very best legal representation from Sam. "

View All Endorsements
Christopher Patrick Welch headshot
Christopher Welch

Criminal defense lawyer

Fenn Clark Horton III headshot
Fenn Horton

Employment and labor lawyer

Denise Cafaro Hammond headshot
Denise Hammond

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Christopher Cannon

Criminal defense lawyer

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Richard Abdalah

Real estate lawyer

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Phillip Sims

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Jeffrey Miller

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Jon Fox

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Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2024

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2023

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2022

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2021

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2020

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2019

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2018

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2017

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2016

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2015

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2014

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2013

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2012

Super Lawyer (2009 to present), Super Lawyers of Northern California

2012

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2011

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2010

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

2009

Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers

N/A

Unsung Hero Award (2005), Santa Clara County Bar Association Minority Access Committee

N/A

Editorial Board (1986-1987), California Lawyer Magazine

N/A

Bar Register of Preeminent Lawyers (10+ years), Martindale-Hubbell

N/A

California State Bar Certified Specialist - 20 years, State Bar of California

Work Experience

2001 - Present

Principal, Law Offices of Sam J. Polverino

1988 - 2001

Partner, Davila & Polverino

1981 - 1998

Attorney, Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office

Associations

2014 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

2007 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

1994 - Present

Stanford University School of Law, Trial Skills Program

Instructor

1992 - Present

University of San Francisco School of Law, Intensive Advocacy Program

Instructor

1988 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice

Member

1987 - Present

Barrister's Club of Santa Clara County Bar

President

1981 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

CEB Skills Workshop

Instructor - Laying Evidentiary Foundation (1992, 1994, 1995)

1993 - 1993

Santa Clara County Bar Association

President

1992 - 1992

Santa Clara County Bar Association

President-Elect

1991 - 1991

Santa Clara County Bar Association

Secretary

1987 - 1994

Santa Clara County Bar Association

Member - Board of Trustees

1986 - 1991

Santa Clara University School of Law

Instructor: Trial Techniques

Education

1976

University of San Francisco School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1973

Santa Clara University

BS - Bachelor of Science

Speaking Engagements

N/A

Sexual Assault Seminar - 1987-1990

Sexual Assault

Publications

2014

Black's Law Dictionary Practitioner Contributer

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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