Sam John Polverino's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

28 Client Reviews

Showing 6 - 8 of 8 reviews | Communication Style

Posted by anonymous | May 29, 2014 | Lawsuits & Disputes

Best lawyer in Santa Clara/San Jose area.

We are from out-of-state and needed a lawyer in Santa Clara/San Jose area fast. After hours of on-line research everything we found kept leading us back to Mr. Polverino. We called the office the next day while traveling to California and Mr. Polverino himself came on the line to discuss our situat...ion with us. Without knowing if he would represent our family or not, he still took the time to talk with us. We met with him the following afternoon and knew immediately that we had found the best attorney in northern California. Our case was handled professionally and efficiently and we could not have been happier with the outcome. Mr. Polverino was a God send!!

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Posted by Kev | February 20, 2013 | Criminal Defense

I'm very thankful to have Sam Polverino's Help

I'm very thankful and lucky to have Sam's help on my misdemeanor case. He is very knowledgeable and professional. It would be very stressful when one was involved. He was always there answering my questions and doubts. Sure that you would have piece of mind working with him. Highly recommend!

Posted by anonymous | June 25, 2025 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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

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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.

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Sam John Polverino's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse Sam

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 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 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 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 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 Thompson

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 07

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this Mr. Polverino."

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 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 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. "

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