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John Andrew Campanella

John Andrew Campanella

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 31 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Sacramento, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI

901 H Street, Suite 301, Sacramento, CA

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

1

Practice Area

DUI and DWI 100%

I am active member of the National College of DUI Defense, a member of California DUI Lawyers Association, I am certified by the National Highway and Traffic Association for the administration of Field Sobriety Tests. I regularly attend DUI continuing education of the Bar, have tried over 35 Jury Trials, hundreds of pretrial motions and over 1000 DMV hearings all relating to DUI cases.

32 years | 1,900 cases

100%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 31 years

State: California

Acquired: 1994

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Law Offices of John Andrew Campanella

901 H Street, Suite 301, Sacramento, CA, 95814

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John Andrew Campanella's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

113 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 21 reviews | Compassion

Posted by anonymous | October 06, 2025 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Do yourself a favor, call John Campanella!

If you find yourself in the unfamiliar world of the judicial system, you need someone on your side, working with you, that has lived and breathed in that world for the last 30 years. I found myself reeling from a DUI charge. I had no recollection of anything that happened that day as I was concussed ...after I came off my motorcycle when my back tire blew out. I was ambulanced to the hospital with injuries and woke up with a DUI citation hanging from my hospital bed. Bummer. Once released, I researched extensively online. I asked almost every major AI (Gemini, ChatGPT, Anthropic, and Grok) for information on what I should do and who I should contact for help. There were 2 things that ALL of the AIs had in common. The first thing they ALL said was to get a lawyer. Do not go this alone. The second, ALL of them had in common was the name John Campanella listed as a DUI lawyer recommendation. I looked him up. He had the experience (30 years), he had excellent client reviews, he seemed to have the knowledge, and honestly, I liked his look. So, I called his office and left a message regarding my situation. I was shocked to receive a call from Mr. Campanella about 5 minutes after I left my message. He showed kindness, compassion, and understanding, which is what I needed after this traumatizing event. I was impressed by his quick reply and attention to my case. He gave me advice and asked questions about what I could remember and what steps I have taken so far. And this was all before I hired him as my lawyer! He was far and away my first choice and agreed to take my case. Mr. Campanella and his right-hand man Aaron then informed me of the process. They told me when I needed to be at court and when I didn’t, explained my rights, answered my questions, helped me obtain evidence, and most importantly knew the law as it pertains to anything DUI related. I must admit, I was down on my chances heading into our hearing. But John and Aaron told me to stay positive. We went into court and what I witnessed next from Mr. Campanella, I can only liken to sitting courtside in Chicago 1991 and watching Michael Jordan play basketball. It was amazing. The court room was his court. I could see his eyes grow wide as he listened to the prosecutor and officer speak. He would feverishly scribble into his note pad as the prosecutor spoke. And when it was his turn to speak, he made his point, there was no denying his knowledge or argument. He would rattle off Titles, Sections, Articles, Objections, and Subsections off the top of his head. Incredibly impressive. I went into court that day prepared for the worst. I walked out with a Motion to Suppress GRANTED! That would not have happened without John Campanella and Aaron. That’s real talk. I couldn’t give a higher recommendation to this team.

Posted by anonymous | May 02, 2024 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Legit Lawyer and team to lighten the load of a very sobering moment

There is a first time for everything phrase that I will make sure of for this instance of my DUI, that said, I spoke to several local DUI attorneys for consultations and fee inquiries ;Mr. Campanella was the one whom called me back after business hours and spent quite a bit of time discussing my situ...ation and what the steps are in this state to get back on the road as well as how up coming hearings and court fees etc may entail. He was very helpful, highly knowledgeable and extremely compassionate. I felt like he was speaking to me as an individual not just another “statistic”. He was not pushy, quite the opposite. Forthcoming and again very personal in regards to his concern about my situation. I spoke with a few other DUI attorneys after ward and decided that John Campanella was the best fit for me. His fee is extremely fair but moreover, his ability to work for you is paramount. I can not express my gratitude to him and Aaron during this whole ordeal. They responded and represented me with diligence, dignity and determination to keep me from jail, let me stay on the road and never had to see a court room. John and Aaron walked me through all the steps and kept me in the loop and more importantly let me have a say or ask questions in all the information relayed or not comprehended by me without making me feel disrespected. He was able to lower my fines, reduce conviction and sentencing and provided me with so many resources for DUI classes, SR22 company, IID install and has been here for me during this whole time offering support and the team will call or text or email back with a quickness if they do not answer the phone right away. I can not thank him and his colleague Aaron enough for the time they have spent with my case. I am fortunate to have called around and then followed my intuition to hire Mr. Campanella. I highly recommend John to represent anyone in a situation that needs immediate intervention for a DUI with Professionalism, Integrity and Enthusiasm to get to work for you straight away! Many Thanks ~Kat

Posted by anonymous | July 10, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Thank you, John!!!

I cannot thank and talk highly enough of John. I made a huge mistake and got behind the wheel after I had been drinking. I felt ashamed and full of regret. John was extremely clear and to the point and explained in detail what to expect and how he was going to help. He never made me feel judged, but ...made me feel like we were on the same team. John handled everything from the arrest to the DMV to the court hearing and everything in between and after. John was always very available and would answer phone calls, texts, emails and help with any questions very quickly. I had a great experience with John and highly recommend him. Thank you again!!

Posted by anonymous | June 18, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

I’m a First Responder and John saved my career

I’m 53 years old and have over 25 career years as a first responder. Embarrassingly, I was arrested for my first DUI and I was faced with the devastating possibility to an end of my over 25 year career. I had never been on this side of the fence and I was so afraid and desperate, unsure what to do an...d who to turn to for legal advice. I called everyone and even turned to the public defenders office to find the best DUI attorney in town. I spoke with a lady and she told me, “If I had to hire someone, the best is Mr. John Campanella”. I made the call, explained my situation and hired Mr. Campanella. From day one, he confidently guided me through the entire legal process (case review, DMV, hearings, police reports, court, etc.) Facing my all important DMV hearing, I was up against a one year license suspension and a loss of the hearing would mean the end of my career. Mr. Campanella handled the hearing like an expert, guiding me every step of the way. After a hard fought battle, I was amazed to discover I won my DMV hearing and kept my drivers license. This was only the beginning of the good news for me. John continued guiding me through the entire legal process like a true professional. In the end, I was able to keep my drivers license and my 25 year first responder career. John Campanella never gave up on me and I can honestly say he truly does care about his clients. I can’t tell you in how many ways that this experience has changed my life. I now have over 2 years of sobriety and a new outlook on my career and life. Hiring John Campanella was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made, he saved my career and changed my life. John is the best DUI attorney around!

Posted by anonymous | March 02, 2022 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The Best of the Best

I was arrested for a DUI with injury--a felony. I was also alleged to have refused a chemical test, an additional allegation that results in a one-year driver's license suspension. I immediately called John, as he has a reputation for being the best in DUI law. I can now affirm his reputation is n...ot only accurate, but understated. He is the most knowledgeable, assertive, yet kind attorney I have ever encountered. In speaking with him, it was evident he was an expert in DUI. Most importantly, he was creative. He not only knew the law, but he knew how to use it. Ultimately, John took an otherwise hopeless refusal DUI case and turned it into a victory. He saved my license. In doing so, he saved my employment and dignity. He handled the entire matter with compelling professionalism and understanding. I am still in awe of this result. Thank you, John. You are truly the best.

See All Client Reviews

John Andrew Campanella's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Sarbdeep Heir Atwal headshot
Sarbdeep Atwal

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Campanella is extremely knowledgeable, has tremendous legal experience, and is greatly respected in the legal community. He is also great to chat with and is always helpful to fellow attorneys such as myself!"

Philip Damian Mccarthy headshot
Philip Mccarthy

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Campanella is extremely thorough, leaving no stone unturned. He meticulously sifts through every case, looking, and often finding, legal and legitimate defenses for his clients."

David Gregory Cohen headshot
David Cohen

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have seen John's excellent work in challenging blood draws on Fourth Amendment principles. John is a skilled DUI advocate who must be taken seriously by the prosecution. I endorse this lawyer."

Hendrick Stevens Crowell II headshot
Hendrick Crowell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Candice Fields headshot
Candice Fields

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Daniel Matthew Wigon headshot
Daniel Wigon

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Timothy Edward O'Laughlin headshot
Timothy O'Laughlin

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. John is well known as an effective advocate for his clients."

Thomas Joseph Baker headshot
Thomas Baker

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Amie Hamilton Beighley headshot
Amie Beighley

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Campanella is a great attorney. He's always stopping by the office to let us know some valuable insight he's discovered through his hard work and dedication to the profession."

Christopher Daniel Leroi headshot
Christopher Leroi

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 19

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am a HUGE fan of Mr. Campanella. He provides expert advise to questions pertaining to DUI law. I am a former judge who handled DUIs every day for 7 years and a former prosecutor who trained DAs about how to prosecute DUIs for another 7 years. Even with my experience, I learn from Mr. Campanella every day and you should hire him in an instant."

Matthew Ian Terry headshot
Matthew Terry

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 09

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Campanella is a perfect example of a combination of IQ and EQ ~ his cerebral, legal knowledge base is top tier, but he is able to combine that with an equally powerful, first-rate emotional understanding of the jurors mind. Truly a delight to pick his brain on the science (and art) of trial lawyering. Highly recommended."

Lynn Gorelick headshot
Lynn Gorelick

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jon Martin Pettis headshot
Jon Pettis

Unknown lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Campanella is a talented lawyer and provides his clients excellent advice and service. I endorse this lawyer."

Deanna C Duncan headshot
Deanna Duncan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Mar 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He is THE GUY to see on DUI/DWI matters in California. Not only does he know the law, he also knows how to use it effectively to help his clients. As a fellow attorney he is always willing to help and is a wonderful mentor."

Christopher Carle Kingsley Parkhurst headshot
Christopher Parkhurst

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John fights hard for his clients, and never hesitates to stand up for client rights all the way through his representation. He is an active contributing member of the California DUI Lawyers Association, and works hard to keep informed on developments in the law. DUI defense is tricky and requires mastery of both complicated science and the art of presentation to put on a good defense. John has both skill sets, and his clients benefit from both."

Richard Thomas Dudek headshot
Richard Dudek

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. John is the go to guy for attorneys for knowledge on dui's and dmv hearings/procedures. Highly recommend his services as he knows more than anybody else. I have known him as an attorney since he started in Sacramento quite some time ago."

James Murray Warden headshot
James Warden

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Campanella is one of the most conscientious and knowledgeable attorneys in the DUI field that I know. He is hard-working, creative in his defenses and stays current in all aspects of the DUI field. When you pay for John's services, you do indeed get what you pay for: a good, hard-working lawyer that fights vigorously for his clients."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work: extremely conscientious, very hardworking and obviously dedicated to each Client, Californians understand that Mr. Campanella is an excellent trial attorney who is a beneficial asset to the entire California DUI Defense Bar community. Any person in need of a superb criminal defense lawyer will know he or she is in capable hands. For a number of reasons (but without enough character space to properly do this fine attorney justice, I am honored to endorse this superb lawyer."

Leigh Gretchen Fleming headshot
Leigh Fleming

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 22

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Campanella is one of the most knowledgeable DUI attorneys in Northern California. John has a vast amount of experience, cares for his clients, and is just an all-around great person to work with. I strongly endorse this lawyer's work."

Nors Elwood Davidson headshot
Nors Davidson

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. John is an attorney who does his homework. He regularly attends training sessions in DUI defense and is up to speed with all of the new developments in the law."

View All Endorsements
Bradford Weston III headshot
Bradford Weston

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Matthew Wigon headshot
Daniel Wigon

Immigration lawyer

Nate Pereira headshot
Nate Pereira

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Emmett Wonder headshot
Scott Wonder

DUI and DWI lawyer

Richard Thomas Dudek headshot
Richard Dudek

Criminal defense lawyer

Hudson Thomas Bair headshot
Hudson Bair

DUI and DWI lawyer

Deanna C Duncan headshot
Deanna Duncan

Construction and development lawyer

Philip Damian Mccarthy headshot
Philip Mccarthy

Criminal defense lawyer

Leigh Gretchen Fleming headshot
Leigh Fleming

Criminal defense lawyer

D. Michael Phillips headshot
D. Michael Phillips

DUI and DWI lawyer

Lynn Gorelick headshot
Lynn Gorelick

DUI and DWI lawyer

Aaron Reuben Bortel headshot
Aaron Bortel

DUI and DWI lawyer

Richard Orville Middlebrook headshot
Richard Middlebrook

DUI and DWI lawyer

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer

Okorie Okorocha headshot
Okorie Okorocha

Criminal defense lawyer

Michael James Kennedy headshot
Michael Kennedy

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Jon Fremont headshot
Michael Fremont

DUI and DWI lawyer

Donald Gray Drewry headshot
Donald Drewry

DUI and DWI lawyer

Francisco J Rodriguez headshot
Francisco Rodriguez

DUI and DWI lawyer

Lisa Ann Barr headshot
Lisa Barr

Employment and labor lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2014

Top 100 DUI lawyers in northern California, The National Advocacy for DUI Defense

2013

Client's Choice, Avvo

2013

Top Contributor, Avvo

2012

Forensic Chromatography VIII, Axion Labs

2009

Recognition, Northern California Super Lawyers

2008

Recognition, Northern California Super Lawyers

2006

Recognition, Northern California Super Lawyers

2004

Recognition, Northern California Super Lawyers

2003

Qualified to Administer Field Sobriety Tests, La Pier and Associates

2003

Recognition, Northern California Super Lawyers

2001

Rising Star, Super Lawyers

1994

Moot Court Honors, McGeorge School of Law

1994

Traynor Honor Society, McGeorge School of Law

1993

Dean's Honor Roll, McGeorge School of Law

Work Experience

1994 - Present

, Law Office of John A. Campanella

1993 - 1994

Legal Intern, Sacramento County Public Defender

Associations

2010 - Present

Placer County Bar Association

Member

2008 - Present

Solano County Bar Association

Member

1995 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Member

1995 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

1995 - Present

Sacramento County Superior Court

Attorney

1994 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

1994 - Present

Sacramento County Bar Association

Member

1994 - Present

California Public Defenders Association

Member

2015 - 2019

California DUI Lawyers Association

Board of Directors

1995 - 2008

California Public Defenders Association

Member

1992 - 1993

Volunteer Legal Services of Northern CA

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. VonSchoech

Hung Jury

People v. McMillan

Dismissed

People v. Fontenot

Case dismissed

People v. Danekari

Dissmissed

People v. A. Jones

Dismissed

People v. Bullock

hung jury

People v. Fothergill

Case dismissed

People v. Cheung

Dismissed

People v. Kennedy Lindsey

Acquittal

People v. James Carradine

Not Guilty all charges

People v. Victor Bernie Ross

Hung Jury

See More Legal Cases

Education

1995

National College of DUI Defense

DUI Defense

1994

McGeorge School of Law, University of the Pacific

JD - Juris Doctor w/distinction

1987

Univ of California Santa Barbara

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2013

Sacramento Public Defenders

Calculating Blood Alcohol Levels

2013

Sacramento DUI conference

CA passes AB 60

2010

Community conference on Police conduct

How to protect your rights when you are stopped

Publications

2013

Sacramento DUI News CA passes AB 60

2013

Sacramento DUI News Letter AB-60 Granting licenses to illegals

2010

Law Office of John A. Campanella Sacramento DUI Information Newsletter

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

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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