Skip to main content

Joseph Salvatore Farina

Open for Business
  Save
Avvo Rating8.5
  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed for 33 years
  • Free consultation
Joseph Salvatore Farina
Joseph Salvatore Farina
AboutContactReviewsCost

About Joseph

Accused of a sex crime? Been falsely accused? Call me right away to discuss your case.

I've been a criminal defense attorney for 33 years.  Like many attorneys, I started out in the DA's office but quickly moved on to private practice.  In 1993, I opened the Law Offices of Joseph S. Farina and have been in private practice ever since. 

From 2009 through 2019, I handled sex cases almost exclusively, including child molestation, rape, sexual assault, statutory rape and possession of child pornography.  Of my last 75 felony jury trials dating back to December 2008, about 90% have been sex cases.  I have a lot of trial experience in this area and am knowledgable about the applicable law.  The law regarding sex crimes is complicated, confusing and horrible for the defense.  The  sentencing schemes are equally complicated and confusing. 

I also handle other criminal defense matters such as murder, attempted murder, robbery, burglaries, drug cases and gang related matters.  If you need an attorney, you want someone who is not only experienced, but who works hard for you and is not afraid to challenge the DA and judges.  Many attorneys seem afraid of judges who seem to know less than the they do but because they wear the black robes are afraid to stand up to them. 

I've made my reputation by being thoroughly prepared and unwilliing to compromise my client's constitutional rights.  Obviously I don't pick a fight with a judge if not necessary but I don't back down either.  Zealous and unyielding representation is critically important if you are to stand a fighting chance against a system that is stacked against the defendant.

If you have a question about a criminal defense matter or need legal representation, call me.  I offer free initial consultations and am available for  evening and weekend appointments.

Read More

Practice areas

Sex crime
  1. Sex crime: 100%

    34 years, 3,000 cases

Languages spoken

English

Contact

604 10th Street
address map

Law Offices of Joseph S. Farina

604 10th Street
Sacramento, CA, 95814

Website
http://www.farinadefense.com

    Resume

    License
    StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
    CAActive198702/06/2021
    We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
    Avvo Contributions
    Legal answers4993
    Legal guides3
    Work Experience
    TitleCompany nameDuration
    Attorney-at-LawLaw Offices of Joseph S. Farina1993 - 2019
    Associations
    Association namePosition nameDuration
    State Bar of CaliforniaMemberN/A
    California Public Defenders AssociationMemberN/A
    National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMemberN/A
    Education
    School nameDegreeGraduated
    Santa Clara University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1986
    University of Maryland, College ParkBA - Bachelor of Arts1982
    Speaking Engagements
    Conference nameTitleDate
    CCD MCLE SeminarChild Molestation - Primer2021
    Sacramento Valley Paralegal Association MCLE Ethics TrainingStarting a Criminal Defense Practice: A Primer2017
    CCD Brown Bag SeminarHow To Handle A Child Molestation Case2013
    Legal cases
    Case nameOutcome
    People v. Frank M.Acquittal
    People v. Curtis D.Dismissal
    People v. K.T.Pled to misdemeanor battery
    People v. PointerDismissal
    People v. FarrDismissal
    People v. EscamillaDismissal
    People v. ThompsonDismissal
    People v. WingDismissal
    People v. BraegerDismissal
    People v. GoodwinDismissal
    People v. CooksDismissal
    People v. MadrigalAcquittal
    People v. EspitiaDismissal
    People v. MarinDismissal
    People v. DevoreAcquittal
    People v. NixonAcquittal

    Reviews

    (11)
    5 Star
    		73%
    4 Star
    		0%
    3 Star
    		0%
    2 Star
    		0%
    1 Star
    		27%
    Review Joseph Farina

    number 1 lawyer in California by far

    Posted by

    That is so not true about joe being rude or snaring to ppl he’s so welcoming and helping in a business way and nor is he against young ppl or anyone at that because I’m in my 20s and he’s going to bat for me like I was his own son this man is by far the baddest man to fight for you and doesn’t miss a thing and he has just been shredding the cops that thought they where just going to charge me and my 2 co dees with whatever they felt like well he’s going to be my man at law from here on out and thanks again joe for everything so far
    This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
    Hired attorney

    He is clear, diligent and very professional.

    Posted by

    He did spend the time to reply and also call to go over the case I have, give me the time to explain my situation and kindly advise me.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Great unbiased information

    Posted by

    Mr. Salvatore provided me with great information. He even gave me an unbiased opinion about another attorney which is honest of him. He definitely knows his stuff and would be a great attorney for anyone. Would really recommend. Very friendly and provides a lot of information.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Top notch

    Posted by

    Answered my question with "to the point" answer which was exactly what I needed. If I need to hire anyone for future he would be my choice, hands down.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Honest

    Posted by

    The BEST advice I've ever been given by anyone - hands down. He was straight forward, to the point and didn't try to "sugar coat" his answers to try and win me over. He told me what I needed to hear - THE TRUTH. If more lawyers were like Joseph, the stigma of the shady attorney would be a thing of the past.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Caring, knowledgable and honest !

    Posted by

    He spent over an hour speaking with me via the phone about my situation .Luckily after I finally was interviewed by CPS , they found in favor of me being able to visit my children . There is no feeling like being falsely accused and having no clue what to do . If you find yourself in the same situation ,call J. Farina and get some peace of mind .
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney

    Wonderful attorney

    Posted by

    Mr. Farina is a very good lawyer. He is aggressive when he needs to be, cares about his clients, he listens to you and gives you the time you need. He is very knowledgable and does a very good job battling for you. I would definitely hire him again and recommend him to anyone who needs a good lawyer ...thank you so much Mr. Farina for all you did for my family.

    The Extra Mile Service

    Posted by

    Mr. Farina is dedicated to his work, and always goes the extra mile to do what needs to be done for his client. He has a lot of emotion when dealing with certain situations, and can be very caring and concerned for his clients well being.

    Horrible online review

    Posted by

    Guy wants to assume that you are shoplifting. I bet the store would have been willing to take this to court if I was actually shoplifting instead of hiding while Im pursuing legal action. Never take a lawyer that's going to assume, they're too lazy to do their job.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney
    Joseph Farina's response: Unfortunately this forum requires that we assume certain facts because askers usually leave out critical information or shade the facts to make seem like they are the victim. And because it is anonymous we can't assume anything they say is true. So in this case story security, with obviously nothing better to do, stops these people going out an entrance instead of an exit, because they thought they were shoplifting. The law allows a retailer to protect their property from thieves. So instead of accepting it as a misunderstanding and moving on, this asker wants to sue them and hit the lottery. This unstable person actually called me to yell at me ranting and raving as a I was enjoying lunch. Next time I won't accept calls from numbers I do not recognize. Angry and unhappy people like this are scary but at least I don't have to listen to them.

    Very Unprofessional

    Posted by

    This laywer left an answer regarding to fictional minors. The answer wasn't an answer and instead a very unprofessional response. They belittled the person who asked the question instead of answering the question. Then when the person who asked the question responded asking for a serious answer, they simply stated that their question wasn't serious. Very unprofessional. Do not hire.
    This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
    Consulted attorney
    Joseph Farina's response: I have no idea who this is. Unfortunately we get a number of trolls and bored teenagers who ask nonsense questions. Or mentally disturbed adults who are sexual predators who may well act on their disturbed fantasies. This site is designed for actual persons who have real criminal issues instead of mentally disturbed individuals who get their jollies asking sexually deviant questions about fictional minors. I also note that this disturbed person left their comment anonymously which proves they are a spineless coward and weasel. I suggest they seek professional sex offender treatment immediately before they hurt a child. Enough said.
    See all reviews

    Attorney endorsements

    (39)
    Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

    Michael Doland, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 6, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    A total oversight not to have recommended Mr. Farina long before now. Mr. Farina's answers are consistently accurate, analytic, and customized to the needs of the Avvo askers. These are exactly the qualities that all clients would look for when hiring an attorney.

    Matthew Lopas, Sex crime Attorney on May 8, 2019
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have known Joe for many years. Joe was the only conflict attorney that would take the sex crimes cases for many years. He is so knowledgeable about the nuances in the evidence code and sentencing that I consulted with him many times. Joe has presented many Continuing Legal Education seminars on sex crimes for all defense attorneys to attend. Joe is above board and honest.

    John Karas, Sex crime Attorney on Jun 26, 2018
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Joe Farina is a tough, no nonsense, aggressive trial lawyer like myself. It is my pleasure to endorse him to anyone needing an experienced sex crimes lawyer.

    Michael Parent, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 12, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Farina is a knowledgeable and aggressive criminal defense attorney.

    Jonathan Reza, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2017
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Farina brings a certain knowledge about the criminal law that only 29 years of experience can bring. I'd recommend him to anyone seeking representation!

    Joshua Kaizuka, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 18, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I have run into Joe in the Sacramento area and he is well known to take on cases that are very tough that many other defense attorneys just aren't experienced enough to deal with or scared to do so. Great asset to the criminal defense bar!

    Thomas Olsen, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 25, 2015
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Michael Lukehart, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 16, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. I have followed much of the advice he offers, and it is sound and thoughtful.

    John Elbert, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 11, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Joe is an excellent and dedicated attorney. He works tirelessly for his clients and has great results. I have no hesitation in endorsing him.

    Clemente Jimenez, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 27, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Mr. Farina has proven himself to be an effective advocate for his clients. He is a well respected member of the legal community.

    William Makler, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 7, 2015
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Thomas Spivack, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 4, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. It is very clear from his many years of experience, contributions and reviews that Mr. Farina is extremely knowledgeable and highly competent. I wouldn't hesitate recommending him.

    Dorinda Myers, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 19, 2015
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    When you find yourself, or a loved one, in need of a criminal defense attorney, you need to find someone who is experienced, trial savvy and a tough litigator. Mr. Farina is just that. It is clear why he is well respected in the legal community.

    Judd Nemiro

    This lawyer is knowledgeable, efficient and talented. I endorse this lawyer.

    Douglas Borthwick, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 3, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    William Housley, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 28, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer. Tough, talented and thorough litigator.

    Dmitry Gorin, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 9, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    Attorney Joseph Farina provides excellent legal answers on Avvo for individuals seeking assistance. An asset to the legal profession. I fully endorse him.

    Scott Stotz, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 7, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    It is a privilege to write this endorsement on behalf of Mr. Farina. Mr Farina's advice and comments are relevant, practical, and professional. He demonstrates a sincerity and understanding commensurate with his experience.

    Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
    Relationship: Other

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Brian Hurwitz, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 24, 2014
    Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

    I endorse this lawyer.

    Cost

    RATES
    • Hourly Rates$300-$300/hour
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs60 minutes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card