Criminal Defense Lawyers in Santa Clara County, California

Lawyer Legion connects people with attorneys who are best-suited to solve their legal problems. We have curated a list of over 100 Criminal Defense lawyers currently practicing in Santa Clara County, California. We scored each lawyer based on purely objective criteria such as: specialty certifications, distinguished fellowships, professional involvement, community leadership, speaking engagements, and other merit-based criteria.

If you or a loved one has been arrested and charged with a crime, consider using Lawyer Legion to discover and connect with criminal defense lawyers in San Jose, California who are ready to help.

Directory of Criminal Defense Lawyers in Santa Clara County, CA

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Jose
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Santa Clara County, CA Legal Resources
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Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense
Santa Clara County Government and Court Resources

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in San Jose

Lawyer Legion Top Picks for 2026

Lawyer Legion created this list of the top picks in 2026 for the best criminal defense attorneys in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California. To rank the top Criminal Defense attorneys, and other lawyers in Santa Clara County we used both objective and subjective criteria.

The top criminal defense attorneys were selected based on their career accomplishments, professional involvement, community leadership, and board certification.

This list represents some of the most highly accomplished Criminal Defense lawyers currently practicing in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California. When reviewing this list, please be aware of each of the following:

Lawyers cannot pay to be included in this list.
Only lawyers who are active on Lawyer Legion were selected.
No online directory can accurately determine a countywide list of attorneys who are actually “the best" at practicing criminal law (but our list comes close).

Showing attorneys 1–6 out of 182

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Santa Clara County, CA Criminal Defense Legal Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations
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Santa Clara County Government and Court Resources

Criminal Defense Bar Associations and Legal Organizations

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) - The California Attorneys for Criminal Justice (CACJ) was formed in 1973 and is the country's largest statewide organization of criminal defense lawyers . The CACJ works to defend the rights and due process of the accused while providing quality continuing legal education to its members. Since strengthening its presence in the California State Capitol, CACJ provides the criminal defense bar with a more unified voice on legislative matters.

California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) - The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) was founded in 1989. Attorneys in the CDLA promote the rights of the accused to encourage a fair criminal justice system with a focus on DUI charges. The CDLA uses its influence to advocate for legislative changes in the criminal justice system. The California DUI Lawyers Association (CDLA) is an affiliate of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) and the DUI Defense Lawyers Association (DUIDLA).

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL) - Founded in 1958, NACDL is the largest organization for criminal defense lawyers fighting to preserve fairness within America's criminal justice system. The organization has more than 10,000 direct members including criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders in state or federal court, U.S. military defense counsel, law professors and judges.

Specialty Certifications in Criminal Defense

Criminal Law - In California, attorneys can become certified as a Criminal Law Specialist by the State Bar of California's Board of Legal Specialization (CBLS). Board-certified attorneys include criminal defense attorneys in private practice, public defenders, or prosecutors. These attorneys work within the criminal justice system at the local, state, or federal level.

Appellate Law - Attorneys who are board certified in Appellate Law by The State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization have demonstrated significant knowledge and experience in the areas of civil and criminal appeals. Lawyers represent people throughout the appellate law process in both state and federal appellate courts, including the California Court of Appeals, the Federal Court of Appeals, the California Supreme Court, or the United States Supreme Court.

Criminal Trial Law - The specialty area of Criminal Trial Law is offered by the National Board of Trial Advocacy (NBTA) to lawyers. To earn NBTA board certification, the criminal defense attorney must show substantial involvement in at least 45 days of trial, must have served as lead counsel in jury cases through verdict; conducted direct examinations and cross-examinations, and conducted a specified number of voir dire, opening statements and closing arguments.

DUI Defense Law - The National College for DUI Defense, Inc. (NCDD) is an organization that grants specialty or board certification for DUI Defense Law. The ABA has recognized the NCDD as an organization that is accredited to award certification in this specialty area of the law. The purpose of granting board certification in DUI Defense Law is to recognize DUI and DWI lawyers who focus their practice on representing men and women accused of drunk and impaired driving offenses. In order to qualify for board certification in "DUI Defense Law," the attorney must meet specific qualifications and apply for board certification with NCDD.

Santa Clara County Government and Court Resources

Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office
Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
Superior Court of California - County of Santa Clara
Santa Clara County Departments and Agencies
California Office of the State Public Defender
Federal Courts in Santa Clara County, CA

Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office

Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office - The Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office in San Jose, California, provides legal representation to indigent clients. The office includes divisions for criminal defense, juvenile delinquency, and appeals. It is dedicated to protecting clients' rights and ensuring fair legal processes. The office employs a team of experienced attorneys and support staff who handle a broad range of cases annually. Their mission is to deliver quality legal defense and advocate for justice and equity in the legal system.

Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office
70 W Hedding St, West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: 408-299-7700

Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office

Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office - The Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office in San Jose, California, prosecutes criminal cases and supports victims of crime. It includes divisions for Criminal, Juvenile, and Family Support matters. The office aims to maintain public safety and justice through dedicated legal prosecution and support services. Handling a large volume of cases each year, it works diligently to protect the community and uphold justice.

Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office
70 W Hedding St, West Wing
San Jose, CA 95110
Phone: 408-286-5437

Superior Court of California - County of Santa Clara

Superior Court of California - County of Santa Clara - The Superior Court of California County of Santa Clara located in San Jose, California, offers comprehensive judicial services, handling criminal, civil, family, and juvenile cases. The court is dedicated to ensuring fair and impartial justice, upholding the law, and maintaining public trust. With a team of experienced judges and support staff, the court manages a large volume of cases annually. It aims to deliver efficient and effective judicial services to the community.

Superior Court of California - County of Santa Clara
191 N First St
San Jose, CA 95113
Phone: 408-882-2100

Santa Clara County Departments and Agencies

Santa Clara County Departments and Agencies - Santa Clara County departments provide services in health care, transportation, and law enforcement. The Santa Clara County Board of Supervisors oversees these operations, focusing on enhancing residents' quality of life through effective service delivery. The county is committed to fostering innovation and technological advancement in the region.

California Office of the State Public Defender

California Office of the State Public Defender - The Office of the Public Defender in California is a pivotal force for justice, providing expert legal representation to underserved individuals. With a dedicated team of defense attorneys, it ensures equitable trials and upholds the principle that quality legal advocacy is a fundamental right for everyone, regardless of their circumstances. By championing fairness, the office contributes significantly to the integrity of the legal system and the protection of constitutional rights.

Federal Courts in Santa Clara County, CA

United States District Court - Northern District of California - On September 28, 1850, the United States District Court for the Northern District of California was established. The court obtained its first courthouse five years later. Before the establishment of the United District Courts for the Eastern and Central Districts of California, the court had influence in the Central Valley and the eastern mountainous regions of the state. Currently, the court encompasses fifteen (15) counties, it has four (4) courthouses, fourteen (14) district judgeships, and twelve (12) magistrate judgeships.

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Criminal Defense Lawyers in San Jose, Santa Clara County, California