Alameda · Contra Costa · San Francisco County
Bay Area Domestic Violence Defense Attorney
An accusation is not a conviction. What you do in the next few days — before charges are filed, before your first court date — shapes everything that follows.
- Former Alameda County Bar Association President leading the firm
- A team that defends these cases every week, not occasionally
- Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff
- Free, confidential case evaluation — no obligation
Talk to a defense attorney
Free and confidential. We answer 24/7.
Thank you — we have your details
Someone from our intake team will call you shortly. If this is urgent, call us now on (510) 567-7451 — we answer 24/7.
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Our attorneys have appeared on
What is at stake
In California these cases move quickly and carry consequences well beyond the courtroom. A protective order can remove you from your own home within days. Many of our clients are facing all of this at once, and most have never been inside a criminal court before.
Your freedom
Custody, probation, and mandatory 52-week batterer's intervention programs are all on the table.
Your family
Protective orders can bar contact with your partner and your children, and they affect family court.
Your future
A conviction affects employment, professional licences, firearm rights and immigration status.
Charges we defend
- Domestic battery — PC 243(e)(1)
- Corporal injury to a spouse — PC 273.5
- Criminal threats — PC 422
- Violating a restraining order — PC 273.6
- Child endangerment — PC 273a
- Stalking — PC 646.9
- Elder abuse — PC 368
- False imprisonment — PC 236
What happens when you call
01
You speak to a person
Not a call centre and not a voicemail. Our intake team answers 24/7 and takes the details of your situation.
02
Free case evaluation
An attorney reviews what you are facing, explains the process ahead, and answers your questions. No cost, no obligation.
03
A plan, in writing
If we take your case you get clear next steps and transparent fees before you commit to anything.
What our clients say
★★★★★ 4.8 out of 5 across 299 Google reviews.
★★★★★
“The Nieves Law Firm is, without question, the most exceptional legal team I have ever worked with. I originally chose them because of the firm's founding attorney, Jo-Anna Nieves. Her background as a past President of the Alameda County Bar Association — and her credibility as a contributor on Nancy Grace…”
— Ms. E., 7 months ago★★★★★
“Going through a TRO case is incredibly stressful, but having the right lawyer changed everything. My attorney was sharp, organized, and genuinely cared about my outcome. They explained the process clearly, prepared thoroughly, and made sure my side was fully and accurately presented.”
— Alina A., 5 months ago★★★★★
“It started with our intake person Aaron and quickly moved to getting assigned an attorney, Michael Levinsohn, who is well qualified to handle restraining order cases. It was great to know his years of experience and being bilingual…”
— Elvira G., a year agoTestimonials reflect the experience of individual clients. They are not a guarantee, warranty or prediction of the outcome of any other case.
Questions people ask us
The police contacted me but I have not been charged
This is the most useful moment to have a lawyer, and the one people most often let pass. Before charges are filed there is still room to present your side to the prosecutor. Do not speak to investigators on your own first.
My partner wants to drop the charges
In California the decision belongs to the District Attorney, not to the person who called the police. Cases regularly proceed over the objection of the alleged victim.
What does it cost?
The case evaluation is free. If we take your case we quote a flat fee in writing before you commit, so you know the cost up front.
¿Hablan español?
Sí. Tenemos abogados y personal que hablan español. Vea esta página en español.
The sooner we start, the more we can do
Free, confidential case evaluation. We answer 24 hours a day.