Jo-Anna  Nieves

Jo-Anna Nieves

Google Rating

4.7(173 reviews)

  • (510) 892-3215
  • No email available

About:

The Nieves Law Firm founder Jo-Anna Nieves takes the "criminal" out of criminal defense, and her results speak for themselves. Jo-Anna has been recognized by multiple awards agencies for her exemplary legal work, having been named the Best Criminal Defense Attorney and the Best DUI Lawyer in Oakland by Expertise.com in 2023, as well as being recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star for the past 7 years. Oakland Magazine also named her a Top 5 Attorney in their annual "Best of Oakland" awards. Her award-winning legal work extends beyond the criminal defense realm as Jo-Anna has been cited in multiple published opinions for her work in post-conviction relief cases, which is geared towards individuals looking to find recourse for prior convictions. Mrs. Nieves passed the California Bar in 2009 and went to work at the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office. Two years later, she accepted a position as a trial attorney at a creditor’s rights law practice, where she effectively litigated over 400 contested matters and maintained a 95% success rate. She then formed The Nieves Law Firm to pursue her passion in the legal field, restoring the reputations of those who have been accused of crimes and helping them plan for a better future. She strives to help her clients navigate the complex legal process with an advocate who empowers them and tenaciously fights for their future. She is passionate about delivering excellent service to her clients and her community. Her commitment to the legal field goes beyond just her own practice as she provides a yearly scholarship to students pursuing a career in law, has taught at Stanford Law's Trial Advocacy Workshop for multiple times, serves as the current Vice President of the Alameda County Bar Association (ACBA), and has served as a mock trial coach for Centro Legal de la Raza's Youth Law Academy. View More ›

DVLawyers AI Summary:

The Nieves Law Firm specializes in criminal defense, offering a comprehensive approach to clients facing a range of charges, including domestic violence, assault, and drug offenses, among others. The firm is dedicated to providing effective legal support to individuals in the Bay Area who may feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their legal situations. Their commitment to client advocacy is evident in their empathetic tone and the understanding that many clients come to them during distressing times in their lives. The attorneys at The Nieves Law Firm emphasize a trauma-informed approach, recognizing the emotional weight of criminal accusations and the impact on a person’s life, reputation, and family. They strive to create a supportive environment where clients feel safe to share their experiences and concerns. The firm’s philosophy is to take the "criminal" out of criminal defense, focusing not only on the legal aspects but also on helping clients navigate the personal challenges that arise from these situations. Survivors of domestic violence or individuals dealing with restraining orders may find The Nieves Law Firm to be a suitable option. The firm’s experience with domestic violence cases highlights their understanding of the complexities involved, including the emotional and psychological factors at play. They aim to empower clients by offering strategic representation while ensuring that their voices are heard. While the firm has a strong reputation in criminal defense and a history of successfully advocating for their clients, it’s important for survivors to assess their specific needs and comfort levels when selecting a lawyer. If you are seeking compassionate legal representation that prioritizes your well-being and provides a safe space for your story, The Nieves Law Firm may be a supportive choice for you.

Jurisdiction:California (); Florida ()

Practice Area

Criminal Law

Guides reporting, evidence, bail conditions, no-contact orders, prosecutions or defenses, and record sealing, centering survivor safety and informed participation across the criminal process.

Languages

English, Spanish

Fees

Free Consultation

Education

B.A.
Florida State University
2004
J.D.
Florida State University College of Law
2009

Awards

Top 10% in the U.S.
Lawyers of Distinction

Top 10% in the U.S. - Lawyers of Distinction (2017)

2017
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2022)

2022
10.0 Rating
Avvo

10.0 Rating - Avvo (2022)

2022
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2020)

2020
Best DUI Lawyers in Oakland
Expertise

Best DUI Lawyers in Oakland - Expertise (2021)

2021
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2019)

2019
#12 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US
Law Firm 500

#12 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US - Law Firm 500 (2019)

2019
#35 on Seminole 100
Florida State University

#35 on Seminole 100 - Florida State University (2022)

2022
#21 on Seminole 100
Florida State University

#21 on Seminole 100 - Florida State University (2023)

2023
Thirty Under 30
FSU Alumni Association

Thirty Under 30 - FSU Alumni Association (2013)

2013
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2017)

2017
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2021)

2021
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Alameda
Expertise

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Alameda - Expertise (2021)

2021
Best of Oakland, Top 5 Attorneys
Oakland Magazine

Best of Oakland, Top 5 Attorneys - Oakland Magazine (2022)

2022
Proven Trial Lawyer
Litigation Counsel of America

Proven Trial Lawyer - Litigation Counsel of America (2020)

2020
10.0 Rating
Avvo

10.0 Rating - Avvo (2023)

2023
10.0 Rating
Avvo

10.0 Rating - Avvo (2021)

2021
Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oakland
Expertise

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oakland - Expertise (2022)

2022
10.0 Rating
Avvo

10.0 Rating - Avvo (2019)

2019
Best DUI Lawyers in Oakland
Expertise

Best DUI Lawyers in Oakland - Expertise (2022)

2022
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Alameda
Expertise

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Alameda - Expertise (2023)

2023
#6 on Seminole 100
Florida State University

#6 on Seminole 100 - Florida State University (2020)

2020
#16 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US
Law Firm 500

#16 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US - Law Firm 500 (2020)

2020
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2018)

2018
#60 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US
Law Firm 500

#60 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US - Law Firm 500 (2022)

2022
Super Lawyers Rising Star
Super Lawyers

Super Lawyers Rising Star - Super Lawyers (2016)

2016
Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oakland
Expertise

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oakland - Expertise (2023)

2023
#45 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US
Law Firm 500

#45 Fastest Growing Law Firm in the US - Law Firm 500 (2021)

2021
10.0 Rating
Avvo

10.0 Rating - Avvo (2020)

2020
Best DUI Lawyers in Oakland
Expertise

Best DUI Lawyers in Oakland - Expertise (2023)

2023
Distinguished Service Award
Alameda County Bar Association

Distinguished Service Award - Alameda County Bar Association (2017)

2017
Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Alameda
Expertise

Best Criminal Defense Lawyers in Alameda - Expertise (2022)

2022
#34 on Seminole 100
Florida State University

#34 on Seminole 100 - Florida State University (2021)

2021
Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oakland
Expertise

Best Criminal Defense Attorneys in Oakland - Expertise (2021)

2021

Associations

Board of Directors
Alameda County Bar Association
- Present

Reviews


RATED 5.0

Sep 25, 2025Googlevia Google

yazmin arenal (FAITH)

"The Nieves Law Firm They helped me a lot with my case. They are very good and help you with any case you may have. They are very kind when it comes to payments; they accommodate you with the best way to pay."

RATED 5.0

Sep 18, 2025Googlevia Google

Cassandra Hunter

"Kristy ensures you that she will fight for you beyond any doubt. The staff is super friendly and informative! I would use this firm again if needed. 😀"

RATED 5.0

Sep 11, 2025Googlevia Google

Lovie

RATED 5.0

Sep 2, 2025Googlevia Google

Mayra Cendejas

"I recently had the pleasure of working with attorney Xochitl and I can't express enough how amazing she was throughout the entire process. From the very first meeting, she demonstrated to be compassionate and understanding by making me feel comfortable and supported. She listened to all of my questions concerns and answered all my questions. I was super stressed and didn’t know what to do because my own brother and his girlfriend put in a restraining order full of lies and his girlfriend was already taking advantage of the restraining order by calling the police every time she seen me driving in public streets l. and when I contacted the Nieves law group I felt like I had someone who cared for me and they took my case immediately even though it was a week before my court and with a 3 day holiday in between they all worked very hard to help me with my case and I felt relieved and knew that some one was fighting for me, and that made all the difference. I highly recommend her to anyone in need of legal assistance. She is not just an attorney; she is an advocate who truly goes above and beyond for her clients. Thank you for everything!"

RATED 5.0

Aug 2, 2025Googlevia Google

Lonewolf5150

"Nieva Law Firm were great. They were very professional and very detailed. All the staff were friendly and helpful. They made the situation much less stressful by taking care of everything from the beginning to the end. I would highly recommend utilizing Nieva Law Firm."