How much does it cost to hire Jo-Anna for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jo-Anna walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Jo-Anna offer a free consultation?

Jo-Anna charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jo-Anna's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jo-Anna's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?

Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jo-Anna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Jo-Anna take my case if I'm outside Oakland?

Jo-Anna is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jo-Anna will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Jo-Anna?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jo-Anna will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Jo-Anna accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Jo-Anna's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

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Jo-Anna Nieves, Criminal Defense Attorney in Oakland, California

Over 15 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense

FounderatThe Nieves Law Firm

Oakland, CA

Practicing criminal defense in Oakland since 2011.

15+: Years practicing
2: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense DUI/DWI DV Defense DV Protection Education Expungement +3 more →

Are you Jo-Anna Nieves?

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Quick answer

Based in: Oakland, CA
Experience: over 15 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · DV Defense

Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense matters from Oakland, CA.
Over 15 years of practice as a licensed attorney.

Areas of practice

Jo-Anna's practice areas in Oakland

Jo-Anna concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, dv defense, dv protection, and education. Each area below outlines the kind of case Jo-Anna handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Oakland, California

Jo-Anna takes criminal defense matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jo-Anna agrees to represent you.

DUI/DWI cases in Oakland, California

Jo-Anna takes dui/dwi matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jo-Anna agrees to represent you.

DV Defense cases in Oakland, California

Jo-Anna takes dv defense matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jo-Anna agrees to represent you.

DV Protection cases in Oakland, California

Jo-Anna takes dv protection matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jo-Anna agrees to represent you.

Education cases in Oakland, California

Jo-Anna takes education matters in Oakland, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Jo-Anna agrees to represent you.

Biography

Jo-Anna Nieves, criminal defense attorney serving Oakland

Jo-Anna Nieves is a founder based in Oakland, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. Jo-Anna has over 15 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Nieves Law Firm. Jo-Anna works from Oakland, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.

Jo-Anna is committed to mounting the best possible defense for what she calls “hard working, family-oriented, successful professionals who aren’t career criminals… some are falsely accused, others make a bad call like driving home after a couple glasses of wine at a work event.” Jo-Anna was 20 years old when she graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in both Multinational Business and Finance. She went on to earn her J.D. from Florida State University in May 2009, where she was also a member of Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. Jo-Anna started her legal career by interning with the Sacramento County District Attorney’s Office, where she gained experience in the arraignment of misdemeanor and domestic violence offenses, the prosecution of adult sexual assault crimes, and felony preliminary hearings. After Jo-Anna passed the California Bar, she continued her career at the Sacramento County DA’s Office. She gained experience in the misdemeanor trial unit, negotiating plea offers, arguing suppression motions, and prepping cases for trial. She also built a rapport with members of the legal community, and further developed her trial advocacy skills. Two years later, she accepted a position as a trial attorney at a creditor’s rights law practice in Los Angeles, where she effectively litigated over 400 cases by reaching favorable resolutions for her clients by way of settlement prior to trial and maintaining a success rate of 95% for over 100 cases that went to trial.

Jo-Anna formed the Nieves Law Firm, APC in order to help those accused of crimes navigate the complex and challenging legal process of the criminal justice system. Jo-Anna is the former Chair of the ACBA Barristers Section Executive Committee and former Chair of the ACBA Judicial Appointments Evaluation Committee. She served for several years as a mock trial coach for El Centro Legal de La Raza’s Youth Law Academy and teaches annually at Stanford Law School’s Trial Advocacy Workshop. Jo-Anna has been named a Super Lawyers Rising Star every year since 2016 and her firm has made theLaw Firm 500 list for the past 5 years running.For the last two years, The Nieves Law Firm has also been recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the fastest growing privately owned companies in the nation. She attributes her Firm's success to her genuine commitment to helping people thrive in difficult situations.

How Jo-Anna handles criminal defense matters

Who Jo-Anna represents

Jo-Anna reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and dv defense matters in Oakland and the surrounding California area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Jo-Anna studied and practices

Florida State University College of Law
J.D. · 2009

Jurisdictions

Jo-Anna's state bar admissions

Florida
2016 · ACTIVE
California
2011 · ACTIVE

Jo-Anna studied at J.D. in Florida State University College of Law.

Law school and academic background

Jo-Anna completed J.D. in Florida State University College of Law. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Jo-Anna runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Locations

Jo-Anna Nieves's office in Oakland

Jo-Anna's primary office is at 160 Franklin Street, Suite 210, Oakland, CA, 94607. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

The Nieves Law Firm

160 Franklin Street, Suite 210

Oakland, CA 94607

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Jo-Anna Nieves

Jo-Anna has not yet collected verified client reviews on LawyersListed. Reviews here are all from confirmed clients; anonymous ratings are moderated out.

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Hiring guide

How to hire Jo-Anna Nieves — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Jo-Anna usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Jo-Anna charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jo-Anna's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Jo-Anna will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Oakland, California

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Jo-Anna

Jo-Anna discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Jo-Anna confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Jo-Anna's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Jo-Anna Nieves

How much does it cost to hire Jo-Anna for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Jo-Anna walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Jo-Anna offer a free consultation?
Jo-Anna charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Jo-Anna's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Jo-Anna's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Jo-Anna gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Jo-Anna take my case if I'm outside Oakland?
Jo-Anna is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Jo-Anna will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Jo-Anna?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Jo-Anna will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Jo-Anna accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Jo-Anna's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by California residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Jo-Anna Nieves. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What should I do if I’m arrested for assault in California?
I was arrested in Los Angeles, CA, for assault during an altercation at a bar last weekend. I didn’t start the fight, and there are witnesses who can back me up. I'm really anxious
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · California
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Oakland, Los Angeles and San Francisco in California

Jo-Anna handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Jo-Anna's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Oakland handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Jo-Anna Nieves, Criminal Defense Attorney in Oakland, California

Quick answer

Jo-Anna's practice areas in Oakland