San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney — Former Prosecutor

Name: Law Office of Cameron Bowman
Address: 84 W Santa Clara St, 7th Floor, San Jose, CA, 95113, US
Telephone: +1-408-404-5377
Price range: Free Consultation

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Call (408) 404-5377

Cameron Bowman is a trusted advisor and fierce trial attorney with over 30 years on the front lines of legal warfare
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My name is Cameron Bowman, and I have spent the last thirty years working in the criminal justice system as a prosecutor and criminal defense attorney.

For 17 years (1989–2006), I served as a prosecutor in the Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office, handling some of the county’s most serious criminal cases. I was the lead prosecutor in nearly one hundred trials, from gang crimes and homicides to domestic violence, and prosecuted Santa Clara County’s first “Three Strikes” case.

That experience taught me how the prosecution builds a case, gathers evidence, and prepares witnesses. In 1998, I was named the county’s Trial Attorney of the Year after winning a year-long case involving prison gang members who ordered a murder from Pelican Bay State Prison.

My time in the Family Violence Unit was particularly meaningful. I tried numerous domestic violence cases, advocated for hundreds of victims, and received specialized training that deepened my understanding of these complex cases.
In 2006, I moved into criminal defense because I believe everyone deserves a strong, principled advocate. I worked at the Independent Defender’s Office and later became a founding partner in one of Northern California’s largest criminal defense firms.

Having prosecuted cases, defended the accused, and advocated for victims, I understand how the same incident can look different from each side. I draw on that experience to examine the evidence, question assumptions, and help my clients understand their options.

From researching your case to deciding what to do

Some clients come to me after researching their situation with ChatGPT or another AI tool. I understand why. When you are worried about your future, a quick explanation can help you make sense of unfamiliar terms and organize your questions.

I have also represented clients who acted on AI-generated guidance before we spoke. Even an accurate general answer may not fit the facts, evidence, or consequences of your case.

I want to understand what you read, what you have already done, and what concerns you most. Together, we can work through your options using the facts of your case and my experience in Santa Clara County.

AI can inform you, but it cannot defend you. My job is to help you understand where you stand and develop a strategy for moving forward.

Specializing in the following practice areas:

Domestic Violence

and all other family violence related crimes

Violent Crime and Homicide

and all other violent or weapons-related crimes

Sex Charges

and all other accusations of sexual misconduct

Record Arrest Sealing

Expungements and all other post conviction motions

Reviews & Testimonials

      All reviews
 
   Google
 
   Avvo
 
 
  
 
 
 
  4.5
 4.5
 Top Rated Service 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
    
 5.0
 5.0
 Top Rated Service 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
    
 4.5
 4.5
 Top Rated Service 
   Verified by Trustindex  Trustindex verified badge is the Universal Symbol of Trust. Only the greatest companies can get the verified badge who has a review score above 4.5, based on customer reviews over the past 12 months. Read more
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 4729 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Very positive outcome ! Highly professional and knowledgable in his field ! I would absolutely recommend Mr Bowman to anyone needing representation. He not only is extremely knowlageable in his field but also displayed professionalism and compassion to me, his client , during a very difficult and complicated process. He skillfully managed to resolve my case with a very positive outcome with no mark on my record. I am very greatful to him for all he did on my behalf.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 4599 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Shoplifting - Second offense Mr. Bowman and his staff were extremely professional, informed, responsive, friendly and ever so very helpful. Mr. Bowman had my jail requirement dropped and my probationary period reduced from 3 years to an informal probation of one year. I highly recommend hiring Mr. Bowman (VIP-Attorneys at Law).
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 5558 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. DUI - .12/.12 with accident - San Jose, CA Cameron is a great attorney. He is extremely knowledgeable and is honest and reliable. I contacted Cameron on a Sunday via email and within (2) hours he called me to talk to me about my situation. Immediately, I felt comfortable and knew that he was the right attorney for me. I didn't even meet Cameron in person before I decided to go ahead and hire him. Not only is he a great attorney, but, his pricing is extremely competitive. Cameron was able to keep me out of jail which in turn saved my job and saved my life! I am very thankful and grateful and would definately recommend him to anyone that faces a DUI/DWI charge in the bay area.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shyam Venkatesh 
 89 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Our family is deeply grateful to have engaged Mr. Bowman. He is an extremely knowledgeable attorney who approached our case with empathy and thoughtfulness, keeping us calm and reassured throughout the entire legal process lasting over 18 months. We trusted him completely. Thanks to his expert strategy, we reached a successful outcome wherein the case has been dismissed. We, highly and without any reservations recommend him to anyone in need of a supportive and effective advocate.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   roger 
 4085 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. DUI Marijuana Case Cameron Bowman handled our DUI marijuana case professionally and expertly with detailed and aggressive cross examination of the procecutions two police officers star witnesses. He ripped them on cross examination which completely destroying the prosectution’s case. This left the prosecuting DA no choice but to dismiss this case after this damaging testimony completely destroying the prosectution's claims and assertions. We are overjoyed with the dismissal ruling in our case. It took over a year to get a resolution to the case but our first lawyer did not do a good job in our defense. We interviewed Cameron, hired him and he picked up that ball and ran with it to its eventual success outcome. We highly recommend Cameron as an outstanding defense attorney for DUI marijuana or marijuana cases. It is a refreshing change to work with a law group that does not pass off a case to junior lawyers in a firm to handle. At VIB, Valencia, Ippolito & Bowman Attorneys at Law, we interacted with a partner, Cameron Bowman from beginning to end.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   Trey 
 5214 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Great Legal Mind! I have been working with Cameron more than two years, his knowledge, commitment and confidence continue to impress me. I constantly hear great things from our mutual clients regarding Cameron's advice and legal services. He always takes the time to Listen to the client. I believe this is something that is lacking in today's business world. I applaud Cameron for his ability to empathize while maintaining the ability to rationally gather the facts. I would recommend Cameron to any of my friends and family.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   Alex 
 4757 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Above & Beyond My Expectations Having never been in a situation where I was being accused of a major felony, I did not know what to expect. Also, having never dealt with a criminal defense attorney, did not know what to expect on how I was going to be treated... being that I am a Hispanic male from the East Side of San Jose. And also, after hearing stories from different people on how the wrong attorney can not only misrepresent you but also cause more issues for your case, I am glad that after the careful research that I did I chose Cameron Bowman, of the VIB Lawfirm. Not only did Cameron get me the best results I could have expected in the situation I was in, but there were times that I felt I should fight the system rather than work for it. And because I took his advise, rather than be stubborn, I received the best results and eventually the charges were dropped. I can not thank Cameron and the Law Office of VIB enough for all their hard work and also, guiding me through the most difficult parts of the process... including when I felt like giving up. If you put your trust in them and listen to their advise you will be more than grateful for the outcome that you will receive.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 6038 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Well-versed, sharp and connected attorney Mr. Bowman delivered exceleent legal service and was professional throughout the process. His experience in Santa Clara County was key to achieving success in my proceedings.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 6038 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Stellar defense attorney who saved my good name In a matter of minutes, I went from having no criminal record to being faced with three misdemeanor charges: disturbing the peace, drunk in public, and worst of all resisting arrest. Even worse for me was the fact the police beat me. To justify their excessive use of force, the police lied in their police report to try and cover it up. They made up all kinds of lies saying there was a struggle, that I grabbed an officers hand, made threats, and deserved the beating. All lies. The outlook did not look good for me. It was my words against the cops. The cops even tried to turn my own friends' statements against me with more lies. When I got out of jail, I started looking for an attorney. One attorney wanted to charge $15k to $30k depending on if went to court. There was no way I could afford that amount. And there was no guarantee this attorney could help. After I met Cameron Bowman, I had a good feeling he could help me out. He told me about past cases and how he was able to get charges dropped where I thought the defendant had no shot. His record speaks for itself. Also, the fact he used to work for the DA's office is VERY important. Cameron was a well-respected DA and a very good one. So Cameron knows criminal law from both sides. Cameron's fees were very reasonable. I paid a flat rate for each misdemeanor and he did tons of work and kept me updated on everything. I would have paid double what Cameron charged, it was worth every penny! Long story short, Cameron was able to expose the police cover up to the DA. He was able to obtain surveillance video that proved the police to be liars. Suddenly my case went from having no hope to becoming very strong. In the end, the resisting arrest and drunk in public charges were dropped in exchange for me pleading No Contest for an Infraction for disturbing the peace. So I received one infraction which had the same effect as a traffic ticket. I would not hesitate to use Cameron again if I were ever to find myself in another bind. Cameron is a honest, hard working, and knowledgeable defense attorney. He knows the system and how to get you out of trouble.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Judith Bushey 
 73 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Cameron Bowman, Attorney at Law, represented a family member of mine who was charged with multiple extremely serious felony crimes.  Over the course of a 2 1/2 year period, Mr. Bowman provided outstanding defense strategies which led to the best possible outcome.  Mr. Bowman is highly competent and committed to the belief that everyone deserves fairness in our justice system.  You can trust that he’ll do his best for your situation.  I am honored to recommend Mr.  Bowman’s services as a Defense Attorney.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   Bonnie 
 5249 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Excellent Service and Assistance from Mr. Bowman Mr. Bowman handled a case for my daughter. He is extremely professional, competent, and has excellent follow-thru. I would gladly recommend him to anyone who needs assistance from an attorney. Even his office staff (Nancy) are very professional and helpful. Thank you Mr. Bowman!!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   The Goul 
 665 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Mr. Cameron and his team were very easy to work with and always responded within a reasonable amount of time. All questions were answered in detail, was guided through the process for my case, and was taken care of in a timely manner. Highly recommend Mr. Cameron Bowman. He is a natural born fighter.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 5454 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Fantastic lawyer in bay area I am a professional scientist and my life seemed ever peaceful before this case. I have never faced any criminal cases in my life before this accidental 911 call. Unfortunately I retained another lawyer and I was accused by DA. After research, I realized that I need the most competitive lawyer for my DV case and I found this fantastic lawyer through Avvo.com. He had a clear strategy to lead the best result. As everybody says, he is smart and knowledgable, but I would rather emphasize that he has a brave heart. I was in a risky situation due to my visa status. Still, Mr. Bowman informed me the best strategy with possible limitations and prepared to fight, and finally we could get dismissed. I am sincerely grateful to Mr. Bowman and definitely recommend him as your lawyer.

Media & Coverage Highlights

A Black Army Vet Held 16 Months in Solitary — Then Acquitted
Washington Post, June 2022
I defended Andrew Johnson, who was held in solitary confinement pretrial for 16 months. After presenting our defense, the jury returned a Not Guilty verdict in under two hours.
(Read the full story on Washington Post)

Veteran Acquitted in Self-Defense Shooting, Sues for Jail Treatment
ABC7 News
I represented a U.S. Army veteran who was cleared of attempted murder charges and is now suing for alleged mistreatment in custody.
(Read the ABC7 report)

Feature: “The Festival Lawyer”

Feature: “The Festival Lawyer”
Vice Magazine
A profile of me exploring how my experience, interests, and legal work intersect — including my work as “The Festival Lawyer.”
(Read the Vice article)

Certification

Duke University School of Law - 2018
UCSF Hastings School of Law - 2016

Education

Juris Doctor - Santa Clara University - May 1989

Awards

“Trial Attorney of the Year” - Santa Clara County District Attorney’s Office - June 1998
National Trial Lawyers Association - “Top 100 Trial Lawyers” - 2022

Court Admissions

Admitted to Practice in California - Supreme Court of California - December 1989
Admitted to Practice Federal Law - Northern California District - December 1989

Memberships

California Public Defender’s Association
LEAP - Law Enforcement

My five promises to you:

I will only take a case where I know I can help

I will always be the most prepared lawyer in the courtroom

I start every case with the presumption that you are NOT guilty

You will always be able to reach me when you have a question about your case

I will never run from a fight