San Jose Criminal Defense Attorney — Former Prosecutor

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   Top Rated Service
   4.5 Excellent rating Last 12 months 
  Verified by Trustindex Based on real customer reviews Learn more 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 5.0
 5.0
 Top Rated Service 
   Verified by Trustindex   Top Rated Service
   5.0 Excellent rating Last 12 months 
  Verified by Trustindex Based on real customer reviews Learn more 
 
 
 
 
 
    
 4.5
 4.5
 Top Rated Service 
   Verified by Trustindex   Top Rated Service
   4.5 Excellent rating Last 12 months 
  Verified by Trustindex Based on real customer reviews Learn more 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 5572 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 
 103 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  
   
   Carlos 
 5236 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Definitely a good attorney
I was very scared about my situation. I trusted Cameron and he did not let me down. I would definitely recomend him.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Judith Bushey 
 87 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  
   
   anonymous 
 4743 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 
 4192 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. The Best Coach in the Criminal Justice System
When I walked in to meet with Cameron Bowman for the first time, my world had been turned upside down. I was scared, embarrassed and drowning in emotion. Cameron was incredibly empathetic and compassionate while being professional. I remember him saying to me, "you look like you've seen a ghost. You're going to get through this. It's going to be okay." I could not see the end of that tunnel during that meeting, but at least he gave me hope. My process was long and complicated. I watched Cameron navigate the DA's office and the DMV with skill and patience. He knew everyone by name. They knew him by name and they took him seriously when he argued my case. It was abundantly clear to me that he was fighting both on my behalf and on the principles of the matter. He was passionate and knowledgeable. Cameron was available to me by email and phone whenever I needed him. He let me know what was going on and what to expect. As a former football player, I know that the best head coaches are those who have worked with both offense and defense. Cameron has done that. He worked at the DA's office for 15 years. He was one of their elite trial attorneys. He now uses that experience and knowledge for the benefit of those who are being prosecuted by the very office for which he used to work. He knows what he's doing. He has my highest recommendation.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 4613 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 
 1756 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Cameron Bowman, the Batman I needed to rescue me from trouble
I was charged of a misdemeanor and a felony charge. I was recommended Mr. Bowman as the best criminal lawyer in the county. I took the advice and explained my situation to Mr. Bowman and he patiently listened to my whole situation, even though it was on a weekend. He wasted no time in analyzing the details and immediately suggested everything I got to do, in order to make our case strong and asked me to leave the rest to him. Every time I got haunted by the thoughts of ending up in jail, I would call him (he was very approachable) and I would feel a ton of burden lifted off my chest after speaking to him. Thanks to his proactive approach and his connections within the DA's office, he got both of my charges dropped like he always predicted would happen. If at all you are in need of a criminal lawyer in Santa Clara county, don't waste your time in looking beyond Cameron Bowman. HE IS THE BEST there is and he will take care of your case.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 5465 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. DUI case dismissed thanks to Cameron and VIB Law.
I highly recommend Cameron when looking for a DUI defense lawyer for representation in court. I was referred to Cameron by a friend as I was needing an experienced and savvy DUI attorney to fight for me in court as I believed my arrest to be unlawful. Cameron was able to not only win my APS hearing with the DMV but successfully demonstrated to the judge that my arrest was unlawful due to an illegal stop by the officer. The DA did not oppose our motion to surpress and dismissed the charges against me. I can not thank Cameron enough for believing in me and fighting for my rights in court.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   Yvonne 
 1769 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Par Excellence. Bar none
Cameron Bowman is the absolute best. He stays on top of your case every step of the way. You’ll be glad you chose him. He’s the absolute best and his record speaks for itself.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   roger 
 4099 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 Google  
   
   The Goul 
 679 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 
 4015 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Saved my life....
I hired Cameron in May of 2014, while i was being investigated due to some allegations that were made about me by the daughter of an acquaintence. Cameron immediately went to work on the matter and kept me informed of things throughout the entire process. In Dec. of 2014 the DA filed charges against me, at which point i stayed with Cameron as my attorney. Cameron quickly came up with a strategy for the case and ramped up his efforts to gain as much of an advantage as possible. Just today, Cameron got my case dismissed and has given me my life and my future back. Good attorneys' are hard to find, Cameron is one of the good ones, I highly recommend Cameron, and would hire him again if i had it to do it all over again. Thanks for everything Cameron.

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

Request a Free Consultation

Throughout my career, I have tried over 100 cases to verdict, so I am confident that I am as skilled a trial attorney as you can find. Period.

However, I am just as proud of my skills as a negotiator. My reputation as a skilled trial lawyer and my connections in the criminal justice system allows me to get great results for my clients. My entire goal is to get my clients past the nightmare they may now find themselves in and will enable them to move on with their life.