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 
  New reviews collected regularly Recent review activity detected 
  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 
  New reviews collected regularly Recent review activity detected 
  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 
  New reviews collected regularly Recent review activity detected 
  Verified by Trustindex Based on real customer reviews Learn more 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
   
 
 
      Posted on Avvo  
   
   Trey 
 5256 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  
   
   anonymous 
 4641 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  
   
   Bruce 
 5151 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Needed help for my son's misdemeanor
My son received a first time MIP (Minor in Possesion) Misdemeanor from being at the wrong place at the wrong time. Obviously as a parent I was very concerned about my son's future and the impact of this mistake. I talked to three different Lawyers trying to find someone with the expertise to get the charge dropped. The first one spent his time telling me all the important people he has represented but did not feel the need to talk in person. The second Lawyer we met with was Cameron Bowman in his office. Cameron was very thorough as demonstrated by finding critical things on the ticket that we missed. He suggested a pre-court and first court meeting strategy and itemized the associated actions my son needed to do to support the strategy. We then met with the third Lawyer and was able to directly contrast experience and approach after seeing Cameron. We quickly realized that the third lawyer missed several key ticket issues and there was no pro-active strategy to dismiss the ticket. The expertise and professionalism differences were glaring and frankly surprising that approaches were so different. We did chose Cameron Bowman to represent my son, followed all his instructions and were very relieved that the charges were dismissed.! Had we gone with the other lawyers, I am confident we would not have had the same result. Should there be a need for a lawyer again, I would definately re-hire Cameron Bowman. Thanks for your expertise, local court knowledge and your straight forward and professional approach.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 5618 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Evaluation of Mr. Bowman's Service
Mr. Bowman is smart and knowledgeable. He knows very well how to help you and get the best for you. He is very organized and thorough, and has kept me informed during the whole transaction. He is trustworthy and I will refer him to my friends who need the legal help.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Judith Bushey 
 115 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 
 4220 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Outstanding
Let me start by saying that I am a lawyer who works within the criminal justice system. It was almost painful for me to watch someone else do "my" job, but it gives me the unique opportunity to give you an honest impression that distinguishes the good from the bad. Many people don't know that Cameron Bowman was a highly distinguished prosecutor within the Santa Clara County District Attorney's Office. He was on the special operations and homicide teams and he was the felony trial attorney of the year in the late 90s. That means he was the most impressive trial attorney out of the 180 trial attorneys the DA employs. It's a BIG deal. Fundamentally, you have to understand that criminal cases get resolved in one of three ways: dismissal, settlement, or trial. There are no other options. You will get nowhere on any of those fronts if you can't try a case. DAs won't dismiss or settle cases against sloppy attorneys because they know they can win at trial. They will push forward on cases where they know the defense attorney is lazy or incompetent. They can't do that with Cameron Bowman. He can try circles around most attorneys in this County. That kind of experience is invaluable. It gives him and incredibly unique perspective. He won't make you unrealistic promises, but instead, will guide you through the process. He'll let you know what you can do to improve your own situation and he'll do what he can to manage it. He is well respected by the judges and the prosecutors in this County. And if push comes to shove, there is no one you'd rather have represent you when 12 members of the community are going to decide your fate.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Mariaz Shepherd 
 15 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. When you find yourself in need of a lawyer — especially when you've never needed one before and you need to protect your good name — you want someone with whom you can build quick rapport with, who has a level of confidence that comes only deep experience, is both attentive and reachable, and has a well-proven track record of success. This is all Cameron Bowman.

I didn't have much time to find a lawyer, but now that my situation is positively resolved, I'm glad I didn't have much time to search because it led me to working with Cameron. I was anxious and he was able to quickly understand my situation and calm me down. We took easy, approachable steps to get to a positive resolution and throughout it all, he managed my many questions clearly, patiently, and in a very timely manner. I appreciated his openness to sharing possible outcomes, while emphasizing the most likely ones (in my case, positive ones) in a way that didn't worry me any further. Please don't hesitate to give him a call should you need help. You'll be glad you did.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Shyam Venkatesh 
 131 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 Google  
   
   The Goul 
 707 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 
 6013 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Cameron kennard Bowman
He helped me get out of the trouble I was in, and has helped me to a new future.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   Dennis 
 4679 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Going Above and Way Beyond the Call of Duty!
As a current client I had retained Cameron Bowman's services because of his exemplary knowledge and experience litigating 3 strikes cases in Santa Clara county and the reputation of excellence with the V.I.B. law firm. As well his experience as a former Santa Clara County DA paid major dividends in fighting my case still to this day. I was facing no less than 9 years with a max of 25 to Life on 3rd strike charges due to multiple drug felonies. With his skills and connections within the system he was not only able to get all my strikes waved eliminating my high risk level which the DA would not budge on, but Mr. Bowman fought to get me the lowest min. sentence allowed by law and got my bail dropped to O.R. status, that's practically unheard of with 3 strikes cases. His professionalism sets himself apart from most criminal attorneys I've experienced in San Jose, and I've gone through quite a few. The way he continually handles the DA and Judge to postpone sentencing has been remarkable. I would highly recommend Mr. Bowman to anyone facing any 3 strikes or serious criminal felonies in Santa Clara County. If you want to stay out of jail, then Mr. Bowman is your man!
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 2085 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. The best possible service and talent
Mr. Bowman and his staff provided far more service than their competitors offered for the same rate after comparing initially. They were kind, knowledgeable, and patient regarding the defense against several false accusations. Most importantly, Mr. Bowman won the case, became personally invested in the outcome, and did everything within his abilities to assure this outcome. It's not possible to hire a better person to represent you. Don't think twice if you need to engage with his services. He was good to me and my mom, and I will never forget what he did for me.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 5887 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Cameron Kennard Bowman
Never having been in trouble, my daughter had basically been arrested due to being with the "wrong" company and very naive. Due to this, she also had to give up her job of 3 years. She immediately decided to change her life and started by changing her type of friends, getting a new job and taking a college class. She was given a public defender by the court, but this person was not helpful, to say the least. My daughter knew she needed someone who would "fight" for her. She was referred to Mr. Bowman. After listening to her circumstances, Mr. Bowman believed in her and fought all the way. He showed excellent knowledge of the legal system, which included options that the previous public defender had never mentioned. He was very personable and easy for my daughter to talk to, as well as showing sincerity and compassion. In court my daughter was made an offer by the DA, which was better than another option presented, but its demands would make working and taking classes at college difficult for her. Therefore, Mr. Bowman went back in the courtroom where he somehow managed to be able to speak with the DA and judge privately. He was able to convince them to offer my daughter a former program that was no longer being used in that county, which would enable her to continue to work and take classes. This program was better than we had dared to hope for. Without Mr. Bowman's persistence, skills and knowledge my 21 year old daughter would not have opportunities that she now has. For my own personal reasons, I choose not to give my name. However, the smartest decision anyone in need of an attorney can make is to hire Cameron Bowman.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   Dana 
 2175 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Amazing Defense Lawyer
Mr. Bowman is AMAZING!!! I can't thank him enough for the work he did on my son's case. He went above and beyond in every way. Every email or call i made was answered and responded to promptly and he explained everything to us every step of the way during his court proceedings. He was very honest about my son's case and what he was up against but he never stopped fighting for the best outcome for my son & in the end he got my son's case dismissed!!! I recommend him to anyone who needs an amazing criminal defense 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

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.