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  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  
   
   Angela 
 2996 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. FREEDOM FIGHTER
Not Guilty. Faith in God and confidence in our son's attorney, Cameron Bowman, emboldened me to write those words on the beach during a break in our son's trial. Two days later they were the words read by the foreperson when the jury delivered its verdict. They were the two words that ended our 3-year nightmare. From the moment that Cameron Bowman chose to represent our son, he fought each and every method of injustice that would have caged our son for an unfathomable term of 85 years to life. Mr. Bowman countered every legal blow while guiding us through a nearly unbearable process. He listens intently while strategically processing information. He has a legally brilliant and gifted mind. I am not alone in this assessment. Mr. Bowman is a masterful trial attorney. Those present during the trial watched with reverence. He's a showman, in command of the jury which he flawlessly captivated. It's clear that using the law to uphold justice is his passion, which explains how he can be so compassionate and yet fight so fearlessly. He's unabashedly confident without an ounce of arrogance. Simply put, Cameron Bowman is in command. He's both friend and fixer. He was able to uncover the truth, and engage in a revolutionary act of presenting it so forcefully that every wrong was made right. We hired the most respected expert. Gave him the facts. Trusted him. Our son is a disabled military veteran. Trust does not come easily for him, but Mr. Bowman made the connection and they were able to fully engage in the case together. The criminal justice system is too flawed for anyone who is justice-involved to gamble with his/her freedom. Mr. Bowman is a freedom fighter. Having such an exceptional attorney was our antidote against risks and regrets. Cameron Bowman with the support of his partners, Patrick Valencia, Riccardo Ippolito, office manager Anniesa Jimenez, and the entire outstanding VIB Law team saved our son's life. Justice, it's what Cameron Bowman delivered. Our family is forever grateful!One of many life changing things that I have learned from this experience is that it is okay to be sad, but you don’t have to suffer. Hope is not good enough. You too can take action to end your despair, give Mr. Bowman a call, then watch him work!
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   The Goul 
 678 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 
 5589 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 Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 5858 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  
   
   anonymous 
 6051 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 Avvo  
   
   domzmom2 
 4352 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. The ONLY option for a Criminal Defense Attorney
I have never hired an attorney before. I went through the Criminal justice system once before with a public defender. This time around, living out of state, I knew I would need help. I did my research and was very thorough, After looking around, reading reviews, I decided to fill out a form online to speak with an Attorney with VIB law. Less than an hour later, I got an email from Cameron Bowman. From the moment he emailed me, I felt that he was the PERFECT attorney for my needs. I am still currently going through my case but I know in my heart he has my best interest in his. I suffer from extreme anxiety and have panic attacks frequently. I knew going through this situation alone or without a retained attorney would not work for me, especially being out of state. I must say, I have never been more impressed with ANYONE in my life. Not only is he an AMAZING attorney who has guided me through the system with such compassion and respect, but he knows his stuff. He has never left me feeling lost, alone or in the dark about any part of my case. If I ever need to get in touch with him he is always available really quickly via email, and if not his paralegal Johanna has been there to give me any help I have needed. They are an amazing team. This has been a long process, but I feel that I have more than an attorney, but an advocate who was been fighting for me since day one. He has helped me fight this case from another state, always has given me support and never left me feeling unsure or lost about anything. He is an AMAZING attorney, with SO much experience. Given the fact that he was a DA for years, he knows BOTH sides of the fence and has a strategy for everything. I really don't think that I could go through this without him. In my mind I feel at ease knowing I have not only an AMAZING attorney who is well respected, but a compassionate one who REALLY cares about his clients. There is NO other option for an attorney in my opinion. He and his team are really the best you can get, and he has amazing rates. I never feel like it is about money, or feel that I am not getting my monies worth, in fact I feel he has surpassed what I expected for his rates. Thank you Cameron for everything you have done, and continue to do to fight for me. You are truly the most amazing attorney that one could ever hope for and I have complete faith in you as far as my case goes. Please, anyone in need of an attorney in a criminal defense situation, call his office and set up an appointment, you will not only be thankful, but you will feel confident that you have the best fighting on your side. Nothing can ever express the gratitude I have for everything you have done for me and my case. There REALLY is justice in the system, you just need the RIGHT advocate, and this man is the one. Trust me, this was the BEST decision I have ever made. If you are reading this, know that I will never forget this, and always refer anyone in need of services to you. You are the BEST!
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 4191 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  
   
   Shyam Venkatesh 
 102 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  
   
   Judith Bushey 
 86 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 
 4742 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  
   
   Andy 
 6051 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Commanding
Cameron is a very strong court room attorney. He has great knowledge of the ins and outs of the law from all angles. I felt very secure while in court with him knowing I would be able to get the best possible outcome in my case. He made things comfortable for me as the legal proceedings got prolonged and I found myself with lots of confidence due to his very commanding personality. Cameron was definitely the right attorney for me and my situation and I’m sure he can be for many others in the same need. Lastly I didn’t feel like Cameron is in it to get in to your pocket book as many attorneys are. I would like to take this opportunity to thank him for the great job he did for me. Andy K.
  
 
     Posted on Avvo  
   
   anonymous 
 1755 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 
 5663 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Avvo. Would Highly Recommend
My dad was arrested due to an incident at a park involving a child and his mother - largely due to misunderstanding of my dad's condition: Alzheimer's & dementia. Cameron was very knowledgeable in this area, as well as understanding my dad's situation. By working with the police department and the DA's office (numerous phone conversations), he was able to convince them to have the case against my dad "discharged". Additionally, he has helped to file a petition to "Seal and Destroy Arrest Record", which recently has been granted by the police department. Cameron was very professional and efficient in handling my dad's case, with a very positive outcome.

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.