Experienced San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyers The experienced and capable lawyers at the criminal defense law firm of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron have been defending people in the San Jose area for more than 30 years. Very few South Bay area criminal defense law firms have the breadth of experience we offer our clients. We’ve helped thousands of clients facing charges in San Jose for DWI. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complicated state and federal cases What sets our law practice apart from other firms is our unique insight into the process of investigating our clients’ cases. You’ve been charged with a white collar crime, such as embezzlement or tax fraud? One of our attorneys is a former Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service. He knows how these cases are handled. You’ve been charged with a criminal offense, such as murder or a drug - related offense? Two of our California drug crimes lawyers are former police officers. Because our attorneys have in-depth knowledge of investigative procedures, we don’t rely on information provided by the prosecution to refute their charges. We do our own investigation. Our criminal defense law firm has successfully handled cases including: CRIMINAL DEFENSE Motor Vehicle Offenses DUI / DWI Traffic Offenses Domestic Abuse Spousal Abuse Child Abuse Assault & Battery Sex Crimes Sex Offense Information White Collar Crime Theft & Embezzlement Tax Fraud Drug-Related Offenses Federal Cases Law & Addiction Homicide / Murder / Manslaughter Juvenile Law Juvenile Dependency Federal Cases Other Areas of Practice Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Dangerous Products Dangerous Premises Wrongful Death Civil Litigation Legal Malpractice Probate Litigation Employment Law Sexual Harassment Employment Discrimination If you have been or are about to be charged with a criminal offense, contact the California criminal defense law firm of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron immediately. We offer a free face-to-face consultation and can work out a payment plan in most situations.

Experienced San Jose Criminal Defense Attorneys At Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron, our experienced criminal defense attorneys have handled a wide variety of criminal matters, winning acquittals or reduced sentences for many of our clients. Our San Jose and South Bay area criminal defense attorneys have been helping San Jose residents facing criminal charges for more than 30 years in the following areas: CRIMINAL DEFENSE Motor Vehicle Offenses DUI / DWI: Our DWI / DUI lawyers have an impressive track record of getting DMV automatic penalties set aside. BE AWARE, you only have ten days to challenge the suspension of your driver’s license. Traffic Offenses Domestic Abuse Spousal Abuse: If you have been accused of spousal abuse in California, you need to take the charge seriously, even if you did not commit the crime. California law almost always requires the police to arrest a person accused of spousal abuse. Information about Domestic Violence Child Abuse: Anyone can make a child abuse claim and the consequences of a child abuse allegation are serious. You could lose your child to the child welfare system and end up in jail. Assault & Battery Sex Crimes Sex Offense Information: You need an experienced sex crimes defense attorney to handle defense in charges of prostitution, child pornography, sex with a minor, rape and sexual assault. Information about Sex Offenses White Collar Crime Theft & Embezzlement: These are serious consequences that have the potential to change your life forever. When you are facing embezzlement or theft charges you need an attorney who is experienced with white-collar crime defense. Tax Fraud: We are experienced in handling state and federal tax fraud cases and other cases involving the I.R.S. One of our attorneys is a former Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service. Drug-Related Offenses : If you have been arrested on a drug related offense, you need an attorney who understands how the police and district attorney operate. Depending on your situation you may be charged with a number of different charges. Federal Cases : Our federal lawyers can represent clients before any federal court in the United States. Law & Addiction : We look to find the true alcohol or drug problems of our clients, which are causing them trouble with the criminal justice system, and recommend RECOVERY PROGRAMS when those programs can help. Homicide / Murder / Manslaughter : Our firm has been involved with hundreds of cases of homicide or related crimes. During that time, we’ve had numerous cases dismissed due to the disregard for individuals’ Constructional rights. Juvenile Law  and Juvenile Dependency: Our attorneys maintain a special interest in the defense of juvenile cases; they represent kids, parents, and others accused of crimes involving kids. Other Areas of Practice Personal Injury Motor Vehicle Accidents Dangerous Products Dangerous Premises Wrongful Death Civil Litigation Legal Malpractice Probate Litigation Employment Law Sexual Harassment Employment Discrimination Prior to practicing criminal defense, two of our lawyers were police officers and one was a Revenue Agent for the IRS. These credentials provide our clients with the insight necessary to win a case in state or federal court. Don’t let criminal charges change your life forever, contact the California white collar crimes law firm of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron immediately. Our San Jose criminal defense attorneys offer a free face-to-face consultation and can work out a payment plan in most situations.

There is never a charge for your initial in-office conference with us. At that conference the facts and defense of your case are discussed as well as the fee we will charge. In most cases payment plans can be arranged. Misdemeanor Cases Arrest or Citation (for many misdemeanor cases). Arraignment (first appearance in court). We can appear for you at arraignment, plead “not guilty” and set the case for pre-trial conferences. Our misdemeanor clients rarely go to court. Pre-trial Conferences are conferences with the prosecutor and the judge over a period of one to six months in our attempt to reduce or dismiss charges without a trial. If your case cannot be settled according to your wishes, we can and will set the cause for a court or jury trial. The burden of proof in on the prosecutor to prove guilt “beyond a reasonable doubt.” All of our cases are handled on a single fee for pre-trial services and a daily fee for trial. Lower Court Arrest or warrant Contact us immediately to discuss bail alternatives or the fastest way to get in and out of custody Arraignment – Client must appear at arraignment. We may be able to avoid some court dates. Plea: A not guilty plea is entered in every case. Preliminary settings – an opportunity to gather evidence and discuss your case with the Prosecutor. FAR – an opportunity to meet with the judge, the prosecution, and probation officer to discuss possible settlement. Preliminary hearing – Evidence presented by the prosecution. Our opportunity to cross-examine witnesses and settle some cases. Higher Court Arraignment at the higher court. Not Guilty plea is entered Motions and settlement conferences. Opportunity to file motions such as: Motions to dismiss MIRANDA violations by the police Suppress illegally obtained evidence Trial by court or Jury. The final decision to go to trial is made by the client. There is almost always a chance to negotiate even on trial day. Sentencing if not dismissed before trial or if settled by admission to any crime whether infraction, misdemeanor, or felony. All sentencing options are explored and even in folony cases actual jail can often be avoided. If you have been or are about to be charged or are about to be charged with a misdemeanor or felony, contact Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron immediately. We can help you stay out of jail and get your life back on track.

Experienced San Jose Criminal Defense Lawyers Criminal Team Injury Team We've been practicing Criminal and Personal Injury law for over 25 years. Our Criminal Team of lawyers includes a former San Jose police officer. And, our Personal Injury team has collected millions in damages.

Criminal Team

JOHN H. HINKLE
John Hinkle is a founding partner of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron, having practiced criminal law since 1976. He served as a San Jose Police Officer from 1969 through 1974, gaining valuable experience in relationships with local law enforcement. This law enforcement background gives him unique knowledge of the criminal justice system from both sides, as well as the political knowledge to produce excellent results in the negotiation of cases which might or might not benefit from trial.

He has served as a Judge Pro Tem of the Superior and Municipal Courts in Santa Clara County and serves on the Board of Directors of the Teen Counseling Center of the West Valley (President 1997 and 1998), Pate House, Inc., Alcohol and Drug Recovery Home (President 1995 through 1996), Volunteers In Parole, serving juvenile offenders currently released on parole from the California Youth Authority, having served as president of that organization as well; he is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, and has served on many committees of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, including the Ethics Committee and the Mediator/Arbitrator Committees.

John Hinkle has the experience, as Managing Partner of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron, to steer your legal problem to the right conclusion, with the right counsel. Call John Hinkle directly for immediate personal contact and advise. (408) 246-5500.

ALBIE B. JACHIMOWICZ
Albie Jachimowicz, a former police officer in San Mateo County, California, was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1982, and has been a criminal trial lawyer since that time. He has tried a wide variety of cases in Municipal, Superior and Federal Court, covering the full range of criminal cases from drunk driving to all degrees of murder. He has served as a Judge Pro Tem in the Municipal Court, Criminal Division and Superior Court Juvenile Division and Juvenile Dependency Divisions.

He has served as a Judge Pro Tem in the Municipal County, Criminal Division and Superior County, Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Dependency Divisions. He emphasizes the practice of juvenile criminal law and white-collar crimes, and has developed particular expertise in the area of sexual offenses as well. He is a graduate Magna Cum Laude from the California State University at Sacramento and Santa Clara University Law School. He is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association, State Bar of California and the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. He is also a member of the board of directors of the Teen Counseling Center of West Valley. Albie is the quintessential trial lawyer, tough and knowledgeable. He has the know-how to win your case in criminal court. He is a partner with the firm of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron.

RICHARD P. POINTER
Richard Pointer is a seasoned and effective criminal defense trial attorney with over 24 years experience practicing exclusively criminal law. His cases have included more than 100 felony trials and hundreds of misdemeanor trials in both State and Federal Courts. He has represented clients in major felony drug conspiracy/manufacturing charges, homicides, three-strike cases, sexual assault, fraud, DUI and theft cases as well as numerous other cases statewide. He is respected by Judges, District Attorneys and his peers alike for his dedication, negotiating, trial skills and professionalism. Mr. Pointer's high client satisfaction and referral rate is due not only to his knowledge and skills, but to his dedication to achieve the best outcome for his clients, a willingness to provide personal attention, and to communicate with his clients and their families.

Mr. Pointer was admitted to the California Bar in 1979, having served as a Revenue Agent for the Internal Revenue Service prior to and after his admission to the Bar. He is a graduate of Occidental University and a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association. In addition to being a member of the State Bar of California, he is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers,as well as the California Attorneys for Criminal Justice. He is also a member of the Santa Clara County Criminal Defense Bar. He volunteers his time as a mentor for the Volunteers In Parole of Santa Clara County, as well as many other volunteer organizations.

Mr. Pointer is a partner of the firm, speaks Spanish fluently and is an avid fly fisherman.

MICHAEL L. HORNER
Michael Horner is one of the finest DUI (Driving Under the Influence) attorneys in the State of California. He has been a member of the firm of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron since 1986. He holds Bachelor's Degrees in Political Science, and a Master's Degree in American Government, as well as a Juris Doctorate Degree.

From 1973 to 1987, he served as a Legislative Assistant to Senator Alfred Alquist. He is a Member of the Board of Fellows of Lincoln University and volunteers his time in many legal and community service organizations.

Mr. Horner has emphasized the practice of drunk driving and motor vehicle cases, including felonies and misdemeanors since 1986. He is a member of the California Deuce Attorneys and has successfully defended hundreds of DMV cases, protecting the right to drive of most of his clients. He is a text book of Motor Vehicle law and serves as a mentor to other attorneys on the subject of drunk driving and Department of Motor Vehicle cases. He also serves as a Pro Tem Commissioner in the Traffic Court for the City of San Jose, which gives him a wide view on the administration of justice on that level.

Injury Team

MICHAEL MAYRON
Michael Mayron is a partner in the firm of Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron, having practiced personal injury and civil litigation law since 1974. In his more than 26 years as a personal injury and civil litigation attorney, he has tried many injury cases and recovered millions of dollars in damages for his clients, both in injury matters and business-related litigation.

Michael Mayron and his team of civil litigation injury attorneys vigorously fight to protect the rights of people who are injured, whether in an accident, in sexual harassment situations, product liability, wrongful death, airplane disasters and in many cases where an insurance company deals unfairly with its own insured. Besides his expertise in civil litigation and personal injury , he supervises the Civil Litigation Department, bringing the full force of his 26 years of civil litigation practice to bear for the clients and the firm.

GERALD EMANUEL
Gerald Emanuel is an experienced litigator emphasizing the areas of sexual harassment and employment discrimination including harassment such as unwanted touching, vulgar language, constant sexual discussion, requests for personal relationships outside the workplace. In the area of employment discrimination, he represents clients who have been discriminated against based on color, religion, sex (including sexual orientation), age, and national origin.

Gerald is a graduate of San Jose State University and Lincoln University, and graduated with a J.D. Degree from Lincoln University in 1974. He has been practicing in the area of employment, sexual harassment and personal injury for nearly 30 years. His tough, smart lawyering have won him praise from his peers, and he has been named repeatedly one of San Jose's best lawyers in employment discrimination and sexual harassment (San Jose Magazine).

Gerald will consult with you at no charge regarding your harassment case, and in most cases, if he believes that you have a case, will represent you on a contingency basis, which means that no attorney's fees will be due unless a settlement or favorable verdict has been reached in your case. He is a former partner in the firm of Emanuel and Ince, and when he is not fighting for his clients, he is enjoying his wife and four children, as well as playing his beloved game of softball.

BRAID PEZZAGLIA
Braid Pezzaglia, an associate with Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron, practices general litigation, including personal injury law, tort litigation, administrative law and trial practice. He is a graduate of the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law, and has a 1993 Business Degree from the University of California, Riverside. He is a member of the State Bar of California and the Santa Clara County Bar Association, Trial Practice Barrister Section and Insurance Law Section.

Prior to attending Law School, he obtained real-life experience, working for Interactive Network, Inc., and Nellcor, Inc., a bio-mechanical engineering firm. He has gained significant experience in medical/orthopedic injuries through his practice and prior experience. As a compliment to his legal background, he enjoyed the study of Comparative Civil Rights with U.S. Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy.

Mr. Pezzaglia also represents many clients in administrative and other civil problems involving the City of San Jose and school districts within the County of Santa Clara. His interests outside of the law include golf and music.

JOHN A. ALVAREZ
John Alvarez was born in Brawley, California in 1943. He is a graduate of the University of California at Riverside and recieved his Juris Doctorate Degree from Santa Clara University in 1973. He has been practiced exclusively in civil litiagation since he was licensed in the State of California and in the Federal Courts in 1974. His practice has included major litigation in the areas of medical malpractice, construction law, personal injury and product liability.

Mr. Alvarez is a member of the State Bar of California, Santa Clara County Bar Association, the California Applicants Attorneys Association and the Consumer Attorneys of California. He serves as an Arbitrator for the Santa Clara County Superior Court. He practices in the areas of Personal Injury , Construction and RoadAccidents, Construction Sesign Defects, Product Liability and Workman's Compensation. His hobbies include cycling, photography and chess.

JOEL WAELTY
Joel Waelty obtained his undergraduate degree at the University of California at Berkeley. He recieved a Juris Doctorate degree from the University of California, Hastings College of the Law, where he was an executive editor of the Hastings Constitutional Law Quarterly. He focused his coursework on constiutional law, insurance claims and civil litigation. In 2003 Mr. Waelty served as a judicial extern for the Honorable Ronald M. Whyte of the Federal District Court in San Jose.

Mr. Waelty is an extremely dedicated and creative attorney. His practice includes injury cases, insurance claims, arbitration and business disputes. When he is away from the office he enjoys spending time with his family and surfing the California coast.

AMY CARLSON
Amy Carlson graduated from the University of California, San Diego with a Bachelor's Degree in English Literature. She received her Juris Doctorate degree from California Western School of Law in San Diego. She was admitted to the California Bar and began practicing Insurance Defense for a large insurance company in San Jose. Her primary focus, since joining Hinkle, Jachimowicz, Pointer & Mayron, in March 2005, has been civil law, with an emphasis in personal injury resulting from motor vehicle accidents, public entity negligence or slip and falls.

Ms. Carlson is a member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the California State Bar. Outside of the office, she enjoys spending time with her family.