About Us

Attorney Sergio H. Benavides

I love helping people.  I am passionate in fighting criminal charges, and in court I protect your rights.  I am a fighter at trial.  With Immigration cases, there is nothing better than helping people grab the American Dream.  It’s very rewarding seeing people get a Green Card or Citizenship.

Who we are

Law Office of Sergio H. Benavides is a law firm focusing on Criminal Law Defense and Immigration, based in San Francisco, Hayward, and San Jose, California.  The firm provides comprehensive Criminal Defense legal help to clients facing jail or prison.  We provide the best in Criminal Defense, that comes from having an honoree selected to be one of America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys on your side.  Clients are given a great deal of attention, with consultations, guidance, and a deep-seated understanding of how to seek out the best resolution or to fight charges in every case.  Clients are kept up-to-date with cutting edge technology–by 24-hour access to their court dates, records, and case files through our secure online case management system.

 Our courtroom experience and ability to zero-in on the heart of any challenge gives you and your loved ones the ability to secure an advantage in Criminal  or Immigration court. Sergio H. Benavides has assisted thousands of clients in court, probation hearings, taking cases to trial, getting charges lowered or dismissed, and expungements. We are experts who can help you Clear your Record!

 Law Firm Values 

• Commitment:
  I commit to 100% until I succeed. I am committed to the Vision, Mission, Culture and success of Law Office of Sergio H Benavides and its clients at all times.

• Ownership
  I am responsible for my actions and outcomes in my work. I am accountable for my results and I know that for things to change, first I must change.

• Integrity
  What I promise is what I deliver. I only ever make agreements with myself and others that I am willing and intend to keep. I clear up all potential broken agreements at the first opportunity.

• Excellence
  Good enough isn’t. I always deliver exceptional quality service. I look for ways to do more with less and constantly improve and innovate.

• Consistency
  I am consistent in my actions so my clients and teammates feel comfortable in dealing with me. I am disciplined in my work so my results, growth and success are consistent.

• Professionalism
  I strive to give all potential and actual Clients the best experience and customer service with a smile.  I treat teammates with the utmost respect.  My behavior creates the kind of firm Clients and teammates rave about.

      Before entering Law School, Sergio studied at Chabot College in Hayward, in Northern California, and went on to obtain his undergraduate degree in English Literature from San Francisco State University.  Sergio also has a Master in Education from Antioch University – Seattle.  Sergio taught Spanish-English public education for five years before entering law school.  He attributes his numerous jury trial acquittals and hung juries to his experience as a teacher. He finds it important to not just educate a jury, but to keep them engaged, entertained, and interested.  The #1 sin in a jury trial, he says, is letting a juror fall asleep out of boredom.  Sergio is fluent in Spanish.

His parents are native Costa Rican immigrants who came to the United States looking to achieve the American Dream.  Sergio was raised to cherish his Latin heritage along with his American heritage.  He has been to Costa Rica many times, and always enjoys visiting extended family there.

      Upon graduating with his Bachelor of Arts degree, Sergio attended law school at University of San Francisco College of Law, where he was a Research Assistant in Labor and Employment Law, and a Teaching Assistant in Property Law. He also served as Social Events Chair for the La Raza Law Students        Association, and  was involved in Pride Law Students Association.  During law school, Sergio assisted clients in San Francisco Superior Court, in small claims mediations, and represented clients in the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, in discrimination complaints.

Because of his valuable Jury Trial experience as a Criminal Defense Attorney for Fresno County, Sergio knows how to challenge difficult judges and District Attorneys.  He has conducted numerous Juvenile Adjudications, and Misdemeanor and Felony Trials.  Trial and adjudication cases have included charges of:  Armed Robbery, Grand Theft Auto, Home Invasion Burglary, Petty Theft, Prostitution, Resisting Arrest, Driving Under the Influence, Drug Possession, Assault With a Deadly Weapon, Vandalism, Receiving Stolen Goods, Battery, Shooting Into An Inhabited Dwelling.

       Sergio is co-founder, producer, director, and moderator of legal educational videos that are available free in the website, http://www.elawclinic.com 

    While in Fresno, Sergio was actively involved in the La Raza Lawyers Association, volunteering to organize their annual scholarship banquet,serving on the Judicial Committee, Secretary, and Treasurer.

CALL FOR YOUR CONSULTATION:  415-867-5181 OR EMAIL: Contact  

Sergio H. Benavides is an honoree selected to be among America’s Top 100 Criminal Defense Attorneys for 2018, a title denoting a high level of experience and competence in the field.  Throughout his legal career, he has worked with thousands of clients, on cases ranging from everything from DUI and DWI, to Armed Robbery.  Sergio Benavides is known for his dedication to his clients, excellence, and his passion to succeed.

Bar Admission:
California, 2005

Memberships:
Alameda County Bar Association

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Bay Area Lawyers for Individual Freedom (BALIF)

La Raza Lawyers Association

Experience & Awards:

Fresno County – Criminal Defense Lawyer

California Criminal Law Specialist (2013-2018)

Top 100 California Criminal Attorney

Avvo: “10” and “Superb” Rating

Other Legal Work with Organizations:

Alameda County Bar Association: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic

AIDS Legal Referral Panel

BALIF: Legal Advice Clinic

La Raza Centro Legal: Legal Advice Clinic

SF Bar Association: Legal Advice and Referral Clinic

Western Service Workers Association

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