
Expert legal advocacy when it matters most.
Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys is a trusted criminal defense law firm serving clients throughout San Jose, Redwood City, and the surrounding communities of Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties. Founded in 2005, our firm has over 30 years of combined experience and has successfully defended more than 3,000 clients facing misdemeanor and felony charges in California. Our firm is led by Nafiz Ahmed, a California State Bar Certified Specialist in criminal law, and attorney Shari Sukaram. We handle a wide range of criminal defense cases, including DUI, domestic violence, drug crimes, assault and battery, sex crimes, theft crimes, weapons charges, white collar crimes, violent crimes, and juvenile defense. No matter how serious the charges, we bring aggressive, trial-ready strategies to every case. At Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys, we believe every client deserves personalized attention and transparent communication. You will never be kept in the dark about the status of your case. Our attorneys are available day and night, and we are prepared to stand between you and the full force of the justice system. A conviction can change your life forever. If you are facing criminal charges in San Jose, Redwood City, or anywhere in Silicon Valley, contact Ahmed & Sukaram, Criminal Defense Attorneys today for a consultation and put a relentless, trial-tested team on your side.

Comprehensive initial consultation to review your case, explain legal options, and outline defense strategies.
Expert legal advocacy for serious charges, including theft, assault, and DUI, aiming for dismissals or reductions.
Aggressive representation in court, with thorough preparation and skilled negotiation to protect your rights.
Personalized defense planning, including evidence review and procedural advice to navigate the justice system.
Ongoing updates, document management, and compassionate assistance to reduce stress throughout your case.
Assault and battery charges can range from misdemeanors to serious felonies depending on the circumstances. Our San Jose assault defense attorneys fight to protect your rights and freedom, challenging the prosecution's case at every stage of the process.
A DUI charge can have serious consequences for your driving privileges, career, and future. Our DUI defense attorneys have extensive trial experience and in-depth knowledge of California DUI law to challenge the evidence against you and fight for the best possible outcome.
Domestic violence charges carry severe penalties and can affect your personal and professional life. We provide aggressive, strategic defense for individuals facing domestic violence allegations in San Jose and throughout Santa Clara County.
From simple possession to drug trafficking, drug charges in California can result in significant jail time and long-term consequences. Our attorneys analyze every aspect of your case, including search and seizure issues, to build the strongest possible defense.
Sex crime allegations are among the most serious charges a person can face. Our attorneys understand the high stakes involved and provide discreet, vigorous defense for individuals accused of sex offenses in San Jose and the surrounding areas.
Theft charges, from petty theft to grand theft and burglary, can result in jail time, fines, and a permanent criminal record. We work to minimize the consequences and pursue dismissals, reductions, or acquittals on your behalf.
Violent crime charges carry the possibility of lengthy prison sentences and life-altering consequences. Our trial-tested attorneys fight aggressively to protect your rights and pursue the strongest possible defense in court.
Weapons charges in California are taken seriously by prosecutors and courts. Our attorneys have the experience and knowledge to challenge the legality of searches, seizures, and evidence in firearms and weapons cases.
Overall rating
Jon Beacher
I consulted this firm about a civil matter. While this law firm chose not to represent me in the matter, we chatted about my case for an hour and I felt it was well worth the $500/hour fee. Thanks
Lauren Balcioni
S H
This review is long overdue! Last summer, I needed legal help for a traffic-related incident, but my original attorney wasn’t following through. I scheduled a consultation with Nafiz for a second opinion and ended up switching to him the very same day! Nafiz is highly skilled and truly excellent at what he does. He’s extremely knowledgeable, but also just very down-to-earth and easy to talk to. From the start, he was kind, attentive to every detail, and came in with a strong, well-thought-out defense strategy. He immediately put me at ease, and I felt confident I was in good hands. What stood out most was his empathy and transparency. He kept me well informed throughout the process, clearly explaining my case and all possible outcomes so I could feel prepared every step of the way. His team is also amazing. Diego was especially helpful in coordinating appointments, follow-ups, and handling documentation. Thankfully, my case was accepted into a diversion program and no charges were filed. Nafiz also went the extra mile by advising me on how to seal my case, including the pros and cons. I highly recommend Nafiz and his team. He is diligent, thorough, and genuinely cares about his clients. Thank you, Nafiz!
Jake
Nafiz helped me navigate my very difficult legal situation and was both reassuring and realistic with me every step of the way. He is punctual, communicative and knowledgeable regarding my charges. He maintained a strong presence in the courtroom, kept a professional demeanor while communicating with the appropriate counsel, and made great suggestions while I was awaiting plea that helped me tremendously. I owe it to him that I will be spending my immediate future at home as opposed to the alternative. I recommend Nafiz Ahmed for anyone who requires legal representation.
Harleen
Amazing attorney, would 10/10 recommend. I contacted Ahmed for help with record expungement and he was able to get the process started right away. He was able to get my record cleared in a month and a half. He’s very responsive and was more than willing to answer each and every question I had. I only wish I had contacted him sooner when the charges were first filed. I’m confident the outcome would have been even better, and I likely wouldn’t have needed to expunge anything.”
Kate Du
I am dealing with a retaliation case filed by a tenant, and I reached out to Nafiz for a consultation after going through a very difficult and discouraging court experience. From the moment we spoke, he was incredibly patient, understanding, and knowledgeable. He took the time to truly listen to my situation, explained things clearly, and gave me practical and honest guidance. After our conversation, I felt much more reassured and confident about how to move forward. I also had the pleasure of meeting Terry, who is equally professional, thoughtful, and sharp. It’s clear that this team genuinely cares about their clients and approaches each case with both expertise and integrity. What I appreciated most is their honesty and reasonable fees — they focus on giving sincere advice rather than pushing unnecessary services. I highly recommend this boutique law office to anyone looking for trustworthy, knowledgeable, and compassionate legal support. Thank you!