• Recommend to the court sentencing programs tailored to a client's specific needs, often helping defendants avoid future brushes with the criminal justice system.
  • Tell you the truth.  Provide you with a reality check, a knowledgeable, objective perspective on their situation and what is likely to happen should their cases go to trial. (This perspective is vital for clients trying to decide whether to accept a prosecutor's offered "plea bargain".)
  • Use my familiarity with local court customs and procedures that aren't written down anywhere.
  • Explain the possible consequences of pleading guilty.
  • Dedicate crucial time on your case.
  • Discuss and negotiate the case with the Deputy District Attorney assigned to your case.
  • Hire and manage investigators, who may be able to potentially impeach (contradict) prosecution witnesses who embellish or change their stories at trial. Gather information from prosecution witnesses.
  • Communicate to you substantial developments in your case.  I strongly believe in returning client phone calls.

    My firm is committed to providing you with the best criminal defense possible.  I pride myself on offering meticulous attention to every case, no matter how big or small. I continually strive to build trust and confidence in my clients so that the legal process does not intimidate them.  At the Law Offices of Emily Phan, my clients come first. It is important to have complete confidence with your attorney.  I am an experienced criminal defense lawyer who is very responsible and I take my job very seriously.

  • Received a B.A. in Political Science at the University of California at Berkeley.
  • Received a J.D. degree at Santa Clara University.
  • Member of the California Bar.
  • Former Law Clerk for the Santa Clara District Attorney's Office and San Francisco District Attorney's Office



MUHAMMAD ALI once said, “Prejudice comes from being in the dark; sunlight disinfects it.” Those who are charged with a crime, often face the stigma and assumption that they have done something horribly wrong. However, I believe that each case is different with a unique set of facts and defenses. And despite the stigma that defendants face, I still truly believe that those who are accused are in fact innocent until proven guilty.

Make the right choice. Choose an experienced lawyer.

                        Call me at (408) 876-7448.