Patrick Valencia – Partner, VIB Law
Patrick Valencia
Experience:
40+ Years
Practice Areas:
Awards:
Top Juvenile Attorney 2002
Patrick Valencia is a veteran criminal defense attorney and co-founder of VIB Law. With over 40 years in practice, he is one of the most experienced defense lawyers in the Bay Area. Patrick is a San Jose native who built his career serving the local community – from working inside Juvenile Hall, to becoming San Jose Magazine’s “Top Juvenile Defense Attorney,” to successfully defending clients in high-profile trials.
Outside the courtroom, Patrick is a proud father of two and a lifelong Bay Area resident. He earned his Bachelor of Science degree from Santa Clara University in 1978 before attending law school. Before beginning his legal career, Patrick worked for the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department as a counselor in Juvenile Hall — an experience that gave him unique insight into the challenges faced by young people in the criminal justice system. Known for his approachable style and steady professionalism, Patrick’s clients appreciate that he combines deep courtroom experience with genuine care for the people he represents.
To get in touch with Patrick Valencia or schedule a consultation, call (408) 920-9720 or send a message and mention you’d like to speak with Patrick. (All initial consultations are free and confidential.)
Graduated from Santa Clara University School of Law in 1983 (J.D.); earned a B.S. from Santa Clara University in 1978. Admitted to the California Bar in 1983.
Early Career: Spent seven years with the Santa Clara County Juvenile Probation Department (1976–1983), working as a counselor in Juvenile Hall. This role involved daily contact with youthful offenders — an experience that gave Patrick deep insight into rehabilitative justice and the challenges faced in juvenile cases.
Began Practice as a Sports Agent: Upon passing the bar, Patrick initially negotiated contracts for athletes (being a former college athlete himself). In doing so, he encountered athletes in need of legal defense and realized his true calling was criminal law. He transitioned fully to criminal defense by the mid-1980s.
Criminal Defense Career: Over nearly four decades, Patrick has defended thousands of cases — from misdemeanors like DUI and petty theft to serious felonies such as armed robbery and homicide. He has a particular passion for juvenile defense — leveraging his probation background, he has successfully handled hundreds of juvenile cases across Bay Area counties, often achieving outcomes that prevent a minor from having a lasting record. He has also served as a Judge Pro Tempore in the Santa Clara County Juvenile Court (on temporary assignment) due to his expertise.
Notable Specialization: Known for his skill in Three Strikes cases, Patrick has kept multiple clients from receiving life sentences by beating strike charges or negotiating alternatives. For example, he won a jury acquittal for a client on a strike felony, sparing them a potential 25-to-life sentence.
“Top Juvenile Defense Attorney” – Awarded by San Jose Magazine (2002) for excellence in representing juveniles. This recognized Patrick’s decades of dedication to juvenile justice.
High-Profile Cases: Patrick has been lead or co-counsel on numerous high-profile cases. He was part of the defense team on a capital murder case that ended with a manslaughter verdict instead of death (a major victory). He’s also handled cases involving significant media attention, always maintaining client confidentiality and dignity.
Professional Leadership: Longtime member of the Santa Clara County Bar Association’s Criminal Law Executive Committee, helping shape local criminal justice policy. He mentors younger attorneys through the bar’s mentorship program.
Community Service: Patrick has a heart for youth. He volunteers with organizations aimed at keeping at-risk youth out of the system, and often gives “Know Your Rights” talks at local schools.
Patrick is known for being patient and thorough with clients, but aggressive in the courtroom. Clients describe him as “extremely knowledgeable and genuinely caring.” He makes sure to educate his clients about the process, often meeting families in person to answer every question. Yet, when it’s time for battle in court, Patrick is a formidable advocate – crafting creative defenses and persuasive arguments. His background in probation gives him a unique problem-solving outlook: he frequently finds rehabilitative solutions (like counseling, diversion programs) that satisfy judges and prosecutors, keeping his clients out of jail. Judges have praised his preparedness and respectful advocacy, and even prosecutors have noted his integrity in negotiations (earning their trust, which leads to better deals for clients).
He works closely with partner Riccardo Ippolito on serious cases – their complementary styles (Patrick’s big-picture strategizing and Riccardo’s razor-sharp technical skills) benefit clients immensely. Between them, they often brainstorm novel defense angles that others miss.
Juvenile Defense: Patrick’s signature specialty. He knows the juvenile system’s ins and outs – from detention hearings to sealing records. He has successfully handled cases ranging from schoolyard assaults to serious felonies committed by minors, often achieving outcomes focused on rehabilitation (and keeping the minor at home or in programs instead of incarceration).
Domestic Violence & Family-Related Cases: Given his interpersonal approach, Patrick excels in DV cases, navigating the emotions and working toward dismissals or reduced charges.
DUI and Driving Offenses: Early in his career, Patrick defended countless DUI cases and remains well-versed in DUI law and DMV hearings (though now he often entrusts day-to-day DUI matters to associates, he still oversees strategy for complex cases or trials).
Violent Felonies: Patrick has defended serious felonies including armed robbery, aggravated assault, attempted murder, and homicide. His approach is meticulous case prep – leaving no detail unchecked – which has led to key reasonable doubt victories.
Professional License Defense: A unique niche – Patrick has represented professionals (doctors, nurses, etc.) in criminal court and then defended their licenses in administrative hearings. His broad perspective helps those clients avoid collateral career damage from a criminal issue.
Testimonials of Patrick's Work
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