Riccardo Ippolito – Partner, VIB Law

Top Lawyer Honor: Named among the “Top Lawyers in California” by The Daily Journal and American Lawyer Media (2015) for his outstanding defense work, particularly in sex offense cases.

High-Profile Cases: Riccardo has defended clients in many high-stakes cases. He served as lead counsel in a multi-defendant federal drug case, securing a substantially reduced sentence for his client. He won an acquittal in a notorious sexual assault jury trial that had seemed unwinnable due to media bias. He has also quietly resolved cases involving public figures, keeping them out of the spotlight (thanks to discreet negotiations).

Professional Roles: Former Chair of the Santa Clara County Bar’s Sex Offenses Committee, where he organized training for defense attorneys on new sex crime legislation. Member of California Attorneys for Criminal Justice and the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Admitted to practice in the Northern District of California (federal court) in addition to all California state courts.

Analytical & Tenacious: Riccardo is often described as a “machine” when it comes to case preparation – reviewing every piece of evidence with a fine-tooth comb. He is quick to spot inconsistencies or constitutional violations in the prosecution’s case and will file bold motions to exploit them (suppressing evidence, dismissing counts, etc.). He’s argued novel legal issues in court – and won – setting precedents that have helped other defendants.

Client-Centered Communication: Despite handling very serious charges, Riccardo ensures his clients are fully informed and involved. He is direct and honest – if something looks bad, he explains it plainly along with how he plans to address it. Clients appreciate that he doesn’t sugarcoat reality, but they also note that his confidence and mastery of the law reassure them.

Focus on Results: Riccardo’s guiding principle is to resolve the case in the best achievable way – whether that’s an acquittal, a dismissal, or a strategic plea to a lesser charge. He isn’t dogmatic about “always go to trial” or “always take a deal” – he assesses which route likely yields a better outcome for the client and advises accordingly. In one case, he advised a plea that avoided a life sentence when trial victory was a long-shot; in another, he took a case to trial that other lawyers urged pleading, and he won an acquittal. His judgment on when to fight and when to negotiate is one of his greatest strengths.

Compassion & Respect: Clients facing charges like rape or murder often feel ostracized. Riccardo makes it a point to treat every client with dignity. He understands many are falsely accused or have their actions misrepresented. He often spends extra time simply listening to a client’s side of the story – gleaning details investigators missed – which not only builds trust but often uncovers key defense evidence. Many former clients say Riccardo “gave me my life back” by believing in them and fighting relentlessly.

Sex Crimes: Riccardo’s signature specialty. He has defended every type of sex charge – from date rape and sexual battery, to child molestation (PC 288) and possession of illicit materials. He stays current on forensic advancements (like DNA transfer theories, computer forensics for internet sting cases) and often integrates expert testimony (for instance, a psychologist to explain false memory in an accuser). His detailed knowledge of sex offender registration law (PC 290) has helped clients avoid or shorten registration.

Violent Crimes: Including homicides, attempted murders, assaults with deadly weapons, etc. Riccardo has secured manslaughter verdicts in murder cases and significantly reduced sentences in others. His comfort with forensic evidence (ballistics, pathology) is a huge asset in these cases.

Record Clearance (Post-Conviction Relief): Focused on helping clients move forward—expungements, certificates of rehabilitation, and pardons—strategically pursued to remove barriers to employment, licensing, and housing. Thorough eligibility reviews and precise filings maximize the chance of a clean slate.

DUIs: Comprehensive DUI defense that challenges every step—stop, testing, and procedure. Strategies include attacking chemical results, negotiating charge reductions, and protecting driving privileges whenever possible, all while navigating DMV and court tracks in parallel.