Paula Canny is one of the premier criminal defense lawyers in California.  Paula practices criminal defense law in all county courts within the State of California.  Although she focuses her practice primarily in California state court matters, she also handles cases in the federal criminal courts.  In recent years, Paula has expanded her practice to include probate litigation, personal injury matters, and other civil litigation cases.  Her trial advocacy skills have rendered a remarkable track record of success in both criminal and civil matters.

Paula has had extensive experience representing clients in a range of criminal cases, from traffic offenses and misdemeanors to serious felonies.  She has particular expertise in substance abuse issues and alternative and creative sentencing resolutions.  Paula is active in the San Mateo County Drug Court team and has worked for years to raise awareness that drug abuse is wrongly characterized as a criminal law problem.  She is also a staunch opponent of the death penalty.

Paula’s reputation for being effective at all stages of the criminal process places her in high demand.  She knows when a case should be settled and brought to a fair and equitable resolution. She also knows how to successfully try a case before a jury.  Paula has won many jury trials, including the first “three strikes” trial in San Mateo more than a decade ago.

Paula is a frequent commentator on high-profile cases for Bay Area news and national news programs – both cable and network television.  She has personally handled high-profile cases, including representing Greg Anderson, the personal trainer of Barry Bonds.

Paula received her law degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law and her Bachelor of Sciences degree from Kirkland College.  She is a member of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, the San Mateo County Bar Association, the San Mateo County Drug Court, and the American Himalayan Foundation.  Paula serves on the Board of Directors for Women Defenders.