Privacy Policy
Last Updated: January 2025
Introduction
The Law Offices of Majeed S. Samara ("Law Firm," "we," "us," or "our") is committed to protecting your privacy and handling your personal information responsibly. This Privacy Policy explains how we collect, use, disclose, and safeguard your information when you visit our website samaralaw.com or engage with our legal services.
Important Notice Regarding Attorney-Client Privilege
Transmitting information through this Website does NOT automatically establish an attorney-client relationship and may NOT be protected by attorney-client privilege.
Do not send confidential, sensitive, or privileged information through this Website until we have formally agreed to represent you.
1. Information We Collect
Information You Provide
We collect information that you voluntarily provide when you:
- Complete contact forms on our Website
- Call our office or send us emails
- Schedule consultations or appointments
- Engage us for legal representation
This information may include: name, contact information, details about your legal matter, court dates, case numbers, financial information for billing purposes, and any other information you choose to provide.
Information Collected Automatically
When you visit our Website, we automatically collect certain information including device information, IP address, browser type, pages visited, and general geographic location.
2. How We Use Your Information
Legal Services and Representation
When we have established an attorney-client relationship, we use your information to:
- Provide criminal defense and traffic law legal services
- Investigate and prepare your case
- Represent you in court proceedings and DMV hearings
- Communicate with prosecutors, judges, and other parties
- Bill for our services and process payments
3. Attorney-Client Privilege and Confidentiality
Confidentiality for Clients
Once an attorney-client relationship is established through a signed retainer agreement, we are bound by strict ethical obligations to maintain the confidentiality of your information under California Rules of Professional Conduct and attorney-client privilege.
Limitations for Non-Clients
If you have not retained us as your attorney, the information you provide may not be confidential and may not be protected by attorney-client privilege.
4. How We Share Your Information
We may share your information with service providers who assist us in delivering legal services, including expert witnesses, investigators, court reporters, IT service providers, and payment processors. These providers are contractually obligated to maintain confidentiality.
We do NOT sell, rent, or trade your personal information to third parties for marketing purposes.
5. Data Security
We implement reasonable administrative, technical, and physical security measures to protect your information, including:
- Secure Socket Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission
- Secure servers and encrypted storage systems
- Access controls limiting employee access to client information
- Attorney-client privilege protocols
Important: Do not send highly sensitive information via unencrypted email or Website forms. For sensitive matters, contact us by phone at 650-588-7700.
6. Data Retention
For current and former clients, we retain case files and client information in accordance with California State Bar requirements and ethical obligations, generally for a minimum of 5-10 years after case closure.
7. Cookies and Tracking Technologies
We use cookies and similar technologies to improve Website functionality and analyze site usage. Cookies are small text files stored on your device. You can control cookies through your browser settings.
8. Your California Privacy Rights
As a California resident, you have rights under the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) including:
- Right to Know: Request disclosure of information we have collected about you
- Right to Delete: Request deletion of your personal information (subject to exceptions)
- Right to Correct: Request correction of inaccurate information
- Right to Non-Discrimination: Exercise your privacy rights without discriminatory treatment
To exercise these rights, contact us at 650-588-7700.
9. Children's Privacy
Our Website is not directed to individuals under 18. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children. In juvenile criminal defense matters, we collect information from minor clients and their parents/guardians only as necessary for legal representation.
10. Changes to This Privacy Policy
We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Material changes will be communicated through notice on our Website homepage or email notification to current clients.
11. Contact Us Regarding Privacy
If you have questions or concerns regarding this Privacy Policy, please contact us:
This Privacy Policy complies with the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), California Rules of Professional Conduct, and applicable federal and state privacy laws.