James Miles Falls

James Falls doesn’t just practice criminal defense — he pursues it with the precision of a tactician and the tenacity of a trial warrior.

A Florida State University alumnus, James earned a double major in Political Science and Sociology before going on to graduate from FSU College of Law with Honors in 2017. His legal career began long before he held a bar card. As a certified legal intern with the Office of the Public Defender, James was already standing in courtrooms — trying cases ranging from DUI to Attempted Murder — while his peers were still in class.

Upon passing the Bar, James was selected to serve as a Federal Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Mary S. Scriven of the United States District Court, Middle District of Florida — a distinction earned by few and a perspective that sharpened his understanding of how cases are decided at the highest levels.

Hungry for more courtroom time, James joined the Pinellas County Public Defender’s Office, where he hit the ground running. Managing a demanding caseload spanning DUI, Battery, Theft, Drug Possession, Trafficking, and Murder, he didn’t just handle cases — he tried them. James’ public defender experience started in misdemeanor court where he secured victories at trial on cases ranging from prostitution, domestic battery, voyeurism, criminal mischief, and more. His success earned him a promotion to handle a felony case load, where he continued to try serious felony charges including Burglary, Robbery with a Firearm, Aggravated Assault, Aggravated Battery, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and attempted murder, among others.

His reputation preceded him. Recruited by multiple prominent private defense firms, James ultimately joined forces with Attorney Brett Metcalf — and spent the next six years doing what he does best: fighting. In private practice, James earned dismissals, successfully negotiated reduced charges and favorable resolutions for countless clients. But ask him what he loves most, and the answer is unambiguous — jury trial.

While many defense attorneys view trial as a last resort, James views it as the arena. Over six years in private practice, he has secured not guilty verdicts in cases ranging from Solicitation of Prostitution, Driving under the Influence, Sexual Battery, and the capstone of a criminal defense attorney’s career that many never obtain, a not guilty verdict for the charge of Murder. When the stakes are highest, James Falls shows up — and he shows out.

Outside the courtroom, James is a devoted food enthusiast. Whether he’s cooking for family and friends, discovering hidden gems across the Tampa Bay dining scene, or planning his next trip around restaurants featured on Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives, the Michelin Guide, or James Beard Awards— his passion for great food is rivaled only by his passion for great lawyering.