James Samuel Nelsen

I graduated from Dana College in 1998 with a Major in Sociology and a Minor in Psychology.  I worked at a regional insurance company from 1998 to 2001 when I attended Drake Law School.  In 2004, I graduated from Drake Law School, and began practicing in criminal defense.  I have practiced primarily in Criminal Defense since 2004, representing those accused of a crime in both State and Federal Courts.  I have litigated hundreds of criminal cases ranging from simple misdemeanor offenses where clients face a maximum of 30 days is in jail to major felony and federal offenses, including crimes of violence and drug trafficking offenses where my clients have faced mandatory life in prison.  My practice focuses mainly on the District Court trial level,however, I handle appeals of criminal matters in State court and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals as well.  Additionally, I handle various other legal matters on a case by case basis, including most notably Personal Injury matters, either as primary counsel or on a consulting basis.