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Matthew Scott James
also known as Matt James
About Matthew
Biography
I offer over a decade of criminal law trial experience to serve the men and women of the United States military. Upon my graduation from law school with honors in 2001, I spent over five years as an attorney at the Kane County State’s Attorney’s Office where I handled thousands of criminal cases.
In 2006, I joined the Air Force JAG Corps. I received high marks as a prosecuting attorney. The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force then chose me to become a military defense attorney. Despite glowing reviews and a promotion to Major, I decided to leave active-duty to become a civilian defense lawyer.
I now serve those serving America as a military defense lawyer and court-martial attorney. I currently live in Colorado with my family.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
25%
25 years | 1,200 cases
DUI and DWI
25%
25 years
Military Law
25%
19 years | 600 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Sometimes
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Colorado for 12 years
State: Colorado
Acquired: 2013
No misconduct found
Licensed in Illinois for 24 years
State: Illinois
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
James Defense
4845 Pearl E Cir #101, Boulder & Military Bases Worldwide, CO, 80301
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Matthew Scott James's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
3 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (3)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 reviews | Character & Conduct
Posted by anonymous | November 24, 2014 | Military Law
Well-versed in both Military and Civilian Law
Matt is an incredibly competent, diligent, and compassionate lawyer. He is the second dual military/civilian attorney that I've had to hire and has exceeded my expectations in both facets of the law as well as how they interrelate with each other. Matt promptly kept me informed throughout the entiret...
Posted by anonymous | August 02, 2013 | Child Custody
Great lawyer!
I asked Mr. James many questions regarding child custody. He was friendly and everything he said to me about my case came true. He didn't make things sound better than they were and I appreciated that because I didn't want any surprises. In the end I received the custody arrangement I wanted. The fir...
Matthew Scott James's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington
Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Matthew while on active duty. His preparation and diligence set him apart with outstanding results for every client whose cause he advocates. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. James. We worked in the same community of defense counsel while on active duty with the Air Force. Mr. James' work was on par with the top attorneys in the Air Force. He is an excellent advocate."
"Matthew has extensive experience on both sides of criminal cases. He passionately defends his clients and is able to give honest, fair and accurate advice as to the best course of action to obtain the most favorable results for his clients. His many years of service to our country speaks volumes about his level of integrity and commitment."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. James is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients."
"I endorse Matthew. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Having recently had the pleasure of meeting Matt James at a Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Conference and discussing court martial defense with him, I would not hesitate to refer anyone seeking representation in that field to his office."
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Experience
Honors
2013
Commendation Medal Oak Leaf Cluster, United States Air Force
2013
Avvo, Top Contributor Award
2012
CGO of the Quarter- Florida Defense Region, Air Force Legal Operations Agency
2011
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Oak Leaf Cluster, United States Air Force
2011
Air Force Longevity Service, United States Air Force
2010
Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, 1st Special Operations Wing
2009
Joint Service Commendation, United States Army
2009
Air Force Commendation Medal, United States Air Force
2009
Joint Meritorious Unit Award, United States Army
2009
Iraq Campaign Medal, United States Air Force
2009
Air Force Overseas Ribbon - Short, United States Air Force
2009
Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, United States Air Force
2008
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, United States Air Force
2008
Company Grade Officer of the Quarter, 90th Missile Wing
2001
Graduation with Distinction (Honors), University of Iowa College of Law
2000
Van Oosterhout Moot Court Competition, University of Iowa College of Law
Work Experience
2013 - Present
JAG, US Air Force Jag Corps
2013 - Present
Attorney & Founder, James Defense
2007 - 2013
Military Defense Attorney and Prosecutor, United States Air Force Jag
2001 - 2006
Criminal Prosecutor, Kane County State's Attorney's Office
2000 - 2001
Legal Intern, U.S. Attorney's Office IA
Associations
2014 - Present
Colorado Lawyers for Colorado VeteransAttorney Member
2014 - Present
Boulder County Bar Association, Access to Legal Services SectionChair
2014 - Present
Boulder Interdisciplinary CommitteeAttorney Member
2013 - Present
United States District Court for the District of ColoradoAdmitted to Practice
2013 - Present
Colorado Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Boulder County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Colorado Criminal Defense Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2013 - Present
Veterans Helping Veterans NowVolunteer Attorney
2006 - Present
Court of Appeals for the Armed ForcesAdmitted to Practice
2006 - Present
Air Force Court of Criminal AppealsAdmitted to Practice
2014 - 2014
Boulder County Bar Association, Availability of Legal Services CommitteeCo-chair
Sample of Legal Cases
United States v. E-5: Drug Use
Not Guilty
United States v. E-6: Firearms, Theft, False Official Statements
Charges dismissed for Article 15.
NCO Discharge: Unfit for Duty
Client retained in U.S. military.
United States v. E-7: Violation of a Lawful Order
Not Guilty
United States v. E-6: Drug Use
Not Guilty
United States v. E-3: Kidnapping, Assault & Battery
Not guilty on contested charges. 3 months jail, NO punitive discharge.
United States v. E-4: Sexual Assault
Case dismissed
0-3 Article 15: Assault and Battery
Article 15 dismissed
United States v. E-3: Domestic Battery
Not Guilty
Education
2001
University of Iowa
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
University of Chicago
BA
Speaking Engagements
2014
Colorado Bar Association Regional Mock Trial Tournament
Trial Judge
2012
Trial Advocacy Course
Accident Investigation / Flying Evaluation Board Overview
2012
JAG Legal Training
The Role of the ADC
2012
First Sergeants Conference
Military Justice for First Sergeants
2011
Air Force Commander's Conference
Military Justice for Commanders
2002
Citizen's Police Academy
Prosecuting Domestic Violence
2002
Annual DUI Prevention
The Costs of a DUI
Publications
2013
Defending Heroes Blog
Defending Heroes
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
What types of charges would prevent clearance to get onto Nellis AFB?
09 May 2014
Q&A
Can assault and battery charges Be charger if both party say nothing happen when the neighbor Called cop and said they see it?
01 May 2014
Q&A
Grandson discharged under ELS - DD214 states "uncharacterized" with a reenlistment Code 3..can someone explain this to me..
28 Apr 2014
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Air Force Flying Evaluation Boards
09 Aug 2013
Legal Guide
Military Drugs: Positive Drug Test Survival Guide
06 Aug 2013
Legal Guide
Military Defense: Nonjudicial Punishments and Article 15s
04 Aug 2013