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James Peter Palestini

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Avvo Rating10
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Licensed for 8 years
  • Free consultation
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About James

Originally from Toronto, Canada, I relocated to Arizona where I received my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies with a minor in Criminology from Arizona State University. I then attended law school at Phoenix School of Law where I earned a Juris Doctorate degree. While pursuing my doctorate, I interned at a criminal defense firm in Scottsdale, Arizona. I handled a multitude of criminal cases there, including felony, misdemeanor and criminal traffic matters.

Following my internship, I was licensed and immediately hired as an attorney at the Scottsdale firm where I practiced for over a year. I then accepted a position with acclaimed boutique criminal defense firm, Kimerer & Derrick, PLC where I worked alongside world renowned attorneys – most notably known for their work establishing America’s Miranda Rights in U.S. v. Miranda. During my 7 years at the firm, I gained notoriety for expertly handling complex felony and misdemeanor cases while maintaining compassionate and genuine client-attorney relationships.

I've since continued my practice with my own firm, Palestini Law, PLC, located in Central Phoenix, where I provide high level criminal defense services to my clients. I have 8 years of criminal defense experience and I've conducted over 300 trials. I've been awarded by the legal community for my expertise with the Rising Star Award for the last 4 consecutive years, and the AVVO Client Choice Award for the last 5 consecutive years. Clients recognize me for my personable and caring demeanor as well as the detailed attention I pay to each of my cases.

I'm admitted to practice law in the State of Arizona, the Federal District Court for the District of Arizona, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals and the United States Supreme Court. I'm a member of the Arizona Bar Association and American Bar Association.

Being charged with a crime will be one of the most difficult situations you or your loved ones will ever face. For aggressive and experienced representation in DUI, felony and misdemeanor cases, I'm here to help. To speak to me directly, and NOT an assistant, call Palestini Law, PLC, at 602-663-7592 for a free initial consultation.

Practice areas

Domestic violenceDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 50%

  2. DUI and DWI: 25%

  3. Domestic violence: 25%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

1313 E. Osborn Rd.
address map

Kimerer & Derrick, P.C.

1313 E. Osborn Rd.
Phoenix, AZ, 85014

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
AZActive 201211/28/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers7
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising Star AwardSuper Lawyers Magazine2020
Client Choice AwardAVVO2020
Rising Star AwardSuper Lawyers Magazine2019
Client Choice AwardAVVO2019
Client Choice AwardAVVO2018
America's Best Law FirmsU.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers2018
Lead Counsel Rating in Criminal Law - State Felony & MisdemeanorLead Counsel2018
Rising Star AwardSuper Lawyers Magazine2018
Client Choice AwardAVVO2017
Rising Star AwardSuperLawyers2017
Top 40 Under 40The National Trial Lawyers Association2016
Client Choice AwardAVVO2016
Pro Bono AwardPhoenix School of Law2012
Summa Cum Laude GraduateArizona State University2008
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
AttorneyPhoenix City Court Defense Contract2017 - Present
AttorneyKimerer & Derrick, P.C.2013 - Present
AttorneyThe Law Office of Corso & Rhude2012 - 2013
Law ClerkThe Law Office of Corso & Rhude2010 - 2012
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
The United States Court of AppealsMember2016 - Present
Supreme Court of the United States of AmericaMember2016 - Present
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember2016 - Present
Kimerer & Derrick, P.C.Attorney2014 - Present
The United States of America District of ArizonaMember2014 - Present
State Bar of ArizonaMember2012 - Present
National Society of Collegiate ScholarsLifetime Member2012 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember2012 - Present
Phoenix School of Law Health & Wellness ClubFounder & President2010 - 2012
Phoenix School of Law Christian Legal SocietySecretary2010 - 2011
Phoenix School of Law Student Bar AssociationDelegate2009 - 2011
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Kimerer.comEight steps to know when stopped for a DUI2017
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
AZ Forensic AcademyCertificate2018
City of PhoenixAVL and GPS: The Undisclosed Witness2017
Aggressive Defense of the Accused Impaired DriverCertificate2016
State Bar of Arizona Course on ProfessionalismCertificate2014
Phoenix School of LawJuris Doctor2012
2012 DUI UpdateCertificate2012
Arizona State UniversityBS - Bachelor of Science2008
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Mock TrialASU Mock Trial2017
Ethics, Marijuana & Case Law Year in ReviewMedical Marijuana Metabolites and Carboxy2017
Private SeminarPassing the Bar2014
Bar Strategies Guest SpeakerPassing the Bar2013
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
State v. A.T.Dissmissed ALL COUNTS
Accused: State v. A.P.All charges Dismissed
Accused: State v. M.B.DISMISSED ALL COUNTS
Accused: State v. R.W.DISMISSED ALL COUNTS
Accused: State v. C.B.DISMISSED ALL COUNTS
Accused: State v. A.G.DISMISSED ALL COUNTS
Accused: State v. K.H.DISMISSED ALL COUNTS

Reviews

(29)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
0%
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1 Star
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Review James Palestini

The best Prosecutor

Posted by

James has been fantastic during my court case He made sure I was at ease with my case and he was was very detailed on explaining my options and made sure I got the best result that I wanted. He was a great advisor and was very patient as this was my first offense in a court. Be advise to reach to him if you want an opportunity for a fair case.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Truly Best for DUIs

Posted by

James is a life saver and miracle worker. I was arrested for an extreme DUI (.268). I did one day in jail. I was expecting to do A LOT more, but James is amazing. He and his team walk you through the whole process. You don't have to think or worry about a thing! James has always been available to take a call or text on any day of the week. Truly great person to have on your side advising you, representing you, and fighting for you.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

He’s Awesome

Posted by

James was the perfect lawyer. Super friendly and never made me feel judged. He was able to get me exactly what I wanted in court and I enjoyed talking with him.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great lawyer, got my case dismissed he kept me informed on what was going on all the time called me personally great guy also.

Posted by

Did a great job explained things in laymens terms so I understood everything also did alot without me being present kept me informed on all my court dates and what went on got my case dismissed great guy also.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Amazing advocate and I highly recommend!

Posted by

From the moment I met with James, he was kind, personable, and attentive to my goals and concerns. He has always been a phone call or text away, and I never feel as though I'm bothering him. He will answer any of my questions at any time and goes above and beyond for you. During a hearing, the judge presiding over the issue gave James high praise and it confirmed what I already knew--I was working with a professional and reputable attorney. He has consistently explained every step of the procedure and all the possible choices and outcomes of each step. I am so grateful to have James on my side. I highly recommend James--you will not regret it!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Sometimes freedom comes at a cost, and James is worth every penny.

Posted by

James was professional from beginning to end. James is everything I wanted in an attorney. Knowledgeable and experienced, trustworthy and reasonable. He does what he says he’s going to do. Mr. Palestini outlines a step by step event calendar and itemizes responsibilities of client and attorney so you know what to expect. A good negotiator. My fine was minimum and charges reduced. No jail or community service. James provided great support. James was always willing to answer questions and concerns- almost immediately. Quick to provide updates. I highly recommend James Palestini. He’s an expert who will go to bat for you.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

TOP RATED ATTORNEY

Posted by

Mr Palestini went Above and beyond any attorney could ever have gone… Mr. Palestini put more time into this case with an unbelievably favorable outcome… He is a top notch attorney and I would highly recommend him to handle any cases that you might face
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Very response, professional, and overall great experience.

Posted by

James and firm were extremely responsive and professional every step of the way and handled my case very well without me even having to show up to court or step in a courtroom and WON my case. They kept my record clean. Most definitely going to recommen, and if have to use in the future. Also great staff and overall experience.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Trustworthy and Honest

Posted by

He assisted me with my minor domestic case and at the end, he make it happens and I didn’t have to go counseling or paying fines. I would recommend him to anyone because he is very nice and go out of his way to help you all he can.
This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
Consulted attorney

Thank you

Posted by

James helped me very much and acted as an advisor with his best advice. I would highly recommend his services.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(18)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Jushin Gill

James is a great person and an exceptional attorney. I have seen him in action in the courtroom and know him outside the courtroom as well. He is aggressive and works very hard for his clients while maintaining a calm demeanor. James Palestini would be a great choice for anyone considering criminal defense attorneys.

Michael Irish, Criminal defense Attorney on May 27, 2020
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James is top notched when it comes to your criminal legalities...should you have those types of "issues" - I fully endorse Mr. Palestini.

Jana Junuz, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 21, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Mr. Palestini is a great criminal defense attorney! Highly recommend for all types of criminal matters - big or small!

Clark Derrick, Criminal defense Attorney on May 9, 2017
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Kevin McKie, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James Peter Palestini is extremely knowledgeable, skillful, and knows the ins-and-outs of the law. However, this is not what makes him great. His most valuable asset is his strong conviction for what he does. I endorse this lawyer's work.

Yahima Suarez, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 9, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Kimerer, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 1, 2017
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer.

Teri McCall

James is a dedicated and sharp lawyer who cares about his clients and his cases. Winner.

James Novak, DUI and DWI Attorney on Jan 1, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney James Palestini is a strong criminal defense and DUI lawyer. His reviews and testimonials from prior clients display his commitment to defense, and solid representation. I would not hesitate to refer an overflow case to him.

Christopher Corso, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 28, 2016
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

James is an extremely intelligent hard working attorney, and individual, as I have had the pleasure of knowing. I would highly recommend him to anyone.

Brian Petersen, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 27, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James is a great attorney with knowledge of the law and a desire to truly help people as individuals during one of the most difficult times in their lives!

Amanda Carroll Flores, DUI and DWI Attorney on Dec 21, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James is a winning criminal defense attorney and great resource for all situations related to dui/dwi and criminal law. He is a hard worker who has a reputation for getting the best outcome for his clients. James carries himself confidently in the courtroom and has the experience and knowledge to support that level confidence.

Matthew Liszewski, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 20, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I have previously worked opposite Mr. Palestini. He is an excellent attorney who will always advocate for his client. I would highly recommend his services to anyone in need of them.

Ryan Cummings, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 9, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

James works hard for his clients and has extensive knowledge of criminal defense. Any client is lucky to have James as his/her advocate. I endorse this lawyer.

Charity Clark, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 5, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

James is an excellent attorney who goes above and beyond for his clients. He will fight to get the best result possible. I highly recommend James Palestini.

Robert Gruler, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 27, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Jame is a fantastic lawyer. We often collaborate on legal matters and I have the highest regard for his work.

Rhonda Neff, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 27, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

I endorse this lawyer.

Howard Dworman, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 27, 2016
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

Mr Palestini is an ideal attorney. He will go the distance for his clients to ensure justice is served. Mr. Palestini holds his ethics and integrity to the highest standard. You will not find another attorney like him, he is truly one of a kind. I endorse this lawyer.

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