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.
Languages spoken
English
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
AZ | Active | 2012 | 11/28/2020 |
Legal answers | 7 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date granted |
---|---|---|
Rising Star Award | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2020 |
Client Choice Award | AVVO | 2020 |
Rising Star Award | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2019 |
Client Choice Award | AVVO | 2019 |
Client Choice Award | AVVO | 2018 |
America's Best Law Firms | U.S. News & World Report and Best Lawyers | 2018 |
---|---|---|
Lead Counsel Rating in Criminal Law - State Felony & Misdemeanor | Lead Counsel | 2018 |
Rising Star Award | Super Lawyers Magazine | 2018 |
Client Choice Award | AVVO | 2017 |
Rising Star Award | SuperLawyers | 2017 |
Top 40 Under 40 | The National Trial Lawyers Association | 2016 |
Client Choice Award | AVVO | 2016 |
Pro Bono Award | Phoenix School of Law | 2012 |
Summa Cum Laude Graduate | Arizona State University | 2008 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Attorney | Phoenix City Court Defense Contract | 2017 - Present |
Attorney | Kimerer & Derrick, P.C. | 2013 - Present |
Attorney | The Law Office of Corso & Rhude | 2012 - 2013 |
Law Clerk | The Law Office of Corso & Rhude | 2010 - 2012 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
The United States Court of Appeals | Member | 2016 - Present |
Supreme Court of the United States of America | Member | 2016 - Present |
Arizona Attorneys for Criminal Justice | Member | 2016 - Present |
Kimerer & Derrick, P.C. | Attorney | 2014 - Present |
The United States of America District of Arizona | Member | 2014 - Present |
State Bar of Arizona | Member | 2012 - Present |
---|---|---|
National Society of Collegiate Scholars | Lifetime Member | 2012 - Present |
American Bar Association | Member | 2012 - Present |
Phoenix School of Law Health & Wellness Club | Founder & President | 2010 - 2012 |
Phoenix School of Law Christian Legal Society | Secretary | 2010 - 2011 |
Phoenix School of Law Student Bar Association | Delegate | 2009 - 2011 |
Publication name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Kimerer.com | Eight steps to know when stopped for a DUI | 2017 |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
AZ Forensic Academy | Certificate | 2018 |
City of Phoenix | AVL and GPS: The Undisclosed Witness | 2017 |
Aggressive Defense of the Accused Impaired Driver | Certificate | 2016 |
State Bar of Arizona Course on Professionalism | Certificate | 2014 |
Phoenix School of Law | Juris Doctor | 2012 |
2012 DUI Update | Certificate | 2012 |
---|---|---|
Arizona State University | BS - Bachelor of Science | 2008 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
Mock Trial | ASU Mock Trial | 2017 |
Ethics, Marijuana & Case Law Year in Review | Medical Marijuana Metabolites and Carboxy | 2017 |
Private Seminar | Passing the Bar | 2014 |
Bar Strategies Guest Speaker | Passing the Bar | 2013 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
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Tue Apr 09 2019
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.
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.