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James Peter Palestini

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Avvo Rating10
  • Phoenix, AZ
  • Licensed for 10 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.

Languages spoken

English

Contact

Kimerer & Derrick, P.C.

1313 E. Osborn Rd.
Phoenix, AZ, 85014

      Resume

      License
      StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
      AZActive 201209/18/2022
      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
      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 AwardAVVO2018
      Rising Star AwardSuperLawyers2017
      Client Choice AwardAVVO2017
      Client Choice AwardAVVO2016
      Top 40 Under 40The National Trial Lawyers Association2016
      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
      See all Legal Cases

      Reviews

      5.0 stars5.0 (30)
      5 Star
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      4 Star
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      3 Star
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      Review James Peter Palestini

      Fantastic Criminal Attorney

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      The best Prosecutor

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Less
      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Truly Best for DUIs

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Less
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      He’s Awesome

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      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.

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney

      Amazing advocate and I highly recommend!

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Less
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

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

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Less
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      TOP RATED ATTORNEY

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Very response, professional, and overall great experience.

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      Less
      This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
      Hired attorney

      Trustworthy and Honest

      5.0 stars

      Posted by

      This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.
      Consulted attorney
      See all reviews

      Attorney endorsements

      (19)
      Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer
      Lawyer Ted J Crews

      Ted Crews, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 11, 2022
      Relationship: Co-worker

      I've been witness to the dedication, care, and knowledge James brings to the table for every one of his clients. He is an outstanding litigator and a true professional. I would feel confident referring a friend or family member to James if they were in trouble. I'm also very impressed with how he gives back to the community. He is an all-around good guy.

      Lawyer Jushin Singh Gill

      Jushin Gill, Unknown Attorney on Jun 22, 2020
      Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

      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.

      Lawyer Michael B Irish

      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.

      Lawyer Jana Junuz

      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!

      Lawyer Clark L Derrick

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

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Kevin Bernard McKie

      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.

      Lawyer Yahima Suarez

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

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Michael Daniel Kimerer

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

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Teri D McCall

      Teri McCall, Unknown Attorney on Feb 1, 2017
      Relationship: Co-worker

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

      Lawyer James E Novak

      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.

      Lawyer Christopher P. Corso

      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.

      Lawyer Brian Petersen

      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!

      Lawyer Amanda L. Carroll Flores

      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.

      Lawyer Matthew D Liszewski

      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.

      Lawyer Ryan W Cummings

      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.

      Lawyer Charity Elyse Clark

      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.

      Lawyer Robert Francis Gruler Jr.

      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.

      Lawyer Rhonda Elaine Neff

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

      I endorse this lawyer.

      Lawyer Howard F. Dworman

      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.

      Show endorsements

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