Licensed for 35 years

State CA

Acquired 1988

Status
Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

James Nelson Dicks

DUI and DWI Attorney at Vista, CA

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Resume

Best lawyer !

Mr. Dicks is an amazing lawyer! When I was 18 and committed my first felony and I hired him. He of corse did an outstanding job and we walked away with the best deal possible. Unfortunately I went through a rough drug use period and when I ran into my last felony at the age of 24 and a federal charge at that I knew exactly who to go to for help, Jimmy! He is a man who knows the law and all the angles to get the result he knows is possible. I never once doubted his ability to take care or my case and still the result blew me out of the water. Im living a incredible life now and I owe so much gratitude for him seeing the good in me and providing the second chance I needed. I highly recommend him, hiring him was one of the best discussions I ever made!

Best Lawyer in San Diego

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

DUI and DWI

35%
Criminal defense

30%

DUI, Drugs Crimes, Aiding and Abetting, Domestic Violence, Federal Crimes, Hit & Run, Expungements, Juvenile Crimes, Perjury, Violent Crimes, Warrants, Theft Crimes, Sex Crimes

33 years
Drug Crime

10%
Sex crime

10%
Domestic violence

5%
Federal crime

5%
Violent crime

5%

CERTIFIED CRIMINAL DEFENSE SPECIALIST / FORMER POLICE OFFICER-INVESTIGATOR / 29 YEARS EXPERIENCE / 2021 AVVO CLIENT'S CHOICE ATTORNEY

Have you been indicted with criminal charges? Criminal charges are always serious and require the help of an experienced and dedicated attorney who will fight tirelessly for your rights and privileges. When you come to jD LAW, you will receive the help you need from a criminal attorney in San Diego. Attorney James Dicks has more than 30 years of experience defending clients of criminal accusations. He received his law degree from Western State University School of Law. He is a Certified Criminal Law Specialist—an honor bestowed by the Board of Legal Specialization of the California State Bar.

Have you been injured in an accident? Here at jD LAW, we know how difficult it can be to move on with your life after a traumatic injury or accident. If you or a loved one has had your life upended by an injury caused by the negligence of another, you have the right to pursue compensation to cover medical bills, lost wages, damaged property, pain and suffering, and more.
The personal injury attorneys at jD LAW, are here to help you get justice. All personal injury cases present their own set of circumstances that make every case unique, which is why you need a lawyer who will focus on the details in your case and fight for the compensation you are entitled to.

Awards

Client's Choice

2023 2022 2021 + 4 ...

Photos and videos

Contact James

jD LAW

(760) 472-5224 Office

(760) 630-2002 Fax

400 South Melrose Drive

#109

Vista, CA, 92081

jdlaw.law

Message Get Directions

Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0

89 customer reviews

5 Star

97%

4 Star

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

Client's Choice

Client's Choice is an Avvo award granted to attorneys with a significant number of client reviews over 4 stars in a given year.

Posted by Lauren | April 22, 2021

Best lawyer !

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Posted by anonymous | March 26, 2021

Best Lawyer in San Diego

Mr. Dicks and his team have taken care of me in many cases, providing me with the best possible outcome in every situation. I will only ever hire him/his team if dealing with any legal issues. J.D Law is the best at what they do.

Response from James Dicks April 13, 2021

Thank you, I am proud to have helped you achieved your goals.

Posted by Jerad | November 8, 2023

Defense Attorney

James is an exceptional lawyer, very courteous and professional. I'm from out of state and he handled my case without me being present, keeping me updated along the way. James fought for the best possible outcome for my case. He had my misdemeanor case dropped to an infraction. I was very pleased with the outcome. Would definitely recommend James Dicks for any criminal proceedings.

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Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2023

Awesome Attorney!

I have the highest praise for JD LAW and associates! James is very kind, empathetic and genuinely cares about his clients. He has been a criminal defense attorney for more than 30 years and was a police officer and detective with LAPD for 10 years prior to that. James is very confident and knows the criminal justice system inside and out. He is highly respected and has excellent relationship skills with DAs, judges, and deputies alike. You will find that even though you are in a dire situation, James will reassure you and calm your fears. He explains the law very well, answers all your questions, and guides you through a very scary and difficult time. This is who you want, by your side, zealously fighting for you, every inch of the way!

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Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2023

Criminal Defense Attorney

Mr. Dicks is a great attorney, I am very satisfied with his work. If you need someone that has been in the business for some time, come to him.

Posted by Victor | February 9, 2023

Excelencia y profesional

Desde el prinsio me mostró que estaría con nosotros en nuestro caso y así fue

Posted by Reyna | February 8, 2023

Excellent

Excelente profesional Siempre se interesó por hacer lo mejor para mi caso Y siempre está disponible

Posted by G. | January 30, 2023

Excellent attorney

Dealing with the law is extremely frightening. The outcome of my case was better than I could possibly imagine, all because of Mr. Dicks knowledge and confidence. Every time we met he assured me he would do his very best to defend me and I am glad I believed him. I hope you never find yourself in a difficult situation, but if you do Mr. Dicks is the person to call.

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Posted by Bridgette | January 6, 2023

Attorney JAMES DICKS at J/D Law--

James Dicks is the attorney you want. He takes the burden of navigating the court system off of your shoulders, while he protects and fights for your best interests. He is extremely smart, very knowledgeable, and well connected and respected within the courts. He is everything you would want in a criminal/injury law firm. And he really cares, he answered every one of my questions. Do everything he tells you. I felt like he really had my back, to the very end. Our outcome could not have been better! I'm still smiling...Thanks J!

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Posted by anonymous | January 5, 2023

Review

Excellent job at handling my case. Very helpful with probation even after my case was closed.

Posted by James | December 28, 2022

Great representation

My ex-wife and I had an argument which resulted in me pushing her off of me - ending in a domestic violence case. My ex-wife wanted to drop charges, but the San Diego DA pressed forward. From then, I hired Jim Dicks. Thankfully, my ex-wife, myself, and Mr. Dicks worked together and reduced to dismiss the case with me attending 26 hours of DV classes. Overall, the experience was very humbling and I felt well taken care legally by Mr. Dicks. I’m really glad I went with him.

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Posted by Miguel | August 19, 2022

James Dicks

Had a very good job done by him, service is great along with all the hearing and communication.

Posted by anonymous | August 17, 2022

PROFESSIONAL WITH RESULTS

Mr Dicks took my follow up court hearing on short notice when I was out of state and could not attend in person. After my hearing he informed me that he was able to have my case dismissed and record sealed, a better outcome then I expected. Thank you Mr Dicks for your professionalism and services! I highly recommend your services to anyone in need of a great attorney.

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Posted by Keith | August 17, 2022

Definitely Knowledgeable

First off I like to be very transparent and fair because I want others to know what they are getting clearly. I would say 4.5 starts to be completely accurate, but 4 was not fair so 5 is still the most accurate. The only thing I could have asked to be different, I felt James had a large caseload and so he had to be going fast at all times. This meant that only maybe 2 out of 15 times we talked he didn't have some info in front of him he needed and had to follow back up. That said, I do not feel that is a fault, just a part of a lawyer's experience when the lawyer is highly sought. James as history in law enforcement and has a lot of relationships with those you need on your side. When I talked to him initially he was straight forward but ensured me I would be taken care of. He has a responsive and pleasant staff. I feel he got me the best deal possible. He also had a hearing for DMV, they didn't suspend my license because of him. So yes, 100% I would hire him again, but I hope I never need to :)

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Posted by Manuel | July 13, 2022

Muy buen abogado 1000% recomendado

El abogado James Dicks es excelente abogado. Es un abogado muy confiables, sincero y supo como ayudarme en todo el proceso de mi caso. 1000% recomendado.

Posted by Zachary | June 20, 2022

He will fight for you!!

JD got me out of 9 years in prison. Didn’t have todo any time and that’s all because of Jd he doesn’t take no for an answer even for the hardest prosecutor in the court house he is the best in my opinion having many other lawyers he is the most passionate and and is a man of his word. Thanks JD honestly couldn’t put a price on your service it’s priceless.

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Posted by Linzie | June 14, 2022

Hire him!

I have hired James Dicks on multiple occasions over the years and each time he does not disappoint. He is well known as the best lawyer in the North County/San Diego area. If you want to stay out of jail or get your case dropped, hire him. He is diligent while also knowing the inner workings of the Court system, as well as all of the important people. He is compassionate and caring while keeping realistic goals and always has a backup plan. He is very experienced and offers the Intel that only someone of his caliber can do. James Dicks is trustworthy and delivers results every time. Hire him!

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Posted by Ron | April 21, 2022

Extremely Dedicated and Effective Professional

I was so pleased with the assistance Attorney Dicks provided a few years ago for a relative of mine that I recently turned to him again to represent the same relative. On both occasions Mr. Dicks immediately and effectively engaged on my relative's behalf in a highly professional manner and achieved the outcomes we had hoped for. My relative suffers from mental illness and Mr. Dicks resolved the issues without my relative needing to appear in court. It is so hard seeing someone you love failing in life. Mr. Dicks made my life much easier by quickly and completely resolving two difficult situations. He has my strongest possible recommendation.

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Posted by David | January 13, 2022

Quick, professional and sincere

I contacted James and gave him the facts of my case. He listened intently and told me to relax and he would work to get me the best result possible. Within just over two weeks he had my case dismissed. Great results and very reasonable fees. I definitely recommend him.

Posted by Cindy | January 10, 2022

Efficient and Professional

James Dicks law firm was very pleasant to work with. He is very professional and will answer any questions you have to help you feel at ease. He help expunged my DUI this will definitely make a difference in my life now when looking for a good job. Thank you James for all your help!!!

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

Lawyer
Los Angeles County Office Of Public Defender
1988 - 1989

Lawyer
Office Of The Public Defender San Diego County
1988 - 1990

Police Officer
Los Angeles Police Department
1977 - 1987

Education

Western State University College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987

California State University, Long Beach
BS - Bachelor of Science
1977

California State University, Long Beach
N/A

Legal Cases

Felony DUI
Misd DUI

Domestic Violence
Case Dismissed

Associations

National College of DUI Defense
Attorney Member
2010 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association
Attorney Member
2010 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Attorneys
Attorney Member
1990 - Present

California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
Attorney Member
1990 - Present

Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego
Attorney Member
1990 - Present

Bar Association of North San Diego County, Criminal Law Section
Attorney Member
1990 - Present

State Bar of California
Attorney
1988 - Present

Bar Association of North San Diego County
Attorney Member
N/A

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Spanish

Honors and Awards

Distinguished
Martindale-Hubbell
2017

Certified Specialist - Criminal Law
State Bar of California
2015

Certified Specialist - Criminal Law
State Bar of California
2010

Certified Specialist - Criminal Law
State Bar of California
2005

Certified Specialist - Criminal Law
State Bar of California
2000

Certified Specialist - Criminal Law
State Bar of California
1995

Criminal Law American Jurisprudence Award for Excellence
Western State University College of Law
1987

View all awards

Publications

California Public. Defender Journal
Cross Exam of Police in Under the Influence of Drugs Cases
2010

Speaking Engagements

Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego
Under the Influence of Drugs Defense
2000

Attorney endorsements

Received (89)

Given (507)

Endorse James

Gary Anderson

DUI and DWI Attorney | Apr 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney James Nelson Dicks is a tremendous defense lawyer and is deeply committed to provide excellent representation to his clients. I would highly recommend him to anyone needing assistance."

Somair Alam

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is an exceptional criminal defense attorney whose reputation speaks for itself. Recommended with complete confidence."

Timothy Richardson

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jimmy for over 20 years and he is an excellent lawyer. I proudly endorse him."

Randall Walton

Criminal defense Attorney | Feb 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Koryn Sheppard

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 25
Relationship: Friend

"Jim is the kind of lawyer who you'd want to hang out with. He's friendly and reassuring. He is a stellar advocate who an give it to you straight and always has a smile. With his extensive background with the criminal justice system he brings more than the standard experience to his cases- which is a huge boon for his clients. I would never hesitate to send a referral his way."

James Taylor

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James has experience! He makes sure he is up to date on the newest laws and is always thirsting for more knowledge and education in his field; ultimately benefitting his clients."

Gregory Garrison

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 17
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Dicks is a skilled attorney who consistently achieves the best result for his clients. James is well respected in the criminal defense community. Judges and prosecutors alike have a great deal of respect for James. James is a constant professional, experienced in the field, and a clever advocate for his clients. I highly endorse James Dicks."

Michael Flemming

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Jimmy is a wonderul attorney. He is extremely ethical and straightforward. He zealously represents every one of his clients and always obtains favorable results for those clients. Highly recommend this attorney."

Mark Greany

Unknown Attorney | Mar 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Dicks is one of the best attorneys I have ever encountered in the practice of criminal law."

Judd Nemiro

Unknown Attorney | Feb 12
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew Springmeyer

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 12
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James is a tenacious attorney that will fight tirelessly for his clients. He is brilliant in the courtroom and is well versed on the law."

John Rodriguez

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Dicks is an experienced attorney that focuses on results for his clients."

Gregory Hood

Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 06
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Samuel Godkin

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"He is only one of five criminal defense lawyers in the entire county that I would refer to a friend."

Nicholas Christoph

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A great attorney who works hard for his clients and gets great results."

Peter Marek

Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"27 years of practicing law is experienced. When you combine that with being an ex public defender in two counties and a policeman before that you get the perfect recipe for criminal defense work. Read his reviews! clients love him. If you are in or near San Diego do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation."

Rebecca Cornia

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael Waddington

Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 13
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Luis Macias

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 04
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Craig Candelore

Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 01
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a very knowledgeable criminal defense attorney. Being a former police officer and investigator gives him special insight into criminal defense cases."

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