James Nelson Dicks

James Nelson Dicks

also known as jD LAW

4.9
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 38 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Vista, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Sex Crime ... +4 more

400 South Melrose Drive, #109, Vista, CA

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

7

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 39%

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

36 years

39%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 30 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in California for 38 years

State: California

Acquired: 1988

Active

No misconduct found

Location

jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys

400 South Melrose Drive, #109, Vista, CA, 92081

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

James Nelson Dicks's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

89 Client Reviews

5 star (86)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (3)

Posted by Jerad | November 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

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 w...ith the outcome. Would definitely recommend James Dicks for any criminal proceedings.

Posted by anonymous | September 30, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

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 th...e 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!

Posted by anonymous | April 3, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

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 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excelencia y profesional

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

Posted by Reyna | February 8, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent

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

See All Client Reviews

James Nelson Dicks's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Gary Anthony Anderson headshot
Gary Anderson

DUI and DWI lawyer | 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 Syed Alam headshot
Somair Alam

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Timothy John Richardson headshot
Timothy Richardson

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Richard Walton headshot
Randall Walton

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Koryn Kathryn Sheppard headshot
Koryn Sheppard

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Melvin Taylor headshot
James Taylor

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Charles Garrison headshot
Gregory Garrison

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Joseph Flemming headshot
Michael Flemming

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Michael Greany headshot
Mark Greany

Unknown lawyer | 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 S Nemiro headshot
Judd Nemiro

Unknown lawyer | Feb 12

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Matthew H. Springmeyer headshot
Matthew Springmeyer

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 R Rodriguez headshot
John Rodriguez

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 Sanford Hood headshot
Gregory Hood

Criminal defense lawyer | Nov 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Samuel S Godkin headshot
Samuel Godkin

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 William Christoph headshot
Nicholas Christoph

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 John Marek headshot
Peter Marek

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 D Cornia headshot
Rebecca Cornia

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | 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 headshot
Luis Macias

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Craig Alan Candelore headshot
Craig Candelore

Criminal defense lawyer | 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."

View All Endorsements
Elisabeth Silva headshot
Elisabeth Silva

Criminal defense lawyer

Gregory Charles Garrison headshot
Gregory Garrison

Criminal defense lawyer

Stephen Robert Murphy headshot
Stephen Murphy

Family lawyer

Mark Michael Greany headshot
Mark Greany

Criminal defense lawyer

Bradley R Corbett headshot
Bradley Corbett

Criminal defense lawyer

Andrew Hal Wilensky headshot
Andrew Wilensky

Criminal defense lawyer

Nicholas William Christoph headshot
Nicholas Christoph

Criminal defense lawyer

Herbert John Weston headshot
Herbert Weston

Criminal defense lawyer

Joel W. Bailey headshot
Joel Bailey

Criminal defense lawyer

Daryoosh Khashayar headshot
Daryoosh Khashayar

Criminal defense lawyer

Richard Howard Layon headshot
Richard Layon

Criminal defense lawyer

William Lewis Wolfe headshot
William Wolfe

Criminal defense lawyer

Okorie Okorocha headshot
Okorie Okorocha

DUI and DWI lawyer

Corey Wlodarczyk headshot
Corey Wlodarczyk

Criminal defense lawyer

Jeffrey Robert Dingwall headshot
Jeffrey Dingwall

Litigation lawyer

Robert Henry Winter Jr headshot
Robert Winter

Residential real estate lawyer

Jared Michael Hartman headshot
Jared Hartman

Criminal defense lawyer

Daniel Martin Smith headshot
Daniel Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

James S. Iagmin headshot
James Iagmin

Personal injury lawyer

Victor Nathaniel Pippins Jr headshot
Victor Pippins

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2017

Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell

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

Certified Specialist - Criminal Law, State Bar of California

1987

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

Work Experience

1988 - 1989

Lawyer, Los Angeles County Office Of Public Defender

1988 - 1990

Lawyer, Office Of The Public Defender San Diego County

1977 - 1987

Police Officer, Los Angeles Police Department

Associations

2010 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Attorney Member

2010 - Present

California DUI Lawyers Association

Attorney Member

1990 - 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

1988 - Present

State Bar of California

Attorney

Bar Association of North San Diego County

Attorney Member

Sample of Legal Cases

Felony DUI

Misd DUI

Domestic Violence

Case Dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

1987

Western State University College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1977

California State University, Long Beach

BS - Bachelor of Science

N/A

California State University, Long Beach

Speaking Engagements

2000

Criminal Defense Bar Association of San Diego

Under the Influence of Drugs Defense

Publications

2010

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

Languages

English

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution