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

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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

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James Nelson Dicks's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

89 Client Reviews

Showing 1 - 5 of 5 reviews | Drug Crime

Posted by anonymous | February 18, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Drug Crime

Case Dismissed

Michael Pancer (San Diego Trial Lawyer of the year 2006 by the San Diego Criminal Defense Bar) referred me to Attorney James Dicks in May 2020. He mentioned that James Dicks was one of the top Criminal Defense Attorneys at San Diego County Vista Court. My Marijuana Case was dismissed! Thank you Ja...mes!

Posted by tamara benson | July 03, 2014 | Drug Crime

the grass is greener on James Dicks side!!!!@

if you want the best and and need to forget the rest go with James Dicks! My husband was arrested march 2013 for a small amount of dope. they (the D.A) were trying throw the book at him as well as everybody else's book not because of the current charges but because of a past conviction from 2007. re...luctant to hire a lawyer because of our past experience from 2007 I went shopping asking around and hired Mr Dicks. Mr Dicks was able to get my husband on Prop 36 an during the program you have to go in front off to judge every couple months show progress report and completion of the program. he has been there every time. so if you're looking for the easy way out and where the grass is greener. Then go where they water it, cultivate it, know all about it, and cares enough to tend to it. call Mr Dicks.

Posted by Cindy | February 25, 2014 | Drug Crime

Knowledgeable and helpful

James has handle 3 of our family's cases they were all drug related cases. With his very good expertise and knowledge we got very good outcomes. If we need him again he would be our go to attorney I will definitely always recommend him to others. Thanks

Posted by anonymous | November 11, 2013 | Drug Crime

Life Saver; Forever Grateful

I was faced with the potential of receiving 4 separate felony (drug-related) charges in 2011. As a young female who had trusted the wrong boy and one day hoped of utilizing her degree to obtain a respectable living 4 felonies would eliminate all chances. When I first met Mr. Dicks I was shocked, con...fused and scared to death. He was able to ease my fears from the first meeting, offering both a compassionate ear and a comprehensive knowledge of the law and criminal justice system in California. (particularly Vista/North County Court) With Mr. Dicks knowledge, relationships and skill he was able to get me a deal which involved an unsupervised probation (so I could return to my home state) pleading guilty to a felony for a period of time, then reducing that to a misdemeanor and an eventual expungement. It was initially supposed to be 3 years until I could have my probation terminated and record expunged. Thanks to Mr. Dicks perseverance and abilities as an effective lawyer we put in a motion for early termination of probation and expungement that was accepted this November, a YEAR before the sentence originally allowed. Mr. Dicks helped me through one of the darkest times of my life. I could not have asked for a better lawyer/adviser. His assistant Liz was also extremely helpful; there to answer questions, pass along information and provide reassurance. I would highly recommend Mr. Dicks and Liz to anyone seeking legal counsel. You can literally trust them with your life!

Posted by Tamara | June 04, 2013 | Drug Crime

Light at the end of our dark tunnel!!

My husband got arrested a couple months back for a tiny bit of drugs the k9 found in the car. Bailed him out on a 20,000 dollar bond. When we went 2 court they took him back 2 jail saying that because he was arrested in 2006 even though he paid his debt, did his parole & hasn't been in any trouble ...sence 2006 they raised his bail to 100,000 added 2 the possession charge sales & transporting. WE FELL INTO the rabbit hole confussed in the dark. Then told by a public pretender that he was facing 14yrs. And within a week he had a heart attack. We needed a little light to show the way. I heard about mr. Dicks so I called and he represented my husband got him probation and has to do a class twice a week. Mr. Dicks saved my husbands life! THANK YOU Mr. Dicks for being that light! The Bensons

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

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What determines Avvo Rating?
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  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
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  • 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