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 11 reviews | Compassion

Posted by Linzie | June 14, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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 C...ourt 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!

Posted by anonymous | October 23, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Professional and genuine care

There’s a reason why James has so many positive reviews for his law office, my case was 100% handled by him and the professionalism and courtesy and genuine care and concern he showed the day of my court date made me feel a lot better about the process. My case was cleared and I owe it to James I cou...ld tell he is respected in this community by all the people involved in my matter and it helped me out in the end. Thank you!

Posted by Lauren | April 22, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

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!

Posted by anonymous | March 11, 2021 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

The ONLY criminal defense lawyer I will use or recommend!! Amazing team- ideal outcomes, communicative, best in town

I first retained jD Law after getting a DUI in 2019. I had hit several parked cars and my BAC was very high, although luckily there were no injuries. As my first offense, and considering the circumstances, I was understandably worried about the outcome of my case. I was quickly reassured and incredib...ly thankful I chose Mr. Dicks and his team to represent me. He and Liz are extremely knowledgeable of the criminal court system and were able to get me the best sentencing for my offenses. I received a mandatory 9 month DUI program and 9 days of the public service program. NO ALCOHOL ANKLE MONITOR, NO JAIL! I was also able to get my license back much sooner, and with less restrictions, than expected. Trust me, they are worth the money! Now, due to an unfortunate medical diagnosis, I’m unable to carry out my service days for the unforeseeable future. With the program finally opening back up, I knew I needed help if I wanted to remain in good standing with the courts. After contacting Jim regarding my situation, he decided to work pro bono and was quickly able to get that 9-day requirement stayed, or dismissed, as long as I continue to comply with the remainder of my probation. This was the best news I’ve received lately and I couldn’t be more grateful for the knowledge, care, and compassion this law team possesses. I can’t thank Jim and Liz enough!! If I could give them more than 5 stars, I would. If I have legal troubles again and need to retain a criminal defense team, I know to call jD Law for the absolute best lawyers in San Diego. I will highly recommend to friends, family, anyone and everyone in need of criminal defense.

Posted by anonymous | May 27, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Relieved Beyond Measure

Attorney Dicks is an amazing attorney. Perhaps it's his charm that opposing counsel is afraid of - whatever it is that he does to make the bad and ugly go away, is wonderful. My girl had never been in trouble before and her mom hired Mr. Dicks. A week after hiring him, her case was dismissed and w...e were both elated. We were told Mr. Dicks was "good," but all of the adjectives in the world cannot accurately describe the relief that he brought us. Thank you for your help in a most excruciating time of our lives.

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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