James Bickford

James Bickford

5.0
Rating: 8.8

Licensed for 26 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at San Diego, CA
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Domestic Violence

1220 Rosecrans Street, Suite 802, San Diego, CA

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2026
See Details

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer


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Licenses

Licensed in California for 26 years

State: California

Acquired: 2000

Not Eligible to Practice Law (Not Entitled)

Lawyer disciplined by state licensing authority in 2026

Location

The Law Offices of James V. Bickford IV

1220 Rosecrans Street, Suite 802, San Diego, CA, 92106

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James Bickford's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

6 Client Reviews

James Bickford's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Stephen Patrick Pfeiffer headshot
Stephen Pfeiffer

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 11

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bickford is nationally recognized and respected as an authority on DUI/DWI Defense. If ever I have a client in need of assistance in California he is my "Go-To-Attorney.""

John Hunsucker headshot
John Hunsucker

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a talented DUI attorney with a national reputation as a result of his excellent results in the courtroom for his clients. You will not go wrong hiring James for any of your DUI needs."

Paul Stanko headshot
Paul Stanko

DUI and DWI lawyer | Dec 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

William J. Maze headshot
William Maze

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Bickford is a very talented and highly regarded DUI lawyer. He is recognized by many across the nation. He is a tough lawyer, willing to put up a fight for a client. He has the knowledge, training and experience from specialized courses and seminars in DUI defense to bring to the client's defense."

Manny Daskal headshot
Manny Daskal

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Hard to remember when I 1st met James but I can remember where, Atlanta Georgia at a seminar for lawyers who really want to know all there is to know about the defense of those charged with DUIs. It was a seminar with a very strong emphasis on the scientific aspect of DUIs. The man "knows his stuff" and I don't hesitate to recommend him to anyone who needs the service of an excellent defense attorney."

Nors Elwood Davidson headshot
Nors Davidson

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer's work. Mr. Bickford is dedicated to DUI defense and is known in the community for his work in this field."

Ryan Lansing Russman headshot
Ryan Russman

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Bickford is a zealous advocate for the citizen facing a DWI charge. His understanding of the law and practice of DWI defense make him exceptionally qualified to assist you in your time of need. Without hesitation Attorney Bickford is a lawyer you can trust."

Bruce Steven Kapsack headshot
Bruce Kapsack

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"In the San Diego area there are two types of lawyers, those who plead clients out and those who fight for their rights. James Bickford is one of the latter. James has been practicing DUI defense for most of his career and has become one of the top San Diego DU defense attorneys. If you are in trouble, then James B. is your man."

John Scott Webb headshot
John Webb

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Bickford is a DUI/DWI SoCal Superstar. James is a defense attorney who is a tenacious fighter in the courtroom, a highly respected attorney known for combating breath and blood tests, and undermining the Government's arguments throughout a case. He treats his clients with great caring and compassion, and is known as a lawyer’s lawyer. As Maine's State Delegate to the National College for DUI Defense, I have been honored to attend the national seminars with James and consult with him on various cases. He is a true American, who defends the Constitution and fights for his clients. If you are a citizen accused of drunk driving in Southern California, call James now."

Jason M. Glass headshot
Jason Glass

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is one of the best DUI defense attorneys in California. His knowledge of the law and science behind DUI coupled with his courtroom skills sets him apart from most others. He truly cares about his clients and their cases. I would recommend James in a heartbeat."

R Scott Joye headshot
R Scott Joye

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is nationally recognized as a leader in the field of DUI Defense. He works tirelessly to keep himself on top of the latest developments not only in the law, but also in the science as it relates to the defense of the DUI case. His trial skills make him one of the most sought after DUI Attorneys in Southern California. James has my unequivicable endorsement for anyone charged with DUI in Southern California."

Edward Stephen Ryan headshot
Edward Ryan

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 26

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is one of the go to guys in CA. Whenever I have a question about CA law I know James will be there to answer the question for me. If I have a client with needs in San Diego James is the person I will call. James is know around the country for his efforts defending his clients."

John Wallace Thurston headshot
John Thurston

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Bickford has the perfect combination of skills needed by a DUI defense attorney: knowledge of the law and science of DUI defense; masterful trial skills; and compassion for his clients. The citizens of San Diego are lucky to him on their side. Without hesitation I give Mr. Bickford my highest recommendation."

Harley O. Wagner headshot
Harley Wagner

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Having been a member of the National College for DUI Defense for over 10 years now, and as an annual attendee of two to three national DUI defense seminars, I have been privileged to get to know many of our nation's finest DUI defense attorneys. James Bickford is undoubtedly amongst this select group. His reputation for professional excellence far exceeds the borders of California. His reputation as a well trained, experienced, ultra talented yet deeply compassionate, DUI defense attorney is not only national but matched by very few. I proudly and loudly endorse James Bickford. The citizen accused could be in no better hands. Period. The fact that he is a personal friend is but a bonus."

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Why do I endorse this excellent lawyer's work? Savvy, hardworking and aggressive, Mr. Bickford is an exceptional attorney who is also a valuable asset to both the San Diego and National DUI Defense Bar community. Any person in need who hires Mr. Bickford will realize he or she is in good hands. For a plethora of reasons, I am deeply honored to endorse this superb criminal defense lawyer."

Deandra Michelle Grant headshot
Deandra Grant

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is an excellent attorney. His dedication to mastering the law and science related to the defense of citizens accused of alcohol-related offenses sets him apart from other attorneys in his area."

Michael Jeffrey Kessler headshot
Michael Kessler

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Bickford is one of Southern California's very best. DUI defense requires a different skill set than general criminal defense, due to the amount of forensic science involved. Mr. Bickford has developed those skills, and has a unique ability to lead a jury to the weakest points in the government's case."

Andrea D Hayduk headshot
Andrea Hayduk

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Bickford is a top notch DUI defense lawyer. He zealously advocates for his clients and stays on the cutting edge of DUI defense. I would recommend him to anyone charged with DUI in his practice area."

Todd F. La Neve headshot
Todd La Neve

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 21

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James Bickford is one of southern California's top DUI attorneys. He is not an attorney who is focused on "the show," but rather an attorney you would actually want sitting beside you in court because of his willingness to find the solution to the problem. His extensive knowledge of the law and science behind DUI cases is tough to match and his ability to blend the two in a persuasive package leads to his clients appreciating why they placed their trust in him."

Donald John Ramsell headshot
Donald Ramsell

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 15

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known James to be a great DUI lawyer for many, many years. His national reputation akes him perfect for any client's needs. If you have a DUI in San Diego, call James now!"

View All Endorsements
John Hunsucker headshot
John Hunsucker

DUI and DWI lawyer

Bruce Steven Kapsack headshot
Bruce Kapsack

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jason M. Glass headshot
Jason Glass

DUI and DWI lawyer

R Scott Joye headshot
R Scott Joye

DUI and DWI lawyer

Edward Stephen Ryan headshot
Edward Ryan

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Scott Webb headshot
John Webb

DUI and DWI lawyer

John Wallace Thurston headshot
John Thurston

DUI and DWI lawyer

George Fredrick Mueller headshot
George Mueller

DUI and DWI lawyer

Harley O. Wagner headshot
Harley Wagner

DUI and DWI lawyer

Deandra Michelle Grant headshot
Deandra Grant

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Jeffrey Kessler headshot
Michael Kessler

DUI and DWI lawyer

Andrea D Hayduk headshot
Andrea Hayduk

DUI and DWI lawyer

Todd F. La Neve headshot
Todd La Neve

DUI and DWI lawyer

Donald John Ramsell headshot
Donald Ramsell

DUI and DWI lawyer

Justin James McShane headshot
Justin McShane

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.8 (Excellent)

Professional misconduct

This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2026.

Discipline with Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2026

updated on 02/12/2026

This sanction means the attorney lost his or her license to practice law for a period of time. The attorney typically returns to practicing law when the suspension expires.

Discipline, Probation; no Actual Suspension issued in CA, 2010

updated on 08/15/2018

This sanction means the attorney had a suspension placed on hold (and ultimately removed) by complying with certain requirements.

James’s comment:

“This was a fee dispute with a client who showed up drunk at trial. Rather than accepting the jury’s verdict, he complained to the State Bar. They ordered me to retake the Professional Responsibilty Exam (which, like the Bar Exam, I passed the 1st time). Not having studied this in 10 years, it took me longer to pass this time. The net result was that my license was suspended for 4 months, 8 years ago. This being the only exception, my record remains unblemished for the better part of 2 decades.”

Honors

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

Associations

1991 - Present

San Diego County Bar Association

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

General Practice

See More Legal Cases

Education

2000

Thomas Jefferson School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1989

Hampden-Sydney College

BA - Bachelor of Arts

1986

Virginia Military Institute

Languages

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
    This lawyer was disciplined by a state licensing authority in 2026
    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