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James Melvin Taylor

Criminal defense Attorney at Banning, CA

4.9   46 reviews
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  • Licensed for 23 years
    State CA
    Acquired 2000
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

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

LOOK NO FURTHER!!!
Andre
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
The Best
Dee
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired Attorney
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About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

4
Practice areas

YOUR FRIEND IN NEED. 

When you are facing the possibility of losing your freedom, your reputation, and your future you need an aggressive well-respected attorney who also listens to you and is there for you just like a friend that helps you out in your time of need.

I am a criminal defense attorney through and through. I have been practicing law for well over two decades. During that time I have helped thousands of clients resolve their matters. I have trial experience with cases ranging from Petty Theft to Special Circumstance Murder. I am a successful trial attorney with several Not Guilty's in my career.

 

Since losing family members to cancer, I am a strong advocate for Medical Marijuana and as such, I have a niche' in the defense of Medical Marijuana cases as well as Consulting in the area of Medical Marijuana.

I went to college, Cal Poly Pomona and then to Law School, Western State COL, and I was fortunate enough to pass the California State Bar Exam the first time. I opened the door's to my office in September of 2000 and they have been open ever since.

Fear of the unknown is not a good thing. Let me help make that fear disappear by giving me a phone call and lets see what I can do to help make your troubles go away. A Free Consultation may be all you need to start feeling better about your situation!

Here is what others say about James Taylor:

"Mr. Taylor is very humble and dedicated to you. He is very straightforward and will explain to the best of his abilities regarding your case. You can see his integrity when working with him and he will not give up fighting for you! I was very pleased how he treated me and his work ethic, I will definitely recommend him to others in the future. Thank you Mr. Taylor."

 

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Contact James

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James Melvin Taylor
66 W Ramsey St
Banning, CA, 92220-4902
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Reviews

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4.9 / 5.0
  46 customer reviews
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Posted by Andre | September 15, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
LOOK NO FURTHER!!!
Where do I even start? Aggressive. Knowledgeable. Skilled. James is an exceptional attorney, someone you definitely want on your side fighting for you. Not only did he successfully help me with multiple cases, I have also witnessed his remarkable abilities with others. I believe things happen for a reason, and after I saw what he was capable of with my own eyes, I knew that there was no one else that I would rather retain to represent me. He is real with you, does not sell you fantasies, tells it like it is, but he works that courtroom like no other. He’s more than an attorney, James is a friend. A friend who genuinely cares and is there for you. If you have the opportunity to work with James M. Taylor, I would strongly encourage you to do so.
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Posted by Dee | August 24, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best
James was everything we had hoped for in an attorney and more. In the courtroom, he was very professional yet firm. He was honest about all of the possible outcomes of the case. James was clear about what he expected from us. He was in constant contact with our family, providing updates every step of the way. James' attention to detail is impeccable. He reviewed every detail of the case and investigated any detail that stood out. Somehow, through the many hours of work that he put in each day, he made time to be there for us emotionally throughout the entire process. He fought for us and got the best outcome possible. James has made it clear to us that he cares about his clients. He still checks in with us to make sure that we're all doing okay. This is the man to go with if you need legal representation. My family will be forever grateful for this man.
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Posted by Jesse | July 6, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
HIGHLY RECOMMEND
FOR YOUR LEGAL MATTERS. MAJOR AND MINOR, JAMES TAYLOR IS THE BEST AROUND. WITH FELONY STRIKE PENDING FOR MY CASE, ULTIMATELY CHARGES WERE DISMISSED WITH NO JAIL TIME. THANKS TO JAMES. MR TAYLOR FOUGHT FOR ME PERSISTENTLY, HE KEPT ME UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE CASE. ANSWERED MY PHONE CALLS AND TEXT MESSAGES WHENEVER I HAD QUESTIONS. PROFESSIONAL, VERY KNOWLEDGABLE , OVER 20YRS EXPERIENCE, MR TAYLOR IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED AND APPRECIATED ! !
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Posted by John | June 27, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best of the Best!
I have used James M. Taylor for two legal situations in the past. He went up and beyond in representing me. He explained in detail how the process worked and made me feel at ease and was very professional. My hats off to Mr Taylor. I would recommend him very highly.
Posted by Benito | June 16, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent!
We were very fortunate to have found James Taylor. He was highly recommended by a friend. James communicated constantly throughout the case and was brutaly honest which was just what I needed. James really cares about his clients as he demonstrated his support and advice during this process. His professionalism is beyond impecable and he is reasonably priced. I would 100% recommend him! You will not regret it.
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Posted by Brent | March 18, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Incredible
James is an amazing lawyer and kept in touch with me.and even answered my questions after hours. Very professional. He reduced my sentence from 4-5 years to house arrest and probation.
Posted by Jesus | February 10, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
James Taylor
I hired James Taylor and I can say I’m extremely satisfied with what he has done for me. Not only did he go above and beyond to fight hard for my case but he also cares for his clients. Speaking from experience this man did something for me I am truly grateful for. I highly recommend James Taylor for anyone looking for an attorney that gives 100% his all.
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Posted by Anthony | November 18, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
10/10 Experience
Originally had a case where I was facing up to 6 years in prison and James helped me to where I only received house arrest and probation for 2 years. Highly recommend James to anyone in a rough situation he communicates very well with his clients unlike many other lawyers which I believe is very important. Overall excellent experiences
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Posted by Richard | July 23, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Firearms Brandishing Case
Hello folks I’m a family member of a client that Attorney Taylor represented. I’m employed in law enforcement have a great deal of experience with dealing with Attorneys. I was thoroughly impressed with Attorney Taylor. I originally called other Attorneys I knew but none returned my call. Attorney Taylor personally answered my call and on other occasions returned my call even after hours. He was personable and took the time to listen to me and make recommendations how I, as a concerned family member, could help. He is a caring, concerned, and a smart attorney that has great experience and insight in the criminal justice system. I have always advised close friends and family to call a “good” attorney when in need. James Taylor is a “great” Attorney. We are very satisfied with the results and highly recommend him. I saw this on a bill board in Los Angeles; “If the cops are knocking, let (me) do the talking.” That’s great advice and I would let Attorney James Taylor do the talking for me anytime! Thank you Mr. Taylor for helping my family resolve their issue with a great outcome. It may not always be the outcome you want or desire but why gamble with your life. Always consult period! And if you do consult I highly recommend this man to represent you. Thank you
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Posted by Antonio | November 20, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
( 10 STAR RATING )
On ( 7/2020 ) I was arrested by the police department. Which was a violation of my probation. I was looking at some serious prison time. ( 9 years ) for the violation and still had new criminal case pending. It felt like my life was over. I needed a miracle to get out of this one. ( THANK GOD ) I found James M Taylor. He went above and beyond to help me in anyway he could. At one point we learned I would most likely be detained. He gave me back the money I used to hire him so i could bail out and fight it from the outside. Mr. Taylor even offered to put money on my books if I didn't have any. I remember thinking to my self this man really cares. One time I didn't have a ride home from court. Mr. Taylor gave me a ride home. Threw out the hole process Mr. Taylor was able to keep me out of jail. He was their with me from start to finish. He would keep me informed every step of the way. He really gave me and my family ( Peace of mind ) That can't be put into words. To make a very long story short. ( Mr. Taylor got both cases dismissed!!) Amazing job!! In my opinion he is the best criminal defense attorney around. I will always remember what you did for me and my family. Thanks to you I'm able to spend the holidays and years to come with my loved ones. ( INSTEAD OF BEING BEHIND BARS ) This wouldn't have been possible with out your presence in that court room. From the bottom of my heart ( THANK YOU ) I feel like I got a second chance to live!!
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Posted by Chalice | November 6, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
He was literally everything my family needed.
Let me just say, James was literally everything my family needed. I expected taking on helping my elderly dad through his failing health, living situations, general changes and concurrent DUI case to be impossibly overwhelming. Dad was starting to lose his faculties quickly, resulting in a lot of complications. James Taylor couldn't have been more wonderful in working with me and my family and making everything so much easier and providing peace of mind that was so valuable. I had to worry about virtually nothing in my father's case. He was consistent, thorough, responsive and present for us. I cannot express fully how grateful I am to have James on our team.
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Posted by Candace | November 5, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Quick, affordable Lawyer
My father used Mr. Taylor to assist him with some legal issues he was having. He was able to get everything cleared up and was very affordable. Thank you!
Posted by Katrina | January 17, 2020
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank you!
James is a honest and very knowledgeable lawyer! I will recommend him to anyone in need of a great lawyer! He has been there for me before court and even checked on me after court was over. Thank you so much James!
Posted by Ms. LM | November 20, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
The Best Attorney
James was there for me when I needed a lawyer to defend me. He listened to my problems and comforted me when I had no one. I recommend him for your defense. He is the best!
Posted by Alex Millan | June 22, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Thank You!!!
I hired James to help me with a felony case. He paid close attention to the details of my case and from the get go he told me to not worry and that he would do everything he could to help me. From that day he made me feel at peace with myself. James explained how the DA operates and he was able to work out a deal that saved me from being incarcerated. I never lost faith in James. I will highly recommend hiring James as your attorney. Thanks Again James...
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Posted by Mark | February 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer
Mr. Taylor is very humble and dedicated to you. He is very straightforward and will explain to the best of his abilities regarding your case. You can see his integrity when working with him and he will not give up fighting for you! I was very pleased how he treated me and his work ethic, I will definitely recommend him to others in the future. Thank you Mr. Taylor.
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Posted by Lauren | February 4, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best criminal lawyer
I can’t say enough nice things about attorney James Taylor. In December of 2017 my world was turned upside down. I returned from work to find my husband had been incarcerated on some very serious charges. What now? I was living in banning at the time and a good friend of mine referred me to a few attorneys (Mr.Taylor being one of them) I left a message with Mr. Taylor’s answering service around 10:00 pm that same night, not even 15 minutes later I received a call from him directly. He calmed me down and walked me through what was ahead of me. The next morning before 11:00 am he had the retainer agreement drafted up and was ready to get to work on our case oh and on top of that he went to see my husband and talk with him that SAME day!! He is speedy and prompt. On top up everything! Throughout the whole process he walked us through every step and made it so easy. Here we are a year later and my husband is home and back to work. The outcome of the case was great. He did an excellent job through and through. If you are in need of a criminal defense lawyer I’m telling you, Mr. Taylor is the way to go!! I can’t express my gratitude enough. Professional and prompt. With a lot of experience and a passion for what he does. Thank you sooooo much!!
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Posted by Alora | February 1, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Highly recommend
I had the best experience with James Taylor as my lawyer. He handled all my cases I was looking at a lot of time and he jumped on my cases immediately. He stayed up long hours of the night working on my cases did everything he could to keep me out of prison gave me all the right advice I needed and fought hard for me. If I didn't have a way to court he would come pick he up to make sure I got there. He is always available on his phone and to meet if needed. If he missed my call he would call back within the hour or text to let me know he was In court. Ie kept me in the loop. He is well known in the court house they all love him. When he wasn't happy with the terms and conditions he even went as far as going into the judges chambers and wasn't going to leave till he got what he wanted. I was very happy with the outcome and I now get another chance at my life and to be with my children. I definitely recommend if you want a good lawyer To fight for you he is the guy!
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Posted by Geoffrey | January 31, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Professionalism. Honesty. Integrity. Simply the Best
My Dad and our family was facing a very tough situation when Mr. James Taylor stepped in. He was recommended to us by a trusted family friend who was also an attorney. We were so glad that we hired him and had him on our side. He answered all our questions and responded quickly when we called, texted, or emailed. He worked tirelessly for our loved one, even on weekends and late Sunday nights answering questions. He was honest, genuinely cared for our loved one, worked out a great disposition especially with what we were facing. It’s not about the money with him. He is all about professionalism, integrity and be there when you needed the most. Our family will always be grateful for all of his efforts. He is simply the best, in my opinion, and I would highly recommend him and him alone to anyone.
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Posted by Johnny | June 1, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great lawyer!
I contacted James about a ticket I received a few years back. Come to find out I also had a ticket and bench warrant from many years before that. He was very helpful and informative about my situation and went above and beyond to help me out and avoid jail time. He took the time to explain everything and was very flexible with my schedule. Got everything taken care of and now i can continue on with my life. I Highly recommend James M Taylor. Thank you for everything.
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Contact for Details

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AVVO RATING 10.0 (Superb)

Work Experience

  • Founder
  • Law Office of James M. Taylor
  • 2000 - Present
  • Master Automotive Technician
  • VW Dealerships
  • 1984 - 1989

Education

  • Western State University College of Law
  • JD - Juris Doctor
  • 1999
  • California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
  • Undergraduate
  • 1995

Legal Cases

  • People v. K.J.
  • Pled to Accessory; Released on Probation
  • People v. B.T.
  • Case Dismissed. Client Not Held to Answer at Preliminary Hearing.
  • People v. J.M.
  • Not Guilty all counts

Associations

  • California DUI Lawyers Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2013 - Present
  • National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws
  • Attorney Member
  • 2005 - Present
  • National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Attorney Member
  • 2004 - Present
  • San Bernardino County Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2002 - Present
  • Riverside County Bar Association
  • Attorney Member
  • 2001 - Present
  • California Attorneys for Criminal Justice
  • Member
  • 2001 - Present
View all associations

Languages Spoken

  • English

Honors and Awards

  • Top 100 Trial Lawyer
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2016
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2015
  • Clients Choice Award
  • AVVO
  • 2015
  • Superb Lawyer
  • AVVO
  • 2015
  • Peer Review Rated
  • Martindale-Hubbell
  • 2015
  • Clients' Choice
  • AVVO
  • 2014
  • Top 100 Trial Lawyers
  • The National Trial Lawyers
  • 2014
View all awards

Publications

Attorney endorsements

Received (18)
Given (19)
Endorse James
Walter Rudolph Hnot, III headshot
Walter Hnot,
Criminal defense Attorney | Apr 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"James is an excellent attorney committed to providing the highest quality representation to clients. I endorse this attorney without reservation."
Philip Kassel headshot
Philip Kassel
Criminal defense Attorney | Mar 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.i have been a lawyer for nearly 30 years .i have never met a more ethical and competent lawyer.greg kassel ,esq"
Amir Soleimanian headshot
Amir Soleimanian
Unknown Attorney | Nov 02
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
David Carl Beyersdorf headshot
David Beyersdorf
Criminal defense Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer."
Steven Desi Sanchez headshot
Steven Sanchez
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 08
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I highly recommend James Taylor. He is ethical, aggressive, and a true advocate for justice. James should be your attorney if you are charged with a crime."
Eugene Carson III headshot
Eugene Carson
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 07
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known James Taylor for many years. I have seen him get his clients great results time and time again. You are in good hands with James."
Graham Douglas Donath headshot
Graham Donath
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 29
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I've known James Taylor for several years and have seen him in court on a regular basis. He is a fantastic advocate for his clients, and cares deeply about the outcome of their cases. I highly recommend him."
Nicole Franchesca Winter headshot
Nicole Winter
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 24
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known James for over 10 years and I have had the honor to work as opposing counsel to James when I was a prosecutor. He is one of the most hardworking, dedicated and compassionate attorneys I have ever met. He is diligent in every aspect of his representation of clients. I strongly endorse James!"
Daniel Jai Tripathi headshot
Daniel Tripathi
Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 23
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse James Taylor. We worked together on a complex multi-defendant gang case. He is a top notch attorney. His clients like him and his legal opponents respect him greatly. He is a credit to the legal profession."
Thomas Murray Spivack headshot
Thomas Spivack
Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. It is very clear from his many years of experience and his contributions that Mr. Taylor is extremely knowledgeable and highly competent. I wouldn't hesitate recommending him."
Patrick John Silva headshot
Patrick Silva
Criminal defense Attorney | Dec 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Taylor has the unique ability to "pull a rabbit out of his hat". What does that mean? Well, when the cards are stacked against your client and everyone thinks that he is guilty, then BOOM! James Taylor walks his client out of the courtroom with a Not Guilty verdict. Mr. Taylor even got a Not Guilty verdict when his client made a taped confession to a murder charge. Mr. Taylor is the master during trial! Why is Mr. Taylor so successful? I believe that his success starts with the compassion that he has for his clients and the fact that he takes every case personally and vows to do his very best for every client."
James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks
DUI and DWI Attorney | Nov 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer.This lawyer has an expertise in DUI defense. By attending DUI seminars throughout the year to keep up on the latest in the law, field sobriety testing, blood testing, and breath testing, this attorney is an asset to the clients. This lawyer is a member of the California DUI Lawyers Association. I endorse this lawyer."
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Unknown Attorney | Oct 29
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."
Mark Raymond McDonald headshot
Mark McDonald
Criminal defense Attorney | Oct 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I have known James "JT" for years. He is an attorney who has always represented his clients with vigor and legal expertise."
Joshua Peter Visco headshot
Joshua Visco
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 15
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"James is a strong advocate for his clients. He is aggressive and gets excellent results. I have personally seen him in action, and endorse him without hesitation."
Christopher Britton Harmon headshot
Christopher Harmon
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known and worked alongside James for several years and know him to be an exceptional lawyer who fights aggressively for his clients."
James Lawrence Knox headshot
James Knox
Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"Mr. Taylor is a vigorous defense attorney who fights for his clients. He has practiced in Southern California for over 12 years. I personally witnessed Mr. Taylor in court, in trial and negotiating on behalf of his clients. He is respected by his colleagues and the judicial officers in our courts. I endorse Mr. Taylor."
Victor C Marshall headshot
Victor Marshall
Criminal defense Attorney | Jun 26
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
"I endorse this lawyer. Fearless and Relentless describes Mr. Taylor. He is a fine attorney who works on his craft and tries many serious cases. He has earned a wonderful reputation in the community for his work and I am personally impressed with him."
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Joshua Peter Visco headshot
Joshua Visco
Criminal defense
Gregory Harrison Kassel headshot
Gregory Kassel
Criminal defense
David Carl Beyersdorf headshot
David Beyersdorf
Personal injury
Steven Desi Sanchez headshot
Steven Sanchez
Criminal defense
James Edward McGee II headshot
James McGee
Criminal defense
Nicole Franchesca Winter headshot
Nicole Winter
Criminal defense
James Nelson Dicks headshot
James Dicks
Criminal defense
Thomas Murray Spivack headshot
Thomas Spivack
Criminal defense
Eugene Carson III headshot
Eugene Carson
Criminal defense
Benjamin Ray Cates headshot
Benjamin Cates
Criminal defense
Daniel Jai Tripathi headshot
Daniel Tripathi
Criminal defense
Graham Douglas Donath headshot
Graham Donath
Criminal defense
Gregory Howard Comings headshot
Gregory Comings
Criminal defense
Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen
Car accident
Patrick John Silva headshot
Patrick Silva
DUI and DWI
Mark Raymond McDonald headshot
Mark McDonald
Criminal defense
Timothy Matthew Knight headshot
Timothy Knight
Criminal defense
James Lawrence Knox headshot
James Knox
Criminal defense
Victor C Marshall headshot
Victor Marshall
Criminal defense
Banning Criminal defense Lawyer James Melvin Taylor
James Melvin Taylor
Criminal defense Attorney
Banning, CA
Licensed for 23 years
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