James Rankin Gass

James Rankin Gass

also known as Jim Gass

4.7
Rating: 8.8

Licensed for 35 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Redlands, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Federal Crime ... +7 more

1200 Nevada St Ste 101, Redlands, CA

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

10

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

In the past 25 years, I've won more felony jury trials in San Bernardino County than any other attorney!

35 years | 3,000 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 25%

35 years | 500 cases

25%
Federal Crime 15%

29 years

15%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes

Retainer

Always


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check

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 35 years

State: California

Acquired: 1991

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Attorney at Law

1200 Nevada St Ste 101, Redlands, CA, 92374

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

James Rankin Gass's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.7 /5.0

43 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (43) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 6 reviews | Responsiveness

Posted by Celiza | August 13, 2022 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

More than just a hired attorney

I can only say that it was God that led us to Mr. Gass. I found myself in a situation I could have never imagined to be. I contacted Mr. Gass from a Google search and after one conversation I knew he was the man for the job. He was so knowledgeable and experienced that even while he offered hope, he ...also prepared me for what most likely would happen, and he was always spot on. He was able to negotiate a plea deal lowering a felony to a misdemeanor with no jail time. Had I been able to afford taking it to trial, I have no doubt he would have won there too. He negotiated the best possible outcome given the circumstances I was facing. But his work did not end there. 3 years later I have still been in contact with Mr. Gass and he has always been gracious enough to respond. All my questions and uncertainties. I feel truly honored to have been represented by him and would 10/10 recommend him to anyone. His reputation precedes him and there is no doubt as to why. He truly connects at a personal level with his clients and makes you feel protected and that he has your best interest at heart. Thank you again Mr. Gass! God bless you and the work you do.

Posted by Daniel M. | November 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Case Dismissed!

The felony case against me was dismissed, thanks to the hard work and dedication of James Gass. He guided me through this difficult time. He replied to my emails, texts, and phone calls usually within an hour. He kept me informed of updates. I highly recommend James Gass for legal representation....

Posted by anonymous | October 05, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Fast And Efficient

I hired Mr. Gass to represent me on an old warrant that came up. He was fast vary affordable had it taken care of in less than 60 days which is fast if anyone knows San Bernardino court house. he was great and a true blessing in a situation that seemed hopeless at first. thank you James Gass.

Posted by Kristine | March 14, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Do not waste your money!

I hired James gass in May of 2016 on behalf of my father who was incarcerated at the time. James Gass charged me $4000 to represent my father i was also able to bail my father out at the same time. James Gass missed a few of my father's court dates and when he did show up never fought for my fathe...r what so ever he went with whatever the DA said. Months pass he tells my father to take a deal with the DA of 20 years to life. My dad says no James Gass quits the court raised my dad's bail and he was locked back up. A week later I get a text from James Gass saying by now u should already know that ur dad is back in jail and if u want me to continue to represent your father then I'm going to need another $4000 from you. My only response to him was what can you do for my father now? His response was no text back. Waste of money and time also through out the process I would try to email and call text to.ser how my father's case was going I never got a response. Please do yourself a favor find someone better.

James Gass

Replied last March 14, 2017

Most of what this young lady says is true, but lacks context. Here are the relevant facts. The 56 year old defendant was a registered sex offender. He had four prior convictions for child molesting. He was charged in his pending case with molesting two more boys. When questioned by the police he admitted that all of the allegations against him were true. His confession is recorded. He said that he had been molesting children for decades. He was eligible for life sentences several different ways. His bail was inadvertently set way too low. The prosecutor said that she would ask to have it raised after the preliminary hearing. There was no offer from the prosecutor on the case. I urge most defendants facing life in prison to make an offer to the prosecutor if there is a chance that a jury will convict the defendant. In this case a conviction is essentially a certainty. The defendant was aware that he was likely going into custody after the preliminary hearing. I was able to continue the preliminary hearing for over six months by being in trial on other cases. That kept the defendant out of custody on bail, which is what he wanted, but sometimes when I was in trial and keeping him out of custody I had other attorneys appear for me. That is a common and necessary practice. The specific allegations are addressed as follows: 1. Missed court dates. Explained above. 2. Told him to take a deal. I tell any client who confesses on tape to take a deal. No deal was offered. 3. Gass quits. We had a written agreement which included an additional fee for trial. I was not retained for trial. That was not my choice, and I did not want to take any more of this young ladies money. She clearly did not want to hire me to do the trial. The case is hopeless and I was unwilling to sell her false hope. 4. Raised bail. I objected to the bail increase, but the judge set the bail according to the bail schedule, as every judge in the country would have, no matter who the defense attorney was. 5. Trial fees. No prosecutor could loose this case in trial, and no defense attorney could win it. I wasn't even interested in trying the case if I got paid to do the trial, and certainly was not going to do it without getting paid. Nor was I willing to lie and pretend that I could win the case if more money was provided. I sell hope when there is a chance. When there is no chance, there is no hope. This defendant should avoid a trial, and his family should avoid spending any more money on attorneys. Perhaps a public defender can convince him to plead guilty. I did all I could for him. His dire circumstances are self imposed. 6. Lack of communication. I never received any email from any family member. I responded promptly to every text or call.

Posted by Denise | July 11, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

So thankful we hired him!

My son was arrested and facing a litany of serious charges. The first three Public Defenders, almost verbatim, informed me of the same which was “Lady (or Ma’am) your son is going to prison for a long time”. I remembered that a childhood friend of my son had had a couple DUIs and not spent any time i...ncarcerated. I contacted that person who told me he thought Mr. Gass did a good job and was very satisfied with the representation provided. The friend then gave me Mr. Gass' office number and cell phone number. During my initial, free consultation, Mr. Gass took all the time necessary to fully understand the particulars of the case and all the mitigating factors. Mr. Gass did not in any way diminish the severity of the matter nor give any false hope. He simply informed me of what his “game plan” would be and what the best and worst case scenarios were. I fully expected Mr. Gass’ fees to far exceed what he charged. Mr. Gass was responsive to my every inquiry be it email, text, or phone call. He generated various strategies, fully explained the reason for each and allowed my son and I to make the decision as to which direction to proceed. He provided us invaluable advice and insight which proved to be completely accurate and the correct direction to take. Mr. Gass, in no uncertain terms, has restored my faith in his profession however, I remain fully convinced that he is the exception, not the rule. A plea agreement was reached and my son was released eight months after his arrest. Still unbelievable. Need I say......I cannot recommend Mr. Gass highly enough.

See All Client Reviews

James Rankin Gass's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Bobby Shamuilian headshot
Bobby Shamuilian

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 17

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He has a wealth of legal knowledge and fights to get the best results for his clients."

Hal Charles Smith headshot
Hal Smith

Criminal defense lawyer | May 01

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Jim Gass is a very experienced and excellent lawyer. We have done co-defendant cases together, and I have always found Jim to be very professional, trustworthy, hardworking and diligent."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Arthur Bernard Benner II headshot
Arthur Benner

Criminal defense lawyer | May 18

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He's very thorough and knowledgeable about criminal law."

Marc David McBride headshot
Marc McBride

Criminal defense lawyer | May 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I clerked for Mr. Gass in 1996 and he supervised my first Jury Trial. I additionally handled several dozen hearings (both Prelims and Trials) where Mr. Gass represented co-defendants. Mr. Gass has handled a number of matters for me through special appearances and, at a point where I was wrongly accused in a criminal case (that was ultimately dismissed), I was set to have Mr. Gass handle my own Jury Trial. Throughout the 18+ years that I have known him, I have found Mr. Gass to be extraordinarily professional. I believe that Jim's strongest asset is his ability to make jurors see him as being one of them...very down to earth. I cannot overemphasize the benefit of having your jurors identify with your lawyer. Jim comes across as someone that jurors can trust and his track record at trial shows that. Prosecutors know that Jim DELIVERS (so they respect him) but, he isn't arrogant so prosecutors feel comfortable dealing his cases. Jim Gass is a low-key ultra-competent hired-gun."

Stuart O'Melveny Jr headshot
Stuart O'Melveny

Criminal defense lawyer | May 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rosa Miriam Clark headshot
Rosa Clark

Criminal defense lawyer | May 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christian K. Lassen II headshot
Christian Lassen

Unknown lawyer | May 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Top-notch attorney. Highly respected in the legal community."

Robert James Reynolds headshot
Robert Reynolds

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 28

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Jim for decades and watched him in many trials, taking on difficult cases with vim and vigor. He know how to win! I endorse this lawyer."

Marjorie Barrios headshot
Marjorie Barrios

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 11

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Gass is an excellent attorney. He is professional, knowledgeable, dedicated and compassionate. He is one of the best trial attorneys I've witnessed, and he makes time to communicate with his clients. I endorse this lawyer!"

James Roy Dickinson headshot
James Dickinson

Criminal defense lawyer | Dec 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Gass is likely the finest criminal defense attorney in the Inland Empire and (possibly) the whole of Southern California. His knowledge of the law is surpassed only by the personalized efforts he makes for his clients. I wholeheartedly endorse this lawyer!"

View All Endorsements
Hal Charles Smith headshot
Hal Smith

Criminal defense lawyer

Arthur Bernard Benner II headshot
Arthur Benner

Criminal defense lawyer

Marc David McBride headshot
Marc McBride

Criminal defense lawyer

Mark Cantrell headshot
Mark Cantrell

Family lawyer

Craig Michael Parker headshot
Craig Parker

Estate planning lawyer

Marjorie Barrios headshot
Marjorie Barrios

Immigration lawyer

James Roy Dickinson headshot
James Dickinson

Criminal defense lawyer

Robert James Reynolds headshot
Robert Reynolds

Personal injury lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.8 (Excellent)

Honors

2019

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2018

Criminal Defense Attorney of the Year, San Bernardino Sun

2014

Readers Choice Top Attorney, San Bernardino Sun

Work Experience

1991 - Present

Owner, James R. Gass, Attorney at Law

2006 - 2007

Judge Pro Tem, Fontana County Superior Court

Associations

1991 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

Education

1990

Simon Greenleaf School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1986

University of Alaska - Fairbanks

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2019

Career Day

Career in Law

Languages

English

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