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James Edward McGee II
also known as Jim McGee
About James
Biography
James McGee is a former prosecutor and an experienced criminal defense attorney specializing in cases involving complex violent crimes. A graduate of Loyola Law School, Mr. McGee has been practicing for almost twenty years focusing on the practice of criminal law.
Mr. McGee earned his Juris Doctor in 2001 and began his tenure with the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office. During his time as a deputy district attorney, he handled a variety of cases, ranging from hardcore gang prosecutions and murders with special circumstances to wiretap prosecutions, insurance fraud, and mentally disordered offenders. Mr. McGee was successful in numerous high-profile prosecutions throughout his career in public service.
In 2014, Mr. McGee left the District Attorney’s office to enter private practice as a criminal defense attorney. In the years since, he has leveraged his background and experience as a prosecutor to help his clients on the other side of the courtroom. As a defense attorney, Mr. McGee has been very successful representing his clients and has earned a reputation in the community as being an aggressive, effective advocate.
As a leader in criminal law, Mr. McGee has acted as a mentor to many defense attorneys and is routinely contacted to give advice on complex cases and other legal matters. Throughout his career, he has given lectures on topics such as using technology in the courtroom, using discovery to undermine a gang investigation, and the law on immunity. This requires Mr. McGee to stay abreast of recent developments in criminal law, especially those related to gang prosecutions. He notes:
I pay close attention to changes in anything involving gang prosecution as well as evidentiary issues. Gang prosecutions have changed drastically over the years and defense attorneys have various avenues to attack the government’s case after the California Supreme Court decisions in Sargon, Rodriguez, Prunty, Elizalde and Sanchez.
Mr. McGee is a member of the Riverside County Bar Association, San Bernardino County Bar Association, California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, California Public Defenders Association, and National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers. Mr. McGee is a native of California, growing up in the Pomona area. He graduated from the University of California at Irvine with a Bachelor’s Degree in Philosophy.
Mr. McGee also serves on the Board of Directors of Court Appointed Special Advocates (C.A.S.A.) of San Bernardino County. C.A.S.A. is a non-profit organization that trains volunteers whom are appointed by a judge to represent the best interests of a child currently under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Dependency court. The group’s goal is to improve the quality of life for foster youth, juvenile care youth, and foster care alumni youth with stable and consistent mentoring and advocacy. From ten years, Mr. McGee also participated in the Fontana Leadership Intervention Program (FLIP) by counseling troubled youth on the dangers of being involved in a gang lifestyle and the legal consequences of such activity.
Practice Areas
5
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 24 years
State: California
Acquired: 2001
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of James McGee
325 W. Hospitality Lane, Suite 212, San Bernardino, CA, 92408
Law Office of James McGee
325 W. Hospitality Lane Suite 212, San Bernardino, CA
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James Edward McGee II's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
13 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (13)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews | Violent Crime
Posted by CP | February 15, 2021 | Hired Attorney | Violent Crime
Took care of me
I’m a truck driver that does not live in the state. One day while on my way to deliver a load in the area, the unthinkable happened. I got into an altercation with someone, got arrested and found myself facing an attempted murder charge with 3 enhancement add ons which carried a prison sentence of 13...
Posted by TAMRIN | November 14, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Violent Crime
EXCELLENT ATTORNEY
We hired McGee to fight for my husband he was facing 37 years to life in State Prison he was being charged with attempted murder with a firearm and gang allegation.our whole world came crashing down up untill we hired Mcgee he gave our family hope He is very honest and hard working. He will fight fo...
Posted by Alfonso | August 12, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Violent Crime
Alfonso Garcia Jr.
My family and I retained James E. McGee on the day of May 23rd. of 2015. My case load was life in prison. From the moment we hired Mr. McGee he made sure we had the right doctor, private investigator, and crime scene investigators to help show evidence with my defense. Mr. McGee is honest, hardworkin...
Posted by Eddie | August 08, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Violent Crime
Best lawyer
I hired Mr. McGee cause I was facing a life sentence for att. Murder and various charges. It took some time due to court proceedings but in the end McGee got me what I wanted Time served. Best money I’ve spent.
James Edward McGee II's Lawyer Endorsements
"I have known and worked with Jim McGee for over thirteen years and know him to be one of the most prepared and thorough attorneys I have ever worked with. I first worked with him while we were both prosecuting hardcore gang cases. His research, preparation, writing of motions, understanding of evidentiary issues, and presentation in the courtroom are unparalleled. I know His to be an aggressive and effective advocate with a keen legal mind and have had many opportunities to see his advocacy firsthand. He is an excellent criminal defense attorney."
"Mr. McGee is a Lawyer's Lawyer. I have hired and consulted on a multitude of cases with Mr. McGee. He is clearly the most knowledgeable Attorney on gang activity and charges in the entire Inland Empire. He is in the top five Attorney's for Criminal Law in the entire Inland Empire. I have been practicing law for 31 years and endorse Mr. McGee. - Gregory H. Kassel, Esq."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. McGee is a very skilled trial attorney who obtains great results. His motion writing is superb, as is his effective way of arguing in the courtroom. I really enjoyed working many cases with Mr. McGee and would be more than happy to work with him in the future."
"Mr. McGee is undoubtedly one of the best criminal attorneys in the Inland Empire. Is always thoroughly prepared and puts up a fight for every client. Very highly recommended."
"I endorse this lawyer as he is highly experienced, competent and also conscientious in the representation of his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Jim for more then ten years first when he was a firm but fair Deputy DA and the last few years as a criminal defense lawyer. He is always prepared and does excellent work. He has my highest recommendation!"
"I endorse this lawyer.Mr McGee is a consumate professional who is a gentleman in and out of the courtroom,but also a zealous advocate for his clients"
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked along side Jim for many years. Jim is a very aggressive attorney. He does his legal research and can take a hopeless situation into a victory for his client."
"I endorse this lawyer. He has made valuable contributions tot he Avvo community and provided answers to several questions."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I first met Jim when I interned at the San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office, Gang Unit Division. I gained valuable insight into the profession and he was always eager and wiling to answer all my questions. Jim is very knowledgeable about criminal law, and coupled with his trial advocacy skills, he is an excellent Attorney. I highly recommend Jim to handle any and all your criminal matters."
"13 years of criminal law practice with 12 as a former Deputy District Attorney is what we refer to as experienced. He has a huge advantage over most criminal defense attorneys having been a former prosecutor. "They know that he knows what they know". Knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions. Do yourself a favor and schedule a consultation. KUDOS"
"Jim is an accomplished and aggressive former prosecutor who understands how to win your criminal defense case. If you have been charged with a crime you are lucky to have Jim on your side."
Gregory Kassel
Criminal defense lawyer
John-Paul Serrao
Criminal defense lawyer
Nicola Fitzgerald
Criminal defense lawyer
Peter Marek
Criminal defense lawyer
Aaron Turner
Criminal defense lawyer
Sean O'Connor
Criminal defense lawyer
Steven Sanchez
Criminal defense lawyer
Rajan Maline
Criminal defense lawyer
Kirk Tarman
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Honors
2021
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2020
Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers
2017
Distinguished Lawyer, Expert Network
2015
Top Contributor, Avvo
Work Experience
2018 - Present
Senior Trial Attorney / President, Law Office of James McGee, PLC
2016 - 2018
Managing Partner, Maline & McGee LLP
2014 - 2016
Senior Trial Attorney, Law Office of James McGee
2002 - 2014
Deputy District Attorney, San Bernardino County D.A. Office
Associations
2018 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2016 - Present
Court Appointed Special Advocate of San BernardinoBoard of Directors
2014 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeAttorney Member
2014 - Present
Riverside County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2014 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2013 - Present
San Bernardino County Bar AssociationAttorney Member
2001 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v J.G.
11 years State Prison - Voluntary Manslaughter
People v E.S.
Release directly to Parole with Credit Time Served - Felon with a Firearm
People v E.M.
Probation - Negligent Discharge of Firearm
People v R.S.
Release directly to Parole with Credit Time Served - Felon with a Firearm and Gang Allegation
People v M.B.
Misdemeanor Probation - Delaying a Police Officer
People v A.G.
5 years State Prison - Voluntary Manslaughter and two counts of Assault by means likely to cause GBI
People v C.J.
21 years State Prison - Voluntary Manslaughter with a Firearm
People v A.A.
10 years 8 months in State Prison - Shooting at Inhabited Dwelling with Gang Allegation & Evading a Police Officer Causing Injury
People v N.L.
13 years State Prison - Assault with a Firearm, Involuntary Manslaughter
People v J.F.
18 years State Prison - Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Gang Allegation and Hate Crime Allegation, False Imprisonment, Grand Theft Person
People v T.R.
6 years 4 months State Prison - Transportation of Controlled Substance, Possession of Controlled Substance while Armed
People v J.S.
Misdemeanor Probation - Failure to Yield, Wet Reckless
People v C.O.
12 years State Prison - Residential Burglary
People v C.D.
Misdemeanor Probation - Assault By Means Likely to Cause GBI
People v J.G.
16 years State Prison - Voluntary Manslaughter with a Firearm
People v M.K.
6 years State Prison - Accessory After the Fact
People v G.Z.
20 years State Prison - 6 counts of Lewd Act Upon a Child
People v D.C.
4 years County Prison - Involuntary Manslaughter
People v L.T.
Case Dismissed following Defense Motion
People v D.P.
Felony Probation - Accessory After the Fact
People v M.V.
18 years State Prison - Assault with a Deadly Weapon with Gang Allegation
People v N.M.
6 years County Prison - Involuntary Manslaughter & Battery
Education
2001
Loyola Law School, Loyola Marymount University
JD - Juris Doctor
1997
University of California - Irvine
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2017
Attorney Training Seminar
Criminal Discovery in Gang Cases
2017
Attorney Training Seminar
Criminal Discovery in Gang Cases
2016
Attorney Training Seminar
Criminal Discovery in Gang Cases
2015
F.L.I.P. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2014
F.L.I.P. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2013
F.L.I.P. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2012
F.L.I.P. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2012
Advanced Officer Training
Preparing Complex Cases for Prosecution
2012
Advanced Officer Training
Identifying Staged Collisions for Auto Insurance Fraud
2011
F.L.I.P. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2011
Attorney Training Seminar
Maximize Your Jury Presentation with PowerPoint
2010
F.L.I.P. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2010
C.A.R.T. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2010
Advanced Officer Training
Law You Need to Know to Succeed as a Gang Expert
2009
C.A.R.T. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
2009
Advanced Officer Training
Gang Case Investigations & Presentations
2008
C.A.R.T. Academy
Dangers of a Gang Lifestyle
Publications
2019
Website Blog
Criminal Discovery and Fighting Gang Cases
Languages
English
Spanish
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
PPC273.5(A) INF CORP INJ:SPOUSE/COHAB please explain what I will be looking towards tomorrow ?
20 Aug 2019
Q&A
My 17 year old nephew has been accused of molestation/rape by a six year old. He is in foster care. What are his options?
06 Jan 2015
Q&A
Can a person smoke and drink while living with someone on informal probation (due to misdemeanor DUI)?
03 Jan 2015