James Richard Askew

James Richard Askew

4.0
Rating: 8.6

Licensed for 25 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Santa Barbara, CA
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, DUI & DWI, Domestic Violence

5276 Hollister Avenue, Suite 455, Suite 455, Santa Barbara, CA

About James

Biography

Practice Areas

3

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 50%

At Tri Counties Criminal Defense we can provide representation for every offense from felonies to misdemeanors. We are criminal defense attorneys and that is all we do.

22 years | 1,000 cases

50%
DUI and DWI 25%

21 years | 200 cases

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in California for 25 years

State: California

Acquired: 2000

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Tri Counties Criminal Defense

5276 Hollister Avenue, Suite 455, Suite 455, Santa Barbara, CA, 93111

Tri Counties Criminal Defense

1301 Chorro Street, Suite A, Ste. # 220, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93111

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James Richard Askew's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.0 /5.0

8 Client Reviews

Filter Avvo Reviews (8) Refine reviews to match your needs. Use the filters to quickly surface reviews that align with your case or priorities.

Showing 1 - 5 of 7 reviews | Criminal Defense

Posted by anonymous | February 21, 2026 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

James the Scammer

Beware of this attorney. He's a liar and a scammer. He'll tell you he will fight your case, but actually does nothing,g and if it looks like it needs to go to trial, he'll back out and keep all your money. We hired him for a flat fee to take us through a trial in a bogus misdemeanor case. He del...ayed the hearing with continuances for 2 years while he did nothing. Then, when the judge finally set a trial date, he backed out and won't refund any of the money he took. Leaving us in a terrible position and way worse off than when we hired him. He's a scammer.

Posted by Mike | March 29, 2024 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Worst lawyer ever. JUST A SCAM ARTIST THAT WILL TAKE YOUR MONEY

There is no way this guy has this good of a track record and such great reviews. Basically worst lawyer I have ever dealt with. Told me he would do the best he can to get rid of my bogus charges..but literally just lied ..took my money and did no work whatsoever. Actually seemed like he was more wor...king in favor of the DA and criminal defense. This man is more of a scam artist than a lawyer....I would seriously even question if he is an actual lawyer and even went to law school. Seemed more like he took a one hour online school and printed out his diploma. This man did absolutely nothing he said he was going to do...and I would almost swear he didn't even bother even reading the paperwork and police report

James Askew

Replied last April 01, 2024

I do not have a private client named "Mike" or "Michael." Nor have I ever received any money from you whatsoever. I suggest you ascertain exactly WHO you contracted with for your representation...because it was not me. Sincerely, James Askew.

Posted by Mark | October 21, 2019 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Smart Decision/Smart Representation

From my first inquiry to Central Coast Criminal Defense I received valuable advice and attention. The team at Central CCCD provided three experienced attorneys to represent me and my case, providing a broad wealth of experience and advice. Phone calls, questions and inquiries were always met with pro...fessional and prompt attention. When criminal charges are brought against you, it becomes an overwhelming and daunting experience. It is imperative that you have confidence in those you hire to represent you. Should a criminal charge be leveled against you, prudence suggests that you make phone calls and inquires with as many attorneys as possible, and Central Coast Criminal Defense deserves your early review. Should an emergent situation require immediate attention, you can have confidence in the representation of Jimmy Askew and his team. All costs, advice on immediate and future steps in your defense, and a candid evaluation of your options are clearly presented. Truly valuable relief in a very stressful situation.

Posted by Joey | November 30, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Excellent defense

Mr.Askew has done nothing but an amazing job during his tenure as an attorney, I am speaking as a former client and aspiring attorney myself. He has defended myself and a few of the people I have referred to him who were charged with allegations that were unfair and unjust.if you have even an inkling... of doubt that you may be innocent that is a for sure sign to contact Jimmie to see what can be done with your legal matter.

Posted by Joseph | November 13, 2018 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Best criminal defense

Mr. Askew was able to handle my case and gave me great advice. Mr . Askew was affordable and took our case right off the bat. He is very thorough and efficient in dealing with issues that arise. He was quick on his feet and seemed to always know the answers. Great criminal defense attorney. I would u...se his service again if needed.

See All Client Reviews

James Richard Askew's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Brooke Lee Raybon headshot
Brooke Raybon

Criminal defense lawyer | Jul 13

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I am a family lawyer and I am licensed in Texas. I have known James Askew for almost 30 years. When I have questions regarding anything criminal or specific to California, he is always my go to. He is a fantastic litigator and has won many jury trials. When I prepared for my first jury trial, he spent hours with me on the phone giving me tips and tricks. His deep knowledge and practical approach make him my go-to resource whenever complex issues arise in that jurisdiction. I highly recommend him to anyone seeking a skilled and reliable criminal defense attorney in California."

Monty Gill headshot
Monty Gill

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 06

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a brilliant lawyer and widely respected in the local legal community. He has high ethics and a deep commitment to getting the best outcome for his clients. He has my full endorsement."

Adrienne Hilary Haddad headshot
Adrienne Haddad

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 01

Relationship: Co-worker

"An excellent, committed and well-prepared criminal defense attorney. I sat second chair with Jimmie for my first jury trial, and could not have achieved the NG verdict without him. He knows the law and fights hard for his clients. Jimmie Askew is building a name for himself on the central coast as a tough, committed criminal defense attorney who truly enjoys and excels at motions and trials. A good man, an outstanding attorney."

Timothy Monroe Prentiss II headshot
Timothy Prentiss

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Askew has a great reputation as a zealous advocate for his clients. I have had the opportunity to see him in jury trials and he is the best litigator I have been around. He is a superb strategist and gets results. Mr. Askew's experience, knowledge and passion is what makes him a great attorney!"

Michael Caleb Borges headshot
Michael Borges

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 27

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Askew is a skilled, artful, passionate and well-equipped criminal defense attorney. I have personally seen Mr. Askew in trial while we each represented co-defendants in serious criminal cases. Mr. Askew has won NOT GUILTY verdicts in cases most lawyers might see as un-winnable. Mr. Askew brings insight, intelligence and a keen understanding of strategy to each case he defends. Mr. Askew has, and continues to be, a mentor of mine. He is absolutely the lawyer you want to talk to when you have a criminal case that needs a passionate and highly skilled defense."

View All Endorsements
Brooke Lee Raybon headshot
Brooke Raybon

Family lawyer

Monty Gill headshot
Monty Gill

Unknown lawyer

Adrienne Hilary Haddad headshot
Adrienne Haddad

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Caleb Borges headshot
Michael Borges

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.6 (Excellent)

Honors

2018

Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2007

Most Trials in a Year, Shasta Public Defender's office

Work Experience

2016 - Present

Attorney, Central Coast Criminal Defense

2010 - Present

Attorney at Law, Law Office of James R. Askew III

2006 - 2010

Deputy Public Defender III, Shasta County Public Defender

2000 - 2005

Attorney, Attorney At Law (Sole Practitioner)

1997 - 2005

Instructor, University Of California, Santa Barbara

Associations

2017 - Present

San Luis Obispo County Bar Association

Member

2000 - Present

State Bar of California

Member

2000 - 2018

Santa Barbara County Bar Association

Member

1995 - 2010

Arizona State Board of Accountancy

CPA

1995 - 2000

Arizona Society of CPAs

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

People v. Baker

Not Guilty

P v. Armitage

Settled

P v. Brimhall

Not Guilty

P v. Nugent

Not Guilty

People v. Mason

Not Guilty

See More Legal Cases

Education

1999

Santa Barbara College of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

1990

Western International University

MS - Master of Science

1988

New Mexico State University

BBA - Bachelor of Business Administration

Speaking Engagements

2018

SLO County criminal bar association

New Bail Law: In Re Humphrey's

Languages

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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