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James C Ames
About James
Biography
Since 2003, James Christopher ("Chris") Ames has served all North, South, and Central Coast Communities of Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, and Ventura Counties. He provides experienced and effective representation. Chris is committed to providing you with top notch legal support, approaching every client with a focus on integrity, advocacy, and understanding. He has a well-deserved reputation of excellence in providing smart, sensible, and cost-effective legal and business solutions for his clients.
Chris is a native of California, born and raised in San Diego County. Shortly after graduating Carlsbad High School, he joined the Air Force where he served his Country while raising his family and completing his undergraduate work in criminal law and sociology at Chapman University.
Chris served two tours in the United States Air Force from 1990 until 1997 as an electro-mechanical technician on the Minuteman and Peacekeeper Intercontinental Ballistic Missile systems. He was stationed at F.E. Warren Air Force Base, Wyoming and Vandenberg Air Force Base, California. He was honorably discharged from active duty in 1997.
During his legal studies at the Santa Barbara College of Law, Mr. Ames interned and was ultimately employed by the City Attorney’s Office, City of Lompoc. There he assisted the City Attorney’s Office, representing the City in litigation, land use and business matters. After completing law school, he was employed by small and mid-size law firms in the Central Coast focusing his practice in the areas of Criminal Law, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Civil / Business Litigation.
From 2007 to present, Chris has practiced alongside his partners, Sharon Martinez and Cristina Brooks-Montgomery, in a very successful partnership in Lompoc, California and serving the Central Coast communities.
Mr. Ames holds a Juris Doctorate from Santa Barbara College of Law (2002) and bachelor’s degrees in both criminal law and sociology from Chapman University, Orange, California (1997).
He currently lives in Lompoc where he enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Practice Areas
4
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
60%
22 years | 1,000 cases
Bankruptcy and Debt
25%
22 years | 500 cases
Litigation
10%
22 years | 100 cases
Personal Injury
5%
22 years | 50 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Hourly Rates
$ 250-350 per hour
Contingency
33%-40%
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 22 years
State: California
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Location
BROOKS & AMES
621 E Ocean Avenue, Suite A, Lompoc, CA, 93436
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James C Ames's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
4 Client Reviews
Filter Avvo Reviews (4)
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Practice Areas
Showing 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
Posted by KayJ | October 30, 2016 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Peace Of Mind With James Ames
Recently I had the pleasure of being represented by James Ames. I must say that his extensive knowledge helped ease the burden I was feeling. I was not sure what the outcome was going to be & I was extremely overwhelmed and embarrassed but James Ames assured me that he was covering all bases and I wo...
Posted by anonymous | September 16, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Mr. Ames=great attorney
"Chris" as he his known as, is one of the most understanding and caring person. He will go out of his way to help you in any way possible. I remember a time I walked into his office without an appointment and he saw me right away. We spoke about my situation and he made me feel at ease and he went ab...
Posted by Sean | September 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Attorney Services Review
Mr. Ames worked me thru my personal issue privately and discreetly. I appreciate his support during the court processes. He made my needs simple and handled near everything for me. I totally recommend Mr. Ames. He is the best !
Posted by Keith | September 13, 2016 | Hired Attorney
Very professional and diligent
We were grateful to have someone who we felt was 100% committed to us. He was helpful in making us feel calm in a difficult situation. I would recommend him to anyone needing his services.
James C Ames's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer. Chris is a great lawyer and friend."
"I proudly endorse James "Chris" Ames. He is a strong criminal defense attorney who works extremely hard to provide his clients with the best representation."
Michael Gazell
Criminal defense lawyer
Experience
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Partner, Brooks & Ames
2005 - 2007
Attorney, Kirk & Simas, A Professional Law Corporation
2002 - 2005
Attorney, Michael B. Clayton and Associates
Associations
2016 - Present
Grizzly Youth AcademyMentor
2016 - Present
California DUI Lawyers AssociationMember
2014 - Present
California Public Defenders AssociationMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Consumer Bankruptcy AttorneysMember
2006 - Present
Lompoc RotaryMember
2003 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
2013 - 2015
National Court Appointed Special Advocate AssociationChild Advocate
2010 - 2015
Lompoc Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors
2007 - 2009
Lompoc Boys & Girls ClubBoard of Directors
2006 - 2008
American Inns of CourtMember
Education
N/A
Santa Barbara College of Law
N/A
Chapman University
Languages
English
Spanish