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James Earl Wasson
About James
Biography
I am the senior DUI attorney in the Central San Joaquin Valley, which incldues the counties of Fresno, Madera, Merced and Kings. I have been defending persons accused of DUI, as well as vehicular manslaughter cases since 1977.
During my career, I have tried over 100 DUI Jury Trials involving both alcohol and drugs. I have tried both felony and misdemeanor DUI trials involving vehicular manslaughter and DUI with injury cases.
Prior to becoming a lawyer, I was a Fresno County Deputy Sheriff and a California Highway Patrol officer in Fresno and Madera counties. I have an unique perspective on how to defend a DUI case based on my past law enforcement career.
After passing the California State Bar, I was employed as a Fresno County Deputy District Attorney. I found that defending a person accused of DUI was more challenging and intellectually rewarding than the prosecution of a DUI case.
I have completed advance training with respect to Field Sobriety Testing and evaluation of blood and breath results as they relate to DUI prosecutions. I have completed the student and instructor courses for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) DUI detection and standardized Field Sobriety Testing in Las Vegas, Nevada, and Nashville, Tennessee. On November 6, 2011, in Chicago, IL, I was successful in being certified by Axion Laboratory of Chicago, IL, in completing a 40 hour course in mastering gas chromatography with respect to ethanol alcohol in blood samples obtained in DUI arrests by law enforcement.
I attend seminars annually in New Orleans, Louisiana, with respect to blood and breath testing in DUI prosecutions.
I attend advanced courses in DUI defense through my membership in the National College for DUI Defense at Harvard Law School campus at Cambridge, Massachusetts, as well as seminars on mastering scientific evidence in blood and breath cases sponsored by the Texas Criminal Bar Association in Dallas, Texas in 2007. I have also provided training for the Fresno County Public Defendant's Office on how to defend a DUI case; in addition, I assist other attorneys who need help or advice on defending a DUI prosecution.
I agreestively defend my clients accused of DUI, both in Court as well as at the Department of Motor Vehicles.
I am rated very high in legal ability and ethical standards by Martindale-Hubbell, a national attorney rating service.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
DUI and DWI
80%
51 years | 3,715 cases
Criminal Defense
20%
51 years | 2,000 cases
Fees and Rates
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in California for 50 years
State: California
Acquired: 1975
No misconduct found
Location
Law Office of James E. Wasson
5151 North Palm Avenue Suite 100, Fresno, CA, 93704-2208
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James Earl Wasson's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 61 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Kristy | January 3, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Worst Experience
Absolute worst man to ever do business with! I would NEVER recommend him. At first he was very warm, welcoming, and promised the impossible. I was 21 then scared, naive, and desperate to get some guidance so of course i blame myself for falling for anything. I am 25 now and still regret hiring Mr...
Posted by anonymous | April 16, 2015
Outstanding DUI Attorney
Mr. Wasson recently represented me in a DUI case. I was very pleased with the end result of the charge being reduced and no DUI on my record. Mr. Wasson is very knowledgeable and worked diligently on my case always keeping me informed of any changes or upcoming court dates. I admire the honesty of M...
Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2015
Best DUI Defense Attorney in the Central Valley
Mr. Wasson was recommended by a friend. He represented me in connection with a second DUI offense/probation violation. I believe that his experience in the DA's office, work as a CHP and years of practicing in the Central Valley set him far above any other DUI defense attorney in the area. I am t...
Posted by BRITTANY | March 30, 2015
HAVE A DUI?....NEED A LAWYER??...HANDS DOWN, CALL MR. WASSON!!!!
I RESENTLY RECEIVED A D.U.I. BY CHP FOR A 1.4BAC., I NEEDED A LAWYER, AND I NEEDED ONE QUICK; MY JOB AND LIVELYHOOD DEPENDED ON THE OUTCOME OF THIS DUI CASE. AFTER SEARCHING AND READING REVIEW AFTER REVIEW, I DECIDED MR. WASSON LOOKED LIKE MY BEST BET. MR. WASSON MET WITH ME THE SAME DAY I CONTACTED ...
Posted by Michael | December 8, 2014
First Rate on DMV Issues
I referred someone to Jim. He handled it quickly and capably, doing a first rate job and resulting in all charges being dismissed. He's also a complete gentleman and a pleasure to work with.
James Earl Wasson's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"Amazing at what he does and one of the best DUI lawyers. He works very hard for his clients and achieves great results. I highly endorse and recommend him."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"James Wasson is a very competent lawyer who always does whats best for his client."
"Mr. Wasson is extremely knowledgable and is an expert in the area of DUI cases. I have seen him fight aggressively in court and obtain excellent results for his clients. He is certainly in the top of the field if you find yourself on the wrong end of a DUI charge."
"I endorse this lawyer. A better combination can not be found aggressive, fair and experience. Mr. Wasson goes above and beyond for his clients. I have seen him in action and my goal is to learn from his experience. Which also reminds me he is more than eager to give a hand to a starting attorney who needs pointers."
"Top notch attorney."
"I have the pleasure of knowing Mr. Wasson through participation in the California DUI Lawyers Association. He is in that class of attorneys who really fights for their clients. The people he represents benefit from his unique experience as a law enforcement officer—a rare asset for a defense attorney. He has a fearless passion for justice. If you need smart, aggressive representation, Mr. Wasson is your man."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Jim is very passionae about his clients and their cases. He loves going to trial for his clients."
"I endorse James E. Wasson when you are charged with a DUI in the Central Valley of California, Fresno, Tulare, Merced, and more because he is a fighter. Too many lawyers just take your case and go through the motions, that is just read the reports, then tell you it is time to settle your case. Not James. James gets the reports, finds the errors, gets the test results and finds the errors, goes to the scene to dispute the reports, and builds a defense for his clients. If you are in his office, you don't need to look any further; hire him and get the help you need. Donald Drewry, Vice President, California DUI Lawyer's Association"
"I endorse Mr. Wasson and think it best for you to include him in choosing which attorney to hire - he's one of the best lawyers in the Central Valley of California. Good luck on your case!"
"I endorse Mr. James Wasson. He is passionate, professional, and always puts up a good fight protecting his clients' rights. He is a leader in the community of DUI Defense Attorneys."
"Jim is dedicated to providing zealous and thorough representation to his clients. Jim has spent countless hours educating himself about the issues involved with the defense of those accused of Driving While Under the Influence allegations. Jim has attended numerous National College for DUI Defense, including the Summer Session at Harvard and the Mastering Scientific Evidence courses. He is driven to know everything he can to properly represent those accused of DUI. Jim is always looking for new techniques and understanding of the law. He wants to give his client every opportunity to receive a favorable result. Jim is willing to take every case to trial and will not be intimidated. You cannot go wrong in retaining Jim Wasson to represent you."
"James is an excellent attorney. He is compassionate with his clients and aggressive with his opponents. I know James from many National College for DUI Defense seminars. He is always looking for the competitive edge in DUI defense which will allow him to be more successful. Some lawyers are content to learn the basics and never advance. James is different. His knowledge and understanding of the law and science of DUI defense is unsurpassed–and he is always learning more. If you are looking for a lawyer to defend you on a DUI, look no further."
"James Wasson is a man of exceptional character who holds himself to the highest professional and personal standards. One of James’ many outstanding qualities is his desire to learn as much as possible about DUI defense in order to provide his clients with the best representation possible. He regularly attends advanced DUI training courses including the NCDD, a premier seminar held on the campus of Harvard Law School. I endorse James’ work and definitely recommend him to anyone seeking an aggressive, knowledgeable and experienced DUI defense attorney."
"I endorse James Wasson. He tries cases. He cares about his clients. He constantly strives to become even more accomplished than he already is. If you have a DUI in Fresno, or the surrounding areas. James is the man you want ot consult with about your case. He will tell you the truth, and he will fight for you. You will get your money's worth."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Wasson is a zealous advocate for his clients. He is well respected in the legal community by his peers. If you have been arrested for a criminal offense, Mr. Wasson will take the necessary steps to protect your interests."
"Jim is one of top DUI lawyers in the Central Valley. He is continuously pushing the envelope with new DUI strategies and arguments. He is a tireless worker for his clients. You cannot go wrong with this attorney on a DUI matter. I endorse this lawyer."
"Mr. Wasson has shown as a member of the National College for DUI Defense that he is committed to providing cutting edge DUI defense. The National DUI College members represent the most experienced DUI defense attorneys in the country. If you are charged with a DUI, a general practice lawyer is not the answer. Good DUI defense is hard work and few offenses in our court system call for greater attorney expertise than cases involving driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. DUI cases are especially complex because they require defense counsel to understand BOTH scientific and legal issues. As a fellow member of the College, if you are looking for exceptional representation, I would not hesitate to recommend James Wasson"
Samer Salhab
Criminal defense lawyer
Frank Nunes
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Jeffrey Tenenbaum
DUI and DWI lawyer
Experience
Honors
2011
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2011
Certification in Mastering Gas Chromatography, Axion Laboratory, Chicago, IL
2010
Mastering Scientific Evidence, Certificate of Completion, National College for DUI Defense and Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
2009
Certificate of Completion, Summer Session, National College for DUI Defense
2009
Mastering Scientific Evidence, Certificate of Completion, National College for DUI Defense and Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
2008
Certificate of Completion, Winter Session, National College for DUI Defense
2008
Mastering Scientific Evidence, Certificate of Completion, National College for DUI Defense and Texas Criminal Lawyers Association
2007
Certificate of Completion, Summer Session, National College for DUI Defense
2002
BV Rated, Matindale Hubbell
2000
BV Rated, Matindale Hubbell
2000
Recognition for Sitting Judge Pro Tem, Fresno County Superior Court
1995
Recognition for Sitting Judge Pro Tem, Fresno County Superior Court
1982
BV Rated, Matindale Hubbell
1981
BV Rated, Matindale Hubbell
1980
BV Rated, Matindale Hubbell
1980
Certified Specialist - Family Law, California Board of Legal Specialization
Work Experience
1976 - Present
Attorney, Law Offices of James E. Wasson, Inc.
1976 - 1977
Deputy District Attorney, Fresno County District Attorney
1965 - 1975
State Traffic Officer, California Highway Patrol
1964 - 1965
Deputy Sheriff, Fresno County Sheriff
1961 - 1964
Military Police Officer, Unites States Army
Associations
2004 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
1994 - Present
California Deuce DefendersMember
1987 - Present
Fresno County Attorneys for Criminal JusticeFounder
1980 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
1976 - Present
Fresno County Bar AssociationMember
1976 - Present
State Bar of CaliforniaMember
1976 - Present
United States District Court for the Eastern District of CaliforniaMember
1976 - Present
Supreme Court of CaliforniaMember
1976 - Present
California Attorneys for Criminal JusticeMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v. Hamilton
municipal police department jurisdiction
Education
1975
San Joaquin College of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1970
California State University Fresno
BA - Bachelor of Arts
1968
Fresno City College
Associate of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2009
Public Defender Training
DUI Training
2007
Public Defender Training
Breath Testing
1987
California State University Fresno
Criminal Law
Languages
English