James Bruce Lewis

James Bruce Lewis

4.9
Rating: 8.9

Licensed for 27 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Honolulu, HI
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense, Speeding & Traffic Ticket

1177 Queen Street, James B. Lewis, Honolulu, HI

About James

Biography

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 15 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

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Licenses

Licensed in Hawaii for 16 years

State: Hawaii

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Licensed in Minnesota for 27 years

State: Minnesota

Acquired: 1998

Administrative Suspension

No misconduct found

Location

Law Off. of James B. Lewis

1177 Queen Street, James B. Lewis, Honolulu, HI, 96814-4138

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James Bruce Lewis's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

4.9 /5.0

78 Client Reviews

Showing 11 - 15 of 24 reviews | Practice Area Knowledge

Posted by anonymous | August 28, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Out of State Resident - DUI Case - Went to Trial - Not Guilty

Being an out-of-state resident that was arrested on the suspicion of a DUI (I was pulled over for no head lights), I had originally planned on retaining the services of an attorney recommended to me by some friends - but ultimately decided that it would be in my best interest to find a lawyer that ha...d past and SUCCESSFUL experiences with out-of-state clients. After doing a bit of research, I elected to go with James Lewis and the decision turned out to be the right one! James' calm and clear-headed demeanor was visible from our first interaction together. He was up front and transparent in telling me that I should be prepared in returning to Hawaii on more than one occasion - something that I appreciated from the get go. Throughout our conversations, I told James' I was troubled by the arresting officer's inconsistency in his account of the events. At the first hearing, the State was not ready to proceed with our case (officer out sick). During the second hearing (8 months from my original arrest date), we went to trial. It should be said that of the dozen or so other cases during our assigned time slot - we were the only case that actually ended up going to trial. James' presence and eloquence helped him decisively cross-examine the arresting officer and present the facts about the case. He was ultimately able to demonstrate that the State could not prove - beyond a reasonable doubt - that I was under the influence.

Posted by anonymous | June 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Best DUI lawyer period!

Just completed my DUI trial. The total time from arrest to trial was about 4 months. James is very upfront about everything from price to walking you through this difficult, scary process. I left everything to him, from getting my license back from ADLRO (in less than 3 weeks) the arraignment (which ...he handled) to the actual trial. Don't let his nonchalant attitude fool you, it is because he truly knows what he's doing. The biggest thing with him is he will not plea bargain, he will fight as long as it takes to get your case dismissed or found not guilty. During trial I felt there were inaccuracies and discrepancies from the testimonies and thought they should be brought up to discredit the witnesses, but I believed in James and let him do his thing. He did not have to cross examine too much because he felt the prosecution's case was weak. In the end, I was found not guilty. Total relief, trust James he is the best hands down.

Posted by anonymous | April 21, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

Good Laywer

Arrested for a DUI, and was scared of what could have been (a criminal record). James took my phone call and agreed to meet me within a couple hours (unlike a couple other lawyers). He clearly explained my situation, and what I could expect, both good and bad. It was his quiet confidence that won me ...over. Its hard to choose (and pay in advance for) a lawyer, since there aren't any "stats" like a win/loss percentage to judge him or her. My experience now is that you must just trust the lawyer's judgement and try to not worry. My trial went on for an entire year; it could've ended sooner for better or worse, I think; but James played the long game as that always increases the chances of a dismissal (like if the police officer doesn't show up). After having to appear in court 4 or so times, we had no choice but to go to trial. It was fascinating to watch James dismantle the police officer's inconsistent testimony, and along with the smart move of convincing the judge of toss out a key piece of evidence against me, James was able to give me a Not Guilty verdict. I watched many other lawyers handle DUIs in my hours sitting in court, and James seemed like the most well put-together package in terms of rapport with the judge, making sure that the client felt better about his/her unfortunate situation, and knowing how to work the law and trial process to the client's eventual advantage. Highly recommended... he's not the cheapest (but not the most expensive either), but a DUI is a costly mistake anyhow, and you must do what you can to keep your record clean.

Posted by Steve | March 03, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense

Attorney Lewis was AMAZING! HE got my case DISMISSED!! I feel like I have my life back !!!

Attorney Lewis got my case DISMISSED!!! I feel like I have my life back! I can sleep at night without anxiety, and not worry about having a criminal record! I experienced Mr. Lewis as very personal. I felt cared for and protected with an extremely intelligent advocate fighting for ME. He didn't j...ust go through the motions, I wasn't just a case or a number. Mr. Lewis really cared and wow it showed, even when I compared him with other attorneys I saw inside and outside the courtroom. I will always recommend Attorney James Lewis for legal guidance and success for DUI challenges. Thank you so much !!

Posted by anonymous | July 29, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI

DUI case dismissed!

I was charged with a DUI in July 2015. It was my first DUI and I did not know what to do feeling like everything was a nightmare. All I knew was that it was best that I hire an attorney ASAP after talking to people that was charged with DUI before. I searched for DUI attorneys online and made ca...lls. James was the first attorney to call me back out of all the calls that I made. He was very professional and yet comfortable to talk to and calmed me down over the phone as I was in a panic with my DUI situation. Upon meeting James in person for consultation, I knew right away he would be able to help me to the best he could no matter what the result may be. He was very patient and listened to what happened on the night I was charged with DUI. James explained to me the process that we would have to go through step by step, and answered any questions that I had. Then reassured me that it will be alright and to take a deep breath. He is very knowledgeable of the DUI laws and Hawaii state laws. Intelligent, respectful and trustworthy. Throughout the entire time, he kept me informed and answered to all of my questions via emails and calls regarding my case. My biggest concern was the criminal side charge. After 7 months, my DUI case was dismissed! Thank you so much James!!! You literally took the heavy weight off my shoulders from a very stressful situation. You understood my situation that I was in, you were very professional and I am so glad that I hired you as my attorney!!! I highly recommend attorney James Lewis for DUI cases.

See All Client Reviews

James Bruce Lewis's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse James
Travis Ashley Newton headshot
Travis Newton

DUI and DWI lawyer | Aug 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Arya Saleh headshot
Arya Saleh

Unknown lawyer | Jul 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is the epitome of an excellent trial lawyer: highest integrity, very experienced, dedicated to getting the best result for clients, and respected by everyone that knows him. As a fellow trial attorney, I have absolute trust and confidence in James, and I highly recommend him to anyone that wants to hire the best."

Jacob Charles Stidham headshot
Jacob Stidham

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Friend

"James is a thoughtful, intelligent, and dedicated advocate for his clients. His combination of language skills and litigation epxertise make him uniquely qualified to handle difficult cases in a diverse place like Hawaii."

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Michael C. Cyr headshot
Michael Cyr

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"James is a great guy and a terrific attorney. We met at the National College for DUI Defense at Harvard Law School. DUI is a constantly changing and developing area of law. It's important to be BOTH a great trial lawyer and somebody who understands the complicated science in a DUI case. James is the consummate student in his chosen field and I would heartily recommend him to anybody facing a serious DUI charge."

John Elbert Cutler headshot
John Cutler

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jul 23

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. James and I are fellow members of the National College of DUI Defense (NCDD). To be a member you must meet high standards and keep current with DUI laws. James is also a two time graduate of the NCDD Summer Session program."

Kevin O'Grady headshot
Kevin O'Grady

DUI and DWI lawyer | Oct 14

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

View All Endorsements
Michael C. Cyr headshot
Michael Cyr

Criminal defense lawyer

Arya Saleh headshot
Arya Saleh

Criminal defense lawyer

John Elbert Cutler headshot
John Cutler

Criminal defense lawyer

Ravi R. Gurumurthy headshot
Ravi Gurumurthy

Criminal defense lawyer

Jacob Charles Stidham headshot
Jacob Stidham

Criminal defense lawyer

Kevin O'Grady headshot
Kevin O'Grady

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  8.9 (Excellent)

Honors

2015

Summer Session DUI Defense - Harvard Law School, National College of DUI Defense

2013

Summer Session DUI Defense - Harvard Law School, National College of DUI Defense

Work Experience

1998 - Present

Attorney, Law Offices of James B. Lewis

2000 - 2003

Public Defender, Hennepin County Public Defender's Office

1998 - 2000

Attorney, Legal Rights Center

Associations

2013 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2010 - Present

Hawaii Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - Present

Hawaii State Bar Association

Member of the Bar

1998 - Present

Minnesota State Bar Association

Member of the Bar

Education

2006

University of Hawaii

MBA - Masters

1998

University of Minnesota

MA - Masters

1997

University of Minnesota Law School

JD - Juris Doctor

1993

University of California - Berkeley

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Languages

English

Mandarin

Spanish

Japanese

Activity

Avvo Rating

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