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James Edmund Oliver JR

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Avvo Rating10
  • Tacoma, WA
  • Licensed for 21 years
  • Free consultation
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About James

You deserve a top rated defense that you can afford.  If you have been charged with a crime, received a traffic ticket, or have been injured, the choice you make in an attorney will have long lasting consequences.

You should carefully choose an attorney who fill fight for you, your freedom, your future, your health. I'm an experienced trial attorney in an office of experienced trial attorneys who will fight for you. IF YOU DEMAND JUSTICE, DEMAND DURFLINGER OLIVER!

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Practice areas

DUI and DWISpeeding and traffic ticketCriminal defensePersonal injury
  1. Personal injury: 50%

    Motor Vehicle Accidents, Motorcycle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Dog Bites, Slip and Fall.

    22 years, 200 cases

  2. Criminal defense: 30%

    Serious Felony and Misdemeanor Defense: Burglary, Assault, Attempting to Elude, Possession of Stolen Property, Unlawful Possession of Controlled Substance, Possession with intent to Deliver, Unlawful Possession of a Firearm, Felony Harassment, Vehicular Assault, Vehicular Homicide, Felony DUI, Arson, Theft, Malicious Mischief, Domestic Violence, Kidnapping, Rape, Shoplifting.

    21 years, 3,000 cases

  3. Speeding and traffic ticket: 10%

    Tacoma traffic attorney. We handle speeding tickets, too fast for conditions, HOV violations, Negligent Driving, following too closely and other infractions.

    21 years, 2,000 cases

  4. DUI and DWI: 10%

    Defense of Drug and/or Alcohol related driving charges. Drunk driving, DUI, DWI, BUI, Physical Control, Drugged Driving. Marijuana, weed and booze.

    21 years, 700 cases

Languages spoken

English, Spanish

Photos and videos

29065 1299912648

29065 1299912717

29065 1299919297

29065 1299919312

29065 1310529566

29065 1310529652

29065 1310690426

29065 1311464779

Contact

Durflinger Oliver & Associates

711 Saint Helens Ave.
Suite 209
Tacoma, WA, 98402

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
WAActive200005/10/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers268
Legal guides2
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 100 Criminal Defense Lawyers In State of WashingtonThe American Society of Legal Advocates2015
Firm of the YearNALS2013
Firm of the YearNALS2012
Best Answer to Legal QuestionAvvo2011
Best Pierce County Law Firm 2011-2012NALS - Association for Legal Professionals2011
Spring 1997 Mock Trial - 1st PlaceSeattle University Moot Court Board1997
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PartnerDurflinger, Oliver & Associates2011 - Present
Attorney at LawLaw Office of James Oliver2002 - Present
PartnerWickens Oliver, PS2008 - 2010
Paralegal/Contract AttorneyDavies Pearson, P.C.1999 - 2002
MediatorPierce County District Court1997 - 1999
Street Law TeacherLincoln High School1997 - 1997
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Tacoma Events CommissionOf Counsel2014 - Present
Tacoma/Pierce County Chamber of CommerceMember2014 - Present
Washington Defender AssociationMember2012 - Present
Tulalip Tribal Bar AssociationAdmitted to Practice2010 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar Association, Legislative CommitteeChairman2009 - Present
Puyallup Tribal CourtAdmitted to Practice2005 - Present
Tillicum American Lake Gardens Community Service CenterPast President2005 - Present
Republican PartyPrecinct Committee Officer2005 - Present
Washington Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2003 - Present
Federal CourtAdmitted to Practice2002 - Present
Washington State Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2001 - Present
Washington State Bar AssociationMember2000 - Present
Tacoma Pierce County Bar AssociationMember2000 - Present
City of Lakewood Planning Advisory BoardBoard Member2007 - 2011
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
AvvoThe Stages of a Criminal Case In Washington2011
Merchant CircleFight Your Ticket2007
http://attorneyoliver.angelfire.com/blog/New Changes in Pierce County Superior Court2007
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Washington Assoc. of Criminal DefenseContinuing Legal Education2011
Tacoma/Pierce County Bar AssociationContinuing Legal Education2010
Pierce County Center for Dispute ResolutionBasic Mediators Course1998
Seattle University School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1998
University of California - Santa CruzBA - Bachelor of Arts1994
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Trial TacticsCriminal Trial Techniques2011
Local PoliticsReagan Political Accomplishments2007
Candidates ForumLegislative Candidate2006
Career DayOverview of the Law1999
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Rupp v. ChanInsurance Policy Limits.
St. v. Meza FloresDismissals of all but one Assault 3.
St. v. PereaAcquittal
State of Washington v. MataDismissed with prejudice.
State v. SmithNot Guilty Verdict
St. v. NealDismissal with Prejudice
St. v. JohnsonGuilty of lesser included of simple possession.
State Of Washington, Respondent V Marvin D. Mccormick, AppellantRemanded for resentencing.

Reviews

(13)
5 Star
92%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
8%
Review James Oliver

The best attorney a guy looking at time in prison could ever ask for!!!

Posted by

He came in the court house and everyone acknowledged him right away. Me being a salesmen most of my life I knew right there how much foot work it took to get that kind respect and they all greeted him with a smile. Got me PR'rd on a bail jumping which I've never heard nor seen that ever happen. Ended up getting charges dismissed!! Man I couldn't have done it withouty Gurl cause she's the one introduced me to Jim and it was the best idea she spoken yet!! Lol

Review

Posted by

I have had a few tickets in the last few years and never went anywhere else. Very easy and speedy. I have had all of my traffic infractions off my record and couldn't be happier. (mainly in the Pierce County area) Highly recommended

my case was dismissed

Posted by

This is the best lawyer I've ever had I highly recommend him if your in real trouble. I was facing 20 plus years and 5 months later I'm home with my family. Hes really good and knows exactly what he's doing. on top of that he's a great guy. This is the attorney you want. him and his staff were always there to do there best to answer any questions I had. Durflinger Oliver is the way to go

Great defense

Posted by

Jim is the best lawyer i have ever dealt with.He is down to earth and knows the law.Jim and his staff make you feel right at home and everything is going work out in the best possible way to benefit you.I highly recommend Jim to defend you in any way needed.

If you ever find yourself and your life counting on somebody, put your life in the hands of James Oliver.

Posted by

First and for most, I would like to thank James Oliver and staff for all that they have done for myself and my case. I couldn't have asked for a better turn out with such satisfaction than I got with James Oliver Attorney at law, So I highly recommend if you ever find yourself at need of an attorney at law, James Oliver all the way.

A very competant, professional and friendly lawyer. HIGHLY recommended.

Posted by

I hired Mr. Oliver recently when my existing lawyer had to withdraw from my case due to a conflict of interest. I was facing six months in custody due to a no-contact order violation. This case was pending and holding over my shoulders for over one year. The prosecuting attorney was not willing to negotiate at all, even though the alleged victim in the matter did not want to press charges. Throughout the whole process James was confident that he would be able to persuade the judge to allow electronic home monitoring as an alternative to jail time. He informed me that this was not a case that would be worth taking to trial, and recommended that I plea guilty and try to convince the judge to allow EHM as opposed to jail time. The time cam to plea guilty, and we appeared in front of a Pro-Tem judge. She reviewed the evidence, and made the decision to sentence me to three months jail time, and the remaining three months on EHM. At this point, I was ready to just get it over with, serve my time and move on with my life. James did not take the initial decision lightly, and informed the Pro-Tem judge that he would be filling a motion to re-consider with the presiding judge that usually oversees the cases in that court. Keep in mind throughout this entire process, he was very re-assuring and was very confident that he was going to make a strong argument in order to overturn the initial ruling. About a week after the initial ruling, he called to inform me that we would be going to the same courtroom again to appear before the presiding judge to plead our case. The judge ended up amending the initial findings, and sentenced me to three days in custody, and the remainder of the time to be served on EHM. Now I will be able to keep my job, continue therapy, and move on with my life. I can't recommend this lawyer enough. Not only is he confident, friendly and professional, he is also extremely articulate when speaking on the record and presents his argument very well. I have dealt with many lawyers in the past, and I can honestly say he is the best I have ever worked with. He will not give up, fight hard for you, and help you to feel as though there is justice in this biased legal system. Legal troubles are a serious thing in this day and age. I have seen many innocent people railroaded by the legal system and lose everything they had ever worked for. If you have any problems, and are facing any legal troubles you do not want to just hire anybody. If you had a life threatening illness that needed to be treated, you would not just trust any doctor to conduct the surgery, so why leave your life in the hands of an in-competent lawyer? James is the best there is, do not hesitate to hire him! You will not be sorry!

Looking for Excellence, Look for James Oliver

Posted by

I hired Mr. Oliver in 2008 where he handled my case and was amazing. He let me feel at ease with his confidence and knowledge of what he was doing. He is not only professional but very personable. He is very trust worthy and has outstanding ethics. Very hard to find in todays world let alone in an attorney. He truly cares about what he does and the people he serves.

Great lawyer at an affordable price

Posted by

I decided to use this lawyer because he was recommended by a friend. I was concerned that his fees were a bit lower than what other lawyers were charging but he had lots of experience and we really liked him. I hired him to represent my son and he did a great job. He tried the case and my son was acquitted of all charges.

the light at the end of the tunnel

Posted by

i was extremely happy with the knowledge and confidence Jim Oliver showed to me in my time of chaos. i was unsure about having another lawyer give me false hopes just because i haven't been in this situation before. Jim Oliver not only gave me confidence he showed that great lawyers still exist. i couldn't have been happier with the service of Jim Oliver. thank you again.

Outstanding services with outstanding results !!!!

Posted by

I have gone to Mr. Oliver for many things, including a lot of referrals. He is the lawyer everyone wishes they knew. I have referred him to all of my family members, friends, co-workers, and even to people I don't even know. He is a sincere person, and you feel that when you first contact him...... I have ONLY used Mr. Oliver for an attorney since 2007, and will only take the legal advise from him . He has always given me piece of mind, and was beat everything ! Thanks SO much !!!!
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Attorney endorsements

(41)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Ali Ebrahimzadeh

I endorse this lawyer.

Alexandra Gonzalez-Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 13, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Travis Newton, DUI and DWI Attorney on Aug 17, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Peter Marek, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

A U.C. Santa Cruz undergrad with a Seattle University School of law degree and 15 solid years of practice is what we refer to as highly experienced. Knowledge of both the law and procedure is excellent and evident in his pro bono contributions here. His client reviews are beyond stellar, they reflect his worth to his clients. READ THEM! Endorsements from peer attorneys are also outstanding. Do yourself a favor if you or a loved one need help and give him a call for a consultation. If you are lucky he might just agree to represent you.

Judd Nemiro

I endorse this lawyer. Responsible and respected member of the legal community

Scott Lemanski, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 7, 2015
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Christopher Van Vechten, Speeding and traffic ticket Attorney on Sep 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

M. Miller, Criminal defense Attorney on Dec 31, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Daniel Gerl, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I've known Jim for years, first working "against" him as a prosecutor and have observed him for years since as fellow defense counsel. He's knowledgeable and presents very professionally. He was always pleasant dealing with prosecutors, and as a former PA and now defense attorney now I can say that's no small task. That sort of demeanor and approach pays dividends for his clients. Jim also has great taste in eyewear and shoes. In fact, when I got Lasic last year I hesitated for a moment, because I knew I'd never again have a need cool glasses like Jim's. Well at least there's still the shoes. Jim is a great attorney and I endorse him without reservation.

Sean Bratner, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I've known Jim professionally for many years, and I am always impressed with the high level of service he provides for his clients. Inside the courtroom he uses his vast knowledge of the law to effectively persuade Judges and Prosecutors. Outside the courtroom he is very personable, able to connect with his clients and understand their needs. Jim's clients can feel confident they are in good hands and that everything possible is being done to ensure their resolution is the best possible outcome.

Martha Mclaughlin, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 7, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I have had the privilege of working with Mr. Oliver for the past 2 1/2 years. Previously, as a prosecutor I negotiated cases with Mr. Oliver. As a defense attorney, I have been fortunate to benefit from his vast experience as criminal defense trial attorney. I have enjoyed watching and participating in Mr. Oliver's trials and have been impressed by his expertise and command of the courtroom.

Michael Harbeson, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 29, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Jim is a great and well respected trial attorney in the community. He has a very successful practice due to his great work ethic and his success in the courtroom.

Pius Joseph, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 26, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. James is a compassionate and outstanding lawyer and will successfully defend his clients with passion. I highly recommend him.

Albert Crosner, Personal injury Attorney on Feb 17, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Oliver is a very experienced attorney and has shown his analytical skills through his providing answers to Avvo community posed questions. I would highly recommend him.

Matthew McGowan, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 16, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Never looks a horse in the mouth. Has some interesting ideas about ponies, too. I'd hire him.

Andrew Yi

I endorse this lawyer. During my time as a deputy prosecuting attorney, I was always impressed by Jim's passionate advocacy for his clients. He has a sound legal mind and delivers top-notch results. Now, as a criminal defense attorney, I admire Jim for these same qualities.

Elizabeth Powell, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 12, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. He's a rock star at crim defense!

Scott Moriarity, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 7, 2012
Relationship: Worked together on matter

Jim and I have worked together many times. I am always impressed with his passion for his clients.

Hadi Ramsey, Lawsuits and disputes Attorney on Feb 8, 2012
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Cost

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
      60 minutes
    OTHER BILLING TYPES
    • Contingency A contingency fee is the percent of the final award a lawyer will receive as compensation. For some of these cases, lawyers will only be paid if there is a successful outcome.
      25%-40%
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card