Matt James

I offer over a decade of trial law experience to serve the men and women of Colorado and the United States military. Upon my graduation from law school with honors in 2001, I spent over five years as an attorney at the Kane County State's Attorney's Office where I handled thousands of criminal cases. In 2006, I joined the Air Force JAG Corps. I received high marks as a prosecuting attorney. The Judge Advocate General of the Air Force then chose me to become a military defense attorney. Despite glowing reviews and a promotion to Major, I decided to leave active-duty to become a civilian defense lawyer. I now serve those serving America as a criminal defense lawyer, military attorney, and family law advocate.

• Court-Martial Defense

• Free Consultation
  Free initial consultation.
• Credit Cards Accepted
• Rates, Retainers and Additional Information
  I typically charge a flat fee based on the case and my client's income.

Colorado

Since 2013

Illinois

Since 2001

Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces

Since 2007

Federal District Court - Colorado

Since 2013

Attorney & Founder

James Defense

2013 - Current

I am the attorney and founder for James Defense. I have handled thousands of criminal cases and was the lead attorney on hundreds of court cases and courts-martial. I have been trained by attorneys who are considered legends in their field. I have been involved in the full range of criminal trial experience, from investigating murder to trying sexual assault cases. My goal is to give you the same excellent defense services I would want if my own son or daughter were facing legal action. You and your family deserve the best defense possible in your case. I believe that the law is an honorable profession dedicated to helping others.

Attorney, Major (S)

United States Air Force

2007 - 2013

• Tried 40+ General and Special Courts-Martial • Prosecuted and defended courts-martial for drug offenses, sexual assaults, larcenies, violent offenses • Prior Chief of Criminal and Civil Sections in one of the busiest bases in the Air Force, led 5 paralegals and 7 attorneys; hand-selected to serve as Area Defense Counsel for military members • Advised military commanders on all aspects of criminal, contract, environmental, labor, international, and other areas of law • Coordinated and developed law enforcement investigations with Air Force Office of Special Investigations and Security Forces • Prosecuted 200+ terror suspects in Iraqi criminal court in Baghdad during Operation Enduring Freedom • Reviewed over $8 million in contracts for Air Force Base Wings

Assistant State's Attorney

Kane County State's Attorney's Office

2001 - 2006

• Tried 250+ Bench and 40+ Jury Felony and Misdemeanor Trials • Prosecuted thousands of criminal offenses, including domestic violence, driving under the influence of alcohol, and drug related offenses in 400,000 person county in Chicago suburbs • Investigated, charged, and indicted 400+ felonies • Trained new attorneys in all aspects of criminal and civil law

Legal Intern

United States Attorney's Office for the Northern and Southern Districts of Iowa

2000 - 2001

• Researched and briefed legal issues for 12 attorneys • Drafted procedural motions, § 2255 responses, and appellate briefs • Investigated and prepared cases for criminal and civil trials

University of Iowa

J.D. | Law

1998 - 2001

Honors: Graduated with distinction (honors)

Activities: Van Oosterhout Moot Court Competition (Honors Moot Court) Staff, Journal of Corporation Law

University of Chicago

B.A. | Anthropology

1993 - 1997

Colorado State Bar Association

Attorney Member

2013 - Current

Colorado Criminal Defense Bar Association

Attorney Member

2013 - Current

Boulder County Bar Association

Attorney Member

2013 - Current

27(b) UCMJ Certification

United States Air Force

Appointment as Defense Counsel

United States Air Force

Appointment as JAG

United States Air Force

Q. Ive signed my dd214, cleared post & unit.. can the army legally call me back to sign an ncoer?

August 2, 2013

A: Typically, if you've out-processed, passed your date of separation, and did your final accounting of pay with finance, then no. They should just put "refused to sign" or "unavailable to sign".

This answer does not create an attorney-client relationship or provide legal advice.