James T. Chiles

James T. Chiles has dedicated his career exclusively to criminal defense here in the Lone Star State. He has several years of experience defending felonies including murder, family violence and domestic assaults, aggravated assault with deadly weapon, sexual assaults and crimes against children, drug crimes, gun charges, and all variety of misdemeanors.

James has handled hundreds of cases in at least 20 counties throughout the State of Texas, primarily the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and surrounding counties. He takes particular pride in an extremely high rate of dismissals.

James graduated with a Juris Doctorate from Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law. He was the Chief of the SMU Criminal Justice Clinic and was a post-bar intern at the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defender’s Office, Northern District of Texas. James has since been in private practice, and has learned criminal defense primarily for working for prominent criminal defense lawyers with decades of experience.

James was born and raised in Dallas. In college he was the National Debate Tournament Quarter-Finalist. Prior to becoming a lawyer, he coached teams to multiple Texas State and National Championships. James believes his experience as champion debater and coach since 2009 excellently contributes to his written and oral advocacy in an aggressive and outside-the-box approach to criminal defense. He aspires to be one of the best criminal lawyers in Texas.

James's primary area of knowledge is in criminal procedure, the Texas rules of evidence, and the 6th Amendment’s right to confront accusers through the crucible of cross-examination.

Outside of work, James enjoys spending time with his family, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, reading philosophy and watching classic criminal trials.

Memberships Honors + Awards

• National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (NACDL)

• Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (TCDLA)

• Dallas County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (DCDLA)