James R. Tate

Jim has established himself as one of the premier attorneys in Northern Virginia, having over 40 years of experience practicing law. His practice focuses on white collar crime, civil litigation, and personal injury. Jim served as a Lieutenant in the U.S. Army during Vietnam with the 101st Airborne Division. He has also served as an Assistant United States Attorney and a member of the Virginia House of Delegates. In 2015 Jim co-wrote the book, I Am Charged With a Crime, which includes experiences from his legal career and life, and also offers advice for those facing a wide range of criminal charges.

Jim has a peer review rating of “AV” from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer rating an attorney can obtain. He has also been awarded a 10 out of 10 rating by AVVO, reflecting his exceptional reputation and experience as a legal professional. In 2018, Jim was recognized by Attorney and Practice Magazine’s Top 10 Attorney List.

Beyond the law, Jim actively volunteers of his time for his faith, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, for which in 2007 he served full-time as the President of the Alabama Birmingham Mission for three years. He is married to Sharon Spieks of Avondale, Georgia, and they have two daughters and five grandchildren.

Notable Case

United States v Dr. Mark Capener, United States District Court, Nevada (Reno Division Case 3:05-cr-114 RCJ (RAM)). After a jury trial lasting over a month Dr. Capener was acquitted of all 52 counts brought against him. After the trial, the trial judge, in a rare ruling, required the Government to pay part of Dr. Capener’s attorneys’ fees and expenses. See Order) The ruling against the Government is now before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco.

Associations and Memberships