The government has limitless resources with which to prosecute you, while your funds may be limited. That's why you need a seasoned legal strategist to design a defense that will vindicate you. At jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys, we firmly believe that everyone deserves a second chance. As human beings, we are all bound to make mistakes.
Our legal team's mission is to see that a momentary lapse in judgment does not end up costing you your freedom. For over three decades, our founder, James N. Dicks, has been vigorously defending the rights of the accused throughout the San Diego area. During that time he has successfully represented hundreds of clients accused of a variety of crimes, from misdemeanors to capital offenses.
Our legal team's mission is to see that a momentary lapse in judgment does not end up costing you your freedom. For over three decades, our founder, James N. Dicks, has been vigorously defending the rights of the accused throughout the San Diego area. During that time he has successfully represented hundreds of clients accused of a variety of crimes, from misdemeanors to capital offenses.
Services
We are jD LAW Criminal Defense Attorneys, a criminal defense firm located right across the street from the North County Courthouse in Vista. Founded in 1990 by former LAPD detective-turned-attorney James N. Dicks, our law firm is dedicated exclusively to defending the rights of California residents in their criminal cases - both state and federal.
As soon as we take your case, a lawyer at jD Law Criminal Defense Attorneys will contact the district attorney on your behalf - if he can prevent charges from being filed, great! If not, he will plead "Not guilty" and get started investigating your case. We go above and beyond to keep you from going to jail.
James Dicks started his career as a police officer for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD). Before long, he rose up in the ranks to become an undercover narcotics investigator. Realizing he had the experience and knowledge to know what to look for in criminal cases, he decided to go to law school while still working for LAPD.
Joanne is a trial attorney at the firm. She began her legal career as a senior paralegal in a mid-size law firm in Los Angeles where she gained experience in bankruptcy handling the most complex type of cases, Chapter 11 cases.
After several years she attended law school, where she interned at several locations, most notebly: The Primary Public Defender's Office and the Multiple Conflict Office, where she assisted in a murder trial that resulted in an acquittal; Casa Cornelia Law Center, a public interest law firm that provides quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations.
After several years she attended law school, where she interned at several locations, most notebly: The Primary Public Defender's Office and the Multiple Conflict Office, where she assisted in a murder trial that resulted in an acquittal; Casa Cornelia Law Center, a public interest law firm that provides quality pro bono legal services to victims of human and civil rights violations.
Lisbette serves as a trial attorney in the firm focusing on criminal law and personal injury. She has been with the firm since 2011 and is also a notary public. While in law school, she interned for UURISE, a non-profit organization for immigration law where she helped people apply to become U.S. citizens.
Reviews (25)
Adam Vincent
Dec 23, 2021
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Beelvanbuurenful
Oct 20, 2021
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There’s a reason why James has so many positive reviews for his law office, my case was 100% handled by him and the professionalism and courtesy and genuine care and concern he showed the day of my court date made me feel a lot better about the process. My case was cleared and I owe it to James I could tell he is respected in this community by all the people involved in my matter and it helped me out in the end. Thank you!
Jamie King
May 26, 2021
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L. S.
May 13, 2021
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I'd like to thank James Dicks for his assistance in helping me with a referral. He generously gave me a portion of his time today to listen and offer me a referral. This was above and beyond the call of duty. He also answered his phone and I was able to reach him on the first try. Genuine and kind man.
Anneka Broad
May 06, 2021
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Harold Sanchez
Mar 07, 2021
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From Day 1 Joanne made me feel confident I was in good hands. I came unsure what I needed to do or was even able to do/qualify for. I gave her a bit about my case and she quickly told me what I was possible and took over from there. I can’t stress enough how easy she made it for us. I’ve hired lawyers before for other cases I’ve had. In the past I’ve had to call lawyers and remind em/ask em for information that I need. Ms. Sanchez from the beginning was always a step ahead and very attentive of my case. Great attorney and great personality overall and I felt she had my best interest at
Austin Holtkamp
Mar 04, 2021
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JD law is the best attorney anyone could have. Him and his firm do the absolute most to take care of their clients and get them the best possible outcome. They are responsive, quick and go above and beyond for their clients. Jimmy is as professional as it gets and should be anyone's first choice of attorney if they're looking for the best possible outcome with whatever situation they fall into. If you have the opportunity of hiring him it will be the best decision you could ever make
Ricardo
Feb 07, 2021
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I would strongly suggest JD Law for your legal issues. My attorney Joanne Sanchez represented me in court. The firm managed to remove a warrant that was issued for me and managed to obtain a plea deal that was better than what i had anticipated. They do turn every stone to make sure you are protected in every way. I did feel respected and my issue was addressed step by step. Everything was handled via phone, and the only main interaction I had was during the actual court appointment. These attorneys are on top of it!
Steven Porter
Nov 18, 2020
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I had a really great experience with JD Law. They have very clear pricing with no surprises and give excellent service. All of my communication with them was quick, easy to understand, and highly professional. Plus, they solved my issue with a better result than I had even hoped for. Overall I am extremely satisfied with the quality of service and value I received.
Sherry P.
Aug 18, 2020
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We've worked with JD Law two times over the last 5 years. We were impressed with their professionalism and efficiency, and also the compassion they showed toward us as they guided us through a difficult time. In both cases we were happy and relieved with the outcome, especially the recent case that Lisbette helped us with. She got us as good a deal as possible and we couldn't be happier to have it behind us. JD Law is a great team, and will get you the best result possible.
Cory Mettling
Jul 24, 2020
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The JD Law team was helpful to me every step of the way. Without giving much detail here, I was able to avoid jail and keep my life relatively unaffected by my court case. I could not have done it without the help of JD Law. They are extremely professional and always willing to go the extra mile. Moving forward I hope never to need an attorney but if I do, I know exactly who will make me feel at home and comfortable - JD Law.
Cory M
Cory M
Mike Klowas
May 22, 2020
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I recently reached out to jD Law for help. Their response to my initial call was immediate and extremely helpful and attentive. What I like the most about this firm is that they were upfront told me exactly what to expect and never promised anything they couldn’t deliver. I believe that the communication between the attorney and myself was top notch and I couldn’t ask for any more, my questions were answered candidly. The results of my case were in my favor and I couldn’t be happier!
If you’re looking for an attorney who is upfront, honest and hard-working look no further. I can’t recommend
If you’re looking for an attorney who is upfront, honest and hard-working look no further. I can’t recommend
Jeff M.
Oct 13, 2019
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Frank P.
Sep 27, 2019
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Juan L.
Jul 18, 2019
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John S.
Jan 17, 2017
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Unfortunately I've had multiple duis, I have used Mr. Dicks the last two. He has always shown me that he cared and did the best he could. This last case he really helped me out. I got off with minimal fines, a multiple conviction program and a Madd class. No public work services. Thanks man. Hopefully I never have to use you again.
Cleatus C.
Dec 14, 2016
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I'd like to thank Jim Dicks and his office for the assistance they provided me. Jim is incredibly friendly and goes out of his way to provide the best assistance possible. On the cases he represented me in, the results were awesome. I'm beyond glad I was referred to Mr.Dicks by a friend to represent me in court, and I would definitely recommend his services to friends in the future. My dui(+2 counts hit n run) was dropped to a wet reckless. Incredible work.
Janine Marie N.
Nov 01, 2016
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Mr. Jim definitely helped me get my first DUI down to a wet and reckless. He took a heavy burden off of my shoulders, and I never felt like I needed to worry about a thing! His assistants were amazing as well; always so polite and helpful. I will definitely be utilizing him in the future if need be, thank you!!
Angela E.
Aug 11, 2016
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Mr. Dicks, and his staff were extremely helpful, responsive and assisted a close friend of mine, not 1 but 2 by getting the best possible outcome for there cases.
we have been very worried about one of the cases for 4 years now, and Mr. Dicks took care of it all in less than 3 days!!
He was also able to assist another friend of mine in a dui case a few months back..
Both cases resulted in no jail time at all- what we were all worried about..
I would highly recommend Mr. Dicks to anyone who needs any legal representation!
we have been very worried about one of the cases for 4 years now, and Mr. Dicks took care of it all in less than 3 days!!
He was also able to assist another friend of mine in a dui case a few months back..
Both cases resulted in no jail time at all- what we were all worried about..
I would highly recommend Mr. Dicks to anyone who needs any legal representation!
Abel V.
Jun 22, 2016
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Mr. Dicks was very professional, he had me detail my DUI from start to finish when we first spoke over the phone. He gave me the worst case scenario but vowed to fight my case to the very end and I was awarded the best case scenario and his assistants where very helpful and knowledgeable. My wife was a little hesitant about hiring an attorney but Mr. Dicks got a .12 BAC level down to a "Wet Reckless". I recommend him to anyone who wants a fighting chance in a DUI case and wants to be handled by a professional. When I went to court he not only represented myself but 5 others and gave them
Daryoosh K.
Jun 23, 2015
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Pickles B.
Oct 10, 2014
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Honestly James Dicks is the best attorney I've ever had He radiates confidence and makes you feel like he really wants to help you not just like it his job he's really passionate and knows the law I couldn't thank him enough for his time and services if you need an attorney this is your guy he's the best check him out!!!
El J.
Jan 17, 2014
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I called James Dicks right from the car as my friend was being evaluated for DUI. His interview of me to assess the situation was quick and gave him the information to help me help my friend, even before she was in the back of the patrol car. He gave me instructions on which facility she would likely be taken to and which bail bondsmen to see. All enabling me to get my friend out of custody in the fastest time possible. James Dicks knows how to get the best results for his clients from minute one.
Alicia R.
Jan 04, 2014
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Jeff D.
Dec 19, 2013
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He came highly recommended and I got to see why....
I retained Jim Dicks to represent my brother who got himself into a great deal of trouble in a very short period of time.. :-(
The task grew in complexity and it didn't faze Mr Dicks. He aggressively "got ahead" of things and I was, to describe it in a single word, "amazed".
Pros
- Great Communication
- Extremely Professional and personable.
- Many years of experience working the San Diego Courts - both as public defender and private criminal defense attorney
- Highly Effective
- Fantastic Attitude.
I retained Jim Dicks to represent my brother who got himself into a great deal of trouble in a very short period of time.. :-(
The task grew in complexity and it didn't faze Mr Dicks. He aggressively "got ahead" of things and I was, to describe it in a single word, "amazed".
Pros
- Great Communication
- Extremely Professional and personable.
- Many years of experience working the San Diego Courts - both as public defender and private criminal defense attorney
- Highly Effective
- Fantastic Attitude.
