James Neal Tilson, Attorney at Law, P.C.

Criminal Defense

If you are accused of a criminal offense, you need a determined and creative attorney to ensure that all of your rights are protected and upheld.  I have practiced in criminal defense ever since I started in Yuma, Arizona, in October of 1999, and it has always been a focus of my practice.  I have represented a number of high-profile clients, and have successfully defended a variety of very serious crimes, including Arizona drug busts at the U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoints, drug possession, Violation of Probation (VOP), child molestation, assault with a deadly weapon, and conspiracy to commit murder, to name a few.  I am a member of the Natonal Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, and the Arizona Association for Criminal Justice.  If you have been charged with a crime, call me - free consultations for all criminal cases.

DUI

Juvenile Defense

Early on, I realized that juveniles in the legal system often do not get the representation they need.  I have always maintained that juveniles deserve a defense equal to that for an adult.  The juvenile legal system tends to push youths though without individual consideration.  I have worked with juveniles since the beginning of my practice and have found creative ways to steer them in the right direction.  In this process the parents and family join me with their concerns and their assistance.  It is usually a team effort, although the juvenile is my client, and subject to the same confidentiality as an adult client.  This is something that I discuss with the family at the beginning of the case.

Domestic-Family Law (Divorce/Custody) 

It is never easy to separate from a spouse.  It is even more difficult if children are involved.  I emphasize to my Divorce and/or Custody clients the need to resolve the issues between former spouses and their families without destroying all of their relationships.  I support their attempts at stability even in the face of divorce and/or custody disputes. 

Everyone gets hurt!  The less hurt - the better for everyone!

Wills and Estates

For those who would like help with wills and estates, my office is prepared to help plan for the proper handling and documentation of their wills and estates.  The plan may include providing for your personal care if you need it at a later time.

This Traveling Country Lawyer appears in courts outside Yuma

As an Arizona Attorney I have had cases which required traveling to courts outside Yuma, Arizona. I have appeared before Tucson's Superior Court in Pima County and Parker's Superior Court in La Paz County.  Within Yuma County I have appeared in Yuma's Superior Court, Municipal Court, Justice Precinct One in Yuma, Justice Precinct Two in Somerton, Arizona and Justice Precinct Three in Wellton, Arizona.  Many of these are a result of clients getting caught at U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoints in Arizona.

My thesis is that the truly successful lawyer finds a good heart more useful than sharp fangs.

Matthew A. Hodel, American Lawyer

- resolve to be honest at all events; and if in your own judment you cannot be an honest lawyer, resolve to be honest without being a lawyer.            Abraham Lincoln

The right to one's day in court is meaningless if
the judge who hears the case lacks the talent,
experience and temperament that will enable him
to protect imperiled rights and to render a fair decision.

William H. Rehnquist,    Supreme Court Justice

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