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

Arizona has some of the harshest DUI laws in the United States and it promises to only get worse.  If you are charged with a DUI, or an Arizona drug bust for drug possession, you need an attorney committed to fighting for every possible advantage, and going to trial, if necessary.  I have closely watched the developments in Arizona DUI law, and have stayed current with the latest in Arizona DUI defenses, including source code litigation, challanging field sobriety tests, and testing the constitutionality of blood draws.  By the way, Driving Under the Influence of drugs is also considered a DUI case.  There are U.S. Border Patrol Checkpoints throughout the state.

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.

Foreclosure Defense

This new practice area is meant for those homeowners that bought a home, or took out a second mortgage, during the years from 2001 through 2007.  That was when the banks artificially inflated the market, to take advantage of consumers and make huge profits for themselves.  These practices resulted in the economic crash that we are all enduring today.  But now, after the market has crashed, the banks and mortgage servicing companies that profited are unwilling to re-negotiate those loans to reflect the true market value of your home.  By suing the banks, the aim is to show that these insitutions hold invalid title to your home and cannot enforce any legal action against you.  Not only will this action save your home from foreclosure, it will force the banks to the negotiating table, and give you back the ability to pay for a realistic mortgage that reflects its true market value.

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.

Bankruptcy

Crushing debt does not need to stay on your shoulders.  The United States Constitution protects the right to start over through bankruptcy.  I can counsel you on whether you qualify for a Chapter 7 bankruptcy, and then guide you through the steps necessary to renew your credit and start your life again.

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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