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Owens Defense

Licensed
Licensed
This pro is currently not available for Criminal Defense Attorney
This pro is currently not available for Criminal Defense Attorney

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About
I’m a former Deputy District Attorney in both Alameda and Contra Costa Counties, where I prosecuted everything from misdemeanors to serious felonies. I know how prosecutors build cases, how they make charging decisions, and where the weaknesses usually are. That inside knowledge is now what I use to defend my clients. But my perspective isn’t just professional — it’s personal. Years ago, before law school, I was charged with a felony myself. I fought it, I won, and I never forgot how it felt to have everything on the line. That experience fuels the way I practice: I treat every client’s case like it’s my own freedom at stake. When you hire me, you’re getting someone who has been on both sides of the courtroom and knows what it takes to beat the system. I bring the skill of a prosecutor and the empathy of someone who’s been through it.
Overview

Hired 3 times

Background checked

License verified

2 employees

1 year in business

Business hours

This pro hasn't listed their business hours.

Payment methods

This pro accepts payments via Apple Pay, Cash, Check, Credit card, Venmo, and Zelle.

Credentials

License verified

Attorney

License state: CA

Background checked

Passed by James Owens on Aug 20, 2025.

Services offered
Criminal charges

Drug possession

Theft or robbery

Probation/parole offense

Physical/aggravated assault

Work location

My customers travel to me

I travel to my customers

Reviews

Customers rated this pro highly for work quality, professionalism, and responsiveness.

5.0

4 reviews

5

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4

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3

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2

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pro avatar
Stephanie C.

4 weeks ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

I reached out to James Owens to learn more about the criminal defense process and to understand how he would approach a case having worked for the District Attorney of Alameda, on behalf of a friend. James is very responsive and extremely knowledgeable of the end-to-end process for when a person gets charged with a crime to helping them through arraignment, bail considerations, pre-trial, and all of the steps involved in criminal defense litigation. Unlike some other attorneys I had talked to, James was open about the process and sharing information. He not only shared the costs, but also critical process steps which is important to understand in your decision-making. If you find yourself with an unexpected legal issue, James will lay out a strategy and provide you with options of what could unfold from both sides; prosecuting and defending. James has extensive knowledge and experience. I highly recommend him and hold him in high esteem.
Criminal Defense Attorney
pro avatar
Keira G.

4 weeks ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

I reached out to Owens Defense for guidance on a case involving a family member and shared that I was completely new to the criminal process. James took the time during our consultation to walk me through key points and even offered to review the case further to see if he could take it on. He returned my call the same day and was incredibly honest, informative, and clear in his professional assessment, which really put my mind at ease. He also offered to connect me with the right people so I could stay informed about my family member’s case. I’m truly grateful for his compassion, professionalism, and strong work ethic. I highly recommend James for any legal services.
Criminal Defense Attorney
pro avatar
Gabriel W.

4 weeks ago

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Hired on Thumbtack

Although I just had arraignment James so far showed he goated for real. When others who had cases saw I had him representing me they also inquired about his services for them. James was smooth the whole time as he gave the judge my plea. He also knew the deputy district attorney as he said he trained her when they worked together in the DA’s office in the past. I’m relieved I was able to stumble upon him now knowing and seeing he’s a fierce attorney that’s going to do everything in his power to get me the best possible outcome.
Criminal Defense Attorney
pro avatar
Ted G.

Mar 8, 2026

I was slapped with a massive (multimillion $$$) suit by a person with unlimited funds and a strong desire to ruin me (I kept receiving messages to that effect). As a small biz owner who relies on social media for jobs and new business it didn’t help that this person went on a smear campaign to destroy me. I started out with a lawyer who did the footwork but otherwise kept telling me that just due to the size of the firm this person hired that they would bury me. After a year of getting my ass handed to me I parted ways with that lawyer and felt like I would do better going it alone. A year later I was introduced to James and he had some incredible insight and perspective and told me that this was winnable. Working with James was night and day different. He translated the legalese into an understanding of what the other side was up to. He saw through their tricks and kept them from steamrolling me. The real magic happened once we ended up in front of a judge. It was like watching an artist paint. He was deeply prepared and ran circles around a big international firm (with a partner in charge). We won our first hearing. Six months later James had navigated them throwing everything in the book at us to get us to roll over and we ended up with them asking for us to settle for exponentially less than I had originally offered to settle for. I felt for the first time like someone had my back and he fought like hell for me to get through this.   I would absolutely recommend him to anyone that is facing serious legal issues.
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