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James Retallick
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James Retallick
James Retallick Law Offices
2562 Washington Blvd.
Ogden, UT 84401
Phone: (801) 627-3303 | Fax: (801) 334-7275
Excellent Representation For You!
Legal Topic
Immigration
Preferred New Clients
Felony cases, DUI, drug offenses, sexual offenses, white collar charges, fraud and forgery offenses, immigration related criminal charges, removal proceedings, visa issues, employer/employee related issues.
Sub-Categories
Immigration
- Citizenship or Naturalization
- Removal or Deportation
- Employer Work Visas
- Permanent Resident (Green Card)
- Political Asylum & Refugees
- Undocumented Workers
- Visas
- Passports
- Family Petitions
- Employer Petitions
- Customs
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
Legal Topic
Criminal Defense
Preferred New Clients
Felony cases, DUI, drug offenses, sexual offenses, white collar charges, fraud and forgery offenses, immigration related criminal charges, removal proceedings, visa issues, employer/employee related issues.
Sub-Categories
Criminal Defense
- Aiding, Abetting, Accessory, Conspiracy
- Appeals
- Capital Crimes/Capital Cases
- Environmental Violations
- Felonies
- Grand Jury Proceedings
- Juvenile Crimes
- False Identification
- Truancy
- Military Crimes (UCMJ)
- Misdemeanors
- Parole
- Probation
- Perjury
- Plea Negotiation
- Search & Seizure
- Victims' Rights
- Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transsexual, Transgender (LGBT) Rights
- Animal Abuse
- Child Abuse
- Domestic Violence
- Elder Abuse
- DUI
- Felony Auto Accidents
- Parking Tickets & Towing
- Traffic - Moving Violations
- Open Container
- Driving with a Suspended License
- Driving without a License
- DWI
- Hacking
- Malicious Code
- Unauthorized Access
- Expungement or Expunction
- Drug Cultivation & Manufacturing
- Drug Possession
- Intent to Distribute Drugs
- Intent to Sell Drugs
- Medical Marijuana
- Constitutional Rights Defense
- Illegal Possession or Transportation
- Other Weapons & Devices
- Bank Fraud
- Checks & Credit Cards
- Corporate Espionage & Sabotage
- Embezzlement
- Extortion
- Forgery
- Identity Theft
- Insider Trading
- Insurance Claims
- Money Laundering
- Public Offerings
- Racketeering & RICO
- Securities Fraud
- Smuggling
- Tax Evasion & Fraud
- Trade Secrets
- Wire Transfer
- Arson
- Burglary
- Embezzlement
- Larceny
- Shoplifting
- Theft
- Trespass
- Vandalism
- Abduction
- Child Abuse
- Child Pornography
- Indecent Exposure
- Prostitution, Solicitation, & Pandering
- Rape
- Sexual Assault
- Stalking
- Trafficking in Women
- Assault & Battery
- Domestic Violence
- Extortion
- Kidnapping
- Manslaughter
- Murder
- Robbery
Bar Admissions
UT, Oct 1987
Bar Number: 05134
Specialty Certifications
Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Provider.
Other Court Admissions
Utah State Supreme Court, U.S. District Court for Utah.
Association Memberships
Utah State Bar Association, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, American Immigration Lawyers Association, and Utah Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.
Continuing Education
I attend continuing legal education programs to stay on the cutting edge of the latest developments in the area of criminal defense, including: DUI, death penalty defense, drug offenses, sex offenses, and other criminal defense topics.
Example Cases
I have received "not guilty" verdicts or dismissals in cases involving aggravated (armed) robbery, robbery, distribution and possession of controlled substances, felony driving under the influence, theft of a motor vehicle, assaults, violation of protective orders and related domestic violence offenses.
Education
Degree:
Juris Doctor
School:
J. Reuben Clark Law School, Brigham Young University
City:
Provo
State:
UT
Year:
1987
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminal Law
Degree:
Bachelor of Science
School:
Weber State University
City:
Ogden
State:
UT
Year:
1984
Honors:
Graduated with honors.
Focus and Accomplishments:
Criminal Justice and Political Science.
Number of Attorneys
1
State Licensed In
Utah
Firm Focus and History
Criminal defense has been my primary focus since law school. I have worked in law enforcement, forensic analysis and as a military prosecutor before entering private practice in 1992. Since then, I have been involved in criminal defense from capital murder, to major crimes, to DUI and other misdemeanors. With recent aggressive law enforcement targeting immigrants, I have expanded into immigration law.
My paralegal, Jorge Galvez, has 18 years experience with all facets of immigration law. Together we are a formidable team and provide both criminal and immigration services with an eye on the impact one has on the other, winning on both fronts. In addition to criminal and immigration services, my firm also offers expert services in personal injury, domestic relations and litigation.
I began private practice in 1992 after five years as a Judge Advocate General. My firm's primary emphasis has been on criminal law, personal injury and domestic relations. I have also been an independent contractor for over a decade with Weber County as a public defender handling over 300 to 400 felony cases a year. My firm recently expanded into immigration law with the addition of paralegal Jorge Galvez, who has over 18 years experience in immigration law.
Previous Employment Summary
I worked my way through college with a variety of blue collar jobs. During law school I worked for a criminal defense firm in Albany, New York on a capital homicide appeal from Louisiana and on a second capital homicide appeal from Idaho. After law school, I joined the U.S. Army as a Judge Advocate General's Corp officer. I served as a military prosecutor and instructor and doctrine writer at the U.S. Army Intelligence Center and School. I left the Army with the rank of Major. I have been in private practice since 1992. In addition to my private practice, I have served as a public defender in Weber County and as a managing attorney for the Box Elder County Public Defender's Association.
Activities and Awards
Weber County Bar President
Certified Alternative Dispute Resolution Provider
Court Authorized Domestic Mediator
Death Penalty Certified
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
Abraham Lincoln said, "A man who represents himself has a fool for a client." I believe that it is important for a client to understand what the Government has to prove in order to get a conviction. By understanding the "elements" of an offense, an accused can better help his attorney in identifying evidence and those witnesses who can help his or her case. However, it is generally impossible for a layperson to become familiar with all the rules and procedures involved in a trial. The prosecutor is schooled for years to do whatever it takes to get a conviction. The prosecutor also has all the resources of the Government at his disposal to build a case against an accused and to get that conviction. An experienced, aggressive and skilled attorney balances the odds and is often the difference between freedom and prison.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
I am willing to review documents prepared by a client as long as the client is willing to accept constructive criticism and direction that they should expect from an experienced attorney. An attorney should be open enough to listen to the ideas of a client and the client should be open enough to listen to the honest opinions of their attorney.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
I am willing to coach a client who wants to represent themselves as long as I feel I am providing a service and not setting them up for embarrassment and failure. A client may be able to represent themselves in small simple cases; however, even a simple matter can become complex when a layperson is facing a prosecutor or other attorney with years of experience.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I always wanted to be in the service of those who need help. When I was in kindergarten, I wanted to be a fireman. When I was eight, I wanted to be a police officer. I decided to be an attorney after witnessing injustices and abuses and realizing I had the ability to do something about it. I was a police officer (deputy sheriff in Wyoming) and even a volunteer firefighter/EMT in Utah, but nothing beats the satisfaction I feel helping someone in court.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
I consider myself a street lawyer. I grew up in a blue collar world in Upstate New York and have worked hard most of my life. I care about my clients and the issues that affect them. I know how to win or get the best possible results. I have worked as a prosecutor and police officer. I have worked in a crime lab and on a crime scene. I know how to attack evidence, dissect witnesses, build a defense case and dismantle the Government's case. I have lived in six different states and been to five of the seven continents. I was called "tactical JAG" in the Army because I enjoyed being in the field with the troops rather than in the Officer's Club with the brass. All my experiences have given me insight into human nature. I can read people, reach a jury and know how to convince.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
I have always wanted to be in the court room rather than in the board room. I love litigation and the challenge it presents. Criminal law gives me the chance to be in the court room more than any other area of law. I also live for the chance to protect people from the abuses by the Government (i.e. law enforcement, immigration officers, FBI, BATF, DEA, etc.).
What do you like best about your career?
I love meeting with all sorts of people and helping them with the problems and challenges in life. Sometimes it's a small thing, like giving them advice to help them make the right choice. Sometimes it's life changing, like it preventing an innocent man from going to prison for life for a double armed robbery he didn't commit.
Tell us about your law firm:
As a solo practitioner, my clients deal directly with me on all criminal matters. My paralegal, Jorge Galvez, has 18 years experience in immigration law, personal injury, and criminal law. Together, we provide unique skills to address all your legal needs.
What are your strengths and style?
I am easygoing, yet intense when working on my client's case. I have the ability to establish a rapport with my clients, law enforcement officers, prosecutors, judges and juries. I am confident in my abilities and comfortable with my clients.
Personal Interests:
I am a living historian and love reading about early American history from the Revolutionary War to World War 2. I have done Civil War reenacting and am an active participant in Mountain Man Rendezvous. I am a rabid motorcycle rider and love taking long trips, especially in the mountains. I love New Orleans (especially during the Jazz Fest). I love the outdoors, hunting, fishing and traveling in my motor-home. Most of all, I love spending time with my wife, children and my two grandsons.
Office Manager/Assistant
Office manager, Jorge Galvez.
Fax
(801) 334-7275
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
After hour appointments are available. Please call (801) 721-0354.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Foreign Languages
Jorge Galvez speaks Spanish, French, and Italian.
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
Misdemeanor Traffic, drug, assault and domestic violence offenses: $1,500.00.
DUI (Drug and/or Alcohol): $3,500
Misdemeanor: $4,000
Felony (Includes Driver's License Hearing):
Third Degree Felony Offenses: $4,000
Second Degree Felony: $7,500
First Degree Felony: $10,000
Death Penalty Offenses: $100,000
The above prices include preliminary hearings, suppression motions and related pre-trial motions as necessary. Prices do not include trial preparation, trial and post-trial motions and/or appeals. 10% DISCOUNT IF YOU MENTION NOLO! Discounts also available on multi-case matters (i.e. criminal and immigration cases; criminal and personal injury cases; criminal and domestic cases, etc.)
Exceptions to these fees are available depending on the type of case or client profile.
Hourly Rates
$300 out of court, $350 in court.
Free Initial Consultation?
I offer a free initial telephone consultation.
Typical Retainer
The fixed services and fees represent the typical retainer for a given offense.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
