James Chiles

James Chiles is a Texas criminal defense lawyer and founding attorney at Chiles McGuire Criminal Law. His practice is devoted entirely to representing people accused of crimes. He has handled hundreds of cases in more than twenty Texas counties, with much of his work concentrated in Collin County and the Dallas-Fort Worth area. His experience includes misdemeanors and serious felonies, from family violence and drug charges to murder, sexual offenses, and crimes against children.

James earned his J.D. from Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law, where he served as Chief of the SMU Criminal Justice Clinic. After graduating, he worked as a post-bar intern with the Capital Habeas Unit of the Federal Public Defender’s Office for the Northern District of Texas. He then entered private criminal defense practice, learning from experienced trial lawyers before co-founding his current practice.

James handles investigations, motion practice, brief writing, contested hearings, and trials. His broader practice covers assault and aggravated assault, stalking, harassment, controlled-substance offenses, DWI, theft, arson, juvenile offenses, federal crimes, white-collar matters, homicide, and criminal appeals. He also defends clients against charges involving the First Amendment. Before law school, he competed in debate, reached the quarterfinals of the National Debate Tournament, and coached several teams to state championships. His experience in debate and martial arts informs the creative, thorough approach he brings to analyzing evidence and identifying weaknesses in a case.

James Chiles has received professional recognition from the National Trial Lawyers as a Top 40 Under 40 attorney, along with selection to Super Lawyers Rising Stars and an Avvo Client’s Choice honor. His work spans both state and federal criminal defense matters. He remains focused on defending accused individuals throughout Texas, including clients facing manufacture or delivery of controlled-substance charges, family violence allegations, sex offenses, and other serious criminal matters.

Law Office Affiliations

• Founding Attorney, Chiles McGuire Criminal Law
• Member, Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, DUI Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, Dallas Bar Association
• Member, Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
• Member, National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
• Member, Texas Young Lawyers Association

Licensed State

• Texas

Education

• Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
  Juris Doctor (JD)
• University of Oklahoma
  Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Awards & Badges