
James Farragher Campbell, Criminal Defense Attorney in San Francisco, California
Over 51 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Violent Crimes · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatCampbell & DeMetrick, PLC
San Francisco, CA
Practicing criminal defense in San Francisco since 1975.
- 51+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Farragher Campbell is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Violent Crimes. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- San Francisco, CA
- Experience
- over 51 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Violent Crimes
- Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Violent Crimes matters from San Francisco, CA.
- Over 51 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Farragher Campbell: James Farragher Campbell is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Violent Crimes. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in San Francisco
James concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, and violent crimes. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense
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DUI/DWI
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in San Francisco, California
James takes criminal defense matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
DUI/DWI cases in San Francisco, California
James takes dui/dwi matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Violent Crimes cases in San Francisco, California
James takes violent crimes matters in San Francisco, California. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before James agrees to represent you.
Biography
James Farragher Campbell, criminal defense attorney serving San Francisco
James Farragher Campbell is a member based in San Francisco, CA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Violent Crimes. James has over 51 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from San Francisco, California and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
James Farragher Campbell is a lawyer practicing driving while intoxicated, vehicular homicide, criminal law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from Walsh College in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC in San Francisco, CA and 1 other location.
James's approach to criminal defense cases
James Farragher Campbell is a lawyer practicing driving while intoxicated, vehicular homicide, criminal law and 1 other area of law. James received a B.A. degree from Walsh College in 1969, and has been licensed for 51 years. James practices at Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC in San Francisco, CA and 1 other location.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and violent crimes matters in San Francisco and the surrounding California area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
Lincoln University
J.D. · 1975
Walsh College
B.A. · 1969
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
California
1975 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in Lincoln University and B.A. in Walsh College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in Lincoln University and B.A. in Walsh College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in California is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
James's legal honors and published work
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Affiliations
James's professional memberships and bar associations
American Board of Criminal Lawyers, 1987—
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Board of Governors, 1995—
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Vice-President, 2000-2001. Founding Member, Board of Regents, National College for DUI Defense, 1995—
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Dean, National College for DUI Defense, 1999-2000. National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, 1975—
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Board of Directors, 1983-1989
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Environmental Crimes Committee, co-vice chair, 1993-1994, DUI Advocacy Committee, co-chair, 1998-1999. California Attorneys for Criminal Justice, 1987—
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(DUI/DMV Practice Committee, 1997—). Author: "The Preliminary Examination," Matthew Bender & Co., 1984
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"Defense of Speeding, Reckless Driving & Vehicular Homicide, Matthew Bender & Co., 1984
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"Modern Trials: Closing Argument - Use of Demonstrative Evidence," Belli, Vol. 5, Section 70.31Faculty Member, National College for DUI Defense, 1996-1999. Dean, National College for DUI Defense, 2000. Member, Editorial Board, DWI Journal, 1987-1990
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1994—. Hand out material "Working with the Insurance Company", NACDL/National College for DUI Defense, Las Vegas, Nevada, September 22, 2000. "DUI Discovery", DWI Journal, Vol. 14, No. 9, September 1999. "An Unconventional Assist to Foreign Nationals Arre
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Bar Association of San Francisco (Chair, Criminal Justice Section
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Delegate to State Bar Conference of Delegates)
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Criminal Trial Lawyers Association of Northern California
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Locations
James Farragher Campbell's office in San Francisco
James's primary office is at 4 Embarcadero Center, Suite 1400, San Francisco, CA, 94111. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Campbell & DeMetrick, PLC
4 Embarcadero Center, Suite 1400
San Francisco, CA 94111
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Farragher Campbell — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Every review below is from a verified client of James. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in San Francisco.
5.0
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Farragher Campbell claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Farragher Campbell — what to expect in your first consultation
Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with James usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.
Consultation formats and pricing
James charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office.
What to bring to your first meeting
Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; James will tell you what matters and what doesn't.
Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in San Francisco, California
A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?
Fees & payment
Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for James
James discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.
Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options
Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. James confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.
Payment methods and payment plans
James's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.
Frequently asked
Frequently asked questions about James Farragher Campbell
How much does it cost to hire James for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. James walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does James offer a free consultation?
James charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain James's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in California typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. James gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can James take my case if I'm outside San Francisco?
James is licensed in California. Matters governed by California law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — James will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with James?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. James will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is James accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving San Francisco, Los Angeles and San Diego in California
James handles criminal defense matters throughout California. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
- San Francisco26,380 attorneys
- Los Angeles39,975 attorneys
- San Diego16,903 attorneys
- Sacramento10,561 attorneys
- Irvine6,831 attorneys
- Oakland5,709 attorneys
- San Jose5,009 attorneys
- Palo Alto4,084 attorneys
- Beverly Hills3,348 attorneys
- Newport Beach3,106 attorneys
- Pasadena2,894 attorneys
- Santa Monica2,756 attorneys
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