James Landis Spies, Criminal Defense Attorney in Kansas City, Kansas
Over 31 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
MemberatThe Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A.
Kansas City, KS
Practicing criminal defense in Kansas City since 1995.
- 31+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 2
- Bar admissions
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Quick answer
James Landis Spies is a member based in Kansas City, KS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Kansas City, KS
- Experience
- over 31 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · DUI/DWI
- Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI matters from Kansas City, KS.
- Over 31 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with BV Distinguished.
About James Landis Spies: James Landis Spies is a member based in Kansas City, KS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, dui/dwi, general, and sex 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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Drug Crimes
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DUI/DWI
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General
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Sex Crimes
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Traffic
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Violent Crimes
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Criminal Defense cases in Kansas City, Kansas
James takes criminal defense matters in Kansas City, Kansas. 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.
Drug Crimes cases in Kansas City, Kansas
James takes drug crimes matters in Kansas City, Kansas. 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 Kansas City, Kansas
James takes dui/dwi matters in Kansas City, Kansas. 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.
General cases in Kansas City, Kansas
James takes general matters in Kansas City, Kansas. 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.
Sex Crimes cases in Kansas City, Kansas
James takes sex crimes matters in Kansas City, Kansas. 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
Meet James Landis Spies — criminal defense lawyer in Kansas City
James Landis Spies is a member based in Kansas City, KS. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and DUI/DWI. James has over 31 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Landis Spies is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, homicide, sex crimes and 8 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Westminister College in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. James practices at The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A. in Kansas City, KS.
Working with James on a criminal defense matter
James Landis Spies is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, homicide, sex crimes and 8 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Westminister College in 1991, and has been licensed for 31 years. James practices at The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A. in Kansas City, KS.
Who James represents
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and dui/dwi matters in Kansas City and the surrounding Kansas area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
The University of Tulsa School of Law
J.D. · 1994
Westminister College
B.A. · 1991
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Kansas
1997 · ACTIVE
Oklahoma
1995 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in The University of Tulsa School of Law and B.A. in Westminister College.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in The University of Tulsa School of Law and B.A. in Westminister College. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Kansas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.
Recognition
Recognition and thought leadership
James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.
BV Distinguished
Legal awards and honors
BV Distinguished.
Locations
James Landis Spies's office in Kansas City
James's primary office is at 64054 Metcalf Ave., Ste. 323, Kansas City, KS, 66202. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A.
64054 Metcalf Ave., Ste. 323
Kansas City, KS 66202
Open in Google MapsClient feedback
Client reviews of James Landis Spies — 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 Kansas City.
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 Landis Spies claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Landis Spies — 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 Kansas City, Kansas
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 Landis Spies
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 Kansas 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 Kansas City?
James is licensed in Kansas. Matters governed by Kansas 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 Kansas City, Overland Park and Wichita in Kansas
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Kansas. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.
More counsel
Other top-rated criminal defense attorneys in Kansas
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Kansas City handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





