Practice areas: Criminal Defense, White Collar Crimes; view more
Licensed in Texas since: 2020
Education: Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law
Call today:
945-403-8543
Chiles McGuire Criminal Law
6000 Alma Rd#902
Mckinney, TX 75070 Visit website
Working from his office at Chiles McGuire Criminal Law in McKinney, Texas, James Chiles provides powerful defense to clients in matters of criminal law. His practice spans domestic violence, drug crimes and sex crimes, among others. Serving clients across the state, he has extensive experience defending serious felonies, including murder, aggravated assaults and gun charges, and misdemeanors. With a passion for justice, he is dedicated to defending his clients' rights and futures.
Graduating from Southern Methodist University (SMU) Dedman School of Law with a Juris Doctor in 2020, Mr. Chiles gained his license to practice law in Texas in the same year. While at law school, he served as a student attorney and chief of the SMU Criminal Justice Clinic, representing low-income individuals in Dallas County criminal courts. Operating under the supervision of licensed faculty, he handled actual misdemeanor cases, drafting motions, negotiating pleas and conducting trials.
Throughout his career, Mr. Chiles has successfully handled hundreds of legal cases across at least 20 counties throughout Texas, primarily serving the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex and its neighboring communities. His practice centers deeply on criminal procedure, Texas evidentiary rules and rigorously defending the Sixth Amendment right to confront accusers through cross-examination. Dedicated to protecting his clients' interests, he takes great pride in striving to safeguard their rights and secure suitable outcomes.
Mr. Chiles understands that to defend his clients effectively, he needs to comprehend their side of the story. Giving in to this, he places a high value on working together and making sure he hears his clients' concerns and keeps them informed. Tailoring his strategies to meet the unique needs of his clients, he places strong emphasis on building trust and rapport. By fostering open communication, he ensures that his clients feel supported and empowered throughout the legal process.
Practice areas
Criminal Defense, Criminal Defense: White CollarFocus areas
Assault & Battery, Criminal Domestic Violence, Criminal Fraud, Criminal Law, Criminal Law - Federal, Drug & Alcohol Violations, False Accusations, Felony, Juvenile Delinquency, Misdemeanor, Motor Vehicle Offenses, Murder, Probation, Sex Offenses, Theft, White Collar Crime
- 90% Criminal Defense
- 10% Criminal Defense: White Collar
First Admitted: 2020, Texas
Bar / Professional Activity
- State Bar of Texas (Licensed since 2020)
- Dallas Bar Association (Member, 2020–Present)
- Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Member, 2022–Present)
- Dallas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Member, 2019–Present)
- Collin County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Member, 2024–Present)
- Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association (Member, 2023–Present)
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers (Member, 2019–Present)
- DUI Defense Lawyers Association (Member, 2023–Present)
- Texas Young Lawyers Association (Member, 2019–Present)
- Texas District & County Attorneys Association (TDCAA) (Member, 2021–Present)
Educational Background
- Southern Methodist University Dedman School of Law – Juris Doctor (J.D.), 2020; Chief, SMU Criminal Justice Clinic; Post-Bar Intern, Capital Habeas Unit, Federal Public Defender's Office, Northern District of Texas.
Scholarly Lectures / Writings
- "Is Spitting on Someone Assault in Texas?", Pantheon Legal Group Blog (2025)
- Trial Objections (Researcher for Revision 23), James Publishing (2018)
Honors
- Super Lawyers – Rising Star (2026)
- Avvo – Client's Choice Award (2025, 2026)
- National Trial Lawyers – Top 40 Under 40 (2023)
- National Debate Tournament – Quarter-Finalist (2015)
- Cross-Examination Debate Association (CEDA) National Championship – Quarter-Finalist (2015)
- The Texas Open (University of Texas at Austin) – Semi-Finalist (2015)
Awards
Avvo Client's Choice Award: This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com
Selections
- Rising Stars: 2026