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 New York 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 Ithaca?

James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James A. Baker, Criminal Defense Attorney in Ithaca, New York

Over 45 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Energy · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatJames A. Baker

Ithaca, NY

Practicing criminal defense in Ithaca since 1981.

45+: Years practicing
4.4 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Criminal Defense DUI/DWI Energy General International Residential +4 more →

Are you James A. Baker?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

James A. Baker is a member based in Ithaca, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Energy. James has over 45 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James A. Baker. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Ithaca, NY
Experience: over 45 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · Energy

Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and Energy matters from Ithaca, NY.
Over 45 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

James's practice areas in Ithaca

James concentrates on criminal defense, dui/dwi, energy, general, and international. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Ithaca, New York

James takes criminal defense matters in Ithaca, New York. 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 Ithaca, New York

James takes dui/dwi matters in Ithaca, New York. 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.

Energy cases in Ithaca, New York

James takes energy matters in Ithaca, New York. 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 Ithaca, New York

James takes general matters in Ithaca, New York. 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.

International cases in Ithaca, New York

James takes international matters in Ithaca, New York. 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 A. Baker, criminal defense attorney serving Ithaca

James A. Baker is a lawyer practicing criminal litigation, traffic violations, misdemeanors and 10 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from State University of New York at Buffalo in 1976, and has been licensed for 45 years. James practices at James A. Baker in Ithaca, NY.

James's approach to criminal defense cases

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and energy matters in Ithaca and the surrounding New York area.

Credentials

Credentials — where James studied and practices

Cornell University
J.D. · 1980
State University of New York at Buffalo
B.A. · 1976

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

U.S. District Court,
1987 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1984 · ACTIVE
New York
1981 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Cornell University and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Cornell University and B.A. in State University of New York at Buffalo. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in New York 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.

BV Distinguished

Legal awards and honors

BV Distinguished.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

Tompkins County and New York State Bar Associations New York State Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers New York State Defender's Association
membership

Locations

James A. Baker's office in Ithaca

James's primary office is at 148 East State Street, Ithaca, NY, 14850. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

James A. Baker

148 East State Street

Ithaca, NY 14850

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James A. Baker — 4.4/5 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 Ithaca.

4.4

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James A. Baker claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James A. Baker — 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 Ithaca, New York

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 A. Baker

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 New York 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 Ithaca?
James is licensed in New York. Matters governed by New York 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.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by New York residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like James A. Baker. Each link opens the full answer thread.

Can I appeal my misdemeanor conviction in New York City?
I was convicted of a misdemeanor in NYC last year for shoplifting, and I think my lawyer didn’t defend me properly. I feel like I could have proven my innocence. Can I still file a
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · New York
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Ithaca and Albany in New York

James handles criminal defense matters throughout New York. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Ithaca handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

James A. Baker, Criminal Defense Attorney in Ithaca, New York

Quick answer

James's practice areas in Ithaca