James Dailey Wahl, Criminal Defense Attorney in St Louis, Missouri
Over 50 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Workers Comp · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review
PrincipalatJames Dailey Wahl
St Louis, MO
Practicing criminal defense in St Louis since 1976.
- 50+
- Years practicing
- 5.0 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Dailey Wahl is a principal based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Workers Comp. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Dailey Wahl. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- St. Louis, MO
- Experience
- over 50 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Personal Injury · Workers Comp
- Handles Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Workers Comp matters from St. Louis, MO.
- Over 50 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with AV Preeminent.
About James Dailey Wahl: James Dailey Wahl is a principal based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Workers Comp. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Dailey Wahl. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
Legal matters James takes on
James concentrates on criminal defense, personal injury, and workers comp. 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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Personal Injury
View other Personal Injury attorneys
Workers Comp
View other Workers Comp attorneys
Criminal Defense cases in St Louis, Missouri
James takes criminal defense matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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.
Personal Injury cases in St Louis, Missouri
James takes personal injury matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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.
Workers Comp cases in St Louis, Missouri
James takes workers comp matters in St Louis, Missouri. 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 Dailey Wahl — criminal defense lawyer in St Louis
James Dailey Wahl is a principal based in St. Louis, MO. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Personal Injury, and Workers Comp. James has over 50 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at James Dailey Wahl. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.
James Dailey Wahl is a lawyer practicing personal injury, criminal law, workers compensation law. James received a B.S. degree from St. Louis University, and has been licensed for 50 years. James practices at James Dailey Wahl in St. Louis, MO.
James's approach to criminal defense cases
James Dailey Wahl is a lawyer practicing personal injury, criminal law, workers compensation law. James received a B.S. degree from St. Louis University, and has been licensed for 50 years. James practices at James Dailey Wahl in St. Louis, MO.
Clients James works with
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, personal injury, and workers comp matters in St Louis and the surrounding Missouri area.
Credentials
Education, bar admissions, and languages
St. Louis University J.D.
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St. Louis University B.S.
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Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Missouri
1976 · ACTIVE
James studied at — in St. Louis University J.D. and — in St. Louis University B.S..
Law school and academic background
James completed — in St. Louis University J.D. and — in St. Louis University B.S.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Missouri 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.
AV Preeminent
Legal awards and honors
AV Preeminent.
Locations
James Dailey Wahl's office in St. Louis
James's primary office is at 1900 Locust, Ste. 302, St. Louis, MO, 63103. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Dailey Wahl — 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 St Louis.
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 Dailey Wahl claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Dailey Wahl — 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 St Louis, Missouri
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 Dailey Wahl
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 Missouri 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 St Louis?
James is licensed in Missouri. Matters governed by Missouri 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 St Louis, Jefferson City and Kansas City in Missouri
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Missouri. 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 Missouri
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in St Louis handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





