James Edwin Kissel, Criminal Defense Attorney in Buffalo, New York
Over 41 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and General
Buffalo, NY
Practicing criminal defense in Buffalo since 1985.
- 41+
- Years practicing
- 3
- Bar admissions
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Edwin Kissel is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. James has over 41 years of legal experience.
- Based in
- Buffalo, NY
- Experience
- over 41 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · General
- Handles Criminal Defense and General matters from Buffalo, NY.
- Over 41 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
About James Edwin Kissel: James Edwin Kissel is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. James has over 41 years of legal experience.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Buffalo
James concentrates on criminal defense and general. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Buffalo, New York
James takes criminal defense matters in Buffalo, 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 Buffalo, New York
James takes general matters in Buffalo, 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 Edwin Kissel, criminal defense attorney serving Buffalo
James Edwin Kissel is an attorney based in Buffalo, NY. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and General. James has over 41 years of legal experience. James works from Buffalo, New York and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
James Edwin Kissel is a lawyer practicing criminal law, forfeiture law. James received a B.A. degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1971, and has been licensed for 41 years. James practices in Buffalo, NY.
How James handles criminal defense matters
James Edwin Kissel is a lawyer practicing criminal law, forfeiture law. James received a B.A. degree from Case Western Reserve University in 1971, and has been licensed for 41 years. James practices in Buffalo, NY.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and general matters in Buffalo and the surrounding New York area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
State University of New York at Buffalo
J.D. · 1985
Case Western Reserve University
B.A. · 1971
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Tennessee
1992 · ACTIVE
New York
1986 · ACTIVE
U.S. District Court,
1985 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in Case Western Reserve University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in State University of New York at Buffalo and B.A. in Case Western Reserve University. 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.
Locations
James Edwin Kissel's office in Buffalo
James's primary office is at 119 Sundridge Dr, Buffalo, NY, 14228-1804. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Edwin Kissel
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Schedule your consultationHiring guide
How to hire James Edwin Kissel — 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 Buffalo, 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 Edwin Kissel
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 Buffalo?
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.
Areas served
Criminal Defense attorneys serving Buffalo 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.
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