James Edwin Saunders, Criminal Defense Attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma
Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense and Employment · 2.9/5 rating from 1 verified client review
Chief Public Defender, City of Tulsa, Oklahoma
Tulsa, OK
Practicing criminal defense in Tulsa since 1987.
- 39+
- Years practicing
- 2.9 ★
- 1 client review
- 1
- Bar admission
Practices in
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Quick answer
James Edwin Saunders is a chief public defender, city of tulsa, oklahoma based in Tulsa, OK. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Employment. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
- Based in
- Tulsa, OK
- Experience
- over 39 years
- Known for
- Criminal Defense · Employment
- Handles Criminal Defense and Employment matters from Tulsa, OK.
- Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
- Recognized with CV Notable.
About James Edwin Saunders: James Edwin Saunders is a chief public defender, city of tulsa, oklahoma based in Tulsa, OK. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Employment. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review.
Areas of practice
James's practice areas in Tulsa
James concentrates on criminal defense and employment. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.
Criminal Defense cases in Tulsa, Oklahoma
James takes criminal defense matters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 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.
Employment cases in Tulsa, Oklahoma
James takes employment matters in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 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 Saunders, criminal defense attorney serving Tulsa
James Edwin Saunders is a chief public defender, city of tulsa, oklahoma based in Tulsa, OK. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense and Employment. James has over 39 years of legal experience. Rated 2.9 out of 5 from 1 client review. James works from Tulsa, Oklahoma and takes on criminal defense matters across the region.
James Edwin Saunders is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, employment. James received a M.S. degree from Abilene Christian University in 1981, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices in Tulsa, OK.
How James handles criminal defense matters
James Edwin Saunders is a lawyer practicing criminal defense, employment. James received a M.S. degree from Abilene Christian University in 1981, and has been licensed for 39 years. James practices in Tulsa, OK.
The kind of cases James takes
James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense and employment matters in Tulsa and the surrounding Oklahoma area.
Credentials
Credentials — where James studied and practices
University of Texas
J.D. · 1986
Abilene Christian University
M.S. Hardin · 1981
Jurisdictions
James's state bar admissions
Oklahoma
1987 · ACTIVE
James studied at J.D. in University of Texas and M.S. Hardin in Abilene Christian University.
Law school and academic background
James completed J.D. in University of Texas and M.S. Hardin in Abilene Christian University. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Oklahoma 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.
CV Notable
Legal awards and honors
CV Notable.
Locations
James Edwin Saunders's office in Tulsa
James's primary office is at 600 Civic Center, Ste. 234A, Tulsa, OK, 74134. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.
Client feedback
Client reviews of James Edwin Saunders — 2.9/5 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 Tulsa.
2.9
1 client review
Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once James Edwin Saunders claims this profile.
Read all reviewsHiring guide
How to hire James Edwin Saunders — 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 Tulsa, Oklahoma
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 Saunders
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 Oklahoma 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 Tulsa?
James is licensed in Oklahoma. Matters governed by Oklahoma 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 Tulsa, Oklahoma City and Edmond in Oklahoma
James handles criminal defense matters throughout Oklahoma. 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 Oklahoma
If James's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Tulsa handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.





