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 Texas 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 Fort Worth?

James is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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.

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James Luster, Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Worth, Texas

Over 18 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense · 4.9/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

PartneratCofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers

Fort Worth, TX

Practicing criminal defense in Fort Worth since 2008.

18+: Years practicing
4.9 ★: 15 client reviews
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Criminal Defense DUI/DWI DV Defense DV Protection Energy Expungement +6 more →

Are you James Luster?

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 Luster is a partner based in Fort Worth, TX. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense. James has over 18 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers. Rated 4.9 out of 5 from 15 client reviews.

Based in: Fort Worth, TX
Experience: over 18 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI · DV Defense

Handles Criminal Defense, DUI/DWI, and DV Defense matters from Fort Worth, TX.
Over 18 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James Luster

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

Criminal Defense cases in Fort Worth, Texas

James takes criminal defense matters in Fort Worth, Texas. 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 Fort Worth, Texas

James takes dui/dwi matters in Fort Worth, Texas. 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.

DV Defense cases in Fort Worth, Texas

James takes dv defense matters in Fort Worth, Texas. 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.

DV Protection cases in Fort Worth, Texas

James takes dv protection matters in Fort Worth, Texas. 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 Fort Worth, Texas

James takes energy matters in Fort Worth, Texas. 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

About James Luster — Over 18 years of Texas criminal defense experience

James Luster is a Fort Worth criminal defense attorney and partner at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers. Previously a prosecutor in the Lubbock and Tarrant County District Attorney’s Offices, James has served as lead counsel in cases from simple assault to aggravated robbery and murder, gaining extensive experience across a range of criminal matters. During his tenure as an Assistant District Attorney in Tarrant County, he prosecuted cases from misdemeanor DWI to serious felonies like continuous sexual assault and murder. In the Family Violence Unit, he primarily focused on domestic assault cases, honing his skills in complex, sensitive matters.

After transitioning to criminal defense, James became known for his calm and confident representation, marked by a commitment to defending clients with tenacity from the outset. His dedication to justice was sparked during his time at Abilene Christian University, inspired by the legal advocacy of the International Justice Mission. Today, he uses his legal skills to help clients who feel they have nowhere else to turn, working to provide hope and effective defense strategies. James invites clients to take their first steps toward building a solid defense with his support at Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers.

James's approach to criminal defense cases

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, dui/dwi, and dv defense matters in Fort Worth and the surrounding Texas area.

Credentials

James Luster's legal education and bar admissions

University of Houston School of Law
J.D. · 2008
Abilene Christian University B.B.A.
—

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Texas
2008 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in University of Houston School of Law and — in Abilene Christian University B.B.A..

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in University of Houston School of Law and — in Abilene Christian University B.B.A.. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in Texas is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Awards, publications, and recognition of James Luster

James has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Affiliations

James's professional memberships and bar associations

State Bar of Texas Tarrant County Bar Association Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Tarrant County Criminal Defense Lawyers Association
membership

Locations

James Luster's office in Fort Worth

James's primary office is at 604 East 4th Street, Suite 100, Fort Worth, TX, 76102. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Cofer Luster Criminal Defense Lawyers

604 East 4th Street, Suite 100

Fort Worth, TX 76102

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Client feedback

Client reviews of James Luster — 4.9/5 rating from 15 verified client reviews

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 Fort Worth.

4.9

15 client reviews

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

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Luster — 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 Fort Worth, Texas

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 Luster

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 Texas 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 Fort Worth?
James is licensed in Texas. Matters governed by Texas 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 Texas residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like James Luster. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What are my options if I’m charged with a felony in Texas?
In January, I was arrested in Houston, TX, for felony possession of a controlled substance. I’m really scared because this is my first offense, and I don’t want to face jail time.
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Texas
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 Fort Worth, Houston and Dallas in Texas

James handles criminal defense matters throughout Texas. 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 Fort Worth handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

James Luster, Criminal Defense Attorney in Fort Worth, Texas

Quick answer

Practice areas handled by James Luster