How much does it cost to hire James for a car accidents 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 car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.

How long do car accidents cases in Missouri typically take?

Simple car accidents 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 Smithville?

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 car accidents 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 P Deffet, Car Accidents Attorney in Smithville, Missouri

Over 32 years of legal practice · focused on Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI · 4.4/5 rating from 1 verified client review

MemberatLaw Offices of James P. Deffet LLC

Smithville, MO

Practicing car accidents in Smithville since 1994.

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

Practices in

Car Accidents Criminal Defense DUI/DWI Motorcycle Personal Injury Product Liability +3 more →

Are you James P Deffet?

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 P Deffet is a member based in Smithville, MO. The practice focuses on Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI. James has over 32 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of James P. Deffet LLC. Rated 4.4 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Smithville, MO
Experience: over 32 years
Known for: Car Accidents · Criminal Defense · DUI/DWI

Handles Car Accidents, Criminal Defense, and DUI/DWI matters from Smithville, MO.
Over 32 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with BV Distinguished.

Areas of practice

Practice areas handled by James P Deffet

James concentrates on car accidents, criminal defense, dui/dwi, motorcycle, and personal injury. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Car Accidents cases in Smithville, Missouri

James takes car accidents matters in Smithville, 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.

Criminal Defense cases in Smithville, Missouri

James takes criminal defense matters in Smithville, 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.

DUI/DWI cases in Smithville, Missouri

James takes dui/dwi matters in Smithville, 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.

Motorcycle cases in Smithville, Missouri

James takes motorcycle matters in Smithville, 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 Smithville, Missouri

James takes personal injury matters in Smithville, 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

About James P Deffet — Over 32 years of Missouri car accidents experience

James P Deffet is a lawyer practicing personal injury, auto/truck accidents, criminal defense and 10 other areas of law. James received a B.A. degree from Providence College in 1989, and has been licensed for 32 years. James practices at Law Offices of James P. Deffet LLC in Smithville, MO.

Working with James on a car accidents matter

Clients James works with

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for car accidents, criminal defense, and dui/dwi matters in Smithville and the surrounding Missouri area.

Credentials

James P Deffet's legal education and bar admissions

Drake University Law School
J.D. · 1993
Providence College
B.A. · 1989

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

Kansas
1995 · ACTIVE
Missouri
1994 · ACTIVE
Rhode Island
1994 · ACTIVE

James studied at J.D. in Drake University Law School and B.A. in Providence College.

Law school and academic background

James completed J.D. in Drake University Law School and B.A. in Providence College. 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

Awards, publications, and recognition of James P Deffet

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

Wichita (Treasurer, Young Lawyers Division), Kansas, Rhode Island and American Bar Associations The Missouri Bar
membership

Locations

James P Deffet's office in Smithville

James's primary office is at 212 W. Main St., Smithville, MO, 64089. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of James P. Deffet LLC

212 W. Main St.

Smithville, MO 64089

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James P Deffet — 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 car accidents attorneys in Smithville.

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 P Deffet claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James P Deffet — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new car accidents 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 car accidents attorney in Smithville, Missouri

A short list to run through before you commit: How many car accidents 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 car accidents practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every car accidents 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 car accidents practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James P Deffet

How much does it cost to hire James for a car accidents 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 car accidents attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do car accidents cases in Missouri typically take?
Simple car accidents 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 Smithville?
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 car accidents 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

Car Accidents attorneys serving Smithville, St Louis and Jefferson City in Missouri

James handles car accidents matters throughout Missouri. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified car accidents attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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