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

How long do drug crimes cases in District of Columbia typically take?

Simple drug crimes 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 Washington?

James is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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 drug crimes clients right now?

James's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

James Ray Phelps, Drug Crimes Attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

Over 64 years of legal practice · focused on Drug Crimes, Entertainment, and General · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Senior CounselatHyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.

Washington, DC

Practicing drug crimes in Washington since 1962.

64+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
3: Bar admissions

Practices in

Drug Crimes Entertainment General Health Care IP Litigation

Are you James Ray Phelps?

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.

Claim this profile — free

Quick answer

James Ray Phelps is a senior counsel based in Washington, DC. The practice focuses on Drug Crimes, Entertainment, and General. James has over 64 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Washington, DC
Experience: over 64 years
Known for: Drug Crimes · Entertainment · General

Handles Drug Crimes, Entertainment, and General matters from Washington, DC.
Over 64 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Legal matters James takes on

James concentrates on drug crimes, entertainment, general, health care, and ip. Each area below outlines the kind of case James handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Drug Crimes cases in Washington, District of Columbia

James takes drug crimes matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

Entertainment cases in Washington, District of Columbia

James takes entertainment matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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 Washington, District of Columbia

James takes general matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

Health Care cases in Washington, District of Columbia

James takes health care matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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.

IP cases in Washington, District of Columbia

James takes ip matters in Washington, District of Columbia. 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 Ray Phelps — drug crimes lawyer in Washington

Mr. James Ray Phelps is a lawyer practicing advertising, prescription drugs, licensing and 4 other areas of law. James received a A.B. degree from University of Cincinnati, and has been licensed for 64 years. James practices at Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. in Washington, DC.

How James handles drug crimes matters

The kind of cases James takes

James reviews new inquiries case-by-case for drug crimes, entertainment, and general matters in Washington and the surrounding District of Columbia area.

Credentials

Education, bar admissions, and languages

University of Cincinnati
LL.B. · 1962
University of Cincinnati A.B. with honors
—

Jurisdictions

James's state bar admissions

District of Columbia
1967 · ACTIVE
U.S. Supreme Court
1967 · ACTIVE
Ohio
1962 · ACTIVE

James studied at LL.B. in University of Cincinnati and — in University of Cincinnati A.B. with honors.

Law school and academic background

James completed LL.B. in University of Cincinnati and — in University of Cincinnati A.B. with honors. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice James runs in District of Columbia 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 Ray Phelps's office in Washington

James's primary office is at 700 Thirteenth Street, N.W., Suite 1200, Washington, DC, 20005-5929. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C.

700 Thirteenth Street, N.W., Suite 1200

Washington, DC 20005-5929

Open in Google Maps

Client feedback

Client reviews of James Ray Phelps — 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 drug crimes attorneys in Washington.

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 Ray Phelps claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire James Ray Phelps — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new drug crimes 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 drug crimes attorney in Washington, District of Columbia

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

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every drug crimes 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 drug crimes practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about James Ray Phelps

How much does it cost to hire James for a drug crimes 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 drug crimes attorneys offer free consults — check James's current terms during booking.
How long do drug crimes cases in District of Columbia typically take?
Simple drug crimes 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 Washington?
James is licensed in District of Columbia. Matters governed by District of Columbia 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 drug crimes 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

Drug Crimes attorneys serving Washington and Belize City in District of Columbia

James handles drug crimes matters throughout District of Columbia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified drug crimes attorneys in that community.

More counsel

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