About the Firm
Kansas City, Kansas
Top-Rated Criminal Law Attorney
Residents of Kansas City and the surrounding area have come to count on James L. Spies to represent them if they have been charged with a felony or misdemeanor crime.
With more than 26 years of experience — first as a prosecutor and now as a criminal defense attorney — Mr. Spies fights for you and your rights at trial.
“Couldn't ask for a better attorney. If you want an attorney who really cares about you and your issues, this man is the one to get! He stands up for his clients and is not scared to defend them! I will forever be grateful. I sure feel like I didn't pay him enough — he's great! I recommend him to anyone who needs an attorney to fight for them. He will not disappoint you.”
— CHRISTY M.
Mr. Spies in Trial
Attorney Profile
The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A.
Raised in Dallas, Texas, James L. Spies attended college at Westminster College in Fulton, Missouri, and attended law school in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney in Tulsa, Oklahoma, and moved to Kansas City in 1998 to serve as an Assistant District Attorney in the Wyandotte County District Attorney's Office until 2003.
In May 2003, The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A. opened, and Mr. Spies began successfully representing those charged in criminal matters. He has a loyal clientele and is respected by his fellow attorneys and judges before whom he appears.
James Landis Spies
Kansas City, Kansas
A seasoned criminal lawyer with more than 29 years of trial experience, Mr. Spies is admitted to practice in Kansas and Oklahoma, as well as federal court in Kansas and Missouri. He first began prosecuting serious violent felonies including murder, rape, and child abuse in Tulsa, Oklahoma, before moving to Kansas City. Mr. Spies practices before the Kansas Supreme Court and Court of Appeals, as well as the United States District Court for the District of Kansas, the United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri, the Tenth Circuit Court of Appeals in Denver, Colorado, and the Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals in St. Louis.
As a criminal defense attorney, Mr. Spies provides clients with a wealth of knowledge gained as a prosecutor to develop the best defense for their cases. Mr. Spies also has experience as an instructor at the National Advocacy Center, teaching courses on trial techniques. Additionally, peers recognized The Law Office of James L. Spies, P.A. among a select number of accomplished attorneys in Super Lawyers for 2010, 2018-2024. The Super Lawyers selection process takes into account peer recognition and professional achievement in legal practice.
First and foremost a trial lawyer, Mr. Spies has litigated 100 major jury trials, including federal drug trafficking cases, as well as countless murder, rape, and child abuse cases in state court. While there are times when a plea bargain will provide the best result in a case, Mr. Spies listens to a prosecutor’s proposal but will not shy away from trial. He prepares all cases as if they are going to court, even if you ultimately decide to accept a plea bargain.
100% Criminal Defense, Including:
Murder Cases
Child Victim Sex Offenses
Child Physical Abuse Offenses
Federal and State Drug Crimes
DUI/DWI
Felonies
Misdemeanors
White-Collar Crimes
Domestic Violence
Violent Felonies such as Rape, Robbery, Burglary, and Aggravated Battery
Federal Cases such a Felon in Possession of a Firearm, Bank Robbery, and all Drug Trafficking
Juvenile Offender Cases
Probation Revocation
RICO Act
DUI/DWI
Traffic Violations
Bar Admissions
Oklahoma, 1995
Kansas, 1997
United States District Court for the District of Kansas
United States District Court for the Western District of Missouri
United States Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit
United States Court of Appeals for the Tenth Circuit
Education
The University of Tulsa College of Law, Tulsa, Oklahoma – J.D. 1994
Westminster College, Fulton, Missouri – B.A. 1991
Past Employment Positions
Assistant District Attorney, Wyandotte County District Attorney's Office, 1998-2003
Assistant District Attorney, Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office, 1995-1998
See all practice areas.
I am a seasoned trial lawyer who takes a personal interest in all of my clients.
During our initial meeting, I will talk in depth with you about your case using plain English and your goals for its outcome. As a former prosecutor for six years, I understand how prosecutors argue cases and negotiate pleas.
Over the last 26 years, I have experience going to trial and arguing serious felony cases, including murder, rape, and child abuse. I have earned the respect of prosecutors, attorneys, and judges — creating positive working relationships that continue to this day.
I understand and recognize that each case has its individual needs and while I am aggressive in representing my clients charged with felony and misdemeanor crimes, I tailor each defense accordingly.