J. Scott James

Experienced Attorney and Skilled Trial Lawyer J. Scott James

30+ jury trials taken to a verdict

Trial Lawyer J. Scott James, Esq.  is an experienced attorney, skilled in all types of criminal defense law, and has successfully taken cases to jury trials including: grand theft, misdemeanor theft, homicide, rape, domestic violence, property crime,  drug possession and distribution and other.  

He is accomplished in both criminal defense and civil litigation trials, and will work diligently to get you a successful outcome for your particular case. 

Southern Hills Law will work with you to develop a winning strategy to get you the results you need. Through our understanding of the law and your understanding of your circumstances,  we will work together to create a pathway to success.

Numerous Appellate cases

Experienced Attorney J. Scott James has successfully argued appellate cases on homicides, violent felonies, Indian Child Welfare Act cases, Open Records Cases and more*  ( see below for a list of Appellate Cases )

Settlements in civil litigation

Attorney J. Scott James, Esq. has obtained civil settlements in property insurance, medical malpractice, and sexual harassment cases.*

Awards and distinctions

Criminal Defense Top 10 Under 40 Award – National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys – “For Excellence in the Field of Criminal Law”

Special Assistant United States Attorney, 2012-2013. Cross designated to provide assistance in Norteno gang RICO indictment and prosecution of 26 gang members in Dodge City. United States of America v. Jason Najera et al. 12-10089-01-23-MLB, D. Kan

Guardian of Justice Award– received in 2015 by U.S. Attorney’s Office, Wichita, for “legal excellence and prosecutorial diligence”

American Association of Premier DUI Attorneys Distinguished Member J. Scott James

Former state prosecutor for over a decade

J. Scott James was a state level prosecutor for many years, handling violent felony crimes and high profile cases. He also spent four years as the Attorney General of the Oglala Sioux Tribe in Pine Ridge, SD.  He currently owns and manages a Full Service Law firm, Southern Hills Law located in the South Dakota Southern Hills, serving Custer, Hot Springs, Rapid City and the surrounding area. 

Published appellate decisions

List of Appeal Cases

• State v. Great Plains of Kiowa County, 308 Kan. 950, 425 P 3d, 290, (2018) open records, private entity operating a county hospital
• In Re D.H., 54 Kan. App. 2d 486, 401 P. 3d 163 (2017) (Decided August 4, 2017) Indian Child Welfare Act notice, parental termination.
• In Re L.M.B., 54 Kan. App 2d 285, 398 P. 3d 207 (2017) Indian Child Welfare Act, Expert Qualifications
• State v. DeLatorre, 300 Kan. 591, 331 P. 3d 815 (2014) felony murder, child abuse and alternative means, multiple acts
• State v. Villa-Vasquez, 49 Kan. App 2d 421, 310 P. 3d 426 (2013)- admissibility of expert testimony on narcotics “shrine” evidence, Jesus Malverde, and Santa Muerte
• State v. Enriquez, 46 Kan App. 2d 421, 310 P. 3d 426 (2011) – multiple acts and alternative means in conspiracy to commit first degree murder