James Wiese
Criminal Defense Attorney
EDUCATION
- University of North Dakota School of Law
- Juris Doctorate – 2009
- North Dakota State University
- Bachelor of Science in History Education – 1999
BAR ADMISSION
- Arizona – 2021
- North Dakota – 2009
PROFESSIONAL ASSOCIATIONS AND MEMBERSHIPS
- National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
- State Bar of Arizona, Criminal Law Section
- American Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
- Maricopa County Bar Association, Criminal Law Section
ADDITIONAL MENTIONS:
- Extensive Trial Experience
- Retired Major in the Army National Guard after 22 years of service
- Army National Guard Mechanic
- United States Air Force Logistics Readiness Officer
James Wiese was born and raised in North Dakota. After high school, he enlisted as a mechanic in the North Dakota Army National Guard. What started out simply as a way to help pay for college, would eventually become a way of life. Not long after graduating from North Dakota State University, he joined the United States Air Force as a Logistics Readiness Officer. He eventually left active-duty service for the Reserves, to fulfill a long-time goal of attending law school. Upon graduating from the University of North Dakota School of Law, he promptly returned to the North Dakota Army National Guard, where he served the remainder of his career as a member of the Judge Advocate General’s Corps. He eventually retired as a Major after 22 years of service.
In 2021, James decided to trade two seasons (winter and “road construction”) for just one (“road construction”), leaving the harsh North Dakota winters behind for the “it’s a dry heat” of Arizona.
Much of James’ legal career has been focused on criminal defense. He worked in indigent defense for almost six years, both in North Dakota and in Arizona, before joining the team at DM Cantor. James prides himself on being a fierce advocate for his clients, dedicated to helping good individuals get through one of the most difficult times they could ever face.
In his off time, he enjoys spending time with his family, building Legos, and riding his Harley. He is also a staunch defender of the Oxford comma.