About James Paul
James Paul McMillin is a criminal defense attorney licensed to practice law in California. He was admitted to the State Bar of California in 1984, holding. His license is currently active. Mr. McMillin operates his own practice, James McMillin Attorney at Law, located at 147 River Street South, Suite 230, Santa Cruz, California. He has been serving clients in Santa Cruz County for over four decades, focusing on criminal defense matters.
Mr. McMillin earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Mathematics from the University of California, Santa Cruz, in 1979. He then pursued his Juris Doctor at Santa Clara University School of Law, graduating magna cum laude in 1984. His strong academic background laid the foundation for his analytical approach to legal practice.
Throughout his career, Mr. McMillin has handled a wide range of criminal cases, including misdemeanors, felonies, DUI defense, domestic violence, drug offenses, and assaultive offenses. He has represented both adults and juveniles, guiding them through all stages of the criminal process, from investigation to verdict. His extensive trial experience includes well over 100 cases tried to jury verdict.
Before establishing his own firm, Mr. McMillin spent a significant portion of his career in the Santa Cruz County Public Defender’s Office. During this time, he mentored and supervised younger attorneys, helping them develop felony trial skills. He also prepared and presented continuing education programs approved by the State Bar and taught Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure at the Monterey College of Law.
Mr. McMillin is a member of the State Bar of California and has been recognized with the Distinguished Peer Rated award, indicating very high ethical standards. He is fluent in English and Spanish, allowing him to serve the diverse communities of Santa Cruz County effectively.
