About the Firm

James E. Carmichael is the founder of James E. Carmichael, Attorney at Law serving clients in criminal defense cases in the Missouri counties of St. Charles, St. Louis, and Lincoln. Mr. Carmichael founded his firm after serving as a partner in previous law firms in St. Charles where he practiced both criminal defense and personal injury. 

Mr. Carmichael earned his B.A. in 1976 from Northeast Missouri State University, known today as Truman State University. He earned his Juris Doctor in 1979 from Washington University Law School in St. Louis. He has been licensed to practice law since 1979. 

Mr. Carmichael focuses his practice on criminal defense, representing individuals charged with crimes ranging from drug possession to DUI to serious felonies. He has handled thousands of criminal cases involving arrests and charges related to drugs, alcohol, theft, domestic violence, assault, murder, sex offenses, weapon charges, and more during his extended career. He has also successfully conducted dozens of jury trials, including those involving serious felony charges. He takes pride in the reputation he has gained as an aggressive and capable advocate for his clients and for the favorable outcomes he has achieved for them throughout his extensive years in practice.

Mr. Carmichael is highly regarded by his peers, prosecutors, and judges throughout the greater St. Charles region. He has earned the highest rating possible of AV Preeminent® from the prestigious national legal directory of Martindale Hubbell®. 

His professional work includes serving on the Board of Directors for the Missouri Association of Trial Attorneys and as President of the St. Charles County Bar Association. He was also given a service award from Legal Services of Eastern Missouri.