Being accused of a crime can have life-altering consequences. The criminal justice system is complex and adversarial; you need a skilled and experienced criminal defense attorney to protect you and your rights. With over thirty years of experience in the Criminal Justice System–as a federal agent, prosecutor, and defense attorney–James Halliday has successfully investigated, prosecuted, and defended thousands of cases in local, state, and federal courts.

Mr. Halliday’s diverse professional background provides a multifaceted approach to law. After serving in the U.S. Navy as a Naval Intelligence Officer specializing in counter-terrorist security, Surface Warfare, and Naval Special Warfare, he worked as an NCIS Federal Agent. He then transitioned to a career in prosecution, where he served for twenty years as a federal prosecutor. Mr. Halliday also spent five years as an investigative attorney, specializing in solving fraud and other monetary crimes for corporate clients–saving millions of dollars and winning ‘first of a kind’ convictions for his clients’ employees. 

Mr. Halliday now concentrates his private practice on criminal defense and civil prosecution, where he is credited with some of the highest numbers of DUI convictions and Domestic Violence prosecutions in the state. He has also successfully defended numerous individual police officers for unjustified claims and lawsuits against them. 

Whether you are facing a serious criminal charge or a minor citation, you need the protection of an experienced defense attorney, as any type of criminal charge brings the potential for serious negative consequences. Yes, a criminal conviction can send you to jail, but it can also cost you your job, prevent you from obtaining future employment, and affect valuable rights such as driving, firearm ownership, and voting. Due to Mr. Halliday’s intimate knowledge of every process and level of criminal proceedings, he quickly understands the strengths–and weaknesses–of any case brought against his clients. His special insight and ability allows Mr. Halliday to obtain the best possible outcome for clients, whether winning a Not Guilty verdict at trial or negotiating a reduced charge, favorable plea agreement, or other positive outcome.

Never go to court alone. Take his experience with you. 

B.A., University of Mississippi, 1977

J.D., University of Mississippi, 1983

Martindale-Hubbel Peer-Review Rated BV Distinguished, 1998-2021

America’s Most Honored Lawyers, 2020

Top Attorneys in the Mid-South, 2016

Mississippi State Bar

Texas State Bar (Pro Hac Vice)

The Supreme Court of the United States

United States Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit

Federal District Courts of Southern and Northern Districts of Mississippi

The Supreme Court of Mississippi

Circuit, County, and Municipal Courts of Mississippi

Association of Certified Fraud Examiners, 1998

(1992) State of Mississippi v. Clarence Ellis, first felony indictment for state compensation fraud

(1994) City of Gulfport v. Carla Benefield, first conviction for state workers’ compensation fraud, resulting in incarceration 

(1995) United States v. Joseph Daughdrill, first reported longshore workers’ compensation conviction

(1996) United States v. Kenneth Grizzle, first longshore conviction resulting in lengthy imprisonment 

(1997) United States v. Arnold Evans, first conviction involving workers’ compensation insurance

(1998) United States v. Donald Bragg

(1999) United States v. Dr. Joseph Booker

United States v. Michael Slater