James Colley

James M. Colley is a seasoned criminal investigator with over 16 years of distinguished law enforcement experience, marked by his analytical precision, leadership in high-stakes environments, and unwavering commitment to justice. Beginning his career as a Patrol Officer in a Bay Area police department, James rose through the ranks to serve as Field Training Officer, Homicide Detective, and Police Sergeant. In these roles, he spearheaded 45+ homicide investigations and managed complex crime scenes, earning a reputation for meticulous attention to detail and resolve under pressure. His work on 14+ Law Enforcement Involved Fatal Incidents (LEIFI) required cross-jurisdictional collaboration, reinforcing his dedication to transparency and accountability.

As a California-licensed private investigator and POST-certified background investigator, James ensures ethical rigor in every case, from conducting pre-employment screenings for law enforcement agencies to resolving high-profile criminal defense matters. His expertise has been nationally recognized, including a feature in American Detective with Lt. Joe Kenda (2022), which highlighted one of his groundbreaking homicide investigations.

James holds a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from the University of San Francisco and has received commendations such as Officer of the Year and the Distinguished Service Award. Beyond investigations, he advocates for officer wellness, promoting resilience training and peer mentorship to address the challenges of high-stress professions. His integrity, tactical acumen, and compassionate approach align seamlessly with The Nieves Law Firm’s mission to deliver strategic, ethical defense solutions.