Skip to main content

Curtis Elwyn Barnes

Criminal defense Attorney at Reading, PA

4.6   20 reviews
  • Licensed for 34 years
    State PA
    Acquired 1989
    Status
    Active No misconduct found

We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.

About Curtis

Learn Curtis’s areas of practice.

If you have been accused of a crime, are facing a family law issue, or are considering filing for bankruptcy, you should contact Attorney Curtis Barnes. With over 18 years of experience in handling these types of cases, he and his team understand how to best protect the rights and best interests of his clients. Attorney Barnes is a graduate of the Florida State University in Tallahassee and the Delaware Law School of Widener University.  He received his undergraduate degree in Criminology and then went on to earn his Juris Doctor. During school, he was able to gain valuable experience while working for the Florida State Attorney General’s Office and then the Berks County District Attorney’s Office. Since he is a former prosecutor, he understands how the other side works and can seek to defend you if you have been accused of a crime. You can also contact his office if you need help in a bankruptcy or family law issue. Call today! 

Contact Curtis

Similar lawyers nearby

Curtis E. Barnes, Attorney at Law
530 Walnut Street
Reading, PA, 19601

Reviews

4.6 / 5.0
  20 customer reviews
5 Star
 
90%
4 Star
 
0%
3 Star
 
0%
2 Star
 
0%
1 Star
 
10%
Posted by anonymous | May 30, 2023
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Attorney
Extremely good, Kind, great results, worked hard for me. Very experienced thought I was getting a harsher sentence but me Barnes worked hard and got me probation. Highly recommend.
Posted by Devon | November 21, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Much Respect And Appreciation.
I really appreciate Mr. Barnes for taking the time to understand one of many difficulties I’ve come across in my life and also thank him for showing his consistency and consideration with how he showed up with more than just confidence. I do recommend his care for anyone in need of assistance in anyway through this process.
Response from Curtis Barnes November 22, 2022
Devon, Thanks again for allowing me to help with your legal matter. I am very pleased that it worked out as well as it did. If you ever should have any further legal issues that I may assist with, please don't hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, Curtis E. Barnes, Esq.
Posted by Arlene | February 15, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Excellent Lawyer
Atty.Barnes is a very competent layer. I highly recommend him. He is very knowledgeable in the rule of law.
Posted by Joseph | April 27, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Amazing wonderful caring.
Curtis went above and beyond for my son. Working hard making time for him aggressive kind representation. Great preparation. And got his f3 charge reduced to m3. And kept in touch after to make sure everything is ok. I would highly recommend curtis for any situation you have. It's a blessing to have him as our lawyer and will also refer back to him again if we need to. Highly highly recommend him. He brings peace of mind and explains everything fully in great detail. Curtis thanks for all you done for my son you are greatly appreciated.
Read less
Posted by Nichole | January 22, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Attorney Barnes helped me at a very difficult time in my life. He made me feel like my side mattered. He was very humble and understanding. I recommend him and his service.
Posted by Steve | January 13, 2021
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Best lawyer I know
I have been throu hell and back and Mr. Barnes has been there to help me pick up the pieces several times... I hired Mr. Barnes several times to help me out with my legal matters and I would do again in a heartbeat.. Even when I was going throu some tuff times financially, he worked with me and was compassionate with my situations.. I highly recommend Mr. Barnes for any legal issues you have..
Read less
Posted by April | April 27, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great attorney
Curtis helped my daughters when they were being charged for something they really didn’t do. It was a matter of wrong place, wrong time. Curtis was very professional, friendly and understanding. He was able to represent them and save their licenses, charges and future career plans. Thanks a million! We appreciate your help!
Posted by anonymous | April 13, 2019
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Careless driving
Curtis helped me out when i was sweating bullets .He told me everything and was very specific about what will happen and made me very relax .He is very professional trust me if u hire Curtis youre in good hands he saved my career thanks curtis fior everything straight up .
Posted by David | February 8, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I'm so glad I hired Mr. Barnes
Long story short, I'm from New York, and was charged with a probation violation out of Lebanon County back in 2008. A bench warrant was issued, but I was never made aware of it, even though I never charged my address since I was originally sentenced. I only found out about it on my own when I tried to get a passport. I called Mr Barnes to help me out. Lebanon County wanted me to turn myself in. Attorney Barnes told me not to do that because it would be days or weeks that I would be sitting in jail waiting for a hearing. Instead, he filed a motion with the court and got a specific date for a hearing. On the day of the hearing, I drove back to Lebanon from NY. While I still could have been looking at more time in jail, Mr. Barnes negotiated my immediate release the same day! I am extremely pleased with how Attorney Barnes worked things out.
Read less
Posted by Carlos | January 10, 2018
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A "Debt" of Gratitude
I lost my job back in 2016 due to a physical injury. My bills piled up, judgments were filed against me, and my bank started foreclosure on my house. I was really desperate and didn't know what to do. I met with Mr. Barnes and he listened carefully to me as I explained my situation to him. After going over several options I decided my best remedy was to file bankruptcy. After getting all of my information together, Mr. Barnes prepared the papers needed to file my case. He reviewed everything with me before sending my case into court to make sure everything was right. He prepared me for what to expect in court, which made me feel more at ease. My case went very smoothly and I am now out of debt. Throughout my case, Mr. Barnes treated me with great respect and like a friend.
Read less
Posted by Lauren | December 19, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Wonderful Lawyer
I recently hired Attorney Barnes because I was charged with a felony violation of the wiretap law. I have never been in trouble with the law before. What happened was I used an app on my phone to record phone calls with someone in authority without telling them. When that person found out he called the cops on me and I was charged. Mr.Barnes researched the wiretap law and explained it thoroughly to me. He got the district attorney to allow me to be admitted to a program through which I won't get a criminal record, even though this was a felony. Throughout my case, Attorney Barnes was patient with me as I had lots of questions and was very scared. I hope I never need a lawyer again, but if I do I will call Mr Barnes again.
Read less
Posted by J. D. | November 15, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Great Lawyer - Great Job in Court
My ex-wife filed a protection from abuse complaint against me last month. Because she did this once before and I lost while representing myself, I did not want to take any chances this time. I hired Mr. Barnes to help out because I want to seek custody of my children and did not want another PFA order entered against me.
Posted by anonymous | August 1, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
I would ecommend Curtis based on the two charges that he has helped me out with
I am an 18 year old college student and found myself in a truly terrible situation when I was charged with possession of marijuana after already having a prior possession charge as a minor. This charge would not only have been a financial drain for me but also would have also stayed on my record making it difficult for me to find a job in the future. Upon searching for lawyers to help me with the case, I came across Curtis and decided to contact him. Curtis helped me come up with a plan that would get me into the ARD program (probation) which worked. I am now completing the program and my charge will be expunged as a result thanks to Curtis's help. Another situation occurred when I was caught in the presence of alcohol while participating in the ARD program which is a complete violation. I was charged with an underage which would have ultimately resulted in more payment of fines, a license suspension and being kicked off of the ARD program. I contacted Curtis again and he agreed to help me with this case. The day for the court case came and despite the odds, Curtis helped me beat the case which resulted in nothing being put on my record, no fines that I would have had to pay and as well as being able to keep my license. Curtis is a great lawyer that has helped me get out of situations that would truly have negatively affected my life. I would recommend contacting Curtis if you are having any legal issues.
Read less
Posted by Greta | July 12, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Satisfied Customer
After many times of searching on the internet for an Attorney... Cutis Barnes seemed to stand out to me more then the others... I recently was charged with something and I knew that after many searches and meeting with Curtis he was the one that could help me through my time of need... As we sat in his office and I explained to him what I was falsely accused of doing he not only showed his honesty but his understanding as well... He believed me in everything I told him about my case and my innocense in it but not because I told him that I didnt do it but because of me and my sincerity in it... I cant explaine how he knew it but he knew by just meeting with me that I didnt do what I am accused of doing... He was willing to take my case and fight for me through it all until the end and willing to go the extra mile to do so... He is a kind hearted and nobel man that has been nothing but generous to me and my needs... He understood my feelings and what I wanted through this case and is willing to get me what I feel is right for me... And that meant alot to me... I reccomend that if you are in need of an Attorney... Call Curtis Barnes... He is great!!!!!
Read less
Posted by Chad Fitterling | March 5, 2017
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
A fantastic lawyer, and individual!! Can't say enough great things about him!!
I can not put into words just how thrilled I am with the service I received from Mr. Barnes! He is a very experienced, competent, focused and resourceful attorney. More important then that however, He is also friendly, honest, hard working, and down to earth as a person. I was in dire need of a lawyer when I contacted Mr. Barnes. Prior to meeting with him, I had been representing myself in a criminal case in which I was being charged with an M1 misdemeanor. I was potentially facing up to 5yrs in prison and over 10,000$ in fines. Mr. Barnes met with me in his office for a totally free consultation and I felt very confident right away in his ability to handle my case. Throughout the next couple weeks leading up to my hearing Mr. Barnes did an excellent job of keeping me up to date on my case and never seemed too busy to return my numerous calls/texts. He kept me in the loop of all the conversations he had with the Judge, District Attorney, and Assistant DA assigned to my case. Something in particular that I was very happy with the honesty Mr. Barnes has. He never once pressured me to change my guilty plea I had already entered or make any suggestions to even hint at trying to "lie my way out of it". I found this to be especially refreshing as the lawyer I had dealt with in the past seemed all to eager to try and find a way out of everything instead of using actual skill and experience to handle the case. Mr. Barnes demonstrated complete professionalism at all times and was much more interested in using his experience and abilities to handle my case. It was very nice to see some lawyers are still honest! Mr. Barnes was also very patient with me and took a genuine interest in my unique situation. He helped me out greatly by allowing me to arrange a payment plan with him and went the extra mile to even allow me to make the final payment after the case was already finished, and I had my final sentencing hearing. In the end he was able to get one of my charges completely dropped, and reduced my sentence from 5yrs and a $10,000 fine to a couple years probation with restitution! I could not be happier with the outcome. What made this especially impressive was that my case was outside of berks county and Mr. Barnes had never dealt with or even heard of the judge assigned to my case prior to handling my hearings. I truly mean it when I say that I could not be happier with my experience, and the service I received from Mr. Barnes. I can not put into words the gratitude I have for all that he has done for me and by helping me to remain out of jail and continue to work and get my life back on track for myself, and my family. Mr. Barnes will continue to represent me in the future (thankfully not for another criminal case!) and I would not hesitate to recommend him to anyone. As I said before he is very experienced, professional, honest, and hard working. I can't thank him enough for all his help. Mr. Barnes has also agreed to stay in contact with me and answer any questions I may have during my probation. If you are in need of a lawyer for any reason at all please don't think twice about getting in touch with Mr. Barnes to set up a consultation. You will not regret it!
Read less
Posted by A Very Satisfied Client | February 19, 2015
The Best Lawyer I Know!
I should have learned the first time, but I didn't. I was charged last year with retail theft, Up to that point, I had never been involved with the courts before. I was very worried about having a criminal record, so I called Mr. Barnes. After meeting with me, he contacted the Berks County District Attorney's Office to arrange for my placement into an ARD program. He explained that the requirements I had to meet in it were similar to being on probaton, however, after completing the program, my record would be wiped clean. After being placed in the program, I was charged again with a second retail theft. I was crushed, because, Mr. Barnes had advised me that if I was charged again, I would most likely be removed from the program and if convicted would have a criminal record. Foretunately for me, Mr. Barnes was able to convince the prosecutor and the judge that I should get one more chance. They agreed and I was placed on the ARD program a second time. Throughout both cases, Attorney Barnes was a great counselor and friend! If you need a terrific lawyer who not only knows what he's doing, but also cares about his clients, get in touch with him. You'll be glad you did!
Read less
Posted by A criminal defense client | February 10, 2015
Fantastic Lawyer!!
When I first contacted Attorney Curtis E. Barnes, I thought my life was over. I was charged with numerous criminal violations, including aggravated assault with a deadly weapon. The charges stemmed from allegations my wife falsely made against me. She claimed I stabbed her with a knife during a domestic assault. At my hearing, during cross examination of my wife, Mr. Barnes was able to get her to admit she stabbed herself and then tried to blame it on me! At the end of the hearing, all charges were dismissed! Curt, thank you so much. If you need a great attorney, get in touch with Curtis E. Barnes.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 30, 2012
Great Criminal Trial Attorney!
I was charged with felony burglary, criminal trespass, theft and other related charges in Berks County, Pennnsylvania. I told Curt that I couldn't be guilty because I wasn't present at the scene of the alleged burglary since I was working more than sixty-five miles away. Curt took the time to prepare me for a jury trial. He contacted and had my employer , who backed up my alibi, present for the trial. He also did a terrific job of cross examining the Commonwealth witnesses. After a two day trial, the jury came back in less than fifteen minutes and found me not guilty of all charges. I really owe a debt of graditude to Mr. Barnes.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | November 15, 2022
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
| Hired Attorney
Completely noncommittal to my defense
I hired mr Barnes for a dui defense. My instructions were specific: read my discovery and tell me if I have a viable defense. After that, based on your recommendation, we’ll go from there. Immediately he’s off to try and plea deal. 6 months later and he still hasnt read my discovery and is still talking pleas. The plea deal is for 3-6 months on a first dui offense and I have now 45 days to take the deal or pay him $7500 to go on trial where if I lose I get 3-6 months. I’m completely at a loss as to what to do. This case should have been dismissed in pre trial motions but that deadline was exhausted by by attorney and now I have no more remedies left.
Read less
Response from Curtis Barnes November 22, 2022
Dear Client, It is very rare that I find it necessary to reply to a client's review. However, having read yours, I feel I must "set the record straight", as best I can while maintaining ethical obligations to you. When you first asked me to help you, you were represented by another attorney. Your concern about a deadline to file a pretrial motion being exhausted occurred prior to my taking over representation. That said, I am not suggesting the previous attorney did anything erroneous by not filing a pretrial motion in a timely manner. To the contrary, after having received and read the discovery in your case, it is my professional opinion that there are no meritorious pretrial issues to raise. Therefore, the case would not have been dismissed pretrial, as you state. With regard to the plea bargain offered by the district attorney's office, I have an obligation to relay it to you. Plea offers are made based upon unique historical and factual circumstances of each individual case. Again, without divulging specifics about your case, the offer made was based upon conditions over which there are no control. When we were last in court, I advised that you do NOT have to accept a plea offer from the district attorney. Instead, you could consider an open plea. In an open plea we would offer reasons to the judge why a lenient sentence should be imposed. It is up to the judge to then sentence you as he or she deems legally just. If you are not interested in considering either a negotiated or open plea, the only remaining resolution of the case is to go to trial. In an effort to keep your legal fees manageable, we agreed to a set amount for all representation prior to trial. It has always been our understanding that if you elect to have your case tried, I would have to be paid a separate trial fee. As there is considerable time and effort that goes into properly trying a case, I don't know of any private attorney, including myself, who should be expected to work for no compensation. This seems especially so in matters in which one's personal liberty is at stake. While I never want a client to be dissatisfied with my representation, I am especially concerned when there appears to be a misunderstanding of the reasons for that dissatisfaction. If you would like to further discuss any aspect of your case, please feel free to contact me. Sincerely, Curtis E. Barnes, Esq.
Read less
Posted by anonymous | January 13, 2015
Chapter 13 Bankruptcy
I Hired Mr. Barnes to represent me in a Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. It was the worst experience . When I went in Front of the Judge .Mr . BARNES did not have my paperwork complete they gave him 24 Hours to get it to them . He missed a creditor in the amount of 1000.00 .He said he would take care of it . He never did . He would never respond to emails which I still have saved . Which almost cost me the repossession of my truck. He told me the creditor couldn't take it. Which in fact they could & I had to take care of that situation on my own & to top it off he never told me !!! I found out myself & contacted him . He has a lady take all his calls from her home & I would call and and call with . No call backs . I always received an excuse why Mr Barnes was not available .Than she would not even answer the phone . To this day my creditor was never discharged like Mr. Barnes said that he would take care of . It was a simple Chapter 13 Bankruptcy. I Think I DESERVE A REFUND! SO I CAN PAY MY CREDITOR ...IN MY EXPERIENCE I WOULD NEVER RECOMMEND MR.Barnes ...IF YOU DO ..GOOD LUCK!
Read less
View less reviews

Cost

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Contact for Details

Resume

AVVO RATING 7.5 (Very Good)

Work Experience

  • Founder/Owner
  • Curtis E. Barnes, Attorney at Law
  • 1993 - Present
  • Assistant District Attorney
  • Office of Berks County District Attorney
  • 1990 - 1993
  • Intern
  • Florida State Attorney General's Office
  • 1987 - 1987

Education

  • Widener University School of Law
  • Juris Doctor
  • 1988
  • Florida State University
  • MA - Masters
  • 1985

Associations

  • Hope Rescue Mission
  • Board Member
  • 2010 - Present
  • Berks County Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Pennsylvania Bar Association
  • Member
  • 1994 - Present
  • Mid-Atlantic Air Museum
  • Member
  • N/A
View all associations

Attorney endorsements

Received (1)
Given (1)
Endorse Curtis
General practice Attorney | Jul 11
Relationship: Worked together on matter
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Barnes is conscientious, well mannered, excellent orator, and his clients are well served by Attorney Barnes."
Personal injury

Avvo Contributions

This attorney hasn't created any legal answers in Q&A or legal guides recently on Avvo.

Reading Criminal defense Lawyer Curtis Elwyn Barnes
Curtis Elwyn Barnes
Criminal defense Attorney
Reading, PA
Licensed for 34 years