Skip to main content

James Donald Garrett

Open for Business
Virtual Consultation
also known as JD Garrett
  Save
Avvo Rating8.7
  • Norfolk, VA
  • Licensed for 15 years
  • Free consultation
See more Norfolk Criminal Defense lawyersSearch
AboutContactReviewsCost

About James

Attorney James Garrett is the founder and lead attorney at Garrett Law Group, PLC in Virginia Beach. He began in private practice immediately upon graduating law school and being admitted to practice in his home state of Virginia in 2005. The firm handles matters of criminal and family law, including felony and misdemeanor cases, traffic tickets, divorce, child custody and adoptions; and matters involving personal injury incurred from auto accidents.

 

Contact Garrett Law Group, PLC at (757) 422-4646 to speak with Mr. Garrett about your case. He is happy to speak with you during regular business hours, or in the evenings or on weekends.

For more information:

http://www.garrettlawgroup.com

Read More

Practice areas

Child custodyDivorce and separationCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 40%

    Criminal defense not only includes major felony cases, but also simple misdemeanor and some traffic cases, for example DUI and reckless driving. We have represented individuals who have been charged with all matters dealing with criminal law and done very well to ensure their rights are protected and a fair outcome is achieved.

    16 years, 2,000 cases

  2. Divorce and separation: 30%

    16 years

  3. Child custody: 30%

    16 years

Languages spoken

English

Photos and videos

1810586 1329834563

1810586 1329834610

1810586 1329834648

Contact

Garrett Law Group, PLC

P.O. Box 658
Norfolk, VA, 23501

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
VAAuthorized to Practice Law200503/29/2021
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers1523
Legal guides12
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Client's Choice AwardAVVO2013
Top Contributor BadgeAVVO2013
Recognized For Juvenile Justice AdvocacyThomas & Mack Legal Clinic2005
Cum Laude GraduateUniversity of Nevada - Las Vegas2002
Army Commendation MedalU.S. Army1994
Army Commendation MedalU.S. Army1992
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
PresidentGarrett Law Group, PLC2012 - Present
PresidentJames D. Garrett & Associates, PC2007 - 2012
Managing PartnerBarnes & Garrett, PC2005 - 2007
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2012 - Present
Criminal Trial Lawyers Association of AmericaMember2007 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationMember2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
Chesapeake Bar AssociationMember2006 - Present
Virginia Bar AssociationMember2005 - Present
Virginia Beach Bar AssociationMember2005 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Garrett Law Group, PLC BlogShould I Allow Police To Search My Vehicle If I’ve Done Nothing Wrong?2013
Garrett Law Group, PLC BlogConfusion Regarding The Public Safety Exception To Miranda In The Boston Marathon Bombing Case2013
Garrett Law Group, PLC BlogHow Does A Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Military Career?2012
Virginia Beach Criminal Law - Legal Notes & NewsShould I Talk To Police If I'm Not Under Arrest?2012
Ezinearticles.comDon't Talk To Police Or Your Name Might Be Mud2012
Virginian PilotMan acquitted of rape; still faces other charges2009
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
University of Nevada Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of LawJD - Juris Doctor2005
University of Nevada Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of LawJuvenile Justice Clinic2005
University of Nevada-Las VegasBA - Bachelor of Arts2002
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
Caribbean CLEJuvenile Defense2011
Caribbean CLEPre-Arrest Statements to Police2010
Caribbean CLEDefending Sex Crimes2009
Caribbean CLEFranks Hearings2008
Caribbean CLEInsanity Defense in Criminal Cases2007
Thomas & Mack Legal ClinicJurisdiction for Family Law Issues2006
Thomas & Mack Legal ClinicJuvenile Dispositions in Clark County2006
Thomas & Mack Legal ClinicDomestic Violence In Family Law2005
Thomas & Mack Legal ClinicDefining Child Custody Issues2005
Thomas & Mack Legal ClinicJuvenile Justice2004
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
Sex Abuse Charges Dismissed At Preliminary HearingDismissed
Not Guilty of Sex AbuseBench trial - Not guilty
Just Outcome For Military Service MemberAll charges dismissed
Firearms charges dismissedDismissed
Fighting for a just outcomeReduced to misdemeanor; 5 months in jail.
Carter v. CommonwealthAffirmed

Reviews

(13)
5 Star
69%
4 Star
15%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
15%
Review James Garrett

Best lawyer in VA.

Posted by

A couple years back Mr. Garrett got me out of some serious domestic charges, I cannot thank him enough for his help. A family disagreement ended up with me going to jail with charges no one wanted filed, but since it was a domestic case Virginia Beach stepped in. Most everything was dropped thanks to Mr. Garrett, again I cannot thank him enough. I will, without a doubt, go to him if I need legal help again.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Mr. Garrett Helped Me Out Of A Jamb.

Posted by

Where do I start? I got myself into a tough spot. I did some really dumb things with my friends. I got caught in a difficult position and my parents found Mr. Garrett on Google. He came to see me at the jail on a Sunday afternoon, and he was at my bond hearing on Monday morning. He was able to get me out of jail immediately, and then he was relentless with the case until the prosecutor dropped the charges. Mr. Garrett had me jumping through hoops right and left, but in the end it was worth everything I had to do. Thank you, thank you!

Mr. Garrett Was There For Me When I Needed Help.

Posted by

I can't overstate how satisfied I am with Mr. Garrett's help on my case. I consulted with several lawyers before I found Mr. Garrett with a simple Google search. He was the one I thought most knowledgeable about my type of case. I was never promised anything, but Mr. Garrett gave me the confidence I needed to fight my charges, and we WON. The trial procedure was long, but he was there to reassure me. Mr. Garrett checked in with me by email and phone calls from time to make sure I knew what was happening and to see that I was doing alright. This alone was worth the legal fee. I would recommend Mr. Garrett to anyone and everyone needing a great criminal attorney.
James Garrett's response: Annie, thank you for taking the time to leave your comments. I'm very happy for you that we were able to get the right result in your case. Good luck to you in your future.

Assault Charges Dismissed

Posted by

Attorney Garrett was great. He didn't take nothing from the commonwealth witness and prove they was lying. He got my charge dismissed. He a good lawyer and I'd use him again.
James Garrett's response: Glad we were able to get the right result for you. Thank you for the review and the confidence.

Thank you Garrett Law Group

Posted by

I was out with some friends one night at the beach and got charged with alcohol possession. Mr. Garrett helped me get the charge dismissed. His helped saved my college scholarship. I would recommend him to anyone needing a good lawyer.
James Garrett's response: Thank you for the comments. Happy to have helped you. Good luck, Stephanie.

Just Who You Want On Your Side

Posted by

Mr. Garrett is a wonderful lawyer with experience and knowledge that brought me favorable results. I needed a strong attorney to fight some serious issues and he was definitely it. Thank you very much for all of your help.
James Garrett's response: Thank you for taking the time to leave your comments. I'm happy we were able to get the results you were looking for. Good luck to you in the future!

Criminal case

Posted by

I never had to hire a lawyer before. I caught some charges when I was with some friends and found Mr. Garrett on the internet. He worked with the prosecutor and got my charges dismissed. Thank you for all your help.
James Garrett's response: Thank you, Kettrel, for your comments. I'm glad everything worked out. Good luck to you.

A Beacon In A Dark Night

Posted by

Mr. Garrett was extremely helpful in our time of need. My college-aged son was visiting Va. Beach with some friends. He got into some trouble one night with his friends and wound up being arrested and charged with several crimes. When I called Mr. Garrett, he answered all of my questions about the charges and then went to work. He handled everything from setting up a bond hearing within a couple of days to my son's trial. He even found me a bondsman who worked with him to bail my son out of jail immediately. In the end, my son received probation and community service on charges that he could have gone to jail. Being out of state and not knowing anything about my son's charges and the laws of Virginia, Mr. Garrett was such a relief. I can not express how much he helped our family during a trying experience.
James Garrett's response: Thank you, Charles, for the sentiments. I'm happy we were able to get such a wonderful result for Steven. He's a fine young man and has a great future ahead of him.

Fought hard and won.

Posted by

I hired Mr. Garrett to represent me on a criminal matter. Over the course of representation, he made frequent contact with me to keep me well informed. Once when I called to leave a message for him on a Saturday, he answered the phone! Imagine my surprise to know I could speak with my attorney at anytime, day or night. In the end, the results of my case were better than Mr. Garrett predicted -- a dismissal of all charges. I could not be happier with his services.

Very good lawyer. I'd recommend him to anyone.

Posted by

Mr. Garrett helped with a case of mine. I was living with some friends at the time and I was charged with some pretty serious matters based on what my roommates had done. Mr. Garrett worked hard to prove my innocence. I owe my freedom, my clean record and my future to him. Very good lawyer. I'd recommend him to anyone.
James Garrett's response: Samantha, thanks for the kind remarks and vote of confidence. Let me know if there is anything I can help with in the future. Good luck to you!
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(236)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Kevin Duffan, Criminal defense Attorney on May 13, 2013
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I endorse JD. He's a very professional and knowledgeable criminal defense attorney practicing here in the Hampton Roads area. Though we were always on the opposite sides of matters, I found him to be fair, reasonable, and a zealous advocate for his client's rights.

Brian Thoman

Mr. Garrett is a skilled an professional attorney. He has the respect of his colleagues in the local legal community, years of experience, and a proven track record of success. You would be wise to seek his counsel.

Diane Toscano, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 12, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

James is always well prepared for his clients and represents clients zealously. He does a great job for his clients.

Cherish Hadley, Adoption Attorney on May 11, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Christopher Baker, Criminal defense Attorney on Jan 11, 2016
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

I met James "JD" Garrett during my time as a prosecutor. JD was always a tough, yet professional opponent on cases. I've seen JD get great results for his clients on some of the toughest cases. I endorse this attorney.

Willie Graves, Criminal defense Attorney on Oct 31, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Mark Clay, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 21, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I highly endorse Mr. Garrett. Truly exceptional and caring attorney who achieves great results in representing clients! I want all people to contact him for help.

Marques Goetsch, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 30, 2015
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Jill Rogers

Highly respected and overall a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Douglas Borthwick, Domestic violence Attorney on Nov 10, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Dmitriy Shakhnevich, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 28, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 16, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Simon Kabzan

I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney and highly recommended as an asset to this community.

James Shields, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 21, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer with no reservation. An extremely talented and well respected attorney in the legal community. Very hardworking and diligent. Consistently achieves superior results. Advice is always practical and on point. I recommend to anyone looking for an attorney who knows the law and truly cares about protecting the rights of clients and achieving the most favorable result possible.I endorse this lawyer.I endorse this lawyer.

Cameron Norris, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 3, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Garrett provides clear legal answers on AVVO and is who I would recommend as relates to criminal defense matters in Virginia Beach and the Princess Anne area.

Adam Stone, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 23, 2014
Relationship: Friend

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Garrett is a brilliant and skillful advocate, dedicated to his clients' cause. His integrity and dedication to the perfection of his craft are admirable and that to which I strive in my own practice. His a great asset to the criminal defense bar and I would recommend him to anyone charged with a crime in his jurisdiction.

Hovanes Margarian, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Anthony Tuorto, Criminal defense Attorney on Jul 3, 2014
Relationship: Other

I endorse this lawyer.

Justin Esworthy

I endorse this lawyer.

Richard Rosenstein

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Garrett is a skilled and respected member of the legal community. He is a zealous advocate for the rights and interests of his clients.

Nathaniel Wojan

Mr. Garrett is a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Waddington, Criminal defense Attorney on May 28, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse James. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community.

Cost

RATES
    • Free Consultation Some lawyers offer a free consultation to help determine whether their services are right for your legal needs
      30 minutes
    PAYMENT METHODS

    Cash, Check, Credit Card