James Donald Garrett

Criminal defense Attorney at Norfolk, VA

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Resume

Best lawyer in VA.

Mr. Garrett Helped Me Out Of A Jamb.

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!

About James

Learn James’s areas of practice.

Practice areas

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.
... Read more
18 years, 2,000 cases
Child custody

30%

18 years
Divorce and separation

30%

18 years

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 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:

Photos and videos

Licensed for 17 years

State VA

Status Active

Acquired 2005

Updated 12/27/2022

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

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Garrett Law Group, PLC

P.O. Box 658

Norfolk, VA, 23501

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Reviews

Write A Review

4.2 / 5.0

13 customer reviews

3 Star

2 Star

1 Star

15%

Posted by Jared | April 22, 2016

Best lawyer in VA.

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.

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Posted by Mike | August 14, 2013

Mr. Garrett Helped Me Out Of A Jamb.

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Posted by Annie | August 2, 2013

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

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.

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Response from James Garrett August 3, 2013

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.

Posted by Latrell | July 17, 2013

Assault Charges Dismissed

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.

Response from James Garrett July 17, 2013

Glad we were able to get the right result for you. Thank you for the review and the confidence.

Posted by Stephanie | July 15, 2013

Thank you Garrett Law Group

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.

Response from James Garrett July 16, 2013

Thank you for the comments. Happy to have helped you. Good luck, Stephanie.

Posted by Ted | July 11, 2013

Just Who You Want On Your Side

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.

Response from James Garrett July 12, 2013

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!

Posted by Kettrel | July 7, 2013

Criminal case

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.

Response from James Garrett July 9, 2013

Thank you, Kettrel, for your comments. I'm glad everything worked out. Good luck to you.

Posted by Charles | May 16, 2013

A Beacon In A Dark Night

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.

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Response from James Garrett May 17, 2013

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.

Posted by Frank | June 15, 2012

Fought hard and won.

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.

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Posted by Sam | August 8, 2013

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

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.

Response from James Garrett August 12, 2013

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!

Posted by Don | July 18, 2013

Felony DUI Reduced

I had a tough case. Mr. Garrett was able to recommend me to some alcohol counseling help and he negotiated with the prosecutor to get my DUI charge down from a felony. He couldn't do anything about the jail time, but I was and am happy with the outcome. He worked hard for me.

Response from James Garrett July 20, 2013

Don, thank you for the comments, and I'm glad we could be of assistance to you. Good luck in your future.

Posted by Rebekah | April 10, 2017

Terrible Communication, and horrible interpersonal relationship skills.

Mr. Garrett failed as an attorney for me as he did not respond in a timely manner to many of my emails and phone calls. He called me petty and vindictive when I asked for clarification and refused to sign something until he explained what he was asking for. He refused to answer many of my questions and was not timely in his delivery of any of my documents. I was forced to pay for a next day signed copy of my documents myself due to the fact that he didn't get them to me in time, and then he texted me that they were returned to him. Do not hire him if it's anything other than a traffic violation.

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Response from James Garrett April 26, 2017

I'm sorry this client is not happy. She presented to me with an uncontested divorce which she paid that reduced fee. Thereafter, she wanted to contest every aspect of the process. I understand she had a difficult marriage to a very controlling husband, and I believe she is taking out her frustrations on the only person she can at this point which is me. The divorce was finalized in a timely and routine manner. I hope my client finds some comfort and peace in that she is no longer subjected to what she endured while married.

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Posted by Justin Page | June 25, 2016

Terrible at time management and phone calls

I had retained Mr. Garrett as my attorney at a tune of $2500 to only go to preliminaries. After I was charged with a felony I bonded out. After I bonded out the DA added a charge due to Mr. Garretts poor oral skills at preliminaries. I was then locked up for the 2nd charge and left in Va Beach correctional for 9 days because Mr. Garrett blew off 3 people i had calling him plus myself in the cell block. Needless to say I fired him after he finally got me a bond hearing on day 9 of being in jail. Meet my new attorney in the parking lot and hired him with no problems.

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Response from James Garrett June 25, 2016

Sometimes the facts of a case are so grizzly there is not much any attorney can do. I'm sorry you are disappointed with the results.

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Cost

Resume

AVVO RATING 8.7 (Excellent)

Work Experience

President
Garrett Law Group, PLC
2012 - Present

President
James D. Garrett & Associates, PC
2007 - 2012

Managing Partner
Barnes & Garrett, PC
2005 - 2007

Education

University of Nevada Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
2005

University of Nevada Las Vegas, William S. Boyd School of Law
Juvenile Justice Clinic
2005

University of Nevada-Las Vegas
BA - Bachelor of Arts
2002

Legal Cases

Sex Abuse Charges Dismissed At Preliminary Hearing
Dismissed

Not Guilty of Sex Abuse
Bench trial - Not guilty

Just Outcome For Military Service Member
All charges dismissed

View all legal cases

Associations

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
Member
2012 - Present

Criminal Trial Lawyers Association of America
Member
2007 - Present

Virginia Trial Lawyers Association
Member
2006 - Present

American Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

Chesapeake Bar Association
Member
2006 - Present

Virginia Bar Association
Member
2005 - Present

Virginia Beach Bar Association
Member
2005 - Present

View all associations

Languages Spoken

English

Honors and Awards

Client's Choice Award
AVVO
2013

Top Contributor Badge
AVVO
2013

Recognized For Juvenile Justice Advocacy
Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
2005

Cum Laude Graduate
University of Nevada - Las Vegas
2002

Army Commendation Medal
U.S. Army
1994

Army Commendation Medal
U.S. Army
1992

View all awards

Publications

Garrett Law Group, PLC Blog
Should I Allow Police To Search My Vehicle If I’ve Done Nothing Wrong?
2013

Garrett Law Group, PLC Blog
Confusion Regarding The Public Safety Exception To Miranda In The Boston Marathon Bombing Case
2013

Garrett Law Group, PLC Blog
How Does A Domestic Violence Charge Affect My Military Career?
2012

Virginia Beach Criminal Law - Legal Notes & News
Should I Talk To Police If I'm Not Under Arrest?
2012

Ezinearticles.com
Don't Talk To Police Or Your Name Might Be Mud
2012

Virginian Pilot
Man acquitted of rape; still faces other charges
2009

View all publications

Speaking Engagements

Caribbean CLE
Juvenile Defense
2011

Caribbean CLE
Pre-Arrest Statements to Police
2010

Caribbean CLE
Defending Sex Crimes
2009

Caribbean CLE
Franks Hearings
2008

Caribbean CLE
Insanity Defense in Criminal Cases
2007

Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Jurisdiction for Family Law Issues
2006

Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Juvenile Dispositions in Clark County
2006

Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Domestic Violence In Family Law
2005

Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Defining Child Custody Issues
2005

Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Juvenile Justice
2004

View all speaking engagements

Attorney endorsements

Received (236)

Given (229)

Endorse James

Kevin Duffan

Criminal defense Attorney | May 13
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

Unknown Attorney | May 21
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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 | Jan 12
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 | May 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Christopher Baker

Criminal defense Attorney | Jan 11
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 | Oct 31
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Clay

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 21
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 | Apr 30
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Jill Rogers

Unknown Attorney | Feb 10
Relationship: Other

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

Douglas Borthwick

Domestic violence Attorney | Nov 10
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Dmitriy Shakhnevich

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 28
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Lilian Demonteverde-Hoats

Criminal defense Attorney | Sep 16
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Simon Kabzan

Unknown Attorney | Sep 15
Relationship: Other

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

James Shields

Criminal defense Attorney | Aug 21
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 | Aug 03
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 | Jul 23
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 | Jul 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Anthony Tuorto

Criminal defense Attorney | Jul 03
Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Justin Esworthy

Unknown Attorney | Jun 11
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

Richard Rosenstein

Unknown Attorney | Jun 03
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"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."

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