Free Consultation
$0 first 30 minutes
James Donald Garrett
also known as JD Garrett
About James
Biography
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:
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
40%
20 years | 2,000 cases
Child Custody
30%
20 years
Divorce and Separation
30%
20 years
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.
Search our directory
Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.
Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.
Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.
Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Virginia for 20 years
State: Virginia
Acquired: 2005
No misconduct found
Location
Garrett Law Group, PLC
P.O. Box 658, Norfolk, VA, 23501
Gallery
Ad
Transform legal challenges into solutions.
Connect now to review your situation.
James Donald Garrett's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 15 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | August 6, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Protective moms and children beware!!!
He was appointed as GAL in my case. Refused to listen to the child’s pleas for help. Refused to speak with the mother about the case. Wouldn’t do a home visit at the mother’s but spoke with the father multiple times and visited his home multiple times. Lied multiple times in his report after writing...
James Garrett
Replied last August 7, 2025Unfortunately, this is a mother with mental health issues. I was not appointed for her, but as GAL for her 16-yr old child who was suffering in her care. The child desired to go, and was placed by the judge, in his father's custody where he is now flourishing. I understand the mother is upset, but I have no regrets in how this case was resolved. My only hope is that the people close to the mother see that she gets the mental health treatment she needs.
Posted by anonymous | October 21, 2024 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
The worst lawyer EVER
No contact what so ever!!! Plans to talk with you about your case minuites before you walk inside the court room. Never answers your phone calls! If you pay this man expect to hire someone who doesn’t care about your case at ALL!
Posted by Rebekah | April 10, 2017 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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 a...
James Garrett
Replied last April 26, 2017I'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.
Posted by Justin Page | June 25, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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 correc...
James Garrett
Replied last June 25, 2016Sometimes 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.
Posted by Jared | April 22, 2016 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
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...
James Donald Garrett's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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."
"James is always well prepared for his clients and represents clients zealously. He does a great job for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"Highly respected and overall a great attorney. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent attorney and highly recommended as an asset to this 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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
Brad Micklin
Divorce and separation lawyer
Alexander Ivakhnenko
Criminal defense lawyer
Dan Chambers
Criminal defense lawyer
Raymond Wigell
Federal crime lawyer
Brian Monk
Family lawyer
Edgar Reynoso
DUI and DWI lawyer
Fernando Vargas
Personal injury lawyer
Mitchell Howie
Criminal defense lawyer
Janean Kelly
Estate planning lawyer
Laura Mcfarland-Taylor
Trademark application lawyer
Greg Hill
Criminal defense lawyer
David Altman
Personal injury lawyer
Juan Milanes
Bankruptcy and debt lawyer
Anthony Solis
Criminal defense lawyer
Thomas Ifversen
Criminal defense lawyer
Joseph Martinous
Personal injury lawyer
Andrew Roberts
Criminal defense lawyer
Stephen Cohen
Criminal defense lawyer
Mitchell Wells
Criminal defense lawyer
Jonathan Marx
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2013
Top Contributor Badge, AVVO
2013
Client's Choice Award, AVVO
2005
Recognized For Juvenile Justice Advocacy, Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
2002
Cum Laude Graduate, University of Nevada - Las Vegas
1994
Army Commendation Medal, U.S. Army
1992
Army Commendation Medal, U.S. Army
Work Experience
2012 - Present
President, Garrett Law Group, PLC
2007 - 2012
President, James D. Garrett & Associates, PC
2005 - 2007
Managing Partner, Barnes & Garrett, PC
Associations
2012 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - Present
Criminal Trial Lawyers Association of AmericaMember
2006 - Present
Virginia Trial Lawyers AssociationMember
2006 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Norfolk and Portsmouth Bar AssociationMember
2006 - Present
Chesapeake Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Virginia Bar AssociationMember
2005 - Present
Virginia Beach Bar AssociationMember
Sample of 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
Firearms charges dismissed
Dismissed
Fighting for a just outcome
Reduced to misdemeanor; 5 months in jail.
Carter v. Commonwealth
Affirmed
Education
2005
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
2002
University of Nevada-Las Vegas
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2011
Caribbean CLE
Juvenile Defense
2010
Caribbean CLE
Pre-Arrest Statements to Police
2009
Caribbean CLE
Defending Sex Crimes
2008
Caribbean CLE
Franks Hearings
2007
Caribbean CLE
Insanity Defense in Criminal Cases
2006
Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Juvenile Dispositions in Clark County
2006
Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Jurisdiction for Family Law Issues
2005
Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Defining Child Custody Issues
2005
Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Domestic Violence In Family Law
2004
Thomas & Mack Legal Clinic
Juvenile Justice
Publications
2013
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
2012
Ezinearticles.com
Don't Talk To Police Or Your Name Might Be Mud
2012
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?
2009
Virginian Pilot
Man acquitted of rape; still faces other charges
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Guides
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can i drop charges of domestic assault on my husband?
19 Jul 2019
Q&A
Is there a statute of limitations for a Code Section : 19.2-306 Case Type : Capias Class : U In Virginia?
26 Aug 2013
Q&A
Can a Sex Offender obtain any security clearance, from NACI to maybe Secret?
26 Aug 2013
Legal Guides
Legal Guide
Virginia's Juvenile Justice System: What Happens When a Juvenile is Arrested?
20 Oct 2013
Legal Guide
Accidental Deaths During Felony Crimes: The Felony Homicide Law
19 Oct 2013
Legal Guide
The Collateral Consequences of a Felony Conviction
17 Oct 2013