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Raymond Edward Forbess Sr.
About Raymond
Biography
I happen to be a very strong believer and defender of the rights provided by our constitution. I have carried a rifle on three continents as an Army officer. My father was an Army officer and my younger son was an Army officer. I believe the "rights" afforded by our constitution were a response by our founders to the earlier "wrongs" inflicted upon the British citizens. Those of us who practice criminal law are actually practicing, to a large extent, constitutional law. We have the best country and legal system in the world. Today certain Americans are deployed worldwide in dangerous situations to afford us the luxury of freedom and, as part of that freedom, we are able to enjoy life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.
Practice Areas
8
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in District of Columbia for 22 years
State: District of Columbia
Acquired: 2003
No misconduct found
Licensed in Florida for 25 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2000
No misconduct found
Location
The Forbess Law Firm
340 East Adams Street, Jacksonville, FL, 32202
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Raymond Edward Forbess Sr.'s Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 75 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by Vincent | March 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
TERRIBLE ATTORNEY
I hired him a few years ago for my first offense which was a drug charge. Not only did he not show up to our meetings several times, when he showed up to one of my defense hearings, he proceeded to tell the court that I was a habitual offender and needed to do some time to learn my lesson, on my FIRS...
Posted by JMJ | May 7, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Review of Raymond Forbess, SR.
When I needed legal representation, one of the best decisions I ever made was to call Ray Forbess, SR. He handled every aspect of my case diligently and professionally. He always responded promptly to questions, returned my calls and offered honest advice. The consequences of the case we're better th...
Posted by anonymous | April 29, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank
Raymond, I would highly recommend him. He was honest, sincere and made me feel at ease. He walks me through the whole legal process so I would totally understand the process. He is an attorney on your side, not looking for a payday. Great job. He is my attorney from now on. Thank You.
Posted by anonymous | March 6, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Saved my Son's life
I contacted Ray after my son was arrested for possession. He went to work right away, so my son knew he wasn't alone. He advised me what I had to do to save my son's life. It was hard but thank God I listened to him. He was able to get him into the Matrix system which changed my son's life. It h...
Posted by Jacqueline | February 2, 2021 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Amazing Attorney
Wonderful service, couldn’t be happier with results they are sincere and honest and would recommend them to anyone who needs help.
Raymond Edward Forbess Sr.'s Lawyer Endorsements
"Ray and I handled several cases together when I was a prosecutor. He was always able to get the best results for his clients through his practical, no-nonsense approach. I recommend Ray for any criminal defense matters."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Forbess is a no-nonsense attorney who works aggressively for the interests of his clients. As a former prosecutor, I always admired and respected Mr. Forbess skill and ability as a litigator and trial attorney. He is truly one of the best attorneys practicing in Jacksonville, Florida."
"Ray uses a straight forward approach and the highest ethical standards to achieve great results for his clients."
"Attorney Forbess helped one of my clients who received criminal charges while in Florida. His expertise and knowledge of navigating the criminal justice system are unparalleled. Attorney Forbess did an excellent job and I would recommend him in the future without reservation."
"Ray Forbess is a great criminal law attorney. His devotion to his clients and cases is a role model to other attorneys. He works his cases for success for his clients. You are in good hands with Ray Forbess as your attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Forbess is a true professional and zealous advocate. I've always admired his dedication to his practice."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Raymond. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I worked with Ray at the Public Defenders office. He is a hardworking no-nonsense guy who tries his absolute best for clients. He has an interesting background from the Army and business. Anyone who has a criminal problem could not go wrong with Ray."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ray is a compassionate and knowledgeable and zealous advocate."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. Ray is an excellent advocate for his clients. He has an unwavering commitment to justice and works diligently to achieve excellent results for each client."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer's work. I have worked with criminal attorney Ray Forbess since 2004. His work in the area of criminal defense in Jacksonville is second to none. Ray has a diverse work history, beginning in the U.S. Army. Ray was in Special Forces and the Rangers. After the Army, Ray owned several businesses. He has been a practicing criminal defense lawyer in Jacksonville for years. Ray and I opened our Jacksonville Criminal Defense Law Firm in 2007 after serving the community as public defenders for three years. Ray practices 100% criminal law. He represents people charged with felonies, misdemeanors, sex crimes, DUI's, drug crimes, driving crimes, theft crimes, domestic battery crimes, etc. Ray is an accessible criminal lawyer who practices with professionalism and vigor."
"If you are in need of legal representation, look no further than Ray Forbess. He was my first mentor when I was practicing under the law student practice act, and his guidance and leadership helped to shape me into the lawyer I am today. One of the main reasons that I became a criminal defense attorney was because of what Ray taught me-- both about the law and about defending constitutional rights. He is an excellent attorney, and I whole heartedly endorse his work."
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Experience
Honors
2019
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers, Three Best Rated
1998
editor of law review, florida coastal school of law
Work Experience
2007 - Present
Owner, The Forbess Law Firm, PA
2003 - 2006
felony attorney/repeat offender court, public defenders office, 4th judicial circuit, florida
1990 - 1992
special forces officer, company commander, 3/20th SFG(A), united states army
1982 - 1996
vice-president, owner, Center Office Products, Inc.
Associations
2017 - Present
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2007 - Present
The American Legionmember
2007 - Present
veterans of foreign warsmember
2007 - Present
United States Army Ranger Associationmember
2007 - Present
US Army Special Forces Associationmember
2003 - Present
District of Columbia Barmember
2001 - Present
United States District Court, Middle District of Floridamember of bar
2000 - Present
The Florida Barmember
2000 - Present
American Bar Associationmember
2000 - Present
Jacksonville Bar Associationmember
Sample of Legal Cases
DOMESTIC BATTERY-DROPPED
CASE DROPPED
CHILD ABUSE-DROPPED
DROPPED AFTER MR. FORBESS PROVIDED INFORMATION TO THE STATE ATTORNEY
CHILD ABUSE-DROPPED
CASE DROPPED AFTER MR. FORBESS INVESTIGATED THE CASE AND MET WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY
ARMED ROBBERY-DROPPED
DROPPED AFTER MR FORBESS PROVIDED DEFENSE WITNESSES TO THE STATE ATTORNEY
ARMED ROBBERY-DROPPED
CASE DROPPED
state of florida v. client D.C.
16 felony counts reduced to 1 second degree mm
Education
1999
Florida Coastal School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1978
Florida State University
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2014
guest speaker/lecturer
interviewing for attorneys
2005
Lecture on World Ethics
ethics
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Travel requirements for sex offender
15 Feb 2017
Q&A
If a judge promises you a certain amount of years can they sentence you to that if your case has been thrown out?
12 Feb 2017
Q&A
How likely is it for florida to extradite me from Indiana on a Felony VOP warrant
11 Feb 2017