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Raymond Edward Forbess Sr.

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Avvo Rating8.6
  • Jacksonville, FL
  • Licensed for 20 years
  • Free consultation
Raymond Edward Forbess Sr.
Raymond Edward Forbess Sr.
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About Raymond

We have defended thousands. Our attorneys are available 24/7 to help you.

 

 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

OtherSex crimeDUI and DWIViolent crimeCriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 25%

    I practice all areas of Jacksonville Criminal Defense. Our Jacksonville Criminal Law Firm, defends Jacksonville DUI, Jacksonville Drug Crimes, Jacksonville Domestic Batteries, Jacksonville Gun Crimes, and all Jacksonville felonies and misdemeanors. Our Jacksonville Criminal Attorneys have defended thousands

    20 years, 3,000 cases

  2. Violent crime: 20%

    20 years, 500 cases

  3. DUI and DWI: 15%

  4. Sex crime: 15%

  1. Domestic violence: 10%

  2. Juvenile law: 10%

    Our firm has defended hundreds of juvenile cases. A juvenile case in North Florida, if serious enough in the mind of the designated state attorney, can, with one piece of paper, be turned in a case in adult felony court with corresponding adult punishment and lifelong damage to any career aspirations. The serious charges we defend in juvenile court are usually sex crimes, robberies and shootings.

    20 years, 200 cases

  3. Speeding and traffic ticket: 5%

Languages spoken

English

Contact

340 East Adams Street
address map

The Forbess Law Firm

340 East Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL, 32202

Office (904) 634-0900
Fax (904) 634-0903

Website

http://www.jacksonville-attorney.us/

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
DCActive 200310/14/2017
FLMember in Good Standing200004/19/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers53
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Top 3 Criminal Defense LawyersThree Best Rated2019
editor of law reviewflorida coastal school of law1998
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
OwnerThe Forbess Law Firm, PA2007 - Present
felony attorney/repeat offender courtpublic defenders office, 4th judicial circuit, florida2003 - 2006
special forces officer, company commander, 3/20th SFG(A)united states army1990 - 1992
vice-president, ownerCenter Office Products, Inc.1982 - 1996
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Florida Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember2017 - Present
The American Legionmember2007 - Present
veterans of foreign warsmember2007 - Present
United States Army Ranger Associationmember2007 - Present
US Army Special Forces Associationmember2007 - Present
District of Columbia Barmember2003 - Present
United States District Court, Middle District of Floridamember of bar2001 - Present
The Florida Barmember2000 - Present
American Bar Associationmember2000 - Present
Jacksonville Bar Associationmember2000 - Present
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Florida Coastal School of LawJD - Juris Doctor1999
Florida State UniversityBA - Bachelor of Arts1978
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
guest speaker/lecturerinterviewing for attorneys2014
Lecture on World Ethicsethics2005
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
DOMESTIC BATTERY-DROPPEDCASE DROPPED
CHILD ABUSE-DROPPEDDROPPED AFTER MR. FORBESS PROVIDED INFORMATION TO THE STATE ATTORNEY
CHILD ABUSE-DROPPEDCASE DROPPED AFTER MR. FORBESS INVESTIGATED THE CASE AND MET WITH THE STATE ATTORNEY
ARMED ROBBERY-DROPPEDDROPPED AFTER MR FORBESS PROVIDED DEFENSE WITNESSES TO THE STATE ATTORNEY
ARMED ROBBERY-DROPPEDCASE DROPPED
state of florida v. client D.C.16 felony counts reduced to 1 second degree mm

Reviews

(68)
5 Star
94%
4 Star
1%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
4%
Review Raymond Forbess

Very Professional and Knowledgeable

Posted by

Mr. Forbess was very professional and knowledgeable about the the law. His firm was very courteous during my time of need and concluded my matter with a great result. I highly recommend Mr. Forbess and his firm.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Forbess Law

Posted by

the Forbess law group was great. Ray handled my case promptly, was professional at all times. i would happily reccommend Ray and his son. no complaints whatsoever.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Stressed out mom

Posted by

Not only was Mr. Forbess extremely professional but he returned all of my calls and was with me every step of the way. I would recommend him to anyone who is in need of the best criminal lawyer.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Ray Forbess Sr. was great help!

Posted by

I just want to start out by saying Thank you to everyone at the Law office of Ray Forbess Sr. especially Mr. Ray!!! From the very first phone call to this law firm and feeling stressed and anxiety from my schemes/fraudulent case. Mr. Ray had me feeling assured that I was going to be taking care of throughout the whole process. From all my phone calls to every piece of paperwork Ray was there helping me. Long story short he took care of my problem & I’m happy with my results I highly recommend Mr. Ray F. Sr to anyone who needs a great lawyer in Jacksonville Florida.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Went the Extra Mile and then some!

Posted by

Was very impressed with his service, but more importantly his genuine interest and advice to my 18 year old son. While the infraction was fairly minor, he took a great interest in leading him a direction which would not be detrimental to his future. He is not only a good attorney, but he cares about his clients and it shows.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great attorney

Posted by

I was charged with felony in two counties in duval county I faced 5 years he got me 40 days without a felony conviction. And I had a 2nd felony in other case facing 15 years he got me probation. Mr Forbess keep me completely informed of what was going to happen step by step. He was even at the jail before I even got there. He checked on my daughter while I was in jail. And kept me from panicking through the process. He cares for his clients goes beyond anytime I called he personally returned my call himself. What the best thing about him and his son is they are honest and don’t sugar coat anything I was guilty and he treated me like a person not a pay check me and my daughter will never forget what his firm has done for us thank you Ray and Ray Jr
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

oustanding

Posted by

Mr Forbess Sr. Was hired by me to keep my grandson from going to adult court for attempted murder charges. He successfully worked with the states attorney to reduce the charges and keep it all in juvenile court. He kept me well informed through the whole process by email and phone. Had one on one sessions with my grandson to ensure he was fully aware of what was going on. Professional, courteous and always on top of the case. Thanks doesn't say enough.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Concealed weapon charge

Posted by

I got arrested on a concealed weapons charge. Ray gave me a free consultation before I hired him, he worked with me on the retainer fee and then he ended up getting the case thrown out. He's awesome, kept me up-to-date on every step of the case let me know my options up front and my options as the case progressed. Extremely kind and understanding during a time of uncertainty for me I greatly appreciate everything he has done and will always recommend him to anybody with a criminal charge. He is very flexible and fair on how much he charges plus he keeps you very well informed & he will never judge you on what you've been charged with. Most people I've ever dealt with look at you as guilty until proven innocent but Ray truly believes innocent until proven guilty.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Amazing

Posted by

Ray is amazing . He knows what he's talking about . He helped me stay out of jail and gave me the best advice on fixing my case . I would HIGHLY recommend Raymond to any friends or family that needed a lawyer . He's punctual , on time , and knows his stuff !!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Orlando Court

Posted by

Mr . Forbess Sr Has always been there for me and my Family when I have need him for my children. If I ever need him he is there for us. Thank you for everything
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
See all reviews

Attorney endorsements

(17)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Eric Roberson, Business Attorney on Apr 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Jeffrey Davenport, Government Attorney on Apr 17, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

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.

Timothy Miller, DUI and DWI Attorney on Apr 13, 2018
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

Ray uses a straight forward approach and the highest ethical standards to achieve great results for his clients.

Travis Petty, Personal injury Attorney on Jun 21, 2016
Relationship: Worked together on matter

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.

David Willis, DUI and DWI Attorney on May 25, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Stephen Kelly, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 26, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Attorney Forbess is a true professional and zealous advocate. I've always admired his dedication to his practice.

Lewis Fusco, DUI and DWI Attorney on Sep 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Michael Waddington, Military law Attorney on May 24, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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

Shannon Schott, Car accident Attorney on May 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Anthony Presto, Real estate Attorney on Apr 25, 2014
Relationship: Co-worker

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.

Regina Wright, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 4, 2014
Relationship: Supervised lawyer

I endorse this lawyer. Ray is a compassionate and knowledgeable and zealous advocate.

Blake Johnson, Criminal defense Attorney on Aug 19, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Eric Roberson, Business Attorney on Apr 20, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

James Davis, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 13, 2012
Relationship: Friend

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.

Jeffrey Davenport, Government Attorney on Apr 17, 2012
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

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.

Dan Armstrong, Estate planning Attorney on Jun 22, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Casey Bryant, Criminal defense Attorney on Mar 24, 2011
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer.

Victoria Mussallem, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 30, 2009
Relationship: Co-worker

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.

Douglas Chanco, Personal injury Attorney on Sep 28, 2009
Relationship: Worked for lawyer

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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