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
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
22 years, 3,000 cases
22 years, 500 cases
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.
22 years, 200 cases
Languages spoken
English
The Forbess Law Firm
340 East Adams Street
Jacksonville, FL, 32202
State | Status | Acquired | Updated |
---|---|---|---|
DC | Good Standing | 2003 | 02/13/2021 |
FL | Member in Good Standing | 2000 | 02/23/2022 |
Legal answers | 53 |
Legal guides | 0 |
Award name | Grantor | Date Granted |
---|---|---|
Top 3 Criminal Defense Lawyers | Three Best Rated | 2019 |
editor of law review | florida coastal school of law | 1998 |
Title | Company name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Owner | The Forbess Law Firm, PA | 2007 - Present |
felony attorney/repeat offender court | public defenders office, 4th judicial circuit, florida | 2003 - 2006 |
special forces officer, company commander, 3/20th SFG(A) | united states army | 1990 - 1992 |
vice-president, owner | Center Office Products, Inc. | 1982 - 1996 |
Association name | Position name | Duration |
---|---|---|
Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers | Member | 2017 - Present |
The American Legion | member | 2007 - Present |
veterans of foreign wars | member | 2007 - Present |
United States Army Ranger Association | member | 2007 - Present |
US Army Special Forces Association | member | 2007 - Present |
District of Columbia Bar | member | 2003 - Present |
United States District Court, Middle District of Florida | member of bar | 2001 - Present |
The Florida Bar | member | 2000 - Present |
American Bar Association | member | 2000 - Present |
Jacksonville Bar Association | member | 2000 - Present |
School name | Degree | Graduated |
---|---|---|
Florida Coastal School of Law | JD - Juris Doctor | 1999 |
Florida State University | BA - Bachelor of Arts | 1978 |
Conference name | Title | Date |
---|---|---|
guest speaker/lecturer | interviewing for attorneys | 2014 |
Lecture on World Ethics | ethics | 2005 |
Case name | Outcome |
---|---|
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 |
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May 14, 2017
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April 1, 2017
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May 7, 2021
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April 29, 2021
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February 2, 2021
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January 28, 2021
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August 19, 2020
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November 21, 2018
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August 18, 2018
Eric Roberson, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on Sep 3, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Michael Waddington, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense Attorney on May 17, 2014
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Anthony Presto, Criminal defense 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, Unknown Attorney on Aug 18, 2013
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community
I endorse this lawyer.
Eric Roberson, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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, Criminal defense 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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