Overall Rating
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
This is an aggregated review score of Avvo and Lawyers.com reviews.
4.9 /5.0
139 Client Reviews
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James Richard Barnes
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About James
Biography
James Barnes has practiced law in Pensacola and surrounding areas for thirty-two years. His legal expertise is the result of having tried more than one hundred criminal jury trials. His defense method has procured proven results due to countless dismissals, noteworthy favorable plea dispostions, not guilty verdicts and his unmatched trial success. Mr. Barnes primarily focuses his practice on criminal defense and handles everything from traffic violations to complex murder cases. One of his cases achieved national attention and was featured on CNN and CourtTV. He has extensive experience resulting from many years, both, representing and defending many types of legal actions.
Every county and every courthouse has its own way of doing things. Based on James Barnes' experience and diverse involvement in the legal community, he has inside access which routinely provides face to face access to judges and prosecutors. Throughout his career, he has developed trusting relationships with judges, prosecutors and court staff. In fact, James Barnes has earned a reputation by many judges, prosecutors and attorneys as being one of the best criminal defense attorneys in the area. These connections have taught him the most effective ways to successfully defend your legal matter. All of these factors beneficially serve his clients and produce successful results.
In the crowded world of criminal defense law, it is common for attorneys to make big, loud promises but not deliver. If you or someone you know has been accused or arrested for a crime, there is a great need for experienced legal advise from a dependable criminal defense attorney. Hiring the right attorney is the most important decision you will make regarding this matter. Who you choose can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. James Barnes' main goal is to get your charges reduced or completely dropped so you can get on with your life. Allow Mr. Barnes the opportunity to guide you through the complexities of your legal situation. He provides his clients with personalized service, effective legal representation and positive results.
EXPERTISE YOU NEED. RESULTS YOU WANT. CALL NOW 850.208.3541
Practice Areas
6
Practice Areas
Criminal Defense
45%
36 years | 9,000 cases
DUI and DWI
20%
36 years | 1,350 cases
Personal Injury
10%
34 years | 2,500 cases
Sex Crime
10%
36 years | 150 cases
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
Awards
2025 2024 2022
...
+
5
Licenses
Licensed in Florida for 35 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 1990
No misconduct found
Location
Gallery
James Richard Barnes's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 73 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | October 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
This is the Lawyer you NEED in your corner.
Mr Barnes, and his entire office, were amazing to work with. From the moment I contacted them, they treated me with dignity and respect. They reviewed my situation and immediately took the weight off of my shoulders. He treated my case as if it actually mattered to him, and I believe it did. We were ...
Posted by anonymous | August 8, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Top rate lawyer
Our son was facing some very serious charges and we had absolutely no clue about the court system or hiring a lawyer. When we met James he took the time to explain everything to us and the possible outcomes. James Barnes is a top rated lawyer and hiring him to defend our son was the best decision w...
Posted by Summer | April 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Thank You For Everything, AMAZING LAWYERS!!
Extremely proud of the amazing work Mr.Barnes & his son Mason Barnes performed for me today. I was facing up to 30+ years & he got me exactly what i wanted !!! thank you for bringing me home to my babies!!!!
Posted by Regina | April 23, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
They are the best & got my daughter what she wanted!
What a outstanding job Mr.James Barns & Mason Barns did for our daughter today she was facing prison time 7 or more years & our daughter came home today ...they truly work hard for their clients...we are truly blessed thanks to these two amazing lawyers for their hard work....we give them more then ...
Posted by James | April 12, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Made my overseas trip possible
My name is James Cate and I am on probation for a couple of felonies that Mr Barnes was able to have expunged. I just returned from the Dominican Republic which was a very important trip for me to marry my fiance. Mr Barnes secured the permission of the judge and without his help my trip would not ha...
James Richard Barnes's Lawyer Endorsements
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Jim for years and have had the privilege of observing him in action. His interaction with a jury is impressive and powerful. His litigation skills along with his experience and knowledge make him a great attorney. Highly recommend Jim for those in need."
"I endorse this lawyer. He is zealous advocate for his clients and very effective. Persuasive in his arguments to juries and judges alike, much to the frustration of the opposing parties."
"Having worked with Jim on numerous criminal matters, I attest to him being an excellent trial attorney and zealous advocate for his clients."
"I endorse this lawyer. Excellent trial attorney with a gripping presence in the courtroom."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse this lawyer. I have worked with Jim on many cases and I find him to be an excellent attorney."
"I endorse this lawyer."
Marcus Gross
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Clinton Couch
Criminal defense lawyer
Brandon Morris
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Jason Manocchio
Personal injury lawyer
Michael Fenimore
Personal injury lawyer
M. Hausfeld
Personal injury lawyer
Experience
Honors
2025
Client Champion Award - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell
2024
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2024
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2024
Client Campion Award - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
Client Champion Award - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell
2023
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2022
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2022
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2022
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2022
Client Champion Award - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2021
Client Champion Award - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell
2021
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2020
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2020
TOP 5%, America's Most Honored Lawyers
2020
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2020
TOP 100, The National Trial Lawyers
2020
Client Champion Award - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
TOP 5%, America's Most Honored Professional
2019
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2019
Client Champion Award - Platinum, Martindale-Hubbell®
2019
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2018
TOP 1%, America's Most Honored Professionals
2018
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
TOP 5%, America's Most Honored Professionals
2017
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2017
BV Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2016
TOP 5%, America's Most Honored Professionals
2016
TOP ATTORNEY, Avvo
2016
Client's Choice Award, Avvo
2016
Distinguished, Martindale-Hubbell
2014
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2013
Million Dollar Advocate, Million Dollar Advocates Forum
1994
Pro Bono Award, Escambia Santa Rosa Bar Association
N/A
A+ Accredited Business, Better Business Bureau
Work Experience
2009 - Present
Attorney, James R. Barnes
2001 - 2009
Attorney, Michles and Booth
1999 - 2001
Attorney, Young, Bill, Fugett & Roumbos, PA
1992 - 1999
Partner, Eddins, Ridlehoover and Barnes
1990 - 1992
Attorney, Office of the Public Defender, Escambia County
Associations
2009 - Present
Escambia/Santa Rosa Academy of Criminal Defense Lawyers
1992 - Present
Northwest Florida District of Federal Court
1990 - Present
Florida Bar
Sample of Legal Cases
State of Florida vs. D.B. 2017 7092
NOT GUILTY
State of Florida vs. J.L. 1028 CF 3419
NOT GUILTY
State of Florida vs. T.W. 2018 CF 1753
DISMISSED
State of Florida vs. J.T. 2018 CF 888
DISMISSED
State of Florida vs. A.M. 2017 CF 5657
DISMISSED
Education
1990
University of Mississippi School of Law
JD - Juris Doctor
1987
Saint Leo College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2010
Annual Public Defender State Conference
The Art of Jury Selection
2008
Personal Injury Seminar
How to Prepare Meaningful Demand Packages for Personal Injury Cases
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
What no ruling means on a case that I wasn't present
12 Feb 2016
Q&A
Leaving the Country on Probation
05 Feb 2016