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
140 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
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Showing 11 - 15 of 20 reviews | Professionalism
Posted by Steven | November 26, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Hire him, than leave everything up to him.
Mr. Barnes is the Man with a plan! We didn't know or understand everything he was doing, but he did. He outmaneuvered the prosecutor with skill and expertise. My son went to court on a VOP, with several other serious charges pending. He wrapped all the charges up into one simple, very lenient sentenc...
Posted by Sean | April 16, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Best lawyer in Pensacola FL,
I want to start off by saying God is good. I just went through a long and tough journey and Mr. Barnes was there by my side through it all. He displayed confidence in me and my case from day one given the fact that I was facing a life sentence. I never had to experience anything like this before but ...
Posted by Wes | January 17, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
State Attorney, consider yourself warned
Barnes shakes trees and rattles cages and remains cool calm and Collective! I was going up for a mandatory minimum of 14 months. His sharp appearance and sharp mind amazingly not only had my felony charge dropped but I was off of drug court and 3 year felony probation by the end of the day. He isn't...
Posted by anonymous | January 11, 2017 | Hired Attorney | Lawsuits & Disputes
Excellent attorney
I hired James Barnes and he did exactly whata lawyer should do...He listens, and fought the case to the best if his knowledge and his office was nice also! Thank you for everything you have done for us!
Posted by Ryan | April 04, 2016 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Great lawyer
Very timely and professional lawyer. Always let me know when things changed with my case and was able to successfully defend me in my DUI case.
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
Personal injury lawyer
Clinton Couch
Criminal defense lawyer
Brandon Morris
Criminal defense lawyer
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