Donald Charles Barrett

I retained Don after first consulting with two other attorneys, both of whom made good initial impressions with me- they seemed to have a good understanding of the system and displayed the attitude and lexicon that I believe a defense attorney should possess. The choice would have been difficult had... I not been encouraged by an acquaintance to also meet for a consultation with Don. After the first phone call with Don I was already confident I should seek his representation. This sentiment was only reaffirmed after the first meeting and consultation. The difference I experienced between Don and the other two attorneys became even more palpable once I entered Don's office - he was ready. His desk was clear, he was prepared (having already made a phone call and completed some quick research on my behalf). There were zero interruptions: no phones ringing, pagers buzzing, or glances at a wrist watch, but most importantly he attentively listened to my situation and asked insightful questions to flesh out the notes he was periodically taking. As I mentioned earlier, the difference with Don was unmistakable. I realized afterward that I truly received a consultation when I met with Don, he listened and I learned, whereas my experience with the other attorneys now felt as if I was being sold a car wash package, with all the different pricing options regarding a trial or dismissal now sounding like I was being sold on a spot free rinse or wax. For what it is worth, as pricing is realistically a concern for most of us, I felt Don's price, which was proffered before the consultation, was fair and competitive, especially when you are confident that you've retained the best. After Don agreed to represent me, I felt near instant relief. Don is an excellent communicator and I was never left wanting for more information, either on what would happen next or what our strategy was. He assuaged any concerns I had with prompt email replies, and as you now expect, met all appointments with the same professionalism exhibited in that first consultation. And while I was only charged with a sole misdemeanor, I truly felt as if I was Don's only client throughout the ordeal. My case, which involved the FWC, ultimately resolved anticlimactically, with our side announcing we were ready for trial and the prosecution asking to dismiss the case. While I'm not quite unwise enough to wish to need to retain Don again, if you find yourself in a situation where you do need a criminal defense attorney, I feel that you could do no better than Don Barrett.

I hired Don Barrett after an embarrassing night out in Key West that resulted in serious charges including an alleged battery of a police officer. I did not live in Florida and consulting with attorneys over the phone was a challenge. However, over the phone Don patiently listened to my story, asked ...concise questions and told me what he thought the best case scenario would be. He outlined a plan right there on the phone and instantly put me at ease. His fees were in line with other attorneys in the area but I would have paid more for the personal attention and effort he put into my case. Don communicated every step of the way via phone and email, always keeping me informed of my options as the case developed. When I was offered an initial deal, Don insisted that he could and would do better, I trusted him, and he managed to get the deal he promised. Don was prepared and masterful in his depositions, poking many holes in the state attorneys charges. I went from looking at mandatory multi-year minimum sentences to a 1 year PTI program that involved staying out of trouble and performing some community service. Don was always prepared to discuss my case, always made time for me and always dutifully and thoroughly answered my emails. I found his experience as a local prosecutor to be invaluable in helping to navigate the system and hypothesize on what the states attorney and police may be willing to concede. Don kept in touch during my PTI to make sure I was on track even though he was in the midst of a campaign for a local office. Though his work was done, he still took the time to check in, a personal touch that as a young professional facing a life altering charge I truly appreciated. Don later helped me with a referral to a civil attorney who is assisting me based on the injuries the police inflicted during the arrest. My recommendation would always be to stay out of trouble in Key West - BUT if you find yourself in a situation beyond your control, you want an attorney like Don Barrett. He is honest, prepared and professional and will be realistic about what he can do for you. Don is a straight shooter, someone you want on your side when the stakes are high.

Me and a few colleagues were involved in an incident a few years ago. Not only was my case resolved in the quickest and most favorable manner of the three cases, but also, Mr. Barrett offered to help me with my expungement at no extra charge. Unlike other lawyers that I have worked with in the past, ...he has been extremely responsive, keeping me updated every step of the way. I currently live in a foreign country, making it difficult for me to obtain the documents required for my expungement. However, he has gone well beyond the call of duty and personally helped me to obtain any documents necessary. I would highly recommend him to any one in need of lawyer. His work ethic and code of conduct ensures that your case is resolved in the most favorable manner possible. In contrast to the majority of lawyers, he is not overly concerned with monetary compensation, but instead, genuinely cares for the well-being of his clients.

I highly recommend Mr. Barrett to anyone needing a criminal defense attorney. The justice system doesn't always work, and sometimes innocent people get charged with serious offenses that can have serious and permanent consequences. I will say when I did need a criminal defense attorney I was fo...rtunate enough to have hired Mr. Barrett. He has an excellent reputation, his demeanor and personality exudes confidence and a calmness that helps reduce anxiety as he handles everything necessary to best defend you. Mr. Barrett made the best out of a bad situation for me, and my life is now back to normal as though none of this ever happened. I would highly recommend anyone in the need of a good criminal defense attorney to retain Mr. Barrett as council. His fees are very reasonable, and he is worth every penny.

I have hired Mr. Barrett on three occasions - initially to represent me on a serious criminal case; then after he had negotiated a very favorable plea agreement that included probation I hired him again to assist me with a potential probation violation, which he successfully resolved for me; and las...tly I hired him to represent my son when he was arrested on criminal charges. On our first meeting Mr. Barrett impressed me with his calm and thoughtful demeanor and his straightforward and honest assessment of my situation. Throughout his handling of my case, which included lengthy depositions and repeated negotiations with the ASA who was handling my case, he continued to impress me with his timely responses to my inquiries, his unhurried manner and willingness to listen during our meetings, and the well-prepared and on-target questions he asked during the depositions of the police officers involved in my case. His inside knowledge of the State Attorney's office was a definite help as well. He negotiated a very favorable plea agreement for me, and when I was subsequently faced with a violation of probation, basically on a technicality, but with the possibility of going to jail, I was impressed again by how thoroughly he prepared for court appearances and how compellingly he argued my case before the judge. He was able to obtain the best possible outcome for me on both of these occasions. The last time I hired Mr. Barrett was to represent my son at his arraignment on a juvenile criminal case, and he was able to secure his early release from detention and arrange for his entry into a diversionary program. Mr. Barrett is in every respect the finest lawyer with whom I have worked. He completely defies the stereotype of the "sleazy" criminal defense attorney. It is clear that he is committed both to excellence and ethics. I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an attorney who is personable, knowledgeable, courteous and responsive to his clients. I cannot think of one thing that he could have done better in his handling of my cases.