R. William Barner III

PRO

R. William Barner III

also known as Bill Barner

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 19 years

Criminal defense Lawyer at Fort Lauderdale, FL
Practice Areas: Criminal Defense, Immigration

612 SE 5th Ave. Suite 6, Fort Lauderdale, FL

Virtual Consultation Available

About R. William

Biography

“I work tirelessly on every case and treat every client with dignity.” - R. William Barner III

Former Prosecutor. AV Rated. State & Federal.

Barner provides exceptional advise to lawyers, law makers, & clients on immigration law.

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

Criminal Defense 85%

Criminal Defense of both felonies and misdemeanors throughout South Florida including state, federal, and municipal courts. Co-Counseling criminal cases and advising other defense attorneys of the immigration consequences of a criminal plea.

17 years | 2,000 cases

85%
Immigration 15%

Deportation Defense, Naturalization (Citizenship), Legal Permanent Residence (Green Cards), Fiance Visas, Replacement Resident Cards, Asylum, Work Authorization, TPS, U Visas, S Visas

17 years | 2,000 cases

15%

Fees and Rates

We have not found any cost information for this lawyer

Awards

AV Preeminent Peer Review Rating
Client's Choice
Client's Choice
2025 2017 2016
...
+ 2

Licenses

Licensed in Florida for 19 years

State: Florida

Acquired: 2006

Member in Good Standing

No misconduct found

Location

Barner Legal P.A.

612 SE 5th Ave. Suite 6, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33301

BarnerLegal.com

Online Presence

Other places you can find R. William online.

R. William Barner III's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

38 Client Reviews

5 star (38)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by John | October 5, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Attorney Barner is the Only Criminal Defense Lawyer I Trust for My Own Clients!

I've known Attorney Barner for 20 years, and we were law school classmates together. He was by far the most talented and successful student in all of our trial advocacy courses. I practice in Pittsburgh, and a lot of my clients winter in Southeast Florida where they have friends and family. A few tim...es a year, one of my clients will ask me to recommend a criminal defense lawyer in SE Florida, and I always refer them to Attorney Barner without hesitation. I wouldn't risk my reputation with my own clients if I didn't know that Attorney Barner is the absolute best at what he does. EVERY one of my clients, their friends, and their family have been thrilled with his criminal defense representation. If my freedom or my property was at stake, there is no one I'd trust more than Attorney Barner to help me!

Posted by Ashley | October 4, 2025 | Consulted Attorney

This review is from a potential client who consulted with this attorney.

Criminal defense and immigration expert

Bill’s expertise in criminal defense has created him as the go to when it comes to the intersection of criminal defense and immigration. Individually, he is competent and an advocate in both arenas.

Posted by Debbie | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

So glad we chose attorney Barner

My husband was unjustly charged with a federal crime and attorney Barner refused every plea offer and argued the case in court and got the whole thing dismissed. So thankful he represented my husband!

Posted by anonymous | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

A lawyer who cares

Knowledgeable, responsive, and dependable. I was very impressed with his professionalism and highly recommend Mr. Barner. Easy to talk to, always supportive, and made the whole process less stressful. I couldn’t have asked for a better attorney.

Posted by Sharone | October 2, 2025 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Mr Berner is the perfect lawyer for you he get the job done

Mr Barner is a very organized and professional lawyer,I've worked with him and was 100% satisfied and I would definitely recommend gis service to other clients in the future

See All Client Reviews

R. William Barner III's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse R. William
Lawrence Michael Meltzer headshot
Lawrence Meltzer

Criminal defense lawyer | Mar 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barner is an excellent legal tactician and trial lawyer. He has tremendous experience and legal knowledge in the areas of criminal and immigration law. When my clients have immigration issues in criminal cases I always call "Bill". He is always at the ready and gives a clear picture as to my clients situation. He is always honest and forthright and treats all of his clients with respect and with the care that they deserve. "Bill" is an outstanding lawyer and person. I trust him implicitly."

Aaron Matthew Cohen headshot
Aaron Cohen

Immigration lawyer | May 31

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"My firm Cohen & Kuvin, LLC is very proud to endorse Mr. Barner. For over 5 years now we have been referring him clients and not one complaint. If your looking for the right Immigration attorney don't even bother looking any further. Mr. Barner communicates with his clients as well his associate attorneys to keep them informed; a great receipt for success."

Joshua David Rydell headshot
Joshua Rydell

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. A caring, active and personal attorney who values the attorney - client relationship and always gets results. It is a pleasure to work with Bill"

David Jared Sobel headshot
David Sobel

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 03

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have had the privilege of working alongside Mr. Barner, and I can say without hesitation that he is among the most dedicated and skilled criminal defense attorneys I know. He possess an exceptional command of Florida criminal law and a deep understanding of courtroom strategy, which consistently translates into excellent results for clients. What sets Mr. Barner apart is not only legal knowledge but also professionalism and integrity. He prepares every case thoroughly, advocate passionately, and maintain the highest ethical standards. Judges, prosecutors, and colleagues alike respect Mr. Barner for his sharp litigation skills and calm presence in high-stakes situations."

Paul Molle headshot
Paul Molle

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill Barner is a respected member of the legal community. He has incredible intellect and a unique skill set in that he understands criminal law and immigration law and can navigate clients through complex interrelated legal dilemmas. Many attorneys seek to collaborate with Bill in order to benefit from his expertise. I endorse Bill Barner! He is an asset to the legal community and the clients he serves."

John Stephen Hager headshot
John Hager

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I know Bill very well and have collaborated with him on criminal matters. He is extremely knowledgeable, attentive to his client's needs and a fierce advocate in the courtroom. Without hesitation, I would recommend him in any criminal matter."

Kenneth Patrick Hassett headshot
Kenneth Hassett

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. I have known Bill for 15 years. We have worked on many criminal cases together. He is a true professional and always available to consult regarding any issues that have come up during the case. I would highly recommend Bill for a crimianl case."

Joseph Zager headshot
Joseph Zager

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. Great legal mind and attention to detail. Highly respected in the field of criminal defense."

Bradley Winston headshot
Bradley Winston

Criminal defense lawyer | Oct 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I have known Bill Barner for many years. I wholeheartedly endorse him. He is a former prosecutor and a past president of the Broward Association of Criminal Defense lawyers, and he teaches trial advocacy at Nova Southeastern University. He regularly wins the criminal defense cases that I have referred him."

Gary Antonio Gonzalez headshot
Gary Gonzalez

Immigration lawyer | Oct 29

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Great legal mind and attention to detail. Highly respected in the field of Immigration."

Richard Ansara headshot
Richard Ansara

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 16

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"Bill is a great lawyer and a great guy. I am proud to endorse Bill."

Carter T Hillstrom headshot
Carter Hillstrom

Immigration lawyer | Jun 16

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"When my clients have immigration issues, I do whatever I can to bring Bill Barner into the case. He's the go-to lawyer for immigration/criminal defense crossover cases."

Josh A Howard headshot
Josh Howard

Immigration lawyer | Mar 05

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barner and I have worked on many cases together. Not only is he an excellent criminal-trial lawyer, but he is also the best immigration specialist in the State of Florida. In fact, whenever my client needs expert immigration advice, I refer him/her to Mr. Barner. My clients are always tremendously satisfied with Mr. Barner's advice and counsel. Truly a great legal advocate and a trusted colleague."

Kevin Sean McGill headshot
Kevin McGill

Immigration lawyer | Oct 19

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"Mr. Barner sets the bar for legal knowledge in the areas of criminal defense and immigration law. When my clients have immigration issues in criminal cases I call "Bill" first. He's always prepared and gives a thorough analysis of my clients' situations. He is always honest and forthright and treats every individual with the respect and dignity they deserve. He is an outstanding lawyer and person. I endorse this lawyer."

Florence Taylor headshot
Florence Taylor

Immigration lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Family member

"Mr. Barner is an amazing litigator and trial attorney. I had the pleasure of working along side him as an Assistant State Attorney. He has extensive jury and non jury trial experience in Federal and State court. He has won appeals in Immigration court and has been able to successfully defend numerous individuals facing both criminal and immigration cases. He was recently voted in the top 1% of lawyers nationwide. I have also had the pleasure of watching him lecture at local colleges and coach a high school mock trial team. I highly endorse him and would recommend him to anyone seeking an aggressive, highly skilled and pleasant attorney who goes the extra mile for his clients."

Jason B Blank headshot
Jason Blank

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 06

Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

"I had the pleasure of working opposite Bill when he was a prosecutor. I have now had the pleasure of calling him a colleague on the same side of the courtroom and continue to be impressed by his legal knowledge, skill, and zealous advocacy. I endorse this lawyer."

Mark Stephen Lowry headshot
Mark Lowry

Criminal defense lawyer | Apr 02

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Bill is an excellent lawyer and person in general. His love for the law and true appreciation for his client's worries are a step above most lawyers that you'll find. I endorse Bill as a colleague and friend, and you should trust him as your counsel."

Craig Adam Rosenberg headshot
Craig Rosenberg

Immigration lawyer | Mar 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"First Person I think of when someone asks me for an Immigration lawyer."

Harris W Gilbert headshot
Harris Gilbert

Immigration lawyer | Mar 20

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer. He handles immigration cases for my clients with immigration issues and always does a professional and effective job."

Manuel "Manny" Serra-Jovenich headshot
Manuel "Manny" Serra-Jovenich

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Richard "Bill" Barner is a first-class attorney and person. I've observed Bill in the courtroom and working in his office, he is aggressive, smart, and experienced. The care and attention he shows his clients is superb."

View All Endorsements
Joseph A. Bosco headshot
Joseph Bosco

Personal injury lawyer

Marc Evan Brown headshot
Marc Brown

General practice lawyer

Monica Benitez headshot
Monica Benitez

Criminal defense lawyer

Carter T Hillstrom headshot
Carter Hillstrom

Criminal defense lawyer

Josh A Howard headshot
Josh Howard

Appeals lawyer

Kevin Sean McGill headshot
Kevin McGill

Criminal defense lawyer

Manuel "Manny" Serra-Jovenich headshot
Manuel "Manny" Serra-Jovenich

Criminal defense lawyer

Florence Taylor headshot
Florence Taylor

Litigation lawyer

Joshua David Rydell headshot
Joshua Rydell

Criminal defense lawyer

Bradley Winston headshot
Bradley Winston

Personal injury lawyer

Mark Stephen Lowry headshot
Mark Lowry

Criminal defense lawyer

Craig Adam Rosenberg headshot
Craig Rosenberg

Speeding and traffic ticket lawyer

Sheila Zolnoor headshot
Sheila Zolnoor

Criminal defense lawyer

Jason B Blank headshot
Jason Blank

Criminal defense lawyer

Lawrence Michael Meltzer headshot
Lawrence Meltzer

DUI and DWI lawyer

Harris W Gilbert headshot
Harris Gilbert

Criminal defense lawyer

Adam David Rossen headshot
Adam Rossen

Criminal defense lawyer

Joshua Thomas Higgins headshot
Joshua Higgins

Unknown lawyer

Eric Scott Rosen headshot
Eric Rosen

General practice lawyer

Grant Ian Schwarz headshot
Grant Schwarz

Criminal defense lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2025

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2024

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2016

Clients Choice Award, AVVO

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 40 Under 40, The National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who Directory

2016

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Top One Percent, National Association of Distinguished Counsel

2015

Clients Choice Award, AVVO

2015

Ten Best Attorneys for Florida, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys

2015

AV Preeminent Rated, Martindale-Hubbell

2015

Top Rated Lawyers, Legal Leaders

2015

Top Attorneys of North America, Who's Who

2012

Clients Choice Award, AVVO

2007

Habitual Felony Offender Convictor, Office of the State Attorney

Work Experience

2019 - Present

Adjunct Professor, Nova Southeasterm University

2015 - Present

Owner / Attorney, Barner Legal P.A.

2015 - 2022

Adjunct Professor, Broward College

2008 - 2015

Partner, Attorney, BarnerRossen PA

2006 - 2008

Assistant State Attorney, Broward State Attorneys Office

2004 - 2006

Legal Intern, Canton Municipal Prosecutor

Associations

2023 - Present

Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Past President

2020 - Present

Broward County Bar Association

Member

2015 - Present

National Association of Distinguished Counsel

Member

2015 - Present

Florida Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2006 - Present

Florida Bar

Member

2019 - 2022

Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

President

2019 - 2019

Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Vice President

2017 - 2019

Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Secretary/Treasurer

2015 - 2020

Broward Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Board of Directors

2008 - 2019

American Immigration Lawyers Association

Member

2008 - 2019

American Immigration Lawyers Association (Southern Florida chapter)

Member

Sample of Legal Cases

State v. Astudillo

Case dismissed

US v. Santos

Motion Granted Sentence Reduced

US v. Joseph

Motion for Reduced Sentence Granted

Meljarejo v. US Dept. of Justice, et al

Government complied with our demands

State v. Valle

Most serious charges dropped

See More Legal Cases

Education

2006

University of Akron School of Law

JD - Juris Doctor

2003

Youngstown State University

BA - Bachelor of Arts

Speaking Engagements

2025

Criminal Defense

Continuing Legal Education Seminar

2024

Criminal Defense

Continuing Legal Education Seminar

2023

Criminal Defense

Continuing Legal Education Seminar

2020

Crossroads of Mentorship and Running a Small Firm

Mentorship and Running a Small Firm

2016

Continuing Legal Education Seminar

Vacating Criminal Convictions

2015

DUI School

DUI

2015

Continuing Legal Education

CLE: Immigration Consequences of Florida Convictions

2011

Legal Studies Class

Criminal Procedure

2010

The Law You Need to Know

Haitian Temporary Protected Status

2010

Legal Studies Class

Criminal Procedure

2010

Forensic Panel

Forensic Science

2010

Ambiance Radio

Criminal and Immigration Law Issues

Publications

2016

Florida Defender (FACDL) Florida’s Possession of Controlled Substance with Intent to Distribute

2011

AILA VOICE Florida Court Circumvents Padilla vs. Kentucky

Languages

English

Creole

French

Spanish

Activity

Avvo Rating

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Avvo Rating Levels
10.0 - 9.0 Superb8.9 - 8.0 Excellent7.9 - 7.0 Very Good6.9 - 6.0 Good5.9 - 5.0 Average4.9 - 4.0 Concern3.9 - 3.0 Caution2.9 - 2.0 Strong Caution1.9 - 1.0 Extreme Caution