John Barnes

John Barnes

5.0
Rating: 10.0

Licensed for 16 years

DUI and DWI Lawyer at Knoxville, TN
Practice Areas: DUI & DWI, Criminal Defense

109 S. Northshore Drive, Suite 310, Knoxville, TN

About John

Biography

Practice Areas

2

Practice Areas

DUI and DWI 75%

Every year the penalties for DUI are increased and enforcement of DUI laws gets more aggressive. Because of the political and technical nature of a DUI prosecution, successfully defending a DUI case takes specialized knowledge, training, and skill that most lawyers do not have. I've devoted a large portion of my practice to mastering the science, law, and courtroom skills necessary to fight for people accused of DUI and to helping people win their DUI case.

75%
Criminal Defense 25%

Being charged with a crime can be a devastating blow and can have lasting effects on a person's life. I'm passionate about defending the rights of people charged with crimes and helping to provide peace of mind through the criminal justice process and the best outcome possible that helps preserve people's freedom, livelihood, and future.

25%

Fees and Rates

Cost

Free Consultation

$0 first 60 minutes


Payment Methods

  • Cash
  • Check
  • Credit Card

Looking for an attorney? Avvo can help.

search module image

Search our directory

Quickly connect with top attorneys through our legal directory to get help with your legal issue.

chat module image

Avvo's live chat agents can help coordinate a consultation with a local attorney.

Chat with a live agent who can match you with the right attorney for your legal needs.

Chat with

Licenses

Licensed in Tennessee for 16 years

State: Tennessee

Acquired: 2009

Active

No misconduct found

Location

Barnes & Fersten

109 S. Northshore Drive, Suite 310, Knoxville, TN, 37919

Ad

Transform legal challenges into solutions.

Connect now to review your situation.

The Avvo Rating explained

display-bg

The Avvo Rating explained

John Barnes's Reviews

Avvo Review Score

5.0 /5.0

52 Client Reviews

5 star (52)
4 star (0)
3 star (0)
2 star (0)
1 star (0)

Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2023 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great representation at an affordable rate.

I had a case come up that I was very nervous about because it was charges that were untrue and unfounded. I got in contact with several attorneys during my search period and Mr. John Barnes was the one I chose to go with. I chose him because he was attentive and very responsive. Not only did he respo...nd to me the same day (even if he had been out of the office) on every occasion that we spoke, but he also seemed to genuinely care about my case. Since these were unfounded charges trying to be levied against me, I did not want to take a diversion or anything of that sort, I wanted to have this manner completely dismissed as it should have been. I had other attorneys consult me who seemed to be more interested in doing whatever was quickest or easiest. John Barnes was not one of those attorneys he knew that I wanted this manner dismissed without taking any kind of diversion or plea deal and that I needed this matter resolved asap, he worked diligently with me to achieve this goal. In the end all charges were dismissed within 2 weeks of the charges. I would highly recommend Mr. Barnes if anyone were needing legal representation.

Posted by Jean | October 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Excellent Attorney

We felt comfortable speaking with Mr. Barnes about the case. In the office and in court, Mr. Barnes clearly explained all points of the situation. He never made us feel rushed or pressured into making a decision. His office was very good at contacting us prior to court appearances. Mr. Barnes respon...ded quickly to phone calls if we had questions. Mr. Barnes and his staff are all very kind and respectful. We are very grateful for his representation and for the favorable outcome in our case. We highly recommend Mr. Barnes for any legal matters.

Posted by anonymous | July 24, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Amazing service and hospitality

My wife needed an attorney for a charge received while traveling to visit her sister in Maryville TN. We live in the Memphis TN area so it was hard finding an attorney out of town. We were very fortunate to find Barnes Law Firm. Attorney John Barnes assisted her with efficient results and the best... outcome on her case we could ask for! We are very pleased and relieved with the service Attorney Barnes gave us. I would recommend Barnes Law Firm to anyone seeking assistance in a criminal law situation. Thank you!

Posted by S. Ehlers | April 7, 2022 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Great Results!

The Barnes Law Firm, specifically John, Lauren and Ed are very professional and, although the wheels of justice (self [justice] initiated in my case) move slowly, the firm guided me through the foreign (to me) process, kept me abreast of any changes of circumstances and comforted myself and family th...rough a successful process of dismissal and, ultimately, expungement. Thank you to the entire staff!

Posted by Jon | June 3, 2021 | Hired Attorney

This review is from a person who hired this attorney.

Absolutely Professional, Effective Lawyers & Firm

John, Lauren & Ed are absolute professionals. There is not another firm that I would recommend more than Barnes Law. I called Barnes Law and immediately received a phone call back from Lauren. Within just a very short time I received a call from John to discuss my legal issue. John and his t...eam answered ALL my questions, emails, concerns and phone calls instantly and with precise information regarding my case. They worked tirelessly on my case and I got the best resolution possible. Additionally, Barnes Law worked with me on paying for their services so that I could get the immediate attention that my legal case needed. Most importantly John, Lauren and Ed helped me to restore my family and helped me to get back to them quickly. There is nothing that can compare to this for me. I would highly recommend, if you find yourself in any legal situation, to contact Barnes Law as quickly as possible. Regardless of the industry or service, I have never seen any collective group of individuals care so much about what was going on with me as an individual.

See All Client Reviews

John Barnes's Lawyer Endorsements

Endorse John
Brandon D. Fersten headshot
Brandon Fersten

Unknown lawyer | Oct 27

Relationship: Worked for lawyer

"John has many skills that make him an exceptional advocate. John truly takes the phrase “client-centered representation” to heart. He insures that every client feels as if they are his primary concern by listening to their concerns and thinking critically to resolve their legal issues through highly-skilled advocacy. John has incredible success at reaching a successful resolution in each of his cases by explaining his clients' stories in the most beneficial way possible based on the applicable law. As one of John’s associates, I can truly say that I am honored to have John as a boss and a mentor. John has provided me with the opportunity to witness firsthand how he is able to relieve his clients of their worst nightmare by aggressively advocating on their behalves. Whether you are facing criminal or DUI charges against you, or you are the victim of someone else’s negligence or intentional act seeking compensation, you will be beyond grateful to have Barnes Law fighting for you."

Benjamin Weaver Glass III headshot
Benjamin Glass

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"One of the best trained DUI defense lawyers I have ever run across. Sure, there are many lawyers who will lure you in with discount pricing. DUI is not one of those areas where you should be looking for the cheapest. The consequences of a loss can be monumental"

Edward Lynn Holt Jr. headshot
Edward Holt

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Worked together on matter

"I have known and worked with John for several years. He is probably the best example I can think of in saying that a lawyer doesn't necessarily have to have been in practice for 30 years in order to have the level of knowledge and the capabilities which would be expected from a lawyer with 30 years experience. He is extremely knowledgeable of the law, and highly adept in working the law to the benefit of his clients. John is respectful of his clients, sensitive to their desires and needs, and also realistic with then regarding their expectations. Most importantly, his personal integrity and professional ethics are unimpeachable. John is a great lawyer now, and he has many years ahead to become even better."

Robert Samuel Gilligan headshot
Robert Gilligan

Criminal defense lawyer | Jan 06

Relationship: Other

"I endorse this lawyer."

Rachel Suzanne Lambert headshot
Rachel Lambert

Criminal defense lawyer | Aug 29

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a brilliant and diligent attorney. I have worked hand in hand with him on a number of cases, and his knowledge of the law and ability to quickly think of legal solutions never ceased to amaze me."

Michael S. Waddington headshot
Michael Waddington

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal community."

Scott Ronald Spindel headshot
Scott Spindel

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 27

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a top notch lawyer who continues to educate himself to keep him at the top of his game. John fights hard for his clients and provides them with aggressive and diligent representation."

Daniel James Sabol headshot
Daniel Sabol

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 12

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is an exceptionally hard worker and is always on the cutting edge of DUI law. His skill in the courtroom and dedication to his clients set him apart from his peers, and I highly recommend him for any criminal or traffic defense matter."

Timothy J. Vanderweert headshot
Timothy Vanderweert

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jan 05

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is an excellent DUI attorney. I recommend him highly."

Rhidian D.W. Orr headshot
Rhidian Orr

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 09

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Mr. Barnes has earned a reputation as a skilled and talented litigator. He zealously represents all of his clients. Mr. Barnes travels and spends the time and money necessary to learn the science involved in each case. This allows him the ability to attack the States case on a constitutional and scientific level. I highly recommend Mr. Barnes."

Josh D Lee headshot
Josh Lee

DUI and DWI lawyer | Apr 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"There are two ways to practice DUI defense for an attorney. They can take as many cases as they can and just plead guilty or they can put in the time to defend someone the right way. Attorney Barnes definitely does things the right way. First of all he works for a firm that is nationally recognized as a leader in DUI defense. He attends the absolute best DUI training classes all over the US. And most importantly he cares about his clients as individuals. John is truly a rising star among DUI attorneys in the US and I recommend John and the Garza Law Firm."

Michael Steven Sherman headshot
Michael Sherman

DUI and DWI lawyer | Sep 25

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John Barnes is a bright young attorney with the Marcos Garza Law Firm. John travels to the most prestigious continuing legal education seminars so that he is well equipped to defend any DUI and criminal case. John knows the state of the art science behind defending DUI cases. He regularly uses his extensive training and background to successfully defend his clients. I highly recommend John for your defense in any criminal matter."

William Alton Young Jr. headshot
William Young

Criminal defense lawyer | Jun 08

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I endorse this lawyer."

John Hunsucker headshot
John Hunsucker

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 07

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"I had the opportunity to meet John at an invitation only hands-on seminar where each participant had to pratically use their legal skills to cross examine witnesses. After watching John, I can say without a doubt that he is a rising star in the legal community. He was completely in charge and was able to lead the difficult state's witness into admitting mistakes that helped his case. John is a sharp, intelligent lawyer and I wholly recommend him for any of your legal needs."

Justin James McShane headshot
Justin McShane

DUI and DWI lawyer | Jun 04

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"Attorney Barnes is known for his earned reputation for being a truly skilled litigator. He uses his education, training, and experience on a day-in and day-out basis to minimize or eliminate the potential consequences that the motorist accused may face. He is a tireless worker who will grind out a case until there is nothing left for the government to prosecute. Most of all, I tell you that I trust him. You will trust him too."

Kimberly Keheley Frye headshot
Kimberly Frye

DUI and DWI lawyer | May 30

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a young lawyer who has really impressed me with his skills. He has great poise in difficult situations. John also works to make sure he is the best advocate for his clients. He is light years ahead. You are well served by hiring John Barnes as your lawyer."

Bradley Joseph Williams headshot
Bradley Williams

Criminal defense lawyer | Feb 24

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John is a true warrior for criminal clients when they need it the most. It has not taken him long to develop an excellent reputation among his colleagues who are criminal defense lawyers. His advanced training in standardized field sobriety tests is further evidence of John's commitment to go above and beyond to do whatever it takes to win his client's case. Without reservation, I would refer anyone charged with a crime to John Barnes."

Richard L Holcomb headshot
Richard Holcomb

DUI and DWI lawyer | Feb 16

Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

"John has quickly earned a reputation in Knoxville as an exceptionally bright attorney who fights hard for his clients. He is a valued associate at Knoxville's top DUI firm, where his accomplishments, intelligence, and hard work ethics shine. I highly recommend this lawyer for any DUI or criminal allegations."

View All Endorsements
Brandon D. Fersten headshot
Brandon Fersten

Criminal defense lawyer

Edward Lynn Holt Jr. headshot
Edward Holt

Criminal defense lawyer

Douglas David Aaron headshot
Douglas Aaron

Criminal defense lawyer

Scott Alan Lanzon headshot
Scott Lanzon

Criminal defense lawyer

Rachel Suzanne Lambert headshot
Rachel Lambert

Car accident lawyer

Scott Ronald Spindel headshot
Scott Spindel

DUI and DWI lawyer

Daniel James Sabol headshot
Daniel Sabol

DUI and DWI lawyer

Jessica G. D'Varga headshot
Jessica D'Varga

DUI and DWI lawyer

Edward Stephen Ryan headshot
Edward Ryan

DUI and DWI lawyer

Rhidian D.W. Orr headshot
Rhidian Orr

DUI and DWI lawyer

Josh D Lee headshot
Josh Lee

DUI and DWI lawyer

Bruce Edge headshot
Bruce Edge

DUI and DWI lawyer

Michael Jeffrey Kessler headshot
Michael Kessler

DUI and DWI lawyer

Sam English headshot
Sam English

Divorce and separation lawyer

Michael Steven Sherman headshot
Michael Sherman

DUI and DWI lawyer

William Alton Young Jr. headshot
William Young

Criminal defense lawyer

R Scott Joye headshot
R Scott Joye

DUI and DWI lawyer

Justin James McShane headshot
Justin McShane

Unknown lawyer

John Hunsucker headshot
John Hunsucker

DUI and DWI lawyer

Glynn Joseph Delatte Jr. headshot
Glynn Delatte

DUI and DWI lawyer

Experience

Rating:  10.0 (Superb)

Honors

2022

Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers

2016

Top 100 Trial Lawyers, National Trial Lawyers

2014

Client's Choice Award, Avvo

2014

Graduate - Southeast Regional, Spence Trial Lawyers College

2014

Graduate of Forensic Chromatography: Theory and Practice, American Chemical Society

2013

Trial Practice Institute Graduate, National Criminal Defense College

2013

NHTSA Drug Impaired Driving Course (ARIDE), La Pier and Associates

2012

DUI Training and Conference, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2012

Graduate, National College for DUI Defense Harvard Summer Session

2012

Certificate in NHTSA Standardized Field Sobriety Testing, Impaired Driving Specialists

2012

Graduate, Terry McCarthy on Cross: Learning at the Feet of a Master

2012

Graduate, Tennessee Criminal Defense College

2011

DUI Training and Conference, Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

2009

Dean's List, University of Tennessee College of Law

2008

Robert W. Ritchie Criminal Defense Scholarship, Ritchie, Dillard, and Davies, P.C.

2008

Academic Achievement Award - Contract Drafting, University of Tennessee College of Law

2008

Academic Achievement Award - Business Transactions, University of Tennessee College of Law

2008

Dean's List, University of Tennessee College of Law

2007

Dean's List, University of Tennessee College of Law

Work Experience

2022 - Present

Managing Partner, Barnes & Fersten

2014 - 2022

Owner, Barnes Law Firm

2011 - 2014

Associate, The Garza Law Firm, PLLC

2009 - 2011

Associate, The Law Offices Of James A. H. Bell, PC

Associations

2013 - Present

National Criminal Defense College

Graduate

2012 - Present

National College of DUI Defense

Member

2011 - Present

National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Member

2009 - Present

Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers

Life Member

2009 - Present

Knoxville Bar Association

Member

2008 - 2009

Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law

Articles Editor

Sample of Legal Cases

Wilkerson v. Leath, 2012 WL 2361972 (Tenn. Ct. App. 2012)

Trial Court Reversed

State of Tennessee v. D.D.

All felony charges dismissed and misdemeanor charge eligible for dismissal and expungement after one year

D.P. v. State of Tennessee

Driving Privileges Reinstated

United States v. G.N.

Downward departure granted over government's objection

State of Tennessee v. L.G.

Charges dismissed despite positive blood test

State of Tennessee v. J.W.

DUI 3rd offense dismissed

See More Legal Cases

Education

2009

University of Tennessee College of Law

Juris Doctor

2006

University of Tennessee

Bachelors

Speaking Engagements

2012

Loudon County Citizen's Police Academy

Mock Trial

Publications

2012

Tennessee DUI and Criminal Law Handbook for Citizens Chapter 13: What's an Appeal and Do I Want One?

2012

For The Defense (TACDL) Tennessee Criminal Defense College 2012

2012

For The Defense (TACDL) Demystifying the DRE

2011

For The Defense (TACDL) New Ignition Interlock Law Aims for Fail-Safe Drivers

Languages

English

Activity

Avvo Rating

Our Rating is calculated using information the lawyer has included on their profile in addition to the information we collect from state bar associations and other organizations that license legal professionals. Attorneys who claim their profiles and provide Avvo with more information tend to have a higher rating than those who do not.

What determines Avvo Rating?
  • Experience & background Years licensed, work experience, education
  • Legal community recognition Peer endorsements, associations, awards
  • Legal thought leadership Publications, speaking engagements
  • Discipline Disciplinary information may not be comprehensive, or updated. We recommend that you always check a lawyer's disciplinary status with their respective state bar association before hiring them.
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