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John Barnes
About John
Biography
The Barnes Law Firm was founded with its clients as the top priority. That means we deliver every client a high quality, personalized, and aggressive representation, we are available so that every client can speak with their attorney directly about their case and get the information and advice they need in a timely manner, and we provide those things at an affordable rate.
Your peace of mind, experience, and case result drive everything we do. That means we take on less cases per attorney than other firms so that we can spend the time necessary on your case and with you. It also means we spend the time and money to develop the expertise required to make sure you get the best possilbe result in your case. We think that representing East Tennesseeans is a great responsibilty and we take pride in delivering the highest quality representation. We hope you will give us an opportunity to serve you or a loved one facing a criminal prosecution or hurt by someone else's negligence.
Practice Areas
2
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Tennessee for 17 years
State: Tennessee
Acquired: 2009
No misconduct found
Location
Barnes & Fersten
109 S. Northshore Drive, Suite 310, Knoxville, TN, 37919
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John Barnes's Reviews
Avvo Review Score
52 Client Reviews
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Practice Areas
What Clients Mention
Case Results (40)
Recommendation (30)
Advocacy (29)
Professionalism (25)
Communication Style (15)
Responsiveness (15)
Character & Conduct (12)
General Knowledge (12)
Staff & Support (12)
Compassion (11)
Practice Area Knowledge (11)
Trustworthiness (10)
Cost of Services (3)
Payment Plans (3)
Punctuality (2)
Showing 1 - 5 of 12 reviews | General Knowledge
Posted by anonymous | October 11, 2020 | Hired Attorney | Criminal Defense
Barnes Law Firm
I was arrested for a crime which I did not commit. I was facing jail time and some very expensive consequences if I had been convicted. Thankfully, I reached out to the Barnes Law Firm. Due to their professionalism and competence, all charges were dropped. They're very good people to know if you're ...
Posted by Melissa | April 18, 2019 | Hired Attorney
This office is the best decision that i could have made
It's hard to describe my experience with mere simple words. I hired John Barnes and it was the smartest decision I could have possibly made. This sort of thing is a horrible ordeal to go thru ..full of uncertainty and fear but I can honestly say that I wouldn't have the peace of mind I do now if it w...
Posted by jody | April 18, 2018 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Excellent Attorney for DUI
I was pulled over in November of 2015 for DUI. The officer asked me to get out of the vehicle and perform some tests. I did a few of them but was extremely nervous as I have an anxiety/panic disorder. I decided to refuse the rest of the tests which automatically sent me to jail with an implied consen...
Posted by Starr | October 22, 2017 | Hired Attorney | DUI & DWI
Case Dismissed
When I retained Attorney Barnes to represent me in my DUI 1st Offense case, I was confident, at the onset, of his knowledge and ability to successfully fight my case. While I had moments of doubts over the course of several months, due to the fact that he was honest about the potential outcomes, thos...
Posted by Emily | April 19, 2015 | DUI & DWI
God Sent
I was arrested for DUI (DWI) and facing multiple charges in connection. After John reviewed the findings from their highly experienced and dedicated investigator, he was able to turn my case into a Great Defense. Due to Mr. Barnes dedication to my case and knowledge of the legal system, he was able t...
John Barnes's Lawyer Endorsements
"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."
"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"
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"I endorse John. He is a highly skilled attorney that is well respected in the legal 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."
"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."
"John is an excellent DUI attorney. I recommend him highly."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"I endorse this lawyer."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
Brandon Fersten
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Experience
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 CollegeGraduate
2012 - Present
National College of DUI DefenseMember
2011 - Present
National Association of Criminal Defense LawyersMember
2009 - Present
Tennessee Association of Criminal Defense LawyersLife Member
2009 - Present
Knoxville Bar AssociationMember
2008 - 2009
Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business LawArticles 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
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
Legal Answers