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William M. Barnwell
also known as Bill Barnwell
About William
Biography
Looking for a winning attorney with a successful record of multiple "Not Guilty" jury trials, as well as helping many other clients who have made mistakes get the best outcomes possible given their situation? An attorney who sees you as more than just a paycheck, but as a person for whom he wants to fight and achieve your goals? Look no further than Bill Barnwell of Barnwell Law, PLLC. If you are seeing this ad, Bill is experienced with your legal need and the courtroom where your case is pending, including counties such as Macomb, Washtenaw, Oakland, Wayne, St. Clair, and many other counties throughout Michigan, as well as large cities such as Warren, Ann Arbor, Sterling Heights, Royal Oak, Port Huron, Detroit and many others. Barnwell Law delivers results across Michigan.
Bill is also one of the only lawyers in the state of Michigan who is also an experienced leader in the non-profit community for over 20 years, with extensive counseling and public relations experience. His years of experience outside the courtroom and results inside of the courtroom give him respect and a skill set that many other defense attorneys do not possess. Furthermore, it makes him more relatable to clients, better at negotiating with prosecutors and city attorneys, and skilled in making an argument to a judge or jury. Bill is also a former academic, which translates to excellent written skills when drafting motions, arguments, and appeals.
As a highly experienced public speaker, Bill has spoken in front of groups of thousands, hundreds, and small groups. Bill's background in social science, counseling and public relations give him skills to ensure fair juros are selected for your trial. His persuasion skills in front of a judge or jury are top-notch and come with proven results for both bench and jury trials.
Bill handles cases large and small. Serious felonies to low-level misdemeanors, in courts all throughout the State of Michigan. Bill has practiced in nearly every part of the state, including in the Eastern Federal District handling federal criminal law cases. He handles everything from the most serious homicide cases down to common misdemeanors.
Bill is passionate about criminal defense and he has produced not-guilty verdicts, dismissals, and highly favorable resolutions for clients throughout Metro-Detroit and all throughout the state of Michigan.
Contact Bill TODAY at to begin addressing your legal need.
Practice Areas
3
Practice Areas
Fees and Rates
Cost
Retainer
Always
Payment Methods
- Cash
- Check
- Credit Card
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Chat withLicenses
Licensed in Florida for 4 years
State: Florida
Acquired: 2021
No misconduct found
Licensed in Michigan for 10 years
State: Michigan
Acquired: 2015
No misconduct found
Location
Barnwell Law, PLLC
28225 Mound Rd., Warren, MI, 48092
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William M. Barnwell's Reviews
Showing 1 - 5 of 427 client reviews from Avvo
Posted by anonymous | January 16, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great lawyer
Answered all my questions very thorough explained everything very helpful 1% recommend him to whoever might need him for their case
Posted by rick | January 9, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hands down BEST LAWYER!!!
My family and I went through an extremely stressful situation for 2 years, constant allegations kept piling up. And It felt like I had no chance of a defense. I had hired 2 different lawyers previously, but all they did was promise me false hope and provided no clarity when I asked any questions ab...
Posted by anonymous | January 6, 2026 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Great lawyer
William is an excellent attorney. He kept me abreast during the entire process and over communicated with the prosecutor. He was able to get two 4 year felonies reduced to a single misdemeanor and only 6 months probation. I had a previous lawyer that I thought was good but William is great. After spe...
Posted by Grace | December 18, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
amazing attorney
was in deep waters could’ve a bad sentence but he got me out of that and did all that he could very good
Posted by Gage | December 16, 2025 | Hired Attorney
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Very Helpful, Great Outcome!
Great lawyer, very helpful with my case. Very knowledgeable and helped to get the best outcome in every hearing we attended. I was very happy with the overall outcome.
William M. Barnwell's Lawyer Endorsements
"Previously I knew Bill Barnwell from around the court circuit, but was unaware of his actual court "prowess". That is, until I received a call from Bill asking if I would like to work on a huge case with him. I obliged and needless to say, it was hard work but we were able to get the felony charges dismissed and Bill really showed me that he belongs in the elite set of Michigan Attorneys. I would work with him again in a heartbeat."
"As a fellow member of the bar practicing criminal defense, I have witnessed firsthand the strong advocacy and zealous representation that Mr. Barnwell provides to his clients. He has a passion and knowledge for the law that you simply cannot fake."
"I endorse this lawyer. Bill is a great trial lawyer and experienced winner. He will fight for your rights!"
"I endorse Attorney Barnwell, he is a knowledgeable, ethical and aggressive criminal lawyer. He is a fighter for the people and always fights for the best possible outcome for his clients. If you have a criminal matter, do not hesitate to call Mr. Barnwell."
"Bill is an excellent attorney with deep knowledge of criminal law. He zealously advocates for each of his clients. Bill is active within his legal community and lends his time to numerous leadership roles. I endorse this attorney."
"Attorney provides excellent advice to the legal community."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barnwell is an excellent advocate for his clients."
"Bill is a strong advocate who is respected by judges and prosecutors for his legal acumen. His personal touch and respect for his clients is unique. You would be well served to have Bill Barnwell as your lawyer."
"Great attorney in the legal community. He is energetic and willing to fight for his clients. He is not afraid to file motions or try cases. He will not back down from a fight."
"William has insight into his client's needs, which makes him an excellent presence in the Courtroom. I endorse William."
"I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barnwell is a passionate advocate on behalf of his clients who gets results. He has an impeccable reputation in the legal community."
"Bill is an outstanding attorney that treats his clients right and is always prepared. Bill is never hesitant to take on any case getting the best results for his clients."
"Bill is an excellent orator and in my mind holds one of the most important characteristics of a great attorney in that he has faith in the law and his skill set and understands that is very important that the legal system remain balanced, which includes every persons right to a credible defense. He is a hard worker and ethical. I endorse him and trust him to handle criminal and other matters."
"Bill Barnwell is an extremely talented and well respected attorney and for obvious reasons. Bill always understands his case and knows how to fight. Very hardworking and diligent. He consistently achieves superior results. I endorse this lawyer."
"I endorse Mr. Barnwell. I required last-minute assistance for coverage in a felony matter and Mr. Barnwell came through without hesitation. He handled the matter very professionally, informed the client as to the circumstances, and kept me updated the entire time."
"Bill always goes above and beyond for his clients. He is thorough, professional and prepared. It's a pleasure to endorse him, and I recommend him to anyone in need of zealous and effective representation."
"I endorse this lawyer. I refer all of my criminal cases to Bill. Bill provides exceptional service to his clients and is a superb advocate. Bill always goes to great lengths to make sure he achieves a favorable outcome for his clients. Bill is very well respected in the legal community and any client would be lucky to have him as their attorney."
"Bill makes it seem evident he loves what he does. Flexibility in meeting clients at times they need him most is just one of the reasons he is a truly dedicated defense attorney."
"Bill is the most passionate attorney I have ever met, he advocates for his clients. He is an excellent attorney and person. I endorse this lawyer."
"I have known Bill for several years as we attended law school together. His passion and hard work makes him stand out among the rest. He cares about his clients and works hard to get great results. I highly recommend him."
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Experience
Honors
2022
Michigan Super Lawyer, Super Lawyers
2021
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2021
Top 10 Attorney, Attorney and Practice Magazine
2021
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2020
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2020
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Rising Star, Super Lawyers
2019
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2019
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2019
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2018
10 Best for Client Satisfaction, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2018
Rising Star, SuperLawyers
2018
Top 10 Under 40, National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys
2018
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40, American Society of Legal Advocates
2017
Peer Review Rated, Martindale-Hubbell
2017
Top 40 Under 40, National Trial Lawyers
2017
10 Best, American Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys
2015
Outstanding Community Recognition, City of Warren
2014
Outstanding Community Recognition, City of Warren
2013
Moot Court Finalist, Western Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School
2013
Moot Court Finalist, Moot Court
2013
Trial Participant, National Mock Trial
2013
Outstanding Community Recognition, City of Warrren
2012
Trial Participant, National Mock Trial
Work Experience
2015 - Present
Attorney-at-Law, Barnwell Law, PLLC
2002 - Present
Director/Non-Profit, ROC
2006 - 2014
Professor, CMI
Associations
2018 - Present
Macomb County Bar FoundationTrustee
2018 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember
2018 - Present
Macomb County Bar AssociationYoung Lawyer Section Director
2018 - Present
State Appellate Defenders OfficeMember
2015 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember
2015 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember
2015 - Present
Macomb County Indigent DefenseMember
2013 - Present
Macomb County Criminal Defense SectionMember
2012 - Present
Macomb County Bar AssociationMember
Sample of Legal Cases
People v Dean
Dismissed
People v. Higgs
Trial Victory, Not Guilty
People v. Fran
Dismissed
People v. Edwards
Jury Trial Victory; Not Guilty
People v. Black
Not Guilty Jury Verdict
People v. Jones
Jury Trial Victory, not guilty
People v. Shank
Reduced to simple possession with possibility of 7411
People v. Enrya
Dismissed
People v. Christos
Reduced to 771, to come off client's record
Melistas v. Melistas
Consent divorce
People v. Chene
Both Cases Dimissed
State of Michigan v. Hopkins
Case dismissed with prejudice
People v. Odish
Well below guidelines sentence
People v. Clarke
Dismissed with prejudice
People v. Scott
Dismissed
People v. Smith
Reduced
People v. Butler
Dismissed
Education
2015
Western Michigan University Cooley Law School
JD - Juris Doctor
2006
Bethel College
MA - Masters
2005
Bethel College
MA - Masters
2002
Bethel College
BA - Bachelor of Arts
Speaking Engagements
2019
So I Have My P Number, Now What?
Starting a Successful Legal Practice
2018
Macomb County Bar Foundation
Illegal Steroid Use Mock Trial
2017
Senior Estate Planning
Estate Planning
2017
3rd Annual Macomb Bar Foundation Mock Trial -- "Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?"
Electoral College Mock Trial
2017
"Police Stops, Searches, and Protecting Your Rights"
Criminal Defense
2016
Senior Safety Strategies.
Criminal Safety
2016
Protecting our Children
Opiate Awareness
2016
Keeping Our Kids Safe
Drug Awareness
2014
Brown City Camp
Young Adult Issues
2007
Mancelona Family Camp
Teenagers and Families
Publications
2019
Bar Briefs (MCBA)
I Have My P Number, Now What?
2018
Macomb County Bar Association
Presumed Guilty
2015
Macomb County Bar Association
Recent Criminal Procedure Changes Offer Litigation Opportunities
2014
Macomb County Bar Association
"Expungement Reforms Await Action by House."
Languages
English
Activity
Legal Answers
Legal Answers
Q&A
Can I file an Appearance in a criminal matter as an interested person?
04 Jan 2023
Q&A
If I pay my fee for probation will I have to do community service still?
26 May 2021
Q&A
Embezzlement charge for a first time offender?
26 Apr 2019