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William M. Barnwell

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Virtual Consultation
also known as Bill Barnwell
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  • Warren, MI
  • Licensed for 5 years
  • Free consultation
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William M. Barnwell
William M. Barnwell
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About William

Top-Rated and Experienced trial attorney here to help your DUI and all other Criminal Defense cases

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 a 15 year experienced leader in the non-profit community, 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.

Criminal defense is 100% of Bill's practice 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 (810) 394-2952 to begin addressing your legal need. 

Practice areas

Sex crimeDUI and DWICriminal defense
  1. Criminal defense: 55%

    Federal, state, and local offenses. Drug offenses, alleged sex offenses, internet offenses, retail fraud, domestic violence, white-collar crime, conspiracy, embezzlement, assault, battery. Litigation, jury trials.

  2. DUI and DWI: 25%

    Handle all defenses related to drinking and driving offenses, including successful challenges to DataMaster evidence. Also experience in license restoration hearings as well as Implied Consent Hearings.

  3. Sex crime: 20%

Languages spoken

English

Client's Choice 2020
Client's Choice 2019
Client's Choice 2018
Client's Choice 2017
Client's Choice 2016

Photos and videos

4690993 1474154227

4690993 1506375905

4690993 1506375914

4690993 1513116635

4690993 1516309070

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Contact

30130 Gruenburg
address map

Barnwell Law, PLLC

30130 Gruenburg
Warren, MI, 48092

Office (810) 394-2952
Fax (248) 541-5241

Website

http://www.BarnwellDefense.com

Resume

License
StateStatusAcquiredUpdated
MIActive And In Good Standing201507/25/2020
We have not found any instances of professional misconduct for this lawyer.
Avvo Contributions
Legal answers39
Legal guides0
Awards
Award nameGrantorDate granted
Rising StarSuper Lawyers2019
Top 40 Under 40National Trial Lawyers2019
Top 10 Under 40National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys2019
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2019
Rising StarSuperLawyers2018
10 Best for Client SatisfactionAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2018
Top 10 Under 40National Academy of Criminal Defense Attorneys2018
Top 40 Lawyers Under 40American Society of Legal Advocates2018
Peer Review RatedMartindale-Hubbell2017
Top 40 Under 40National Trial Lawyers2017
10 BestAmerican Institute of Criminal Law Attorneys2017
Outstanding Community RecognitionCity of Warren2015
Outstanding Community RecognitionCity of Warren2014
Moot Court FinalistWestern Michigan University Thomas M. Cooley Law School2013
Moot Court FinalistMoot Court2013
Trial ParticipantNational Mock Trial2013
Outstanding Community RecognitionCity of Warrren2013
Trial ParticipantNational Mock Trial2012
Work Experience
TitleCompany nameDuration
Attorney-at-LawBarnwell Law, PLLC2015 - Present
Director/Non-ProfitROC2002 - Present
ProfessorCMI2006 - 2014
Associations
Association namePosition nameDuration
Macomb County Bar FoundationTrustee2018 - Present
Criminal Defense Attorneys of MichiganMember2018 - Present
Macomb County Bar AssociationYoung Lawyer Section Director2018 - Present
State Appellate Defenders OfficeMember2018 - Present
American Bar AssociationMember2015 - Present
State Bar of MichiganMember2015 - Present
Macomb County Indigent DefenseMember2015 - Present
Macomb County Criminal Defense SectionMember2013 - Present
Macomb County Bar AssociationMember2012 - Present
Publications
Publication nameTitleDate
Bar Briefs (MCBA)I Have My P Number, Now What?2019
Macomb County Bar AssociationPresumed Guilty2018
Macomb County Bar AssociationRecent Criminal Procedure Changes Offer Litigation Opportunities2015
Macomb County Bar Association"Expungement Reforms Await Action by House."2014
LRC.comProblems with Federal Prosecutions2004
LRC.comGrand Jury Reform2000
Education
School nameDegreeGraduated
Western Michigan University Cooley Law SchoolJD - Juris Doctor2015
Bethel CollegeMA - Masters2006
Bethel CollegeMA - Masters2005
Bethel CollegeBA - Bachelor of Arts2002
Speaking Engagements
Conference nameTitleDate
So I Have My P Number, Now What?Starting a Successful Legal Practice2019
Macomb County Bar FoundationIllegal Steroid Use Mock Trial2018
Senior Estate PlanningEstate Planning2017
3rd Annual Macomb Bar Foundation Mock Trial -- "Should the Electoral College Be Abolished?"Electoral College Mock Trial2017
"Police Stops, Searches, and Protecting Your Rights"Criminal Defense2017
Senior Safety Strategies.Criminal Safety2016
Protecting our ChildrenOpiate Awareness2016
Keeping Our Kids SafeDrug Awareness2016
Brown City CampYoung Adult Issues2014
Mancelona Family CampTeenagers and Families2007
Legal cases
Case nameOutcome
People v. HiggsTrial Victory, Not Guilty
People v. FranDismissed
People v. EdwardsJury Trial Victory; Not Guilty
People v. BlackNot Guilty Jury Verdict
People v. JonesJury Trial Victory, not guilty
People v. ShankReduced to simple possession with possibility of 7411
People v. EnryaDismissed
People v. ChristosReduced to 771, to come off client's record
Melistas v. MelistasConsent divorce
People v. CheneBoth Cases Dimissed
State of Michigan v. HopkinsCase dismissed with prejudice
People v. OdishWell below guidelines sentence
People v. ClarkeDismissed with prejudice
People v. ScottDismissed
People v. ButlerDismissed
People v. SmithReduced

Reviews

(148)
5 Star
100%
4 Star
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3 Star
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2 Star
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1 Star
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Review William Barnwell

Bill kept me out of jail on a THIRD VOP

Posted by

Bill Barnwell is the only lawyer I trust with my life. I had my third probation violation in Oakland County on an OWI charge and he worked his magic by making sure I walked out of there with only minimal changes to my probation guidlines. I have needed Bill's assistance more than once and each and every time I thought I was going to jail, I was able to go home that day thanks to Bill.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

A great lawyer that will fight for your rights and keep you informed during the whole process

Posted by

Thank you Mr Barnwell great criminal defense lawyer and he knows the law and your rights. Mr. Barnwell fought for my rights. Had a great outcome on my case. Mr. Barnwell constantly kept me informed about my case. Not only is a Mr.barnwell a great lawyer but a great person and he cares passionately about you and your case. I couldn't have hired a better attorney.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

I'm very pleased with my decision to hire Bill

Posted by

I spoke to a few attorneys before I hired Bill. They promised me the world and were being unrealistic. When I spoke to Bill he was straightforward and realistic. I believed what he told me when we met. He counseled me on what I needed to do before any of the legal proceedings started. In the end he brought it all together like a maestro. Bill saved me from losing my license for one year which even the criminal judge called "miraculous". Bill was able to get me the best results I could have hoped for. I would highly recommend Bill to those that seek legal representation. I thank Bill very much for his dedicated service.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Won my jury trial, name cleared

Posted by

Last year befroe all the corona I was facing a felony case and facing 5 years in prison. I said I was innocent the entire time but I still got charged. Took over a year to finally get my day in court. Mr. Barnwell told me from the get-go I should not plea but that there was no guarantees at trial but that we had a good case. Trial took a few days. And then at the end all 12 jurors came back and said not guilty and my nightmare was finally over.. He was amazing in court great speaker and drilled the prosecution witnesses. I hope i never need another attorney again, but this is the one you want if you are ever in trouble
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Hire William Barnwell First

Posted by

It's hard to put into words how great of an attorney William Barnwell is. Professional, ethical, knowledgeable, intelligent, hardworking and pretty much any positive thing that can be said. William Barnwell delivers results. He does not make promises he cannot keep. He does not overcharge. Every penny you pay Mr. Barnwell is absolutely, 150% worth it. He is truly a beacon of light in the legal profession, and other attorneys would do themselves good to follow his example. I have had several attorneys work for me. Several of those experiences were bad. One pretty much stole the money I paid them and did not do any work on my case. Others have misquoted the law. In several instances I was better off representing myself, which is not a good place to be in the legal system. William Barnwell is the complete opposite of those negative experiences. He was fantastic. He never made any promises that he could not keep. He delivered. He was professional, kind, understanding, and downright brilliant. If you want a brilliant attorney who will get you the best possible result on your case, hire William Barnwell.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Great lawyer

Posted by

Mr.barnwell made sure i got probation instead of jail time for my offense, could’ve gotten 2 years probation but only got a year. Very great service and highly recommend bill for anyone in need.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Ms.

Posted by

I would highly recommend Mr. Barnwell to anyone going through the legal system process. I was arrested and charged with driving under the influence. As someone that has never been in the system or got in trouble with the law, I was a wreck to say the least. Mr. Barnwell explained the legal process and possible outcomes of my case in an understanding and clear way. I made a mistake he knew how remorseful I was. I felt throughout the process he was open-minded, available and compassionate to my case. I thank Mr. Barnwell for keeping me, as sane as possible, during my legal case and getting me the best possible outcome for my situation. Anyone that needs peace of mind throughout their times, you will not regret hiring Mr. Barnwell!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Representation

Posted by

Mr. Barnwell is a top notch attorney and helped me get through my DWI with the best result expected. There was also an open line of communication during the entire process and I was well represented!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Saved my career

Posted by

I was facing and OWI charge as well as losing my career. Not only did Mr. Barnwell respond to my late night call, he gave sound advice & kept me informed through every step of my situation. Mr. Barnwell actually took the time to review evidence in my case and negotiated my charge to a much lower infraction! Not only getting a serious OWI charge dismissed but also saving my career. He seems to have a passion for what he does, If you're facing legal trouble I would give Mr. Barnwell a call.
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney

Excellent Experience!

Posted by

I am very pleased with my experience in hiring Bill Barnwell. Throughout the course of my situation I was able to reach him and he would answer my questions and concerns immediately so I always felt that he cared about me and I was not just a random client. He weighed and explained all of the potential scenarios and outcomes helping me to decide on which course of action to take. In the end everything he told me was true and we had the best possible outcome. I appreciate his candor and honesty and can assure anyone that he will take your situation seriously and work hard for you. Watching him work you will feel confident that he has experience with the local districts and is very competent. I also felt that his fees were very fair. I recommend Bill Barnwell wholeheartedly!
This review is from a person who hired this attorney.
Hired attorney
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Attorney endorsements

(27)
Are you an attorney? Endorse this lawyer

Mani Khavajian, Immigration Attorney on Apr 27, 2019
Relationship: Worked together on matter

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.

Katherine Krysak, Child custody Attorney on Apr 2, 2019
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Rahul Aggarwal, Real estate Attorney on Dec 13, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Attorney provides excellent advice to the legal community.

Derek Jacques, Bankruptcy and debt Attorney on Dec 12, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

I endorse this lawyer. Mr. Barnwell is an excellent advocate for his clients.

Loren Dickstein, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 24, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Gary Kennedy, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 22, 2018
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Samuel Bennett, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 21, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

William has insight into his client's needs, which makes him an excellent presence in the Courtroom. I endorse William.

John Elkhoury, Criminal defense Attorney on Nov 15, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Scott Rabaut, Criminal defense Attorney on May 30, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in 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.

Randall Chioini, Divorce and separation Attorney on May 24, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Matthew Van Steenkiste, Family Attorney on Apr 28, 2017
Relationship: Opposing Counsel on matter

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.

Zoran Mitrovski, Litigation Attorney on Apr 26, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Andrew Hubbs, Criminal defense Attorney on Apr 8, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Laura Polizzi, Divorce and separation Attorney on Apr 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Danny Horen, Consumer protection Attorney on Feb 9, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Mitchell Manwell, Criminal defense Attorney on Feb 7, 2017
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Michael Scharf, Family Attorney on Dec 18, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

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.

Ryan Zemke

Bill expertly advocates on behalf of his clients. Well respected in the legal community and is always well prepared for all proceedings. A great asset to our profession.

Nadeem Harfouch, Business Attorney on Aug 10, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

Bill is an exceptional advocate for his clients. He is highly regarded in the legal community, and very well-respected by local judges. I have seen Bill get incredible results for clients that I have personally referred to him. His depth of experience in criminal defense, and his reliability and work ethic are attributes that I greatly admire.

Jeremy Fisher, Estate planning Attorney on Jan 5, 2016
Relationship: Fellow lawyer in community

As a new attorney in the community, Bill has dedicated himself to learning the intricacies of private practice. He has worked to establish himself in the field of criminal law and advocate for his clients. I endorse this lawyer.

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