James M. Warner

James M. Warner represented my son in a juvenile proceeding, about 12 months ago. Mr. Warner patiently explained my son’s legal rights and duties to him, prior to sharing with my son the state’s plea offer or proposed plea agreement. Mr. Warner gave my family personal, undivided attention, ensuring... that we had ample time and information to make the best decision for my son. Mr. Warner was kind, honest and forthright, explaining the strengths and weaknesses of my son’s case. Mr. Warner did not rationalize my son’s mistakes, but encouraged him to work harder in school; respect his teachers and family; and quit relying on the approval of his peers, when making decisions with serious implications for his life. Mr. Warner also worked with us to develop a payment plan, which suited our limited budget. Unlike other families, who excuse their children’s mistakes, blaming the culture, school and peer pressure, we strive to teach our child individual accountability, discipline and good citizenship. Obviously, we fell short with our child, spoiling him, to some extent. Nevertheless, Mr. Warner obtained for my son a second chance, which he has capitalized on, improving his grades and becoming more responsible. Now, my son owns his mistakes and tries not to repeat them. Most of all, I appreciate the time and energy Mr. Warner invested in preparing my son for trial, emphasizing the importance of the right to cross-examine witnesses and challenge the evidence. We never felt rushed or pressured to make any decision. Mr. Warner reviewed all of my son’s options, prior to our family making the final decision, about how to proceed. Therefore, when my son chose to waive the right to a trial/hearing, he reached an informed decision, after we thoroughly reviewed the evidence with Mr. Warner. I believe the attention Mr. Warner gave to my son’s case, encouraged my son to take more seriously the poor decisions he had made, and how to avoid making those decisions in the future.