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James R. Barnes Attorney at LawMember
James R. Barnes
Pro

James R. Barnes

4.8
139 reviews

816 E. La Rua Street, Pensacola, FL 32502

Criminal Defense, Felony & Misdemeanor, Federal & State Courts, Appeals and 38 more

About James R. Barnes

You may ask yourself, why hire James R. Barnes over all he many attorney’s in the area? Simply put, he is passionate about the law and has the experience and proven results to aggressively handle your case. His focus is on solving your legal problems.

Experience

• 21 years of vast trial experience; has handled thousands of cases.

• Featured on CNN and Court TV.

• Worked for insurance companies and knows how to secure your best injury claim outcome.

Honors and Awards

• Accepted into the prestigious Million Dollar Advocate Forum.

The Million Dollar Advocates Forum was established in 1993 and is one of the most prestigious groups of trial lawyers in the United States. Membership is limited to attorneys who have won million and multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. Fewer than 1% of U.S. lawyers are members.

• Escambia County Pro Bono Attorney of the Year, 1993 - 1994

Employment

• James R. Barnes, Esquire, 2009 - Present

• Michles & Booth, Associate, 2001 - 2009

• Young, Bill & Fugett, Associate, 1999 - 2001

• Eddins, Ridlehoover & Barnes, Partner, 1992 - 1999

• Office of The Public Defender, Trial Attorney, 1990 - 1992

 

James R. Barnes (Pensacola, Florida) View website

Awards

Platinum Client Champion
This award is granted to attorneys who have received at least 10 client reviews, and have an average review score of 4.5 or higher.
Champion Badge Platinum
Avvo Client's Choice
This award is granted to attorneys with at least 5 reviews with 4+ stars in a given year on Avvo.com.
Avvo Client Choice

Client Champion Awards

Client Champion awards recognize those attorneys who excel at service as affirmed by their clients. The awards, based on the quantity and quality of an attorney’s Martindale-Hubbell client reviews, demonstrate an ongoing commitment to delivering excellent client service. Award recipients stand out from their peers with a platinum, gold or silver icon.

Champion Badge Silver

At least three reviews and a score of 4.0 or higher.

Champion Badge Gold

At least six reviews and a score of 4.2 or higher.

Champion Badge Platinum

At least ten reviews and a score of 4.5 or higher.

James R. Barnes got this award in 2021

Martindale Peer Awards

A lawyer who receives a minimum threshold of qualifying responses from fellow attorneys can qualify for one of three prestigious Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Ratings:

Martindale-Hubbell Peer AV Preeminent Rating

AV Preeminent®: The highest peer rating standard. This rating signifies a large number of the lawyer’s peers rank him or her at the highest level of professional excellence for their legal knowledge, communication skills and ethical standards.

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Distinguished Rating

Distinguished: An excellent rating for a lawyer with some experience. This rating indicates the attorney is widely respected by their peers for high professional achievement and ethical standards.

James R. Barnes got this award in 2021

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Notable Rating

Notable: This rating indicates that the lawyer has been recognized by a large number of their peers for strong ethical standards.

Avvo Awards

Avvo Top Contributor

Avvo Top Contributor: The Avvo Top Contributor Award is granted to attorneys who have earned significant contribution points in a given year on our sister site, Avvo.com. Contribution points are earned by answering questions in Q&A, publishing Legal Guides, and other useful contributions to the Avvo community.

Avvo Client Choice

Avvo Client’s Choice: The Avvo Client's Choice Award Badge is granted to attorneys with a significant number of 4+ star reviews in a given year.

James R. Barnes got this award in 2021

Reviews for James R. Barnes

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Overall Rating
4.8
See All Reviews
139
4.9
Lawyers.com
66
Martindale
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4.9
Avvo
73
Showing 1-10 of 66 client reviews from Lawyers.com
Lawyers.com Rating Snapshot
5 stars
92%
4 stars
5%
3 stars
0%
2 stars
0%
1 star
3%
What do people say on Lawyers.com?
Communication
4.8
Quality of Service
4.9
Responsiveness
4.9
Value for Money
4.9
Criminal Law
Posted by Brenda
April 26, 2025
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

Mr. Barnes is the best lawyer around. He does what he says, he's very reliable and communicated with us at every turn. He won our case. And we are very thankful we hired him. You wont regret hiring him as your attorney. James Barnes is a man of his word.

Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
April 16, 2025
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

Mr. Barnes was very helpful and reliable. He had great communication and very professional. I highly recommend him especially if you want someone on the case that handles their business and gets thing done

Theft
Posted by ANNESE
June 18, 2024
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

Mr James Barnes is a great Attorney he sit down with you and he explain everything to you so you will understand your case before you leaves his office he has a caring heart he treats everyone with respect and kind so if you want a good lawyer get Mr James Barnes someone who can be honest and trueful to you l have been knowing him for over 20years and he is still the same he has help me with my kids case and my God son and me as well just an awersome Man and Attorney my name is Annease Deet.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by Tara
April 11, 2024
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

James Barnes is an amazing and knowledgeable attorney and worth every penny if not more for what he did for my case. My defendant and I were sitting with charges that totaled 12 all together and he was able to get our case fully dismissed based on the information he put into the motion. I am also satisfied with the time it took to be able to resolve the case at only 14 months which is really fast at the charges that were alleged at us. If you are needing an attorney who will have your back from day one and work hard to get you the outcome you are hoping for then you will not be disappointed with James Barnes as your attorney. I will use James again in the future for an upcoming case I am going to open because I kno James won't settle until we walk out of court with the desired outcome and that is what I want in an attorney. James charges very fairly to appoint you in court, and it you do have to go to trial for your case his price to go to trial is also fair. You won't REGRET J. Barnes

 
Child Abuse and Neglect
Posted by Han
March 08, 2024
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

James Barnes was an excellent lawyer. Walked me through my case and made me feel very comfortable with the entire process. I highly recommend this attorney. James Barnes was an excellent lawyer. Walked me through my case and made me feel very comfortable with the entire process. I highly recommend this attorney. James Barnes was an excellent lawyer. Walked me through my case and made me feel very comfortable with the entire process. I highly recommend this attorney.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by Stanley
October 12, 2023
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

Working with Mr Barnes and his staff has been a great experience for me. It showed me there are people that care about someone being done wrong. It took many months to get it resolved without me having to appear and charges dropped. I can't thank them enough for what they got accomplished. I would encourage anyone to consider them because they will do all they can to help you.

 
White Collar Crime
Posted by Austin
May 10, 2023
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

Mr. Barnes does not fit the stereotype given to most attorneys! He is honest and truly cares about his potential clients! When I visited him for a consultation, he took the time to answer ALL of my questions and explained the likely outcome compared with similar cases. At the end of my consultation, he stated that “I was a smart man” and he did not want to take my money for something I could do myself. He then proceeded to inform me exactly the steps he would take if I had retained him. It is not ALL about $$$ with him, he is a true professional and has a passion for helping those in need!

 
Criminal Law
Posted by Janet
March 26, 2023
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

I hired James Barnes for my son on two separate cases. Each time Mr. Barnes represented my son, he was kind, knowledgeable and understanding. He always put us at ease and made us feel he would do his very best for my son. When Mr. Barnes is in a courtroom, all eyes are on him. He obviously has a respected reputation that you can sense from the judge, the prosecutor, other lawyers and court staff. You can't help but feel in good hands when you see his command of the courtroom. I couldn't be more thrilled with his handling of my son's cases. I highly recommend Mr. Barnes to anyone needing a criminal lawyer.

 
Criminal Law
Posted by anonymous
March 07, 2023
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

James Barnes recently represented me in a criminal case. I had never had any dealings with the judicial system but him and his staff walked me through the process. Just let me tell you the “presumption of innocence” does not exist. If you are ever faced with an accusation and the presumption of guilt is there then Mr Barnes is who you need on your side. He was definitely a God send. I will forever sing the praises of him and his staff.

 
Drug Crimes
Posted by Matthew
September 17, 2022
Hired Attorney James R. Barnes

James Barnes is an outstanding attorney. He has a great team and worked so hard to win my case!! I was facing serious prison time and he saved my life! I recommend hiring him if you need a lawyer!

From the Martindale-Avvo Legal Network

Services

Areas of Law

  • Assault
  • Domestic Violence
  • Premises Liability
  • Personal Injury
  • Other 37
    • Criminal Defense
    • Felony & Misdemeanor, Federal & State Courts
    • Appeals
    • Bail
    • Battery
    • Bench and Arrest Warrants
    • Bond, Modifications and Reductions
    • Burglary
    • Child Abuse
    • Code Violations
    • Conspiracy
    • Drug Court (Diversion Program)
    • Drug Charges
    • DUI
    • DUI Manslaughter
    • Embezzlement
    • Extortion
    • Extradition
    • False Imprisonment
    • Grand Theft / Larceny
    • House Arrest
    • Insurance Fraud
    • Juvenile Charges / Crimes
    • Kidnapping
    • Murder
    • Petit Theft
    • Pre Trial Diversion
    • Pre Trial Intervention
    • Probation Violation
    • Restraining Order Violations
    • Robbery
    • Sentence Modifications
    • Sealing and Expungement Court Records
    • Sexual Battery / Rape
    • White Collar Crimes
    • Motor Vehicle Accidents
    • Protection Litigation

Practice Details

Experience

  • Bar Admission & Memberships
    Admissions
    1992, U.S. District Court, Northern District of Florida
    1990, Florida
  • Education & Certifications
    Law School
    University of Mississippi School of Law
    Class of 1990
    J.D.
    Other Education
    Saint Leo College
    Class of 1987
    B.A.
  • Personal Details & History
    Age
    Born in 1965
    Oneonta, New York, January 26, 1965

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Attorneys FAQs

  • What year was this attorney first admitted to the bar?
    James R. Barnes was admitted in 1990 to the State of Florida.
  • Is this attorney admitted to practice in any U.S. Federal Courts?
    James R. Barnes is admitted to practice before the United States District Court for the Northern District of Florida.
  • What law school did this attorney attend?
    James R. Barnes attended University of Mississippi School of Law.

Attorney information displayed in this FAQ section is based upon 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.

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