Accusations this serious demand experience this deep
Few charges carry more weight, socially or legally, than a sex crime. This firm has defended them for 36 years, including two capital sex-crime trials in the past year alone. Both ended in NOT GUILTY verdicts.
A proven record in the cases other firms avoid
Sex-crime allegations are often built on one person’s account, digital evidence, and interviews conducted long before you knew you were a suspect. The penalties are among the harshest in Florida law, and in capital cases the exposure is life in prison.
These cases demand two things most firms cannot offer: genuine trial experience at the highest level, and the discretion to protect your name while the case is fought. We bring both. James Barnes has tried capital sex-crime cases to verdict, and the firm’s two most recent capital sex-crime trials both ended NOT GUILTY.
If you have been accused, or believe you are under investigation, do not give a statement. Call first. The earliest days of a sex-crime investigation are where cases are won and lost.
Say nothing, call us
Investigators often interview the accused before any arrest. Nothing you say helps you.
We move early
Witnesses, digital evidence, and the accuser’s account get examined before positions harden.
Every path stays open
Dismissal, reduction, or trial. We prepare every case as if a jury will hear it.
Sex-crime charges we take
A proven track record defending complex sex-crime cases, including rape, sexual battery, child molestation, and internet-related offenses. Every case is handled with the discretion it demands.
- Sexual battery & capital sexual battery
- Lewd and lascivious offenses
- Child molestation charges
- Statutory rape
- Traveling to meet a minor
- Possession of obscene material / child pornography
- Obscene communication & internet-related offenses
Recent results
Two capital sex-crime trials in the past year. Two NOT GUILTY verdicts. Recent trial results
These charges do not forgive slow starts
Beyond prison exposure, a conviction can mean lifetime registration and consequences for work, housing, and family. The defense has to start before the state finishes building its case, which is why the consultation is free and the phones are answered around the clock.
Results shown are real cases from this firm. Every case is different, and past results do not guarantee a similar outcome. See more on our results page.
Sex-crime defense in Pensacola and across both counties
Felony sex-crime cases in Escambia County are tried at the M.C. Blanchard Judicial Building in downtown Pensacola; Santa Rosa cases in Milton. These prosecutions are handled by specialized units, and the defense should be equally specialized: this firm has tried these cases, to verdict, in these courtrooms.
We defend clients from every corner of both counties:
- Pensacola
- Milton
- Pace
- Gulf Breeze
- Navarre
- Cantonment
- Perdido Key
- Ferry Pass
- Ensley
- Jay
Before you answer anyone’s questions, answer ours: how can we help?
One call. Complete discretion. We’ll take it from here.