James R. Goodhines

The founder of Goodhines Law Offices, James R. Goodhines focuses his practice exclusively on criminal defense matters at both the trial and appellate levels. Located in Springfield, Massachusetts, he provides aggressive representation to clients throughout Hampden and Hampshire countries and other parts of the Commonwealth. Mr. Goodhines is a 1995 graduate of Western New England University School of Law in Springfield.

Mr. Goodhines’ private clients are people whom Massachusetts state or federal authorities have charged with committing major felony offenses. The main focus of his practice is handling primarily narcotics trafficking and distribution offenses, firearms violations, and gang-related violent crimes.  However, his 29 years of experience also includes work handling motor vehicle homicides, operating under the influence cases (OUI/DWI), domestic violence, and sexual assault cases as well as other violent crimes.

Mr. Goodhines has obtained positive results for his clients, through dismissals, acquittals, and reversals on appeal, and he has also negotiated favorable plea agreements with the prosecution when the facts call for resolution short of a trial. His successes both in and out of the courtroom have led to much recognition from his fellow attorneys, including a "Superb" peer review rating through Avvo, and the "Distinguished*" Peer Review rating through Martindale-Hubbell. Mr. Goodhines has also been named to The National Trial Lawyers: Top 100 for over 10 consecutive years.

Mr. Goodhines has been admitted to practice in Massachusetts since 1995, and he is also admitted to practice before the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts and the United States First Circuit Court of Appeals.  Jim is former member of the board of directors of the Hampden County Bar Association, he continues to be active in that organization as well as the Massachusetts Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers in the continuing legal education programs.

*AV®, AV Preeminent®, Martindale-Hubbell Distinguished and Martindale-Hubbell Notable are certification marks used under license in accordance with the Martindale-Hubbell certification procedures, standards and policies. Martindale-Hubbell® is the facilitator of a peer review rating process. Ratings reflect the anonymous opinions of members of the bar and the judiciary. Martindale-Hubbell® Peer Review Rating™ fall into two categories – legal ability and general ethical standards.