Carlus L. Haynes, Esq.
Biography
“Humility is the trait that every great man must strive to possess, Pride is the trait that every great man must avoid, and Common Sense is the trait that every great man must be born with.” - Carlus L. Haynes. Carlus Leandrus Haynes is a trial lawyer who has been recognized for his tenacity and zealous advocacy for his clients while practicing in Orange County, Florida as an Assistant Public Defender. His skill and trial success earned him the nickname “Johnny Cochran Jr.” and he was recognized by Public Defender Bob Wesley for his achievements when he received the misdemeanor attorney of the year award in December 2004. Currently, Carlus dedicates most of his practice to defending the causes of the criminally accused, advancing the civil rights of the oppressed, and representing the injured. Carlus L. Haynes was born June 26, 1974 in New Smyrna Beach, Florida to James and Rhonda Haynes. Early in his life, Carlus was labeled a “troubled child” and was tested to be placed in the ESE learning disabled program in the third grade. As God would have it, the results of that test catapulted Carlus into the Gifted Program at Faulkner Street Elementary. For the next nine years, Carlus faced many obstacles in the Volusia County School system that culminated his senior year where he faced the real possibility of not graduating due to several suspensions and teachers refusing to teach him in class. However, Carlus overcame these obstacles and graduated with an “honors diploma” from New Smyrna Beach High School in 1992. Shortly after graduation, he attended the University of Florida where he continued his academic success and became very active in campus activities. In May of 1995, Carlus became a member of the famed Omega PsiPhi Fraternity Incorporated. Carlus was also active in intramural sports, Black Student Union, Student Government, and various other organizations. He graduated from the University of Florida in May 1997 with a 3.0 GPA and a BA in Political Science. Carlus then took two years off from his pursuit to become a lawyer due to the birth of his son Joseph Belk. Carlus was employed as a teacher (Pine Ridge High School – 1997-98 school year/ Frank Sganga Charter School – 1998-99 school year) for the next two years after graduation, but never lost focus of his dream to become a lawyer. Carlus applied and was accepted to several law schools but decided to attend Washburn University School of Law in August 1999. This decision was based partly on economics and partly on the rich tradition and history of the institution (mainly it’s ties to the Brown v. Bd. Of Education case). While in law school, Carlus maintained employment for the entire three years he attended. Increasing from 20 hours his first year to more that 40 by the last year in order to continue to support for his son. Carlus worked for the Washburn Athletic Department as a supervisor, Kansas Association of School Boards as a Legal Intern, and Michael Myers, LLC as a law clerk. During the summer months, Carlus was a Law Clerk for the New Smyrna Beach City Attorney’s Office. Also during law school, Carlus was involved in many aspects of the law school. He was one of the first students to serve on the Washburn University Law School’s Admissions Committee where he was instrumental in his school offering admission to more minority students. Carlus was president of the Black Law Student Association (making it the #1 rated campus organization by Washburn Student Bar Association for two straight years), President of the American Bar Association/Law Student Division for Washburn, Delegate to the ABA annual meeting, Washburn Student Bar Association representative, and Phi Alpha Delta Member. For his dedication to BLSA and his campus achievements, Carlus was awarded the prestigious Delano Lewis award of excellence in April 2002. Carlus was also a member of the Washburn Moot Court team. By graduation, Carlus became one of Washburn’s most decorated moot court members in its history. In his first year of law school, Carlus placed 2 nd in the Jurcyk Royale Moot Court Competition. Then as an associate member of moot court Carlus participated in three National Competitions placing 8th in William E. McGee Civil Rights Moot Court Competition in 2001 and finishing 10th in 2002. In the 2002 competition Carlus placed second for his individual score. For his outstanding performances, Carlus received the John K. Kleinheksel Prize for excellence in oral advocacy from Washburn and was selected to the Order of the Barrister, which is the highest award a law student could obtain for courtroom advocacy and one of few law school achievements recognized by Martindale Hubble. Carlus concluded his law school career with a 2.8 GPA and receiving his Juris Doctorate degree in May 2002. In September of that year he was admitted to the Kansas bar. After passing the bar, Carlus obtained a job at the Kansas Attorney General’s Office, Office of Phill Kline, as the Assistant Attorney General in charge of tobacco litigation and enforcement. While employed in this capacity, Carlus gained valuable experience in civil litigation and administrative law and procedure. Longing to be home, Carlus took the Florida Bar in February 2004 and in June began employment at the Office of the Public Defender Robert Wesley. There, Carlus tried 38 jury trials experiencing just 8 defeats. From January 2005 to January 2006 none of his clients received a guilty as charged verdict (21 in a row). His dedication toward justice and devotion to his clients were reflected in the trial success Carlus received. Currently, Carlus has conducted 43 criminal jury trials and experienced 9 losses. He has also conducted countless motion hearings where he also possesses a high success rate. Carlus has been equally effective on the civil side resolving many disputes short of trial but having received favorable jury verdicts for his clients. Carlus attributes what he calls his “marginal success” to the blessing of God through grace by Christ Jesus. Carlus has been a member of Mt. Olive Primitive Baptist Church in New Smyrna Beach, Florida since 1983. He is an active member and serves on the church’s board of trustees. Carlus is deeply involved in charity, civic work and enhancing the lives of young people through education. He and his firm regularly donate time and funds to represent indigent citizens, contributing to community organizations and speaking to various youth organizations. Currently, he is in the process of developing a non-profit organization that will be dedicated to handling civil rights cases and criminal appeals throughout the entire country. Carlus is also co-founder and co-CEO of Brother to Brother, Inc. a non profit organization who’s motto is “each one teach one, lifting as we climb.” Carlus is the proud Father of Joseph Belk, Uncle of Jasmine Haynes, Jaela Haynes, and James Haynes III, and God Father of Alyssa R. Crites. Legal Associations: Jurisdictions: Kansas Bar (2002); FloridaBar (2004) Hobbies: Bowling (USBC and TNBA), Basketball, History, and Music PRACTICE AREAS
(civil)
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