Barnette is a former Spartanburg County magistrate who is regarded an expert in the field of drunk driving prosecutions. He is the author of a booklet (DUI Driving Case Law in South Carolina) that is used by judges and prosecutors around the state. Barnette trains new attorneys and he is responsible for making sure the office effectively uses court time.

Barnette earned a bachelor's degree from Marshall University and he earned a law degree from West Virginia University.