Business Details
34 Years
experience
Experienced Criminal Defense Attorney in Portland, Maine
Law Office Of Richard S. Berne has provided dedicated criminal defense representation for over 42 years, combining extensive legal expertise with personalized advocacy. Our practice focuses on defending individuals facing state and federal criminal charges across Maine and neighboring jurisdictions. With decades of experience in complex cases involving drug crimes, white-collar offenses, and violent felonies, we prioritize strategic defense tailored to each client's unique circumstances.Our approach emphasizes early intervention to prevent prosecution when possible, while maintaining readiness to litigate when necessary. We maintain deep familiarity with local courts, prosecutors, and judicial procedures to deliver results-driven representation. Our commitment to client confidentiality and ethical standards has earned trust within the Portland legal community and beyond.
Services
Criminal Defense
Federal Criminal Defense
Drug Crimes Defense
Embezzlement Defense
OUI Defense
White Collar Crimes
Assault Defense
Firearms Offenses
Sex Crimes Defense
Federal Sentencing Advocacy
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We offer 42 years of experience in criminal defense law across multiple jurisdictions
- Our attorney has served as Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York and California
- We provide personalized advocacy with direct attorney-client communication
- Our practice focuses on strategic defense in both state and federal courts
- We maintain proven success in complex federal sentencing guideline negotiations
What people say
Proven track record
Aggressive defense strategies
Successful dismissals
Federal sentencing expertise
Personalized representation
Services
Federal Criminal Defense
Our firm specializes in defending complex federal criminal cases across multiple jurisdictions. With decades of experience handling federal prosecutions for drug conspiracies, white-collar crimes, and sentencing guideline negotiations, we provide strategic representation from investigation through trial. Our attorney's background as former Assistant U.S. Attorney informs our understanding of federal prosecutorial tactics and court procedures.
Drug Crimes Defense
We defend clients against state and federal drug charges including trafficking, possession, and manufacturing allegations. Our approach challenges evidence admissibility and prosecutorial overreach while exploring alternative sentencing options. We leverage deep knowledge of drug enforcement practices and sentencing disparities to achieve dismissals or reduced charges for clients facing substance-related criminal accusations.
Embezzlement Defense
Our practice handles complex embezzlement cases involving employee theft, healthcare fraud, and financial misappropriation allegations. We challenge prosecution evidence while addressing sentencing guideline calculations. Our experience spans both state and federal financial crime prosecutions, focusing on protecting professional licenses and minimizing financial penalties for clients facing economic crime accusations.
OUI Defense
We provide comprehensive defense against OUI charges including first-time offenses and aggravated DUI cases. Our approach challenges chemical test reliability and procedural violations during traffic stops. We advocate for license retention while negotiating reduced penalties for clients facing driving under the influence allegations, including commercial drivers and underage offenders.
White Collar Crimes
Our firm defends professionals and business owners against white-collar criminal charges including fraud, tax evasion, and regulatory violations. We combine investigative expertise with sentencing mitigation strategies to protect reputations and livelihoods. Our experience includes complex financial crime cases involving multi-state investigations and federal grand jury proceedings.
People
Richard S. Berne
Attorney
With over 42 years of legal experience, Richard S. Berne specializes in criminal defense across state and federal courts. A former Assistant U.S. Attorney, he graduated cum laude from Harvard College in 1970 and earned his law degree from Boston University in 1974. He has taught continuing legal education courses and served on civic boards in Portland.
Questions
What types of criminal cases do you handle?
We handle all types of state and federal criminal cases including drug crimes, DUI, embezzlement, assault, sex crimes, firearms offenses, and white-collar crimes.
Do you represent clients in federal court?
Yes, we specialize in federal criminal defense with decades of experience handling cases in U.S. District Courts across New England and New York.
How do you approach OUI defense cases?
We challenge chemical test accuracy, traffic stop legality, and procedural violations while exploring license retention options and reduced sentencing alternatives.
What experience do you have with drug trafficking charges?
We have successfully defended numerous drug trafficking cases by challenging evidence admissibility and negotiating reduced charges for clients facing state and federal drug allegations.
Can you help with federal sentencing guidelines?
Yes, our attorney has extensive experience navigating federal sentencing guidelines to achieve below-guideline sentences in complex criminal cases.
Do you offer free consultations?
Yes, we provide free initial consultations to discuss your criminal charges and defense options with an experienced attorney.
