Business Details
34 Years
experience
Criminal Defense Attorneys Portland, Maine
For over four decades, our practice has been dedicated to defending individuals facing criminal charges in Portland, Maine and across the Northeast region. Our attorney brings experience from both prosecution and defense roles, including federal service as an Assistant U.S. Attorney and private practice in New York City before establishing this office in 1992. We handle a comprehensive range of criminal matters from simple violations to complex federal cases, including drug crimes, white-collar offenses, violent crimes, and DUI charges. Our approach combines extensive legal knowledge with direct personal advocacy to prevent prosecution whenever possible. When charges proceed, we employ strategic defense techniques to achieve dismissals, reduced charges, or alternative sentencing.Our track record includes notable successes in federal courts across multiple states, including case dismissals and favorable plea agreements. We maintain active memberships in multiple state bars and have experience teaching continuing legal education courses. Our civic engagement extends to serving on local charitable organization boards. Our location in downtown Portland provides convenient access while maintaining client confidentiality. We offer personalized representation for each case, drawing on decades of courtroom experience and deep understanding of federal sentencing guidelines.
Services
Criminal Defense
Federal Prosecution Defense
Drug Crimes Defense
Embezzlement Defense
OUI Defense
White Collar Crime Defense
Violent Crime Defense
Felon Firearm Possession
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have 42 years of combined experience in state and federal criminal defense
- Our attorney served as former federal prosecutor in New York and California
- We successfully navigate complex federal sentencing guidelines
- Our track record includes multiple case dismissals in federal prosecutions
- We provide direct personal advocacy for every client's unique situation
Services
Federal Criminal Defense
Our firm specializes in defending complex federal criminal cases including drug conspiracies, white-collar crimes, and sentencing negotiations. With experience as former federal prosecutors and defense attorneys, we understand both sides of federal litigation. Our track record demonstrates success in challenging multi-defendant indictments and securing favorable plea agreements.
Drug Crimes Defense
We represent clients facing state and federal drug charges including trafficking, possession, and manufacturing allegations. Our defense strategies challenge evidence admissibility and prosecutorial overreach, with documented success in dismissing serious charges. Our approach considers both criminal penalties and related administrative actions affecting clients' lives.
Embezzlement Defense
Our firm defends financial crime allegations including embezzlement and white-collar theft charges. We challenge prosecution evidence while understanding the complex legal frameworks governing these cases. Our representation addresses both criminal penalties and potential civil consequences associated with financial allegations.
OUI Defense
We provide comprehensive defense for impaired driving charges including first offenses through aggravated DUI cases. Our approach challenges field sobriety testing and breathalyzer evidence while addressing license suspension proceedings. We consider all potential mitigating factors and alternative sentencing options.
Violent Crime Defense
Our firm represents clients charged with assault and other violent crimes, balancing aggressive courtroom advocacy with strategic plea negotiations. We address both the immediate criminal charges and long-term consequences affecting clients' personal and professional lives.
People
Richard S. Berne
Criminal Defense Attorney
Mr. Berne has practiced criminal law for over 42 years, including service as Assistant U.S. Attorney in New York and California. He established this Portland office in 1992 after 11 years at a national defense firm. His practice encompasses state and federal court representation across six New England states.
Questions
What types of criminal cases do you handle?
We represent clients in state and federal courts for drug crimes, DUI charges, white-collar offenses, violent crimes, and federal sentencing matters across New England.
What makes your defense approach different?
Our experience as former federal prosecutors provides unique insight into prosecution strategies, while our private practice experience delivers tailored client advocacy.
Do you handle federal court cases?
Yes, we specialize in federal criminal defense with extensive experience in sentencing guidelines, multi-state investigations, and complex litigation across New England.
Can you help with drug crime charges?
Our firm has secured dismissals in serious drug trafficking cases and regularly challenges evidence admissibility in both state and federal drug prosecutions.
What about financial crime allegations?
We defend embezzlement, fraud, and other financial crime charges with strategies addressing both criminal penalties and potential civil consequences.
How do I schedule a consultation?
Call 207-871-7770 to request a free consultation with our criminal defense team for immediate case evaluation and legal strategy discussion.
