Business Details
34 Years
experience
Your Trusted Criminal Defense Attorney in Portland, ME
For over four decades, our firm has provided strategic criminal defense representation to individuals facing serious charges in federal and state courts across the Northeast. Founded in 1992 by attorney Richard S. Berne, our practice combines extensive prosecutorial experience with a client-centered approach to achieve favorable outcomes. With a background as a former federal prosecutor and Harvard-educated legal scholar, we offer unique insights into complex criminal matters ranging from drug trafficking to white-collar fraud.Our team prioritizes early intervention to prevent charges when possible, while maintaining relentless advocacy for dismissals, reduced sentences, or trial victories when necessary. We serve clients throughout Maine, Massachusetts, Vermont, and New York with personalized legal strategies grounded in 42 years of combined legal expertise.
Services
Criminal Defense
Drug Crimes Defense
Fraud & Embezzlement
OUI/DUI Defense
Assault Charges
Federal Prosecution Defense
White Collar Crimes
Firearm Offenses
Sex Crimes Defense
Appeals & Motions
Details
- Year established: 1992
Highlights and features
- We have 42 years of experience in criminal defense across federal and state courts
- Our attorney combines former federal prosecutor insights with defense strategies
- Proven track record securing case dismissals and reduced sentences
- Personalized representation tailored to each client's specific circumstances
- Extensive knowledge of local courts, judges, and prosecutorial practices
What people say
Proven track record
Aggressive defense
Favorable outcomes
Extensive experience
Knowledgeable representation
Services
Criminal Defense
Our criminal defense practice handles state and federal charges ranging from misdemeanors to complex felonies. We represent clients in drug crimes, assault cases, fraud investigations, and other serious offenses. With decades of courtroom experience, we develop tailored defense strategies focused on case dismissals, reduced charges, or favorable trial outcomes.
Federal Prosecution Defense
We defend clients facing federal criminal charges including drug trafficking conspiracies, white-collar crimes, and firearm offenses. Our unique understanding of federal prosecutorial tactics comes from handling multi-state investigations and complex litigation. We challenge evidence admissibility and negotiate with U.S. Attorneys to minimize penalties.
Drug Crimes Defense
Our firm defends against drug possession, trafficking, and manufacturing charges under Maine and federal law. We analyze search warrant validity, challenge chain-of-custody issues, and negotiate alternative sentencing options. We've secured dismissals in major drug conspiracy cases through strategic motion practice.
Fraud & Embezzlement
We represent clients in financial crime cases involving allegations of fraud, embezzlement, and theft. Our approach combines forensic analysis with legal strategy to challenge evidence and negotiate resolutions. We've obtained deferred prosecution agreements and complete dismissals in complex financial investigations.
OUI/DUI Defense
Our OUI defense focuses on challenging blood alcohol testing procedures and police conduct during traffic stops. We handle license suspension hearings and negotiate reduced charges when appropriate. We leverage our understanding of Maine's DUI laws to protect clients' driving privileges and criminal records.
People
Richard S. Berne
Attorney
With 42 years of legal experience, Richard S. Berne is a former federal prosecutor who established his Portland practice in 1992. He handles complex criminal defense cases across the Northeast, leveraging his Harvard education and prosecutorial background to develop effective defense strategies.
Questions
What areas of criminal law do you handle?
We handle all types of state and federal criminal charges including drug crimes, assault, fraud, OUI/DUI, firearm offenses, and white-collar crimes across the Northeast.
How can you help if charges are already filed?
We file strategic motions to suppress evidence, negotiate with prosecutors for reduced charges, and prepare for trial when necessary to achieve dismissals or alternative sentencing.
Do you handle federal criminal cases?
Yes, we defend clients in federal courts across the Northeast, including complex multi-state drug conspiracies, financial crimes, and firearm possession cases with former federal prosecutor insights.
What happens during the initial consultation?
We'll review your case details, explain legal options, and develop a defense strategy tailored to your specific circumstances during a confidential consultation at our Portland office.
Can charges be dismissed before trial?
Yes, we frequently secure pre-trial dismissals by challenging evidence admissibility through motions to suppress and demonstrating weaknesses in the prosecution's case.
