Steven P. Berne

Education:

Emory University School of Law

  • Atlanta, GA
  • Juris Doctor
  • Graduated 1987

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL
  • Bachelor of Arts, Political Science
  • Graduated 1984

Legal Experience:

  • Law Office of Steven Berne, Federal and State Trial Practice. Atlanta, GA. Focus on federal and state criminal defense and federal civil rights. Have appeared in all metro county courts and several federal courts. Responsible for pleadings, brief writing, court appearances and appellate work. (October 1991 to present)
  • Nick Long and Associates, Personal injury practice. Atlanta GA. Managed day to day responsibilities of personal injury clientele. Interviewed clients and witnesses, prepared settlement demand packages and negotiated settlements. Prepared pleadings, conducted depositions and appeared at court proceedings. (December 1990 to October 1991)
  • Federal Defender Program, Assistant public defender. Atlanta, GA. Representing indigent persons accused of committing federal crimes. Handled all aspects of representation, including legal research, brief writing and legal argument.(January 1988 to December 1990)
  • DeKalb County Public Defender, Assistant public defender, Decatur, GA. Represented indigent persons accused of committing crimes in DeKalb County. Appeared in the magistrate, state and superior court. (May 1987 to January 1988)

Significant Cases:

  • Dismissal of charges for police officer accused of racketeering in famous Gold Club case
  • Acquittal of an accused drug dealer in federal racketeering trial
  • Acquittal of a man accused of shooting an acquaintance
  • Acquittal in murder case
  • United States Court of Appeals reversals
  • Hudson v. Hall,  231 F.3d 1289:civil rights
  • U.S.A. v. Veteto, 920 F.2d 823:sentencing
  • U.S.A. v. Morelock, 260 F.3d 625: indictment
  • State of Louisiana v. Richard Woods: 935 So.2d 827 forfeiture of more than $100,000
  • State of Georgia v. McCrary: trafficking in drugs dismissed during trial when police corruption exposed (featured story on WSBTV)
  • State of Georgia v. Taylor: nationwide telemarketing fraud case results in reduced sentence
  • Client accused of fraud tells reporter to call Steven Berne for comment
  • Not Guilty in DUI Jury Trial (11/08) 5 MINUTE JURY DELIBERATION!
  • Not Guilty in Federal Aggravated Identity Theft (3/09)
  • Not Guilty in Child Molestation Charges (4/11)

Organizations:

  • Executive Board Member, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Vice-President, Georgia Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers
  • Emory University School of Law Trial Techniques Faculty Member
  • Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition
  • President, Homeowner’s Association

Publications:

  • Featured speaker at GACDL and other litigation seminars
  • Featured writer for Georgia Defender
  • AV Rated as PREEMINENT by the legal community
  • Georgia Criminal Practice Guide, Discovery Chapter