How much does it cost to hire Steven for a criminal defense case?

Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.

Does Steven offer a free consultation?

Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.

How long do criminal defense cases in Georgia typically take?

Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.

Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Atlanta?

Steven is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steven will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.

What should I bring to my first meeting with Steven?

Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.

Is Steven accepting new criminal defense clients right now?

Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Unclaimed · Is this you?

Steven P. Berne, Criminal Defense Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

Over 39 years of legal practice · focused on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and Federal Crimes · 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

AttorneyatLaw Offices of Steven P. Berne

Atlanta, GA

Practicing criminal defense in Atlanta since 1987.

39+: Years practicing
5.0 ★: 1 client review
1: Bar admission

Practices in

Criminal Defense Drug Crimes Federal Crimes Theft

Are you Steven P. Berne?

This profile was built from public bar records and is still unclaimed. Claim it free to control your photo, bio, and fees — and get client inquiries sent straight to you.

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Quick answer

Steven P. Berne is an attorney based in Atlanta, GA. The practice focuses on Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and Federal Crimes. Steven has over 39 years of legal experience. Currently practicing at Law Offices of Steven P. Berne. Rated 5.0 out of 5 from 1 client review.

Based in: Atlanta, GA
Experience: over 39 years
Known for: Criminal Defense · Drug Crimes · Federal Crimes

Handles Criminal Defense, Drug Crimes, and Federal Crimes matters from Atlanta, GA.
Over 39 years of practice as a licensed attorney.
Recognized with AV Preeminent.

Areas of practice

Steven's practice areas in Atlanta

Steven concentrates on criminal defense, drug crimes, federal crimes, and theft. Each area below outlines the kind of case Steven handles, typical outcomes to expect, and how the intake process starts.

Criminal Defense cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Steven takes criminal defense matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.

Drug Crimes cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Steven takes drug crimes matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.

Federal Crimes cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Steven takes federal crimes matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.

Theft cases in Atlanta, Georgia

Steven takes theft matters in Atlanta, Georgia. Typical engagements include intake calls to scope the issue, review of any records or filings you already have, and a written strategy memo before Steven agrees to represent you.

Biography

Steven P. Berne, criminal defense attorney serving Atlanta

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 federal courts throughout the country. Responsible for pleadings, brief writing, court appearances and appellate work. (1991 to present)

• Group Leader at the Emory University School of Law Orientation on Professionalism (2025 to present)

• Emory University School of Law, Adjunct Professor, Criminal Law Defenses (2017 to present)

• Trial Techniques Faculty (2012 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. (1990 to 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. (1988 to 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. (1987 to 1988)

Significant Cases:

• 2026: NOT GUILTY: Client acquitted of all charges in Assault and Battery trial

• 2025: INVOLUNTARY MANSLAUGHTER CHARGE DISMISSED on first day of trial

• 2024: NOT GUILTY ALL COUNTS: Client acquitted of all charges in Drug Distribution case

• 2024: Federal felony assault charge reduced to misdemeanor

• 2021: FEDERAL CHARGE OF THEFT REDUCED to $25 fine

• 2020: FEDERAL CHARGES DISMISSED for Client accused of Purchasing Firearm for Convicted Felon

• 2018: NOT GUILTY: Client acquitted of all charges in Domestic Relations incident

• 2016: FEDERAL CHARGE DISMISSED for Client accused of Accessory After the Fact

• 2016: Misdemeanor and Probation for Federal Client accused of Immigration Fraud

• 2015: Misdemeanor and Probation for Federal Client accused of Bank Fraud

• 2015: 2 Federal Trials resulting in Probation for Clients

• 2014: NOT GUILTY Verdicts in Aggravated Battery, Aggravated Assault, and Firearm Case. Self-Defense theory justified shooting victim.

• 2013: DISMISSAL of all federal charges in Marijuana grow house case

• 2013: Representing police officer in federal corruption case

• 2013: Representing school employee in Atlanta Public School racketeering case

• 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)

• Affirmance in Court of Appeals representing lawyer in declaratory judgment action: Minnesota Lawyers Mutual v. Gordon, A11A1879

Publications and Honors:

• Featured in Legal Elite 2017

• Featured speaker at NBI seminar on Gun Law: Advanced Issues

• 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

• AVVO Superb Rating

• AVVO Clients’ Choice for Federal Crimes

• Voted one of Georgia’s top criminal defense attorneys in Georgia Trend Magazine in 2017

• Featured commentator on CourtTV and WXIA TV

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

• Coach, Georgia High School Mock Trial Competition

• Judge, Emory University School of Law Moot Court

• Georgia Innocence Project, Attorney Advisory Member

Steven's approach to criminal defense cases

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 federal courts throughout the country. Responsible for pleadings, brief writing, court appearances and appellate work. (1991 to present) • Group Leader at the Emory University School of Law…

Clients Steven works with

Steven reviews new inquiries case-by-case for criminal defense, drug crimes, and federal crimes matters in Atlanta and the surrounding Georgia area.

Credentials

Credentials — where Steven studied and practices

Emory University School of Law
J.D. · 1987
University of Florida
B.A. Political · 1984

Jurisdictions

Steven's state bar admissions

Georgia U.S. Distric
1987 · ACTIVE

Steven studied at J.D. in Emory University School of Law and B.A. Political in University of Florida.

Law school and academic background

Steven completed J.D. in Emory University School of Law and B.A. Political in University of Florida. Formal legal training is one signal of substantive knowledge — the day-to-day practice Steven runs in Georgia is where that training gets applied to real client questions.

Recognition

Steven's legal honors and published work

Steven has received 1 formal recognition from bar associations, industry bodies, and peer-review services.

AV Preeminent

Legal awards and honors

AV Preeminent.

Locations

Steven P. Berne's office in Atlanta

Steven's primary office is at 200 Ashford Center N, Suite 200, Atlanta, GA, 30338. In-person meetings are by appointment; a phone intake usually comes first.

Main office

Law Offices of Steven P. Berne

200 Ashford Center N, Suite 200

Atlanta, GA 30338

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Client feedback

Client reviews of Steven P. Berne — 5.0/5 rating from 1 verified client review

Every review below is from a verified client of Steven. Reviews cover communication, case outcome, and value — the three signals that matter most when comparing criminal defense attorneys in Atlanta.

5.0

1 client review

Client ratings are sourced from public records and editorial research. Reviews on LawyersListed are accepted from verified clients once Steven P. Berne claims this profile.

Read all reviews

Hiring guide

How to hire Steven P. Berne — what to expect in your first consultation

Working with a new criminal defense attorney should feel structured. Here's how the first two conversations with Steven usually go, from the moment you request a consult to the day representation begins.

Consultation formats and pricing

Steven charges for the initial consult. That fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office.

What to bring to your first meeting

Bring any documents you already have — police reports, medical records, filed pleadings, correspondence from an insurer, a copy of the contract at issue. If you're not sure, err on the side of bringing everything; Steven will tell you what matters and what doesn't.

Questions to ask a criminal defense attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

A short list to run through before you commit: How many criminal defense matters have you handled in the last year? What's your fee structure? Who else in the office will work on this? What's your realistic estimate of timeline and range of outcomes? How do I reach you between meetings?

Fees & payment

Fees, payment methods, and consultation options for Steven

Steven discusses fees during intake so the arrangement fits the matter. Contingency, hourly, and flat-fee options are all common in criminal defense practice — ask which fits.

Hourly rates, contingency fees, and flat-fee options

Every criminal defense matter is priced differently. Simple document review might be a flat fee. Injury litigation is often contingency. Complex commercial disputes usually run hourly with a retainer. Steven confirms the model in the engagement letter before any work starts.

Payment methods and payment plans

Steven's office accepts standard payment methods. Ask about payment plans if the retainer is a stretch — many criminal defense practices work with clients on structured schedules.

Frequently asked

Frequently asked questions about Steven P. Berne

How much does it cost to hire Steven for a criminal defense case?
Cost depends on the type of matter, the fee model (contingency, flat, hourly), and how contested the case becomes. Steven walks through the likely range during the consult so there are no surprises.
Does Steven offer a free consultation?
Steven charges for the initial consult; that fee is credited toward representation if you retain Steven's office. Some criminal defense attorneys offer free consults — check Steven's current terms during booking.
How long do criminal defense cases in Georgia typically take?
Simple criminal defense matters can wrap in a few weeks; disputed cases can run 6–18 months from intake to resolution, longer if the matter goes to trial. Steven gives a realistic estimate for your facts at the consult — vague answers here are a red flag.
Can Steven take my case if I'm outside Atlanta?
Steven is licensed in Georgia. Matters governed by Georgia law are the natural fit. Out-of-state matters are handled case-by-case, sometimes with local co-counsel. Ask during intake — Steven will tell you if the case is a fit or refer you to someone closer to your court.
What should I bring to my first meeting with Steven?
Bring every document that touches the dispute: contracts, correspondence, police or medical reports, filed pleadings, invoices, photographs, insurance letters. Also bring a written timeline of what happened, in your own words. Steven will filter what matters — over-preparing at intake is always cheaper than needing a second meeting.
Is Steven accepting new criminal defense clients right now?
Steven's intake status shifts week to week. Submit the form; the office will confirm availability or refer the matter out.

Community Q&A

Real questions asked by Georgia residents in the last few months, answered by criminal defense attorneys like Steven P. Berne. Each link opens the full answer thread.

What should I do if I’m accused of domestic violence in Georgia?
In Atlanta, GA, I was accused of domestic violence by my partner, even though it was just a misunderstanding. Now I’m facing criminal charges and possible restraining orders. What
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Georgia
How can I appeal a conviction for a DUI in Michigan?
I was convicted of a DUI in Detroit, MI, last year and am unhappy with the outcome. I feel like my attorney didn’t represent me well, and I’d like to know if there’s a way to appea
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Michigan
What can I do if I’m wrongfully accused of robbery in Pennsylvania?
I was wrongly accused of robbery in Philadelphia, PA, after an incident at a store where I was simply shopping. The security footage proves my innocence, but the police arrested me
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Pennsylvania
What should I know about plea deals for misdemeanor charges in Hawaii?
I received a misdemeanor charge for disorderly conduct in Honolulu, HI, and the court suggested a plea deal. I’m unsure if I should accept it or fight the charge. What should I con
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Hawaii
What are the penalties for a DUI in Colorado after a second offense?
I received my second DUI in Denver, CO, last month, and I'm worried about facing harsher penalties this time around. My first offense resulted in a fine and community service, but
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Colorado
What are the legal consequences of underage drinking in Massachusetts?
I’m a college student in Boston, MA, and I was caught with alcohol at a party. I’m concerned about the legal repercussions this may have on my record and my future job opportunitie
1 verified answer · Criminal Defense · Massachusetts

Areas served

Criminal Defense attorneys serving Atlanta, Marietta and Savannah in Georgia

Steven handles criminal defense matters throughout Georgia. Each city below is a direct link into the search page for verified criminal defense attorneys in that community.

More counsel

If Steven's intake is full or the fit isn't right, these criminal defense attorneys in Atlanta handle similar matters. Every profile below is verified and open to consultations.

Steven P. Berne, Criminal Defense Attorney in Atlanta, Georgia

Quick answer

Steven's practice areas in Atlanta