Berne Criminal Lawyers

I have been practicing trial level Criminal Defense in courts across the State of Indiana. I am commission qualified for appointment in major felonies up to and including murder. What that means is that I have documented experience in trial for major felonies.

I am an experienced criminal trial attorney, with over 26 years practicing law, including felony trials for cases such as Reckless Homicide, Leaving the Scene Resulting in Death, Drug Dealing, Fraud, Burglary, and Robbery. The first 16 years of practicing law were spent as a deputy prosecuting attorney where I concentrated on OWI cases including OWI Causing Death cases, I assisted law enforcement with search warrants for such things as blood evidence, black box data, and vehicle and home searches. In my capacity as a deputy prosecuting attorney I would routinely go to crash scenes at all hours of the day...

¡Yo hablo español! I was elected Lake County Sheriff in 2002 and I took my oath of office on January 1, 2003. I was the only elected Sheriff of Lake County with a Juris Doctorate and only one of seven nationwide. My experience in law enforcement first as an Indiana State Trooper, Public Defender, and Deputy Prosecutor prepared me well for the challenges and duties of a Sheriff. At the Indiana State Police Academy I was awarded the Donald Flint Award for being first in my class. My short stint as a steelworker at Inland Steel as an Apprentice Millwright equipped...

John M. Acosta Jr. was born and raised in Southern California. In July 1996, he enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a Military Police Officer for almost two years, with his remaining three years as a Military Police K-9 Officer, at various military installations and was honorably discharged. In 2001, he pursued a career in law enforcement. He spent almost twelve years with various Police and Sheriff’s Offices throughout the State of Georgia. During that time, he worked as a patrol officer and was eventually promoted to the rank of Sergeant. As a U.S. Army Military Police...

Ryan P. Dillon is a lifelong Hoosier and a resident of Johnson County since 2006. He grew up in rural Shelby County, where his family is actively involved in the agricultural community. He and his family currently reside in northern Johnson County. From an early age, Ryan has been involved with the Boy Scouts of America, earning the Eagle Scout Award in 2001. Ryan recently was recognized for twenty years of tenure in the organization, and currently serves as an Assistant Scoutmaster, a council volunteer, and the Vice President of the Firecrafter Alumni Association. Prior to attending law...

Doug Garner graduated from the University of Cincinnati Law School in 1991 and spent three years as a contract Public Defender in Hamilton County, Ohio. In 1994, he established a private practice in Dearborn County, Indiana and was a Public Defender in the Dearborn County Superior Court from 1994 through 2001.

Since 2001, Doug has continued his private practice focusing on Social Security and criminal defense. He also represents several non-profit organizations, small businesses, and the Dearborn County Solid Waste Management District. Doug was on the Indiana Public Defender Council Board of Directors from 1996 to 2008 and Chairman from 2006...

Paul Stracci is a uniquely experienced trial attorney who has had remarkable success in the courtroom. He successfully defended his first murder case 10 months out of law school, with the jury returning a not guilty verdict on all counts. Paul is a straight shooter and clients may rely upon his honesty, integrity, and willingness to tell the facts as they are. Paul maintains a strong rapport with his clients as well as with other legal professionals in the area. He is a relationship builder, who has built strong relationships with local officials, lawyers, and government...

The Law Office of Nick Stein represents victims of serious personal injury and families of those who died because of motor vehicle accidents, medical malpractice, defective products or drugs, and slip-and-fall accidents. Although their main focus is helping injured clients, the firm also provides assistance in family law, expungements, driving offenses, and criminal law.

In his career, Nick has represented thousands of injured people. Of note, Nick conducted a successful oral argument before the Indiana Supreme Court in the case of Mayhue vs Sparkman, 653 N.E.2d 1384 (Ind. 1995), clarifying the law on the issue of "loss of chance." In addition...

Del Weldon is a Partner at the firm and focuses his practice on Criminal Defense with an emphasis on OWI/DUI Defense, Personal Injury litigation and CHINS Defense. He is an experienced trial attorney, winning verdicts at jury trials and bench trials. He is also a skilled negotiator, securing plea agreements and forcing dismissals in criminal matters, and obtaining settlements in civil matters.

As a Criminal Defense attorney, his experience at the Prosecutor's Office, including trial work and a murder case, is a major strength and provides great value to his clients. With hundreds of cases completed, he is...

Originally from a small town in eastern NC; I attended NCCU located in Durham, NC to be exposed to the diverse culture and gain a sense of unwavering pride of my African heritage. I received a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. I began my career as a dispatcher for the NCCU PD. I remained faithful despite the 12 hour rotating swing shifts I until I was recruited as a sworn law enforcement officer with the NC Dept. of Public Safety as a Probation/Parole officer. After over 11 years of service, I realized that I was walking adjacent...