Berne Family Lawyers

Attorney Justin T. Bowen received his law degree from the Indiana University McKinney School of Law, where he was named Law Student of the Year in 2004. Mr. Bowen has served as a judicial law clerk to the Honorable L. Mark Bailey of the Indiana Court of Appeals, and has worked for one of the largest defense law firms in the Midwest, where he practiced toxic torts litigation and defended industrial manufacturers. Attorney Bowen adjunct teaches law courses at a state college, and serves as a guest lecturer at the Indiana University McKinney School of Law. Mr. Bowen serves on...

Erika is a partner with Halcomb Singler, LLP, in Carmel, Indiana. She received her undergraduate degree from Indiana University, Bloomington in 2001 with a double major in political science and criminal justice, and a minor in business. Erika received her law degree from The University of Dayton School of Law in 2005 and was admitted to practice law in Indiana in the same year. She has subsequently been admitted to practice before both the Southern and Northern Districts of Indiana. Erika is a member of the Hamilton County Bar Association as well as the Indiana State Bar Association and serves on...

Peter Capofari is an experienced trial attorney receiving not guilty verdicts in cases ranging from operating while intoxicated to attempted murder. With over fifteen years of experience in criminal law, in multiple jurisdictions, as both a prosecutor and defense attorney, Pete possesses a unique expertise to assist you with your case. Born in Brooklyn, New York, but raised along the east coast as an Army Brat in South Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland, Pete has learned from an early age to adapt quickly and easily confront new situations. As a trial attorney, the ability to quickly read the room and make...

Our team at Harwell Legal Counsel LLC thrives on setting precise goals and a structured approach to complex cases, leveraging our expertise in criminal justice and the law. Our focus is protecting the constitutional rights of the accused and ensuring due process at every step of the system.

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...

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...